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Okay so yk that Merthur trope that's like, 'Everyone is shocked when they realise they're not married or at least dating'? What about that but for Morgwen??

Morgana is brought back to Camelot's side after magic is legalised (plus a good bit of healthy communication with Arthur and Merlin) and Gwen is just so visibly overjoyed. They slip back into their friendship fairly quickly, once a few points of contention are resolved, and the whole castle watches as Gwen brings Morgana flowers again, and Morgana absentmindedly fixes Gwen's hair. More than once, the entire court has seen them kiss each other on the cheek.

It's not long before Morgana starts fighting to have Gwen's family made noble, in recognition of their loyalty to Arthur and the kingdom. Everyone loves Gwen (and Elyan), so there's not much objection, but at the same time, it's assumed that this is all so Morgana can marry Gwen with minimal fuss. It's basically taken as a proposal, and despite there being no wedding, it sort of becomes common knowledge that Gwen and Morgana are married?

Anyway, the two only notice when one of the food suppliers from the lower town curtseys to Gwen and calls her "Your Highness". Cue Gwen and Morgana confusedly denying their relationship, and all of Camelot having a horrible moment of dawning realisation that Oh no they really are that dumb and they're still pining somehow.

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Modern AU.

Uther Pendragon always, every year, buys out the local Burger King to celebrate Arthur's birthday, because he'd wanted it once when he was nine.

Arthur is 23 now and really, really doesn't want to go anymore. But he also doesn't want to break his father's heart.

The worst scenario does happen when the guy in charge to celebrate his birthday breaks out into laughter. "YOU'RE the birthday Prince?"

Arthur doesn't think he's ever met a man this beautiful. And he'd never felt more humiliated in his life.

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Some evil sorcerer after magically appearing in the throne room: Arthur Pendragon, this was a long time coming. You don't remember me, do you?

One of the guard tries to get a hold of the guy but his hand just goes through him like he was made of smoke.

Arthur: Who are you and what do you want

The sorcerer: Six years ago you and your knights were responsible for the death of my entire family. You murdered them. They were good innocent people. Their blood is on your hands.

Gwen next to Arthur: We understand your anger and your grief. My father was executed too under the magic ban but we lifted it and we're trying to do better. I'm sorry for what happened to your family.

Sorcerer: It doesn't change anything. The Pendragon rule has brought nothing but death and fear. It must end. I spent years following you around, getting to know your dirty secrets. One of them is currently with me and if you don't leave Camelot until midnight I will kill your one true love.

Arthur very confused, looking over to Gwen and the back at the guy: You will never get your hands on Guinevere.

Sorcerer now with a grin: oh I'm not talking about your queen

Now everyone looking around to check if anyone was missing.

Sorcerer exasperated: I am talking about that pretty servant of yours

Arthur: Merlin!? Why the hell do you think I'm in love with him??

Leon huffing: Let me guess, the longing stares?

Sorcerer: uhm yes and the

Leon nodding: the intense flirting, the being attached by the hip?

Gwaine laughing: don't forget the innuendos

Gwen: You keep bringing him to our dates

Sorcerer: I didn't know that, that's fucked up

Gwen: He's grown up with Uther, he's a good man but-

Arthur: But!??

Merlin yelling from somewhere in the background from wherever the sorcerer was hiding: Don't interrupt her you oaf.

Arthur, pouting: Sorry

Gwen: He needs Merlin to help with his emotions. I truly understand and respect the effort and passion on your part but we actually need Merlin to get him to be reasonable.

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Soulmate AU, but the soulmarks don't tell you who your soulmate is, they tell you who YOU are to your soulmate.

Many people have 'best friend' written on their wrist.

Arthur's reads 'King' which just upsets him.

Merlin's reads 'servant', so he's obviously not pleased either.

However, as they both soon understand, their writing's font is a little different. it's one of those fonts that can be read in two ways.

Arthur's other position is believer.

Merlin's is Emrys.

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I had a fic idea but don't know where to go with it, so if you want to expand on anything feel free.

So, Danny's finally an adult who's off to college at Gotham (the STEM there is crazy for how many supervillains have doctorates). Since Vlad actually took the time to heal and grow past his issues and turned into the crazy Bi uncle he was supposed to be, Danny's got his college paid for.

In the form of $50,000 and an kinda ok motel near the upper west side.

He tried asking his former nemesis why he's done this but Vlad just told him it's so he has some "pocket change and experience".

Danny's been spending the past few weeks aceing his his STEM middling at literature and upgrading the motel into something actually decent.

His business seem to be attracting the strangest living too. That's saying something since he's got ghostly and living guests. Danny knew this place was cursed but still feels surprised every time they show up.

1st: A nice lesbian couple came on the first night cause one with green-ish skin named Pam according to the pale lady named Harley felt the vegetation get really excited when he came. He had about an hour of questioning on Ectology and who Undergrowth was.

2nd: A 10ft tall crocodile man named Waylon came in cause of Harley's recommendation, he looked like he'd run any moment. That night he made sure his staff wouldn't mistreat people like him and by the time croc left there was a glowing sign by the door about how different guests are to be treated with respect no matter how they look.

3rd: THE Red hood showed up asking about a kid who worked there. Her name's Zoe and when her parents reaction to their kid being trans was to kick her out of the house at 17. She biked to the motel to get some rest before catching the bus out of Gotham, got a job checking people in instead and has since found an actual family with the help of Amorpho a social worker Danny met a few years ago.

4th: the most recent event was when Gotham's play boy prince and his cousin Kate Kane stumbled in during his shift at the front desk. Mr. Wayne was pretending extremely well to be drunk while his cousin was wrangling him awkwardly. If Danny didn't have super senses he wouldn't have noticed he was acting, or the tracker added to his cuff when he was semi-forced to shake "Bruce, just Bruce. Everyone's always so stiff." Hand. The tracker had little legs and crawled under his shirt, creepy and fascinating.

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Okay, I know I'm meant to be studying for my GCSEs right now, but inspired by a different Tumblr post by @ink-through-her-veins and an accompanying comment on Pinterest (yes, I saw this entire post on Pinterest originally), I just imagined a scene or possible magic reveal (just kidding, I ended up changing my mind)/ adorable AU between Arthur and Merlin which I absolutely had to share.

Warning for any possible spoilers in this sentence but, considering as I wanted to include both Lancelot and Mordred (as an adult), it would be set around the time frame of late season 4 or early season 5 (despite the fact that the two never interact).

Another threat is looming over Camelot and the knights of the round table are once again at the verge of extinction as a traitor amongst their midst betrays all of their plans and future stratagems to Morgana. In an effort to find out who is in cohorts with their greatest enemy, Merlin at last decides to cast an invisibility spell on himself, allowing him to spy on everyone in the palace without being perceived or heard.

Of course, in order for Merlin to be able to successfully pull this off, his original plan was to not tell anyone but Gaius, yet in tragic circumstances known as a lack of personal boundaries and a casual disregard for knocking, Gwaine bursts into Merlin's chamber right as he muttered the first words of his incantation, leaving an exasperated Lancelot trying to restrain Gwaine and teach him some manners, whilst Merlin was now left in the rather awkward position of explaining his magic and his entire quest.

Well, though Merlin's original plan was involuntarily tweaked, he successfully managed to turn invisible without too many people discovering, with Gwaine even vowing to his newly invisible friend that he would avoid going to the tavern in the meantime, lest he accidentally revealed Merlin's secret. In fact, quite to the surprise of Merlin, Gwaine had reacted in an overwhelmingly positive fashion to his magic, albeit asking Merlin whether he was capable of making mead appear out of thin air (he was), though it unfortunately spilled all over the trio and had to be cleaned up by a significantly disgruntled Gaius.

When Merlin did at last cast the entire spell, only Gaius, Lancelot and Gwaine knew of his secret, and they all vowed to cover for him.

Alas, unbeknownst to Merlin, who thus far was never present on all the occasions in which Arthur had previously looked for him, the primary problem with going undercover was not having to sneak food nor was it being incapable of communicating to others, but rather that Arthur had no idea where Merlin had gone and was simply beside himself with worry. Yes, Merlin had seen Arthur stressed out before, like when Uther was dying or Morgana had seized the throne. But no, Merlin had never seen Arthur as tense or as positively and unmistakably grief-stricken as he was now.

On the first day, Arthur had strolled into Gaius' chambers, calling loudly for Merlin and complaining for want of a competent servant. Yet, after having been told by an increasingly amused yet equally aggravated Gaius, Merlin's unaccounted for departure (to the tavern, as Gaius suggested) seemed to be lasting longer than usual and, by the second afternoon since Merlin's disappearance, Arthur began questioning Gaius more closely, whilst Lancelot and Gwaine intermittently appeared at the threshold, offering potential answers and suggested locations for the king to investigate, until Gaius finally snapped and practically commanded Arthur to spread his search further afield, frankly anywhere but Gaius' own chamber, where he was simply trying to get his work done.

