emryslore

[emryslore]

Due to work training I haven't really been reading as much or been able to make list, but the worst is over soon and I'll get right back to it❤️

Thank you guys for all of the lovely support

I never thought people would actually see my posts and it really means a lot to me.

Fandom can be a lonely place sometimes but just seeing that there are people out there who enjoy the same things that I do really makes me very happy!

Have a blessed day everyone!

[emryslore]

I wish I was that cat

They/them pussy

[emryslore]

Do you take sterek recs yourself? Just finished reading The Bonds that Bind by applejuice382 and it’s actually SO good. Soulmate au where Derek doesn’t tell Stiles they’re soulmates, the two get captured and held prisoner in a basement alone together, druids force a mating bond on them, and then Derek keeps that a secret too. They slowly grow closer and have to rely on each other after being tortured all the time, all the while Derek is angsting over his mate and it’s just… ugh. Chef’s kiss. The author actually does a really good job with their canon personalities imo with their dialogue and dynamic, which surprised me. It’s 120k right now but it’s close to finishing and I’ve been refreshing my email every day for it

Hi Anon! yes u do take recs! I'm very excited to check this out it sounds spectacular! Thank you so much!

[emryslore]

"We could go anywhere."

Running on Air by eleventy7

[emryslore]

Would you be willing to do a sterek rec list for stiles kicked outta the pack, that's my very fav!

Are there steter kicked outta the pack? I don't really read steter, but I might for that tag, lol

Hi Anon!!

Thank you so much for the ask!

Here you go, some Stiles gets kicked/pushed out of the pack!

Please enjoy!!

I have a few steter ones I think you'll love with his tag. It's quite popular in steter after all.

Let's start off with Sterek for you and then I'll add a few Steter options at the end you can check out if you'd like.

Sterek

Unexpected Results 16K (T) by pixieblade

What do you do when the people you are supposed to trust, betray you in the worst possible way? What would you do if someone offered you a way out?

Get You The Moon 180K (E) by AClosedFicIsNeverRead

Please make sure to read the tags on this one, it does touch on some heavy topics.

Derek looked up in surprise to note that they were taking a private jet. Dread settled into his gut like a stone. “It has a cage, doesn’t it?” he asked quietly, and noted the subtle changes in his family members’ posture. “Is it for me?” Cora gave him a pleading look and nodded. “Is it because of what you’re going to tell me?” he asked, voice like gravel. Another nod confirmed it. Stiles. Oh, GOD. It had to be Stiles. Derek would not lose control over anyone else in Beacon Hills and they damned well knew it. - OR - The one where Derek has been gone for 6 months building a new life, finds out that Stiles is being assaulted by Theo, so he comes back to Beacon Hills to kick some serious ass and rescue the loudmouthed human who stole his heart. (You will need ALL the tissues, but it will have a happy ending by the time all is said and done!) Title inspired by song: ‘Get You The Moon’ by Kina ft. Snow

Magical "Girl" 101 (A Guide by Stiles Stilinski) 18K (T) by Cute_Magical

When Stiles had been kicked out of the pack, he expected many things to happen. However, finding a magic book, gaining both a small and large flying magical companion, and a whole lot of unwanted responsibilities were not any of those things. Unlikely allies, magical abilities, newfound strength, and budding new relationships come together in Stiles's adventure of collecting clow cards. Oh, and he also gets rich… mostly through credit card fraud. You do not have to know Cardcaptor Sakura to read this fic. Updates weeklyy/Bi-weekly possibly sooner.

It takes a village 87K (M) by pixieblade

Stiles is tired. He's tired of always having to defend himself to his so-called best friend. He's tired of being ignored and he's tired of the Pack never having his back. So this is his line. He'd draw it in the sand, but all he has is a glitter sharpie. It'll have to do.

A Healing Silence 36K (NR) by HelloWhyTheFuckAmIHere

Stiles is slowly pushed out of the pack following his fight with Scott about Donovan's death. After receiving a phone number from an old friend, Stiles is surprised to find that it belongs to the one person who may be able to bring him back to himself.

bonus Steter

I'm a big Steter fan so I really hope you like these!