And whilst it is true that he had been investigating in secret during these two days, these happenings and Arthur's increasing franticness were scarcely missed by Merlin, who rather hoped that he'd be able to keep the ploy up for a bit longer, whilst also aching for this newly concerned side of Arthur, which seldom remained uncovered. Yet as Merlin's investigations went on and he found potential leads, which mainly equated to petty thieves of bread, nuts and chicken across and throughout the palace, the real mole that he was looking for was subtle and rather cautious in making another move, planning boldly for a further strike.

In fact, it should be noted that whilst Merlin was honourably distancing himself from everyone who ever cared about him in order to uncover the traitor, Arthur was instead scaring off the knights of Camelot, snapping at them and ordering needs regarding Merlin, finding particular gripes with the shallow lies uttered by Gwaine and Lancelot, as he saw them, fighting and wrestling with the idea that he might never see Merlin again and that his only friend had rejected him. And Merlin watched Arthur as he spiraled, desperately trying to find the traitor as soon as possible, in order to return, fully visible, at Arthur's side.

It went on like this only for a few days, though it felt like an eternity for both, but Merlin's fruitless search culminated when the traitor, a minion from Cenred's army, who had somehow breached Camelot already lacking security, reluctantly followed direct orders from Morgana and made an attempt on King Arthur's life. Arthur, as had become his habit, was still interrogating the knights of Camelot. In fact, heeding to Merlin's previous suspicions, Arthur was actually threatening Mordred, urging and begging for answers, despite the latter's sheer ignorance and confusion in the matter. In normal circumstances, Merlin would have been overjoyed to see that Arthur was finally listening to him about the prophecies about Mordred, yet Merlin's suspicions regarding Cenred's minion were, by this point, at least confirmed as the soldier marched ruthlessly to kill the King of Camelot.

In events that would be quite rightly described as magical, yet equally reckless, stupid and badly rehearsed, as with most performed by even the best knights of the round table, Merlin at last chose this opportunity to remove the invisibility spell, running straight into this soldier, who was even now trying to kill Arthur in his sleep. Now, having spent days avoiding Arthur, Merlin's sole priority was to save his life, echoing a rather recurring theme in his life ever since he had stepped foot in Camelot and spoken to that glorified reptilian fortune cookie, Kilgharrah. Words cannot convey the fight that occurred between the two, but let it be known that the soldier stood absolutely no chance, even when Merlin was wielding but a sword, before daring to use magic.

Of course, all of this fighting soon woke up Arthur, who heard the crash of metal against metal and hoped against hope that it was Merlin, his clumsy servant, best friend and soulmate. Of course, Arthur quickly rushed to silence these thoughts, conversely standing and gripping his own sword as he followed the uproar which was quickly fleeing down the corridor, Merlin shouting in defiance about his own need to protect the king, when Arthur was the one to actually subdue Cenred's soldier, undoubtedly sparing him the grisly fate that Merlin had been planning for him.

"I absolutely had the situation under control, sire -" started a very indignant Merlin as Arthur marched towards him, footsteps pounding against the marble floors.

"Where the hell do you think you've been? First, you're creeping around in the woods and following me, and the next day you just disappear? You -" Arthur faltered, scared he'd said too much, yet incapable of silencing the tangible quiver in his voice, which betrayed his fear. "I mean, you're hardly a good servant and - where were you?"

Merlin raised his arms apologetically, trying to think of a convincing lie or a heartfelt apology when Arthur simply pulled him into a hug, afraid to let go, yet smiling broadly. "From what I've heard, nobody has seen you smile in over three days," Merlin whispered, narrowly missing being whacked in the arm by a newly furious, yet utterly depleted Arthur, bags ringing his eyes.

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I would love to see a fantasy novel where the lore that the reader / protagonist learns at first is not true

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ONCE AND FUTURE

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Merlin arrives with a baby in Camelot AU

(co-writing with @roxineedstosleep)

BASED ON THIS PROMPT >> PREVIOUS PART >> NEXT PART

Chapter 3: Valiant (Part 1)

In Gaius's chambers. Merlin, who has barely slept, drags himself out of bed with dark circles under his eyes, hastily putting on his clothes. His day is just beginning, but he's already exhausted.

Gaius: (Almost at the same pace as Merlin, dressing more slowly and then putting more wood on the fire) Did you get any sleep last night?

Merlin: (Yawning) No. (points to the baby in the crib). Someone thought it was a good idea to have colic and roll a bottle across the table.

Baby: (sleeping peacefully) 😴

Merlin walks over to the table to see his list of things to do for the day. His to-do list is quite long, and the castle bells haven't even rung to welcome the day yet.

Gaius: (Looking up from his book) You can barely stand, my boy.

Merlin: (Yawning, as he prepares the bottle of milk) Uh-huh. But the prince can't seem to dress himself, and my roommate is sick. Do you think you could give her-

Gaius: (Sighs and takes the bottle) I'll do my best to look after her today; colic is common at this age. Go before Arthur gets impatient.

Time skip. At the Training Grounds. Arthur is already waiting with his arms crossed when Merlin arrives with his training gear, having already dressed him.

Arthur: (mockingly) Have you always been this slow?

Merlin: (mimicking his tone) Have you always been this helpless?

Arthur: (seriously) You can't talk to me like that.

Merlin: I'm sorry. (exaggeratedly polite tone) Have you always been helpless, my lord? (gives a small bow)

Arthur: (A smile almost forms on his face at the joke, but it soon returns to his angry expression and he throws a training pad at Merlin's head) Let's begin.

And Arthur uses him as a training dummy all morning.

Despite being overworked, Merlin gets some help from other servants who know how difficult Arthur is to deal with.

Time skip. In the laundry room.

George: (while helping Merlin wash Arthur's clothes) He wants you to quit.

Merlin: (confused) Uh?

George: The prince. He's hoping you'll either get fed up and quit, or make a mistake bad enough to get you sacked. He does the same with all his personal manservants. Although you're the first he's ever been so hard on.

Merlin: (laughs) I don't think he's forgiven me for humiliating him in front of his men. (mockingly) Or should I say his daddy's men?

George: (curious) So why aren't you doing it?

Merlin: What?

George: Quit.

Merlin: (thinking) I'm not going to give him the satisfaction. And I need to buy things for my baby. (shrugging) I just came to visit Gaius. I never planned to stay. But it doesn't hurt to have some money.

Merlin doesn't mention the baby to any of the servants. He never does. But something about the sympathetic look George gives him in response makes him suspect they might already know. And he confirms it when he asks Gwen for help with Arthur's armor.

Time skip. At Gwen's house.

Merlin: (dressed in Arthur's armor)

Gwen: (after showing Merlin how to put on the armor) I guess you know what to do with the helmet?

Merlin: (tired, but smiles at him) Yeah, yeah, that was the only bit I'd figured out.

Gwen: (laughs)

Merlin: (puts on the helmet) How come you're so much better at this than me?

Gwen: I'm the blacksmith's daughter. I know pretty much everything there is to know about armour, which is actually kind of sad.

Merlin: (impressed) No, it's brilliant! I would love for my girl— (cuts himself off, eyes widening in panic) I mean, if I had a girl, I would love for her to be interested in my interests. Yeah… (takes off his helmet and avoids Gwen's gaze) I'd better get changed now.

Gwen: (helps Merlin out of the armor and says tentatively) And how is Gaius's little patient?

Merlin: (feigning ignorance) Uh?

Gwen: The one I saw yesterday when we met. The baby.

Merlin: Oh, she is. Uhmm… (decides to repeat the lie Gaius told him to say) She's actually the daughter of a patient. Gaius and I are temporarily looking after her while her mother recovers.

Gwen: (not sounding very convinced) I see… (finishes removing Merlin's armor)

Merlin: (realizes) Wait, have you told anyone about her?

Gwen: …

Merlin: Gwen! 😠

Gwen: In my defense, I didn't know you were going to become the prince's manservant.

Merlin: (pacing) That's why everyone's been looking at me strangely. I'm sure you put them in the idea that she's my daughter! 😡

Gwen: (tries to calm him down) Merlin-

Merlin: (screams) She isn't! I wish she was, but she isn't. And even if she was, what do you all care? Huh? Why can't you just mind your own damn business?! 😤

Gwen: …

Gwen: Just out of curiosity, how much sleep did you get today?

Merlin: (sighs) 2 hours. Maybe. (feeling bad) Sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you.

Gwen: It's okay. (places the disassembled armor in Merlin's arms) We servants may be gossips, but we never give each other away. We know how to keep a secret when it matters, and we protect each other. I just want you to know that.

Merlin: (smiles, grateful) I'll keep that in mind. (leaves)

Time skip. At the training grounds.

Merlin: (struggles to get the vambrace on Arthur's lower arm)

Arthur: (grumpily) You know the tournament starts today?

Merlin: Yes, sire. (Fixes the buckle on the gorget and tries to make conversation) Are you nervous?

Arthur: I don't get nervous.

Merlin: Really? I thought everyone got nervous-

Arthur: (shouting) Will you shut up?!

Merlin: (gets angry, but says nothing, grabs Arthur's cloak, ties it up, and silently hands him his helmet)

Arthur: Aren't you forgetting something?

Merlin: …

Arthur: Merlin! 😡

Merlin: (innocently) You told me to shut up, I'm just obeying your order, sire.

Arthur: My sword! 😤

Merlin: Right away. (goes to the swords and grabs one, but then puts it back and grabs another, and so on)

Arthur: (impatiently) What are you doing?!

Merlin: Choosing your sword, my lord.

Arthur: Just give me that one.

Merlin: (proceeds to draw his sword veeery slowly)

Arthur: (snatches the sword from Merlin and points it at him, threateningly) Don't think I don't know what you're doing.

Merlin: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Arthur: (enraged) I swear-

Merlin: You'd better hurry or you'll be late for your tournament, my lord.

Arthur: (fuming, but holds it together and walks quickly away)

Merlin: (smirks)

Time skip. At the tournament.

Both Arthur and Valiant win their respective matches. Not that Merlin could know, he was too busy catching up on sleep. He managed to get at least an hour of sleep before His Royal Highness nudged Merlin awake with his foot to make Merlin remove his armor.

Valiant: (Exits the arena, stops near Arthur, and bows) May I offer my congratulations on your victories today?

Arthur: (Frowns suspiciously, but nods) Likewise.

Valiant: I hope to see you at the reception this evening. (Leaves with his servant)

Merlin: (Still half asleep, half awake) Creep. It sounded like he was asking you out.

Arthur: (Shocked) Merlin!

Merlin: (Blinks) Oh, sorry. Did I say that out loud?

Arthur: (Sighs) By tomorrow you need to repair my shield, wash my tunic, clean my boots, sharpen my sword, and polish my chainmail.

Merlin: (Incredulous) Are you kidding? There's no way I can-

Arthur: First thing in the morning. (Leaves)

Merlin is left alone, noting how all the extra tasks within his duties for the next day seem to grow to exaggerated levels.

Time skip, in Gaius's Tower.

Merlin enters his room, his arms and legs feeling cramped from everything he's done since Arthur let him leave. Too tired, he casts a simple magic-blocking spell. His eyes glow gold, and as that happens, the baby teddy bear stops floating through the air and lands on the floor with some herbs and flowers.

Gaius: (enters) Good to see you all in one piece (with a caring tone) Tiring day?

Merlin: (with a tic in his eye) Tiring would be an understatement 🙃.

Gaius: I'd say it's always like this, but it's all because of the upcoming celebration.

Merlin: (bitterly) So the prince is such an idiot about the upcoming celebrations? (conjures) Daeft thaet (his eyes flash and the mess the baby's magic caused sorts itself out)

Gaius: (smacks him)

Merlin: Ow!

Gaius: What did I tell you about using magic like that? 😠

Merlin: If I could feel my arms, I would! 😠 I only have enough strength for this. (picks up his baby) How's the sweetest girl in the world? 😊 I hope you were good to Uncle Gaius!

Baby: 🥺 Boooo

Merlin: Oh! 😥 Is it because your teddy bear doesn't dance anymore? I'm so sorry, baby, but you can't do that kind of magic in here. (sniffs the diaper) Uh, looks like you're due for a change. (his eyes glow and a cloth diaper flies to him)

Gaius: If you want her not to use her magic lightly, you should set an example 😒. Especially because tomorrow-

Merlin: (ignores Gaiud while changing the baby's diaper) That's it, baby! 🤗 (picks her up again) Who pooped more solid poop today? You did, you did.

Baby: (happy babbling) 😄

Gaius: (sighs) Merlin, tomorrow-

Merlin: (still cuddling the baby) I know, tomorrow you'll be a good girl too, right, baby? Of course you will-

Gaius: (raises his voice) Merlin, tomorrow I won't be able to have the baby here!

Merlin: (turns to Gaius like a possessed doll) What? ���

Gaius: What I'm telling you, tomorrow there will be many injured. And all of them not only come to the medical tents after competing, but they also have to stay here if necessary.

Merlin: But that's terrible! 😣 Where will I and the baby rest? There's barely any room here! …. How am I going to hide the baby?! 😰

Baby: ☹️

Gaius: (seeing the baby getting nervous) Merlin-

Merlin: The servants already know about her, now the other knights will too-

Baby: 🥺

Gaius: Merlin-

Merlin: And they'll throw me out! And we won't be able to stay here-

Baby: 😢

Gaius: MERLIN!

Merlin: (shuts up)

Baby: (burst out crying and a couple of vials break) 😭

Gaius: Don't worry, I already have a plan. We'll take turns looking after the baby, and if anyone asks, we'll say she's the daughter of one of my patients from the citadel, like always. No one will suspect.

Merlin: 🫠 You could've started with that.

Gaius: And you could need some sleep.

Time skip. The next day at the armory.

Merlin: (enters with the baby in a baby sling, muttering) Taking care of a baby with uncontrolled magic while I have to attend to an arrogant prince of a sorcerer-hunting kingdom in a place full of sharp and pointed weapons. Nothing can go wrong with that idea, right? (yawns) I'm so sleepy.

Baby: (looks around curiously)

A hiss is heard.

Merlin: (turns to the sound) Hello? Is anyone there? (Shrugs and bends down to pick up Arthur's armor)

Baby: (close to Valiant's shield, makes graby hands to the drawing of snakes, delighted with the animals) 😃

In reaction to the baby's involuntary magic, the snakes emerge from the shield, hissing loudly.

Merlin: (frightened, screams and instinctively backs away, falling on his back and protecting the baby with his body) Ahhh! What the fuck! 😨 (When he looks back at the shield, the snakes are gone)

Valiant: (who entered a moment ago, draws his sword to threaten Merlin, believing himself exposed)

Merlin: (blinks, confused, and rubs his eyes) I really need to sleep. I'm starting to see things. (gets up)

Valiant: (lets out a sigh of relief and puts his sword away)

Baby: (scared, not by the snakes or the fall, but by Valiant's presence, bursts into tears) 🥺😭.

Merlin: (concerned, takes her out of the sling and rocks her) Oh, sorry, baby. Did I scare you? I'm sorry.

Valiant: You shouldn't be with a baby in here.

Merlin: (puts the baby back in the sling and gathers Arthur's armor, too tired and worried about the still-crying baby to worry about Valiant) Tell that to that idiot I have for master. (Yawns and leaves)

Valiant: …

Time skip. Merlin, still trying to calm the baby's crying, bumps into George in a corridor.

Merlin: (exalted, very quickly) She's the daughter of one of Gaius's patients!

George: (laughs softly) I didn't ask. But yes, I know, you've told everyone. Where are you going?

Merlin: I have to get Arthur ready for-

George: What?! 😨 You're going to attend to him with the baby?! Do you want him to kill you?

Merlin: (whines, stressed) I have no choice. Gaius is busy, and I have no one else to take care of her.

Baby: (cries louder) 😭 (the baby's magic flutters ornaments around)

Merlin: (panicked) No, no, no! Baby, please stop crying, please. (Almost on the verge of tears too)

George: (Pitying him) Let me take care of her. (Takes the baby)

Merlin: (Panics even more, afraid that George will notice the baby's magic, about to throw away Arthur's armor to take her back) No, wait!

George: (Recites a lullaby while rocking the baby; which means he doesn't sing, just says the lyrics in a monotone) Lullay, my liking, my dear son, my sweeting. Lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling. Lullay, lullay, lullay. 😐

Baby: (Falls asleep as soon as George settles her in his arms) 😴. (And the decorations stop waving)

Merlin: …

Merlin: How did you do that?! 😱

George: (shrugs) I don't know, but I have five little brothers, and my mom always gave them to me when they cried a lot as babies, and when I talked to them, they fell asleep. I guess my voice calmed them.

Merlin: (thinking) I think it actually bored them… (says, very relieved) Thanks a lot, George! Keep her asleep and only wake her up to give her milk, okay? Gaius can tell you where he keeps the milk and when to give it to her. (starts to walk away briskly)

George: (calls out) After the fight, there's a shooting match. The prince almost never attends those, so you can rest.

Merlin: Thanks! (finishes leaving)

Time skip. In Arthur's chambers.

Merlin: (enters)

Arthur: You're late. 😒

Merlin: (tired voice) I know. (abruptly places the armor on the table)

Arthur: (scolding) Be careful with that!

Merlin: It's steel, it won't break. (lifts the chain mail) Raise your arms.

Arthur: You can't talk to me- 😠

Merlin: Your Royal Highness, please do me the honor of raising your arms. 🙄

Arthur: Better. (Raises his arms)

Merlin: (puts Arthur on his armor) Your helmet. (places the helmet on Arthur's arm)

Arthur: (looks at Merlin's work) At least you didn't forget anything this time. Let's go. (leaves)

Merlin: (follows, shuffling)

Time skip. After the match.

Merlin: (asleep in some hidden corner) 😴

Arthur: (finds him) There you are! Lazing around as usual 😡 (kicks him)

Merlin: (more asleep than awake, mutters) Yes, yes, I'll go give the baby some milk.

Arthur: What are you talking about? Get up! (kicks him again)

Merlin: (opens his eyes) Uhm… What happened?