Hanging On by a Single Bond 38K (M) by Takara_Phoenix

Stiles' way of dealing with his own pain and grief had always been to instead take care of others. After Gerard, the Hale Pack becomes his pet-project. That includes self-proclaimed lone wolf Peter. Then things get messy. The Hale Pack seemingly ends when Derek gives up the Alpha spark, the McCall Pack forms, Stiles gets possessed. And, confusingly enough, Peter takes care of him.

Filament 42K (E) by WhoopsOK

Peter is still a fringe member of the pack, tied in by the faintest bit of respect for his bloodline keeping him from going full feral. It pisses Stiles off worse, just for a moment, that for all that everyone hates Peter, for all that they mistrust him, he’s still more welcome in this ‘pack’ than Stiles is. Held on by a thread and a prayer to whatever devil let him resurrect himself. The fact that Peter is suddenly the only one who will meet his eyes should not be comforting, but it makes sense in the grand scheme of things, doesn’t it? Stiles is more like Peter than Scott is able to trust, but the pack is willing to let Peter burn if it comes down to it. Judging by the resigned amusement on Peter’s face, he knows it, too. “For what it’s worth,” he says drily, “I told Scott he’s a fool for letting you go.” His smirk is a sinister thing when he continues, “I can’t wait to watch you prove it, sweetheart.” (After Stiles is pushed out of the pack, Peter does his best to hold onto the fragile bond between them. Stiles, as it turns out, is doing the same.)

Midnight Rain 19K (T) by vMures

Stiles knew in that moment that it was over. Scott would always be sunshine–would always want a world where things were clear-cut and easy. Villains wore black hats and good guys never killed. And Stiles, well, he’d always been the rain–the gray, pessimistic counterpoint to Scott’s unrelenting optimism. And after everything he’d survived, he knew he’d never see the world in anything other than shades of gray.

[emryslore]

oh wise gracious daisy of the beats

'tis I the anonymous one!

However!

Can we please have wee little Stiles (like 7-8 years old) as the same age as Derek and they're besties (bc ofc) and Stiles just tells Derek one day, "I'mma marry your Uncle P." as they watch Peter strut in the door of the Hale house looking suave with his letterman jacket on?

Please?

Oh, yes you can!

-----

Derek Hale was seven years old, and he already had a lot on his plate.

He had three sisters who didn’t understand the sacred art of building pillow forts, a mom who made him eat green things, and now, now, he had to deal with his very best friend in the whole wide world making very bad life choices.

Stiles Stilinski was six and filled with the kind of confidence usually reserved for superheroes and people who didn’t know how taxes worked.

They were sitting on the living room floor in Derek’s house, carefully sorting action figures into battle groups (“Batman and the dinosaurs vs the evil pirate robots”), when the front door opened.

And everything fell apart.

Peter Hale, Derek’s uncle, strutted in like he owned the air. Eighteen years old. Senior in high school. Letterman jacket over his shoulder, a smirk already on his face like he knew the sun was about to shine a little brighter.

“Hey, Der-Bear,” Peter said casually, ruffling Derek’s hair. “What’s up, trouble?”

“Don’t call me that,” Derek grumbled, batting his hand away.

But Stiles…Stiles froze. He stared. Wide eyed. Mouth slightly open. And then:

“I’m gonna marry your uncle.”

Derek dropped his T-Rex.

Peter blinked. “I - what?”

Stiles stood up like he was about to deliver an Oscar speech. “You’re really pretty and your jacket has letters on it, which means you’re strong and fast, and I already decided. We’re getting married.”

Peter opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it again.

Derek groaned. “Stiles, you can’t marry my uncle.”

“Yes I can!” Stiles said, hands on his hips. “I love him! I’m gonna live in a castle with him and eat cheese every day and he’s gonna carry me around all the time.”

Peter choked.

Derek buried his face in his hands. “Why are you like this?”

Stiles turned to him seriously. “You’re still my best friend, Derek. But you don’t have a jacket.”

Peter, to his credit, looked halfway between flattered and terrified. He crouched down and said, “Well, Stiles, I’m very flattered. But maybe you should wait until you’re older before making such important decisions.”

Stiles considered that. “Okay. But don’t marry anyone else. I’m gonna be seven really soon.”

Peter saluted him. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

When Peter left, Derek leaned in and whispered, “You can’t marry my uncle, you weirdo.”

Stiles beamed. “Watch me.”

~~~~

Fifteen years later

The ceremony was simple. Outdoors, tasteful. Peter actually managed to look sincere for once in his life. He wore a navy blue suit and stood tall as Stiles walked down the aisle in a crisp vest and a crooked grin that barely masked his nerves.

Derek, standing beside Peter as best man, leaned toward him just before the vows started.

“Remember when he was six and said he was gonna marry you because of your jacket?”

Peter smirked. “He lied. He married me for my car.”

Stiles, from the other side of Peter, shouted, “I HEARD THAT!”

Everyone laughed. Except Derek, who just shook his head and smiled, fond and long suffering.

Later, with cake smeared on his face and champagne bubbles popping in the air, Stiles flopped into the seat next to Derek. His tie was loose, his hair was wild, and he looked deliriously happy.

“You’re never gonna let me live it down, are you?” Stiles asked.

Derek gave him a blank look. “You announced your marriage plans at age six. Loudly. With witnesses.”

“Your mom still brings it up every Christmas.”

“She framed the drawing,” Derek added. “The one where you gave Peter a crown and hearts for eyes.”

“I was an artist,” Stiles said with mock dignity. “Also, he gave me a high five once and I blacked out for like an hour.”

Derek snorted into his drink. “And now you're actually married to him.”

“I know,” Stiles said, softening. “It’s wild, right? Fifteen years ago I got one look at him in his letterman jacket and declared my intentions like a maniac.”

Derek glanced toward the dance floor, where Peter was trying (and failing) to keep up with Cora and Lydia.

“Well,” Derek said, grinning, “at least he lived up to the jacket.”

[emryslore]

[emryslore]

Drarry Rec List

Favorite trope/tag: Established Relationship

First Time for Everything

By gracerene | Explicit | 7.3k

Summary: Harry's ready to try something new.

Why I like it: Established relationship and first time? Yes please!

I've Got a Beautiful Feeling (Everything's Going My Way)

By @toomuchplor | Explicit | 3.6k

Summary: This is absolutely unapologetic explicit filth but it's also absolutely unapologetic as a representation of been-married-a-while sex. That's got to be somebody's specific kink, right? If that's you, enjoy.

Why I like it: Please see above.

horizon

By @desertforestfic | Explicit | 1.6k

Summary: The sun rises on Harry and Draco.

Why I like it: Sweet and hot! Plus this Freeform tag says it all - “denial of how non-casual the casual sex is getting”.

Under the Mistletoe

By @jelliewrites | Explicit | 4.4K

Summary: Draco kisses Harry under the mistletoe...

...but not the kind of kissing you're thinking about, you sweet summer child!

Why I like it: all my favorite things in a new, clever way. The first of several sexy shorts in this established-Drarry life. Read them all!

Snow Can Wait

By its_the_allure (me!) | Explicit | 5.5k

Summary: Ten years after the war, Harry is on a first date with a cute Muggle bloke attending a classical music recital. But then the house lights go down, and an achingly familiar man with a shock of white-blond hair walks across the stage toward the piano.

This is a story about waiting - and making up for lost time.

Why I like it: Okay it feels weird to self rec in a rec list, but imma do it! This was my first time trying a non-linear narrative and I’m really pleased with how it turned out. We have a deeply in love Harry which I just adore, and Draco is super hot.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

By @moonflower-rose | Explicit | 40.1k

Summary: One summer evening, Harry Potter vanished in the middle of dinner with his friends. Four days later he came back. Sort of.

Draco Malfoy is on the case.

Why I like it: Such delicious pining!!! Very lovely characterizations of Harry & Draco. I want all the good things for them.

Come In, the Water's Lovely

By @wolfpants | Explicit | 3.5k

Summary: In the lush wilderness of Madeira, Harry and Draco reunite.

Why I like it: porn with feelings, my best and most favorite thing

Harry after Healer

By @zephyne | Teen | 1.2k

Summary: Harry’s loopy on potions after his procedure. Draco rather likes Harry this way, all open and innocent and awestruck. Oh—and yeah. Obsessed with Draco’s beauty. That part’s rather nice.

“Do we call each other ‘love’? How long have we been together?”

“We’ll have been married three years next month,” he replies.