Arthur: Asleep again? I need you to get me my bow and arrow, now!

Merlin: (confused, still stretching) What for?

Arthur: What do you mean, what for? To participate in the shooting competition!

Merlin: B-but… I thought you never-

Arthur: That's the rub. A good servant doesn't think, he obeys. What are you waiting for? Go! (kicks him again)

Merlin: Ow! Alright, alright I'm coming. (gets up reluctantly, thinking) He had to have urge to brag about his aim today of all days. 😓

And it turned out that the boastful prince not only wanted to participate in the shooting competition, but in all the day's activities. And Arthur, to not lose sight of his servant again, doesn't let Merlin leave his side. Merlin's eyelids are heavy, and his thighs are cramping from standing for too long. He's too tired.

Time skip. At the evening reception. All the competing knights (uninjured) are chatting happily.

Merlin: (with dark circles under his red eyes) Anything else you'd like, sire?

Arthur: (now out of his armor, cool as a cucumber) No, I don't think so. I'm already a bit tired. I think I'll have some rest.

Merlin: (his eye ticing) Really? You? Tired, sire?

Arthur: Yes, you may leave.

Merlin: (forces a polite smile) Thank you, my lord. (turns away)

Arthur: Oh, Merlin. I want-

Merlin: (turns to him and explodes, yelling) WHAT?! WHAT ELSE DOES YOUR GREATEST HIGHNESS WANT ME TO DO?! 😡 To undress you and tuck you in for bed?! To feed you in the mouth? To wipe your ass?! 😤

Knights around: (gasp) 😨😨😨😨😨😨

Arthur: (surprised Pikachu face) Uh… 😦

Merlin: For all the gods! Are you really so useless that you can't do anything by yourself? Can't you take care of yourself at all? Don't you have hands? I swear I've seen one-year-old babies and crippled men more self-sufficient than you! Merlin clean this, Merlin fetch that, Merlin hop on one foot and then do a somersault in the air! Leave me alone! I'm exhausted! I want to sleep! 😡(leaves, stomping)

Knights around: …

Arthur: …

Morgana: (holding back a laugh) I like him.

Time skip. In Gaius's Tower.

Merlin: (enters)

Gaius: (carrying the baby) Merlin! How could you leave the baby with- 😠

Merlin: (sharply) Not now. (smiles softly at the baby and kisses her forehead) Good night, baby. (goes to his room)

Gaius: Merlin! 😡

And Merlin falls dead onto his bed, not thinking about the consequences of his outburst… and which he would probably face the next day.

BASED ON THIS PROMPT >> PREVIOUS PART >> NEXT PART

...

UHHH! Merlin really messed up, didn't he? What do you think will happen to him?

Tagging @chaosofbelievers , @blackgigglypuff , @stressed-but-chill , @nocheaseforyougoodsir , @thedragonlies , @evedaser , @lolazoel , @sammythetoaster , @caraspud , @g00pygunkyguy , @bertoliosis35-blog , @purpuraffe , @lordemryspendragon , @herstarlight , @justaz , @myalchemicalgnomace , @haunted-glassesgurl , @exmintha , @dumbdemjin , @a-line-drawn , @itsjustmeandmyanxiety , @beebsnas , @rem-the-moth , @tmarauder101 , @whitemaskcd , @robynnemrys , @genyxie , @trubel43 , @andrealux21

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Merlin arrives with a baby in Camelot AU

(co-writing with @roxineedstosleep)

BASED ON THIS PROMPT >> NEXT PART

Chapter 1: Prologue

At night in some outlying village of Camelot. Merlin, carrying a two year old Bigritta in his arms, hides behind a wall, while a search party of Camelot knights pass through.

Brigitta: (cries suddenly)😭

Merlin: (rocks her anxiuously, whispering) Shh, it's okay, shh, it's okay, baby, don't cry. Please, don't cry.

Knight x: (shouts from afar) I heard something!

Knight y: (shouts from afar) That way!

Merlin: (desperately, grabs some mud and puts some on Brigitta's face and hair) I hope this works. (murmurs) Miht dagan, beþecce me. Adeadaþ þisne gast min freondum ond min feondum. (his eyes turn gold)

Knight x: (finds Merlin's hiding place) Got you! Hand over the prince's daughter immed... (trails off as the sight before him becomes clearer)

Merlin: (in his Dragoon the Great appearence, sitting on the floor with a dirty crying baby at his side) Alms for this poor old man and his grandson. Please, he's really sick. (lifts the baby at the knight as to cause pity)

Knight y: (Arrives) Did you find them?

Knight x: No, it's just an old man asking for alms.

Knight y: (looks at "the old man" and his "sick grandson" still crying, frowning)

Merlin: (sweats)

Knight y: (gives Merlin some coins) Go find some shelter. It's cold.

Merlin: (sighs in relief) Thank you so much, Sire.

Knights: (leave)

Merlin: (hugs her) We are safe, we are safe, Biddy! (kisses her fondly). Don't worry. I won't let them take us apart.

Meanwhile, the knights in some other part.

Knight y: Remember, the prince wants both his daughter and his servant back safe and sound.

Knight x: His daughter I understand. But why his servant? He stole his daughter! The prince's only daughter! Many have been executed for less!

Knight y: I know, but his Highness says... they are both his family.

Knight x: ...

Two years ago...

Merlin wonders around the woods when suddenly he hears a baby cry. As he aproaches the sound an horrible smell hits his nose, so he has to cover it. Finally he enters a part of the woods that was apparently razed by a fire. Merlin lets out a scream when he spots two charred bodies on the ground.

Merlin: (scared to death) Wha... What the hell happened here?! 😨

Baby: (cries) 😭

Merlin: (goes to what seems to be a small extinguished firepit, where a newborn baby is crying in the middle) Oh, Gods! How did you end up here? (picks her up) Shh, it's okay. I'll get you help.

Time skip. In Merlin's house.

Merlin: (enters, carrying the baby in his arms)

Hunith: Merlin! Where have you been? I was about to send Will for... (notices the baby) Why are you carrying a baby?

Merlin: (pretty shaken up) I found the baby in the woods. There were burned corpses and a firepit, I-I don't know. It was horrible-

Hunith: Calm down. Give me the baby. (takes the baby and examinates her carefully) Poor little thing. She mustn't be more than a few days old.

Merlin: It's a girl?

Hunith: (nods) Ask Hector for some milk.

Merlin: (About to leave, but turns) Mom, you think those corpes were her parents?

Hunith: That's not really what worries me the most.

Merlin: (confused)...what? What do you mean?

Hunith: Tomorrow I want you to take me to the place you found her in. If it's not what I think it is, then we can still find a relative of hers that can take care of her.

Merlin: And if it is?

Hunith: (full of sorrow) Then she really has no one.

Merlin: (leaves to get the milk)

Time skip. After Merlin showed his mother the place he found the baby.

Merlin: Are you going to tell what is it or not?

Hunith: ...

Merlin: Mom, I know someone did this. I'm not dumb.

Hunith: ...

Merlin: Was it Cenred's army? Camelot's knights? Are we in danger?

Hunith: No.

Merlin: Then what is it?

Hunith: (her eyes watering) I think her parents tried to kill her. Burning her alive.

Merlin: WHAT?! 😨 Why would they do such a thing?!

Hunith: I think they believed she was a changeling.

A changeling. Merlin remember some stories about those. Human-like creatures left by a magical being when kidnapping a human baby, so they don't notice the real baby is gone. In some stories the creatures that do this are fairies, in others demons or trolls. Supossedly these creatures take human babies for them to act as a their servants, for the love of a human child, or just out of malice. When the parents realise their baby is a changeling sometimes they just abandon them in the woods and wait till the fairies or whatever creature to replace it for their real baby again. But others go to the extreme of torturing or killing the supposed changeling so their real baby is brought back.

How does someone find out their baby is a changeling? Supposedly because strange things would happen around the infant or because said infant has some features that resembles a troll or fairy. The sad truth is, most parents take advange of this believe to get rid of babies that are born with a deformity or a disability.

Hunith: I think those corpses were her parents. Something went wrong when they lighted that pit.

Merlin: Well, I don't feel bad for them anymore (looks at the baby that now is peacefully sleeping in Merlin's old cradle, his heart breaking for her) I don't understand... she looks... normal.

Hunith: Yet somehow she survived a fire that was meant to kill her.

Merlin: (turns to his mother, alarmed) You don't believe she is really changeling, do you?

Hunith: Oh, no! (giggles) I think fairies and trolls have better things to do than kidnap some strangers' babies.

Merlin: (opens his eyes wide in realisation) Wait... you don't mean... you think she is...

Suddenly the cradle starts floating and rocking itself in the air.

Hunith: (smiles sadly) She is like you.

BASED ON THIS PROMPT >> NEXT PART

...

Welcome to this new AU! 🥳 I hope you like it ^^.

Why is Merlin running away with Brigitta? How did Brigitta end up being consider "the Prince's daughter"? Find out in the next chapter ;)

Tagging @chaosofbelievers , @blackgigglypuff , @stressed-but-chill , @nocheaseforyougoodsir , @thedragonlies , @evedaser , @lolazoel , @sammythetoaster , @caraspud , @g00pygunkyguy , @bertolio , @purpuraffe , @lordemryspendragon , @herstarlight , @justaz

If someone else wants me to tag them in the next part, please let me know.

[currentfandomkick]

Wow, I wasn't expecting to wake up to the news that Merlin's trending again, but I love it! To celebrate, here's another au prompt!

In this au, Arthur finds out about the prophecy of Emrys and the Once and Future King, and, in true himbo fashion, he knows that Merlin is Emrys, but he doesn't know who this "Once and Future King" is supposed to be. So, of course, he gets insanely jealous, thinking that some random guy with a powerful magical sword is going to swoop in, steal his throne, take Merlin from his side, and usher in an era of peace while Arthur is cast aside, forgotten.

Arthur simply cannot accept this, even if this Once and Future King is supposedly Merlin's soulmate, the one who will complete him. So, when Arthur repeals the ban on magic, he includes the stipulation that if the Once and Future King is ever discovered, he should be immediately executed on the grounds of high treason for attempting to steal the throne.

Mordred, distraught and turning to Merlin: Shouldn't well tell him?! Merlin, completely unphased: Nah, he'll figure it out eventually.

Arthur also gets hints from the druids, who are trying to get him to figure out that he is actually the Once and Future King, but Arthur always misunderstands their hints.

Druids: The time of the Once and Future King is at hand, sire. He has already taken up his holy sword, and his people rally behind him, inspired by his leadership and valor.

Arthur: This motherfucker already has his magic sword AND an army?! MERLIN! Send word to Leon to ready to knights for war!

[currentfandomkick]

Danny snorted as Kite showed off his name in that broken ghost speak he’d come to understand.

There were twelve ‘birds’ waiting for names, each doing their best to hide nervous scared anticipation excited joy

“Okay, so all my regulars assembled for this… well, line up and we’ll see what you like.”

Collective anxiety slapped him face first as they lined up on the roof.

One of the taller ones, prone to hunting and showing Danny his slain ants, practically ran him over. This revenant was one Tucker was convinced had the best balance… Danny is firmly opposed to call him Flamingo though. And is oddly good with Sam’s plants.

“Rheas,” Danny guessed.

The big guy beamed and tackled Danny, chirping thanks and joy as he flaunted his new name to Kite.

A shorter one bolted over, danny knew them best for escaping like the little shit they are and rarely jumping about like the others…

“Tinamous, Tina for short.”

Tina beamed, bolting to the named pair.

The next one Danny knew as Tim Drake’s personal shadow and hung out mostly when Tucker was about to bother. He won’t lie, calling the guy Drake was very, very tempting.

“Bill Hook, like the duck. If you are Duck Dude’s shadow, it had to happen bud.”

Bill Hook puffed out his chest and turned to the one Danny was still uncertain was anything but a grumpy cat in person shape.

Said grumpy cat was radiating ‘Don’t give me a stupid name’ despite how obvious her name was.

“Swan.”

Swan seemed pleased, and took Bill with her to the named group. He did note her bragging more about Bill Hook than her name… while Bill bragged about hers.

It was cute.

The one with the actual best balance was showing off by doing a one armed handstand. Danny is convinced they have the loudest personality of the bunch.

“You have no clue how tempted i am to make you ‘flamingo’.”

The guy popped up and preened.

“However since you are such a show off with balancing on things you should not balance on, Kingfisher?”

The revenant deflated.

“Flamingo it is then���no do not attack your friends!”

Flamingo tackled Tina and curled around her while chirping up a storm. Tina responded in kind and nuzzled into Flamingo’s hold.

Danny sighed.

The next guy moved to break up Tina and Flamingo before they got the group caught.

“Good job Dove!”

Dove threw him a thumbs up before trying to keep the peace while Kite investigated how climbable Rheas is.

The little guy behind dove flitted between giving Danny their attention and the named group’s antics, clearly wanting to be there significantly more.

“Turaco?”

An affirmative chirp and the little guy had joined Kite in testing Rheas’ climbability while Dove made valiant attempts to stop them.

Danny knew this brick wall too well. Everytime the guy came in, caked in mud and whined for a bite of Danny lunch and always stole half his sandwhich before regurgitating it.

“Heron.”

Heron sashayed over to Flamingo and Tina’s… conversation? Cuddle puddle in the making? Danny didn’t know.

The next one danny failed to see slip into his personal space. The damn ninja had been doing this since they found Danny patching up Heron years ago before scurrying off.

“Jesus fuck, Nightjar! I will put a damn clacker on you at this rate.

Nightjar was far too smug in this smile before moving too soundlessly for someone galloping full tilt at Dove.

Danny feels a bit bad for Dove being the closest to an adult for the group. Not enough to help though.

He almost laughed as the resident flyer that he knew Paulina would have forced on the cheersquad in another life tumbled up and grinned at him.

“Peacocking does not mean you get it as your name. Swift work?”

The excited trill and her tumbling over into Flamingo, Tina and Heron, who just. Moved her to his shoulders? Danny wasn’t complaining.

The next one puffed out their chest and yelled “Kingfisher!”

Danny nodded along, surprised yet not as the revenant he knew as the loudest picked a name beforehand.

The last one grinned at Danny in a way he knew meant trouble if he screwed up their name. And Falcon and Hawk were hard no’s on Danny’s side. Think Fenton, Think!

“Passerine?”

The revenant hummed in agreement before joining Rheas, Kite, and Turaco in their human chain.

He snorted as the group fanned out once they noticed Danny apart from the rest.

Dove took the initiative to scoop Danny up and order the others into some formation as they flitted about the rooftops and made it out of Gotham Proper and moved to a location better suited for stargazing.

Frankly, it was needed.

He began to explain the constellations to them, not expecting nearly as much engagement from Nightjar and Rheas as he got.

—

Dick was Not Doing Well. He forgot his missing, likely dead sister, existed. He forgot his first sister, the baby of his family and why Haly’s went into debt initially.

He forgot she had existed.

Or maybe she hadn’t as a she but still!

Fuck.

His sis—brother. First baby brother, existed.

Hadn’t even recognized him!

But Do—Danny. Danny recognized him, or his meta gene knew he would make trouble for him. Fuck. F U C K!

Danny had a medusa pin.

Someone had hurt Danny as at fourteen and he carried the pregnancy to term only to not get to keep the kid and was probably in a custody battle right now for a kid Damian’s age. Fuck!

—

Any idea’s for dick’s continued spiral or shoulda batfam member intervene now?

Not my Circus

A/N: I hate my brain and it's suckish timing...

Danny was a circus kid. He knew that, and so did his parents. Well, the once that took him in when he was five. He knew he had a loving family before the Fentons. Yet he doesn't know himself why he never put in more effort to return to them. No, wait, he had an idea what his five years old mind could have been thinking.

If Freakshow and his mockery of a circus had never shown up in Amity. Then Danny might have pushed the thought of his original family to the side forever. He had been a foolish kid back then, reckless and tempramental, unlike his older brother. He had tried to follow into his parents' and brother's footsteps, but he wasn't as graceful or acrobatic as they were. It was irony really with how much he liked flying and doing tricks in the air now. But still he remembered having a lot of frustrated fights with his brother about his inability to be like them.

When he got reminded he started to do a bit of a more serious research again and when he found out about his originals parents death half a year after he was first declared missing from the circus as well as his older brothers having gotten adopted too, he had dropped it all again. Pushing all of that back into the deepest depths of his mind again. His older brother was doing well. There was no need for him, for Danny.

That went well until Jazz went to university in Gotham and convinced him to go there to collage too, when he sort of forcefully retired from being a teen hero. It went well for a couple of years until his mid twenties.

Because despite Gotham being a city way bigger than Amity, there were still chances of you running into certain people.

The moment he entered the coffee shop and saw the others face, everything he had pushed aside in his mind came right back to the forefront of his mind.

How he foolishly trained in acrobatics behind his families back after another fight while they were moving towns and fell off the wagon.

How he had felt like he enjoyed not feeling presured to be like them and didn't put too much effort into returning to them when he was with the Fenton as well as thinking that his elder brother was probably happier without a stubborn little brother.

How when he looked them up he dropped it just as fast when he learned about their deaths and his elder brothers adoption.

He blinked wide-eyed at the man that stood before him a teen next to him while he held two cups of coffees. He, too, was staring at Danny frozen.

Now Danny had several options of how to handle the situation. And he most likely didn't choose the best one at first as usual. Because what he did in response at seeing Richard 'Dick' Grayson was to turn tail and run even using is invisibility and intangiblity.

What Danny didn't know was that Dick's first, thought, was someone cloned him and not that his missing brother from his days before the Waynes was back.

Thus a game of mouse was started...

[currentfandomkick]

At King Emry's Court: Full Scene

(The badass King Merlin AU)

Excerpt: Arthur frowned a little, ready to complain, before remembering himself. "You speak of justice…" "I never said anything about justice." Arthur frowned at the interruption again. "I've given your father three options. I offered him peace, I offered him ignorance and I offered him war; the only thing I did after that was make him aware that actions have consequences. This is what this is about; not revenge, not justice, but simple cause and effect."