“Merlin, I hit the jackpot!” Harry exclaims, beaming.

Why I like it: Inspired by that adorable viral video where the man wakes from surgery and can’t believe how gorgeous his wife is. So sweet and cute.

He's Perfect

By @itsphantasmagoria | Teen | 7.9k

Summary: Draco's son with Harry is a shining light in his life, and is perfect just the way he is.

Why I like it: A wonderful glimpse of Drarry’s life post-getting together, and I love how they stand up for their child. The interactions with Draco’s parents are especially satisfying.

Far From The Tree

By aideomai | Explicit | 112.5k

Summary: The arrival of Harry Potter’s children—snapped back in time, the children themselves guessed, twenty or so years—was the most interesting thing to happen at Hogwarts for years.

Why I like it: Gorgeous writing, angst with a happy ending done so well, and the smut is smutting so hard!

PS. Do you have a favorite that isn’t on this list? PLEASE SHARE IT WITH ME!!!!

[emryslore]

Emmy's Favourite

Sterek Recs

Some of my all time favorite Sterek fics straight from my ao3 collection. You can find me on AO3 under Emrys_Lore

your fangs against my skin (the sound of your bones) 21K (E) by Hedwig221b

This was it, then, huh? It was that easy for Derek to invite someone to his den. Someone other than Stiles. He healed the wolf. Stiles killed his tormentor, mended his blood and bones, and let him sleep beside him. But none of it was enough. He wasn’t a spark, after all, but a witch — evil and alone, locked up in his tower. Witches didn’t get happy endings.

Saturday Night At The Movies 7.3K (E) by aussiebee

After running into Stiles at the late night movies, Derek realises just how badly Stiles is handling the post-nogitsune fallout. He knows the feeling

A Healing Silence 36K (NR) by HelloWhyTheFuckAmIHere

Stiles is slowly pushed out of the pack following his fight with Scott about Donovan's death. After receiving a phone number from an old friend, Stiles is surprised to find that it belongs to the one person who may be able to bring him back to himself.

Bare Hands, Scarlet Dawn 3K (M) by Hedwig221b

“With your bare hands, baby?” Derek chuckled quietly. “Damn.” And Stiles… laughed. It was short and stiff, full of disbelief and something raw under its skin. But, god, only Derek could make him laugh when his entire world was crumbling down.

The Accidental Stilinski 29K (T) by DaisyBeats

Eli starts his first day at lacrosse practice being mistaken for Stiles. Eli just rolls with it *We all love a good unhinged Coach Finstock moment*

Author Tumblr's for easy reference:

DaisyBeats — @daisybeats

Hedwig221b — @hedwig221b

Aussiebee — @aussiebee

HelloWhyTheFuckAmIHere — @insecure-neurotic-control-freak

[emryslore]

Emmy's Favourite

Sterek Recs

Some of my all time favorite Sterek fics straight from my ao3 collection. You can find me on AO3 under Emrys_Lore

your fangs against my skin (the sound of your bones) 21K (E) by Hedwig221b

This was it, then, huh? It was that easy for Derek to invite someone to his den. Someone other than Stiles. He healed the wolf. Stiles killed his tormentor, mended his blood and bones, and let him sleep beside him. But none of it was enough. He wasn’t a spark, after all, but a witch — evil and alone, locked up in his tower. Witches didn’t get happy endings.

Saturday Night At The Movies 7.3K (E) by aussiebee

After running into Stiles at the late night movies, Derek realises just how badly Stiles is handling the post-nogitsune fallout. He knows the feeling

A Healing Silence 36K (NR) by HelloWhyTheFuckAmIHere

Stiles is slowly pushed out of the pack following his fight with Scott about Donovan's death. After receiving a phone number from an old friend, Stiles is surprised to find that it belongs to the one person who may be able to bring him back to himself.

Bare Hands, Scarlet Dawn 3K (M) by Hedwig221b

“With your bare hands, baby?” Derek chuckled quietly. “Damn.” And Stiles… laughed. It was short and stiff, full of disbelief and something raw under its skin. But, god, only Derek could make him laugh when his entire world was crumbling down.

The Accidental Stilinski 29K (T) by DaisyBeats

Eli starts his first day at lacrosse practice being mistaken for Stiles. Eli just rolls with it *We all love a good unhinged Coach Finstock moment*

Author Tumblr's for easy reference:

DaisyBeats — @daisybeats

Hedwig221b — @hedwig221b

Aussiebee — @aussiebee

HelloWhyTheFuckAmIHere — @insecure-neurotic-control-freak

[emryslore]

I see that my Sterek recs are getting traction again, so I guess I'll be doing another Sterek rec list soon, let me know if you guys would like a specific tag or if I should just make one with my favourites.