In the middle of nowhere, northwest from Albion, was the island known by magic users as Elysium. Elysium seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, nobody had ever heard about it until about twenty years after Uther Pendragon started his war against magic.

Slowly, rumors of this island began to grow and eventually what was only a myth became real. Some kingdoms of Albion turned their eyes to the island; interested in their growing economy, the chance to trade with them and the chance to forge alliances. Soon enough the island that was known to be the magic users paradise — their hiding place if you will — became a bustling and well succeeded kingdom.

The King of Elysium was known mostly by name, a hooded figure by the name of Emrys. Few were the people that knew his face, most of them were part of the select group he chose to manage the island while he was away.

Emrys was rarely seen, his way of ruling the kingdom was different than everything one might have seen before for Emrys rarely stayed at the island, leaving it on the hands of his chosen few.

The chosen few were known as the seven, most of their identities were also unknown as they all chose to wear a hooded cape at all times, so they were mostly known as their assigned number.

As the Kingdom grew in strength and wealth, Uther Pendragon began losing allies and what was once seen as a strong man with a just fight in the name of good, was slowly turning into a madman thirsty for revenge and bloodshed.

Trying to save face, King Uther scheduled a visit to the island. He was indeed curious about the kingdom and about Emrys himself, but with his visit he hoped to learn their weaknesses and find enough information to create doubt amongst the other kingdoms of Albion and turn them against magic once more.

King Emrys kindly invited Camelot's party to spend the harvest celebrations with them, a week-long festival where both magic-folk and humans thanked the goddess and the land for the given provisions for the winter. Along with King Uther, Prince Arthur and a handful of servants and knights went on their way to meet the mysterious island.

Upon arrival, Camelot's party were welcomed by the seven, the man and woman that managed the island in Emrys absence. Uther didn't like it, he wanted nothing more than meet the man that dared to go against him, but Emrys was nowhere to be seen.

After two days of not finding the sorcerer, Uther demanded a meeting with Emrys' court and was surprised when he found out that even if his wish for a meeting was granted, Emrys himself still wouldn't see him.

Merlin was Prince Arthur's manservant — he had been for years as a reward for saving Arthur's life — and as the prince's servant he was granted the privilege of joining them on their visit to the island. But Merlin was more than a servant — in Prince Arthur's eyes he was closer to a friend — so Merlin also had the honour to be allowed in council meetings.

That's why Merlin now sat at the back of the room watching as King Uther made angry demands at Elysium's court, screaming at the councilwoman that had been introduced as the main representative and the second of the seven. He watched as the woman was interrupted again and again, as she tried to reason with the mad king that demanded to see Emrys and made threats of war.

He had had enough, there was nothing the woman could do against Uther, especially in the state he was in. Merlin took a step forward, and then another, slowly letting his secret seep out of him.

Upon noticing his movement, some of Elysium's councilmen and women started to move as well, until one of them raised their voice to say "All rise for the Lord Emrys," and Merlin fully let his magic out, allowing it to change his garments into ones more befitting of a king. He walked to his seat at the center of the room and, upon reaching it, turned around taking in the many emotions passing through the faces of Camelot's citizens that were in the room.

Uther's face was red as he restarted his complaints, this time filled with accusations, insults, and even more threats.

"You are nothing but a lowly servant!"

Merlin had enough, he had been done with Uther a long time ago and now he was filled with a rage he hasn't felt in a long time.

"I'm aware of what I am, Uther Pendragon." he started, his voice growing louder in order to compete with Uther's own screaming. "I am a peasant. I was born to grow crops," Merlin continued his speech standing up slowly.

"I was born to scrub floors, polish boots and clean chamber-pots. I was never suppose to be King, I wasn't suppose to have people depending on me, on my choices; I wasn't supposed to have to lead anyone or give anyone hope."

Merlin walked towards Uther, staring him dead in the eyes with such intensity that brought a golden gleam to his still blue irises.

"I never once asked for riches, for power; and I never asked to be King."

He stopped right in front of Uther, still staring at him, and brought his voice down. "You are the one who gave me this crown."

Uther had his face completely red, a vein in his forehead threatening to pop.

"You can scream all you want," Merlin continued, turning around and heading back to his seat. "You can hate me and my people, my kind; you can try and make demands and threats, but I assure you, you will not have it your way."

"Then you have chosen war." Uther said when Merlin paused his speech long enough to sit down.

Merlin looked at the small man in front of him with a mixture of disbelief and amusement.

"War?" He snorted, "you can't go to war with me, Uther. How would that even work?"

Merlin smiled and frowned his eyebrows. "We are in an island, Camelot has no ships of its own. You are here because you used my ships." He leaned back.

"Besides, who says I want war with Camelot? I actually quite like the place, you know? I have a bunch of friends there."

"Camelot is no friend of magic users, we will fight to rid the world of your little nest of pests."

Merlin dropped his smile, his eyes grew sharp once again as he focused on Uther, and he let out a sigh. "By the goddess you are tiresome."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"Here's the deal, I will give you three options to choose from. You can choose whatever one you like most, I'll be happy with any of them."

Uther seemed ready to speak again but never got the chance.

"Option number one: We sign a peace treaty similar to the ones I have with other kingdoms where we'll begin to plan trade routs and the such to start collaborating with each other, but you will have to stop your persecution and the bloodshed against my people," Merlin scrunched up his nose. "I'll not even demand that you lift the ban completely, merely that the punishment fits the crime committed and that you stop actively hunting us down."

Uther's face was getting closer to purple and he opened up his mouth. "Option number two," Merlin said louder before Uther restarted his hate speech.

"We sign an armistice and you go back to pretend this place doesn't exist and we will do the same with Camelot."

Merlin leaned back again, "which brings us to option number three: war"

Uther looked taken aback for a second that war was actually in one of his 'options', he looked eager to respond but Merlin raised his hand interrupting him again.

"Let me explain something about option number three before you choose. First of all, even if you manage to find ships to bring your knights across the sea, I assure you they will not make it to the port. The only ships that can anchor at my shores are the ones I allow to."

Merlin let the information sink in before continuing.

"Secondly, even if you manage to bring your man to my island you'll still have the three levels of protection shields that won't allow you to pass. Not mentioning the amount of magic users that would be eager to get their own personal revenge against anyone wearing Camelot's colours."

Merlin shook his head in disapproval.

"Finally, and this is the main one so pay attention; if you do choose to go to war against me, if you are so eager to erase magic from earth that you decide to go out of your way to persecute my kind in this sacred place; I promise you that no knight, no soldier, no innocent human from Camelot or otherwise, will be harmed in your foolish war. The only person that will face consequences if you seek war against my kingdom will be yourself, Uther Pendragon, and I'll make sure of it."

Merlin leaned forward again and rested his chin on his hands. "It's about time you start taking responsibility for your own mistakes, and assume the consequences of them like the man and king you were supposed to be."

The room went silent. Merlin's threat hang heavily in the air taking away the voices of everyone in the room, even from his own council who did not expect that decision. They all knew Merlin loved Camelot, and that he had a soft spot for it's prince.

"You dare to threaten me."

Merlin's eyebrows went up and a startled laugh escaped in a breath and soon turned into a giggle fit that was joined by the rest of Elysium's council.

"You are joking, right?"

"I demand a fair combat between our kingdoms, as a war is supposed to be."

"You are joking, right?" Merlin repeated. "You are not sitting in front of me, demanding war with people that you have murdered for decades and suddenly decide that you are pro-fairness just because things aren't going your way. Because if you are… well that's amusing, really. And befitting"

Merlin cleaned dry tears from his eyes.

"You threaten to murder me…"

"Murder? No, I don't recall saying that. I said that if you went with the warpath there would be consequences and you would be the only one to pay for them. In fact," he looked at the seven man and women he trusted most, the ones that ran his kingdom for him. "I'll tell you what, you have until the end of the week to make a decision, meanwhile councilwomen two and six will gather this week to decide what your fate will be if you choose the warpath."

"And how is that fair?" Arthur spoke and for the first time since Merlin left his place at the back and took his seat as Emrys, Merlin dared to look at him.

While Merlin knew Arthur better than the man knew himself, right now Arthur was using his court face, and even if usually he could read right past that as well, all Merlin could see right now was his steadfast gaze looking right back at him.

"Councilwoman two is a non-magic user, she helps us see the things by the point of view of those who have no magic at all but still have to live with it; councilwoman number six is a magic-user who lived in Camelot for a while, she was on her way to take matters in her own hands when I convinced her otherwise and she came to my island instead."

Merlin rested his chin on his hands again.

"I usually don't mind taking part on the decision-making — of course not, how could I? — but in this case I fear my judgment might be a little…" He let his gaze wander away and land back on the prince. "Compromised."

"I see the reasoning for your councilwomen choice, but how can I be certain that what they'll chose will be fair?"

Merlin let a smirk escape, both from the irony of the word fair related to Uther and for Arthur himself. Then he shook his head.

"You are forgetting that he doesn't have to choose that path."

"I think we both know the likeliness of that."

"What would you have me do, then?"

Merlin watched as a glimpse of surprise escaped through Arthur's mask, followed by a hint of doubt before both of them were suppressed again.

"Let me…"

"No." Merlin interrupted him before he could even start, there was no way he would let Arthur decide his own father's fate if it ever came down to it.

Arthur frowned a little, ready to complain, before remembering himself. "You speak of justice…"

"I never said anything about justice." Arthur frowned at the interruption again.

"I've given your father three options. I offered him peace, I offered him ignorance and I offered him war; the only thing I did after that was make him aware that actions have consequences. This is what this is about; not revenge, not justice, but simple cause and effect."

Arthur stared at Merlin with tight lips, he didn't like what Merlin had said but he also didn't have a good enough argument to go against his reasoning.

Merlin kept his gaze focused on Arthur's face trying to catch another glimpse of his emotions. He could feel his frustration and annoyance but most of all, he knew Arthur feared for his father.

"However" He continued, "I can see your point of view and after careful consideration I have come to realized that perhaps you might have a point."

Arthur looked shocked, not just a glimpse that was escaping through his mask, no, Arthur was completely shocked and it was clear for everyone to see.

"Well of course I have a point"

"Sure"

Arthur scrunched his nose in annoyance and Merlin smiled. Maybe things would be alright in the end.

"Like I was saying, you made me realize that it would be interesting to have the point-of-view of someone that has been directly under King Uther's rule and isn't connected to magic in any way in the decision making process, so I'll allow you, Prince Arthur, to chose someone from your party to speak on your kingdom's behalf."

Uther talked back at that. "If anyone should be choosing my representative, it should be me!"

Merlin had honestly forgotten Uther was still there, in fact he was so focused on Arthur that he forgot that everybody else who wasn't him were still there. He was so glad he didn't see any trace of hate in his prince's eyes that the rest of the world didn't seem to be attention worthy.

Granted, Arthur still had his mask on, but the glimpses Merlin managed to see earlier were all hatred-free, so Merlin was hopeful and if everything turned out not horrible, Merlin was considering to create a new holiday to celebrate this day.

"Honestly, Uther, the fact that you still think you have any say in my court baffles me. You entered here spitting rage and making demands like some kind of entitled child, why you would think I would let you make any decision about anything after that makes me severely concerned for your kingdom, and that's coming from someone who's been living there."

Uther spluttered.

"Arthur is choosing because the argument was his, because he seems to have his bearings and, honestly? Because he's more likable than you."

Uther's mouth opened slightly and Merlin noticed a small smile creeping up Arthur's mouth.

"Now, Prince Arthur, I'm going to need a name but if you allow me an advice, I'd tell you to choose for the kingdom, not for the man."

Arthur looked back at him in the way he always did when he thought Merlin had said something uncharacteristically wise, except this time it came with a weight Merlin couldn't place.

Merlin didn't know but Arthur was looking at him with admiration, Merlin always confused him in the sense that he seemed so much more than just a servant, like Merlin had the heart of a noble and the wisdom of a king. Now that he knew the truth about him, everything seemed to fall into place.

Merlin always had that aura around him — especially when giving Arthur advice — of someone that was destined for greatness. Learning that he was Emrys made so much sense that while looking at him right now, sitting in a throne leading and protecting his kind with certainty, Arthur didn't find it in himself room to be angry about it. Not when that scene felt so right that he wondered why he never realized how magnificent Merlin would look with a crown.

Arthur looked around the room for a while, seemingly measuring the men that had come with them.

"I can have someone brought from Camelot before lunchtime if you don't have what you need here," Merlin offered and Arthur looked surprised at him.

Merlin knew who he would've chosen. It seemed obvious to him but maybe Arthur had a different strategy.

"I choose Sir Leon," he turned to the man himself "If you feel like you're up to the task."

"It would be my honour, Sire." He bowed in agreement.

"Wonderful!" Merlin clapped his hands once which seemed to startle a few people. He smiled at Arthur's good choice before continuing. "Sir Leon will be joining the second and the sixth throughout this week to reach a mutual decision about what would be an appropriate outcome." He waved at each of them as he spoke.

"Meanwhile," he continued. "King Uther has a week to reach a decision of his own about what is to be done with both our kingdoms. While he does so I want to remind the court that the Camelot party are still our guests and must continue to be treated as such."

He looked back at Uther, "you are all, of course, still invited to partake in our harvest celebrations — there's no need for bad blood between us while a decision hasn't been made — and you are all free to explore the kingdom as you will, I just ask you all not to wander through our forests by yourselves, they have a tendency to be purposefully confusing."

He turned his gaze to his court.

"In the interest of full transparency, not more courtly meetings will be held until we gather again in a week to hear Camelot's position, all non-urgent matters shall be postpone to the week after, and the urgent ones can be brought directly to me."

"You will regret this." Uther interrupted, his voice filled with poison and disdain. "You think you can spy on me and my kingdom without consequences, I'll make you pay for your lies and your sins."

The room felt heavy again, Merlin was just tired.

"Can't wait to hear all about it next week. Court dismissed."

He stood up and his court stood with him, differently from what is done in Camelot, the Elysium court always waited for him to leave the room first before leaving their places. He wasn't sure when this began being their way but he had a suspicion it started because Merlin hated attending court and always were the first at the door when it was over.

Camelot's household watched in silence as the whole room of Elysium's court stood in place waiting for their king to leave through the door before moving to leave themselves.

It wasn't long after Merlin left that he began hearing the familiar footsteps following after him. They were strong and decisive and were marching straight towards him with purpose, soon enough he felt a strong hand around his arm and long nails digging at his sleeve. "I want him dead"

"And what else is new?"

He felt the nails digging deeper and he was forced to stop. He turned around and found himself face to face with green eyes filled with anger and annoyance.

"This isn't a joke, Merlin. Uther should die, this is the only way."

"You heard my decision, Morgana." Merlin stared back at her with a steady gaze, they had had that discussion many times before and while Morgana always complied with his decision of not going for Uther's throat, it didn't mean she was happy about it. "It's not me you have to convince of that."

"You really think Leon and Hunith will let me sentence him to death? Have you met them? They don't understand, Merlin, not like we do."

Merlin's gaze softened as he stared at her. "Do you know why I chose you to be part of the seven?"

"Because I'm powerful and have understanding of courtly matters."

"That helps, of course, but that was not the reason." Morgana's stance softened in surprise.

"Was it out of guilt?"

"What?"

"Some kind of gift to apologize for the poison?"

Merlin was taken aback with surprise, it had been a while since he thought about that day. "I thought we had put that behind us."

"We did." She sounded relieved.

"Morgana, I chose you because I trust you to fight for our kind in a way I'm not able to. You are angry, and while you might not be out for revenge anymore, it doesn't mean you would casually dismiss it like I would. But most of all, I chose you because after everything you've been through in Camelot, after Uther and after me, you still managed to maintain enough heart to not give in. I admire you, Morgana. You have a strength in you that can inspire people to follow you. I'm lucky to have you by my side and I trust you to make the right decision."

Morgana looked at him in shock, she seemed so vulnerable like this, with big doe eyes that seemed to be staring at the sun for the first time. It was gone quickly enough, she looked down and recomposed herself. "It's because of you, you know?"

"Me? I was under the impression that I made things worse."

"You did, at first, but you reached out to me later and didn't give up. I don't know what would have become of me if you hadn't. The path Morgause was taking us was not one I'd dare to follow today, it came from a place of despair and anger and I would have walked down that road with her til the end if it weren't for your persistence. We might have ended up in different sides of this war."

"I see. I'm glad it didn't came to it then."

"So am I." They smiled at each other before Merlin turned again and offered her his arm. "So, tell me, how's Morgause doing? Did she find new apprentices?"

She took his arm and laughed, "oh, you wouldn't believe it, those poor girls."

They continued their journey down the hallways of Elysium Castle, chatting and gossiping like old friends. Merlin knew there was still much to be done, he still had to find Arthur and explain himself to his prince, and he knew Uther wouldn't spend this week in silence. Just imagining the headache he could bring for his people left him slightly out of breath.

But that was a problem for another time, right now he just wanted to enjoy the pleasant company of one of his dearests friends in the world without any drama to stain it. "Anyway, let's talk about the way Arthur was looking at you, don't think I didn't notice."

Or not

"Did you hear that? I think I heard Lord Erick calling me." He let go of her and started sprinting away while laughing.

"Merlin! Come back here! You will not get away from this conversation! Merlin!" her voice echoed through the hallway as Merlin ran away with the wind.

☽♚☾

[currentfandomkick]

Hey everyone, so I'm just now finding out that millions of Ao3 fics, mine included, are currently sitting in an AI database. I've seen a few posts up here about this already, but thought it'd be best to spread the word.

There's more info on the Ao3 Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/AO3/comments/1k6ie6v/ao3s_data_was_scraped_for_ai_what_to_know/?sort=confidence.