[emryslore]

So.. what recs would you guys like to see?

I've been busy with life and stuff recently. I'm trying to find a job. Spend time with my boyfriend before he had to go back to working abroad for a few months (unfortunately for me he has already gone back so I'll only see him next year when he comes home, very sad but it's okay). I've been socializing more, very important for mental health people!!

I found that I didn't have as much time to read fanfiction as much, but I still tried to read a few times a week so I could have a good amount of things in my bookmarks that I could share with you guys.

I'm a little stuck on what tags to do so if like for you guys to give me some ideas if it's not a problem, and if anyone would like me to look into other fandoms and or tags please feel free to let me know!

[emryslore]

it's always on the tip of my tongue

[emryslore]

hating furries is just a silencer on the gun that is hating on lgbt+ tbh

[emryslore]

I'm only saying this for your sake, but objectively, it's not a smart idea to bring politics into normal hobbies. You might lose supporters of your blog just because of your political stance, and that would be terrible since you're so amazing!! It's only a suggestion, but I really reccomend not bringing politics into anything.

[emryslore]

Merlin leaves Camelot

“Speak treason against my uncle again, and I swear you can join yours in exile forever!” Arthurs voice thundered across the throneroom.

All Merlin had done was address his suspicions of Agravaines betrayal and for framing Gaius. He hadn’t even mention Morgana, or even Uthers death.

Everyone turned to look at him. The council was seated and the knights were in uniform. The lord and ladies of court are in attendance. As usual, Merlin is standing at the sideline, observing the council meeting. He had spoken out of turn.

He can see it in their faces that they’re just as afraid as he knows he should be.

While they had all experienced arguments between Arthur and Merlins before, it had never looked like this. Merlin had never accused a nobleman in such a public manner before, and Arthur had never truly threatened banishment either.

It was clear to everyone that time it was different, and they were all terrified. But Merlin was no longer afraid. Not of Arthur’s wrath his or judgement. He was just tired.

Tired of lying. Tired of being overwork and overlooked. Tired of never being believed.

He stood his ground. He’d come this far. He had been brave enough to voice his concerns, and had hoped that by doing so publicly would encourage Arthur to listen. But it had had the opposite effect.

“I had no idea,” He mumbled. The room had become eerily quiet. No one dared move or speak.

Gaius, who practically raised the king, and whom Arthur had admitted he loved more than any other father figure, had been exiled.

On the basis of one accusation of magic.

Just like old times. A whisper of the word, and your soul is doomed. No trial. No exemptions.

At least Arthur was happy to see the old man “flee,” for it meant he didn’t have to execute him. He was happy in his belief that Gaius had apparently run, rather than stay behind and risk the pyre.

No matter how nonsensical it all was, and no matter how much Merlin argued the old man had been kidnapped and framed, Arthur had made up his mind and the punishment was decided. And Merlin was done with it all.

“I had no idea my loyalty meant so little to you” Merlin spoke louder this time while he kept his eyes fixed on Arthur’s.

Arthur, who had frozen in shock, seemed more confused than hurt, though his anger was still present in his eyes. His mouth opened and closed with no sounds coming out. Merlin had truly rendered him speechless.

Merlin knew in his heart and soul that Arthur loved and trusted him. But his actions these last months had left him feeling bereft and broken.

“After all these years. After everything we’ve been through, after everything I have done for you. War, dragons, poisons, and heartbreak. After all of it, my loyalty clearly meant nothing to you.”

Arthur had never been heartless. He had always put others before himself, and would happily die to save anyone of his people. He had once drunk poison to save his kingdom.

But his father temperament and parenting had unfortunately had lasting effects, and he would occasionally act out in anger or frustration, before he’d had the chance to think things through.

This was one such occasion.

And Merlin was not about to let him do that again. Not to Gaius. Not like this.