And on this document from another affected site: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zvP9RF96zIGz6FFnis-fQelvTIy_XrcHGiQPGUE16mQ/edit?tab=t.0.

But basically, someone scraped the archive and compiled the data into a dataset that can be used to train AI. Most (if not all) works posted during/before March of this year and not restricted to "registered users only" are affected! Ao3 has filed a takedown claim, but the uploader is actively resisting this.

It seems possible to request an individual takedown of your works from the database, so this might be what I do. For now, I've locked down my works to registered Ao3 users only. It feels like too little too late and is also not my preferred choice of action, but my awareness of this situation has led me to try and take control of my works in any way I can.

Anyways, tagging all the small fandoms I'm in so more people know about this!

[currentfandomkick]

My absolute favourite trope in Merlin fanfic is when they all find out about Merlin’s magic and Arthur is brooding or feigning annoyance but truly doesn’t care, Elyan and Gwaine are asking so many questions because they’re so intrigued and need to know absolutely everything and somehow aren’t surprised in the slightest, Leon is weary but slowly indulges in the conversation, eyeing Arthur every so often because he’s nervous to display such behaviours about magic in front of his King but he still knows Arthur would never touch Merlin even if he was afraid and Percival is just so confused because he thought everyone already knew and just refused to speak about it

Merlin: It’s not that big of a deal. we don’t have to speak about it.

Elyan: Oh, no we absolutely do!

Gwaine: Yeah, c’mon Merlin, show us something cool, like money falling from the sky, or a pint in my hand, right now, come on.

Elyan: Can you really do that?

Merlin: *Sarcastically* If it’ll get Gwaine to shut up.

Arthur: Oh, so you can pour Gwaine a pint in the middle of the woods but you can’t clean my chambers?

It goes silent for a few moments, Merlin wonders if now is the right time for a joke but Arthur’s brow is furrowed and through the light of the fire he can see the firm press of lips on his face, he decides now is not the time. Gwaine rolls his eyes from across the flame before them.

Gwaine: He’s just saved all our arses, can you be grateful for two minutes?

Leon: Gwaine-

Merlin: He has every right to be upset-

Arthur: Do not address me as if i’m not even here, you owe me that at least.

There’s a tense silence as Merlin’s hand stills where it pokes at the fire with a stick, Leon eyes the King cautiously and Percival fiddles, wide eyed, with the frayed edges of his tunic. Merlin sighs and focuses again on the fire, it’s the only heat he can find.

Gwaine: What kind of things can you do?

Merlin is hesitant to answer but Elyan looks at him expectantly and even Leon has turned his attention to him now, seemingly awaiting either an answer from the servant or an order from his King.

Merlin: I- I can do small things like move stuff around, tell a broom to sweep or a rag to clean.

He thinks that’s enough but by the excited look in Gwaine and Elyan’s eyes it isn’t.

Merlin: I can light fires, fell trees, sense a nearby threat, anything… really.

Gwaine: That’s so cool

Arthur: So you could’ve been useful this entire time and you chose not to be.

There’s another lull as Arthur picks apart leaves and tosses them into the fire but as Leon speaks up even Arthur turns his gaze.

Leon: How long have you been able to do all this?

It’s hardly an innocent question but Leon’s tone is honest and Merlin cannot feel cornered by his words.

Merlin: Since birth.

Arthur: Lies.

Elyan: Is that possible?

Gwaine: What?

Leon: Is that all you can do? Move things? Will them to your command?

Now that question is loaded even if Leon means no ill will. Merlin swallows, he nods.

Merlin: Yes

Leon: What else can you command?

Merlin: The seas

Arthur: A mermaid are you, now?

Merlin: The trees and the ground.

Arthur: A nymph perhaps?

Merlin: The skies

Arthur: Now you’re just being absurd-

Merlin: Lighting.

Merlin cuts in quickly. He was never proud of it, bringing the bolt down so harshly and eradicating the sorceress to nothing but a pile of smouldering ash but Arthur will find out one way or another. Banishment or pyre he will make sure Arthur hears of his crimes before he goes.

Merlin: Nimue. I killed her. A bolt straight through her body. There was nothing left.

The group maintains their silence for a few moments and Arthur finally turns to look at Merlin for the first time since they’d stopped to make camp

Arthur: Prove it.

Merlin: Sire-

Arthur: Don’t call me that and prove it.

Merlin: Why? Hoping i’ll mess it all up and strike myself down? Save you the trouble of building the pyre?

Arthur: If I wanted you dead you wouldn’t be speaking so stop moping, get off your arse and prove. It.

Merlin doesn’t need to get up because the second Arthur stops talking Merlin’s eyes are sparking gold and the sky erupts in a violent flash of colour. tendrils of brilliant white crack the darkness apart, coating the forest in a momentary burst of day before the light fades and in its wake leaves behind the fading outline of the Pendragon crest in the forks of dying white.

The group remains still, staring upwards at the now pitch black sky before Elyan is laughing out loud and Gwaine is excitedly smacking Leon beside him.

Gwaine: Oh my god, we could do so much. We could strike Lord Harold down and he wouldn’t even know what hit him-

Arthur: shut up, Gwaine

Arthur is still staring at the sky and Leon speaks from beside him.

Leon: Forgive me for asking, ignore me next time

The Knight is almost blushing in his place and Merlin manages a small huff of laughter at that before he resumes poking at the fire but his moment of silence is inturpeted

Arthur: Sir Percival, you’ve been unusually quiet. Please, what are your opinions on all of this.

Arthur seems pissed off, but not in an angry way, more of an i’ve been outvoted and i’m not happy about it way. Percival shrugs, picking away at the skin of nails like he has no idea what this conversation could possibly be about.

Arthur: Percival?

Percy: Mhh hmm.

Arthur raises an eyebrow. Percival stares back at him.

Percy: Yes, Sire?

Arthur: Don’t play dumb with me.

Percy: I don’t know what you mean, sire.

There’s a moment , a beat, barely a second.

Gwaine: You knew?!?!!!?!???!?

Elyan: You sly bastard!

Leon: oh lord-

Percy: I didn’t, I swear-

Arthur: Percival-

Merlin: How-

Percy: I THOUGHT WE ALL KNEW-

Gwaine: WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT-

Elyan: HOW WOULD WE HAVE KNOWN-

Leon: Kill me.

Percy: IT WAS SO OBVIOUS-

Merlin: HANG ON-

GWAINE: WHY WOULD’NT YOU TELL ME?

Elyan: Gwen’s going to be so pissed off she missed this

Gwaine: I THOUGHT WE WE’RE FRIENDS-

Merlin: HOW WAS IT OBVIOUS-

Percy: WE ARE, I JUST THOUGHT WE WEREN’T ALLOWED TO TALK ABOUT IT

Leon: please lord,

ELYAN: WHY WOULD’NT WE BE ALLOWED TO- Oh, no, wait, yeah got it, continue.

Percy: I THOUGHT YOU WERE ALL AWARE AND JUST NEVER MENTIONED IT CAUSE IT WAS SUCH A CASUAL THING THATS WHY I WOULD ALWAYS GIVE YOU A CLAP ON THE BACK AFTER AN AMBUSH OR-

Merlin: I THOUGH IT WAS CAUSE I DIDN’T DIE

Leon: Finish me off

Percy: YEAH, CAUSE YOU SAVED US. WITH MAGIC

Leon: I beg of you

ELyan: Holy shit-

Gwaine: Have we really been that blind?

Percival shrugs and Merlin still looks at him like he’s just betrayed his entire blood line.

Leon: Please, it would be the kind thing to do

Elyan: What?

Leon: What?

Gwaine: Did you tell him?

Merlin: Why would i tell him?

Percy: ouch.

Arthur: Percival.

Everyone pauses, Leon stops praying to a deity he does not believe in and Merlin stops looking so offended but Gwaine and Elyan still hold that child like wonder in their eyes.

Arthur: I’m not entirely sure what to threaten you with right now but I will think of something and trust me you’re going to wish you were never born.

Gwaine: Fair do’s, that

Percy: So Merlin gets away scot free but not me?

Merlin: OI-

Arthur: Oh, i’m not even started with you.

Gwaine: Oh, c’mon princess, don’t act like you didn’t have even the slightest hunch.

Arthur’s head spins at a pace that’s frankly alarming to look over at Gwaine. He narrow his eyes like he was lining up his next arrow for loosening. There’s another beat before Gwaine’s eyes widen

Gwaine: OH MY GOD YOU DID-

Then Arthur is launching forward, over the fire and it takes the four others an hour to get Arthur to release the impossible grip he has on Gwaine’s hair and another two to get Gwaine to apologise for the black eye now blooming on the King’s face.

[currentfandomkick]

GET. AI. OUT. OF. FANDOM. Stop making headcanons with it, stop making fanfic with it, stop making fanart with it. If I see one more "asking chatgpt *blank* about *character/characters in a fandom* I'm going to lose my goddamn mind. Use your own fucking brain, stop asking AI to do everything. You could even ask other real people what they think. Just. Stop. Using. AI. In. Creative. Spaces.