It saddened him to think that Agravaine had his greasy fingers so deeply entrenched into Arthur’s heart. That his influence was so strong. The man in question is seated next to the king, on his right hand side, where Sir Leon should usually sit. While his face was portraying a perfectly false shocked expression, his eyes betrayed him. They were filled with glee.

Banishment had always been Merlin’s greatest fear. Death was of course a huge concern, but to be removed from Arthur’s side was unthinkable. He would rather die than be exiled.

And yet, the prat gave him no choice.

For once in his life, or at least the past seven years, Merlin did not choose Arthur’s side. He would leave. Maybe if he left, he would have a chance of saving Gaius’ life as he took Morganas’.

He walked towards his King with determined steps. His hand reaches inside his left pocket and picks up the Sigil Arthur gifted him a year ago. He holds it in his hands and feels the weight of the silver and his decision.

But at least the decision was his to make.

Merlin forcibly put the sigil back into Arthur’s hands. The man was so stunned by his action that he didn’t move or say anything. All eyes were on them and the sigil between their hands.

“Your uncle is having an affair with your sister. Lord Agravaine is a traitor to Camelot. It was he who killed King Uther by interfering with Dragoons healing magic, just like Gaius told you. It was he who told Morgana of your travel plans. It was he who kidnapped me alongside the bandits.”

Merlin spoke so calmly and gently it that the words cut like a knife. While his anger shone through the words he used, his tone was not angry — instead it was heartbreakingly honest.

“He was the one who goaded you into killing King Caerleon and starting a war. It was he who ended your courtship with Gwen, and it was he who betrayed you when the Dorocha attacked. Lord Agravaine is not your friend. He is the reason your father is dead.”

Arthur stumbled a little at this, and had Merlin not been so angry with him, he would’ve steadied him like he always had. But not right now, he needed Arthur to hear the truth of Agrvaine’s betrayal — even if the clotpole didn’t belive him.

“I have always been by your side, my Lord. I have never given you a reason to doubt my words. I have seen them together. I have seen the many times your uncle leaves the safety of the citadel late at night and does not return until the early morning.”

Merlin sighed.

“It is true that Gaius used to practice medicinal magic. Even Uther knew that and still he kept him alive and at court because he knew that Gaius’ knowledge was valuable to his kingdom. Did you never wonder how Gaius knew so much about magical curses and creatures? He told you many times he researched them — did it never cross your mind that he had books on the subject and your father had allowed it?”

From the look in Arthur’s eyes, he had not. Nor had anyone else in the room it seemed. Whispers and mumbling broke out, but Merlin drowned them out with his words.

“My uncle is not a traitor, but yours is. My uncle has been your steady guide and friend all these years. Yet in his hour of need Gaius, who have always supported you, was abandoned in favour of a man you met two years ago.”

He laughed at the irony and gave Arthur a sad smile. “Funny how your uncle never showed his face until King Uther, who never even trusted him, was dying and you were in a situation which was easily manipulated.”

He took a step back and let his words hover over him like an axe. He knew he had just doomed himself. And he had done so in view of everyone at court, all of whom had a higher standing than him and could demand him executed for his actions.

Each and every person sitting at the table he was never granted a place at, had witnessed his treasonous speech. Merlin looked into Arthur’s eyes as he said his final piece.

“There will not be any reason for banishment, sire. I leave Camelot willingly.”

Merlin didn’t bow. Nor did he look back as he walked out of the throneroom, leaving a heartbroken Arthur behind him. After the big wooden doors closed shut, he could hear shouts and disagreements.

Agravaine was in ruptures. Gwaine was shouting in anger. Leon was desperately trying to calm the situation. He could not hear Arthur’s voice.

In moments like these, Merlin was happy he was made of magic. He could momentarily pause time, and walk freely while the world around him stood in perfect silence. Waving a hand, he stopped time and watched at people stopped moving as if frozen.

He fell to the floor and let out an earth shattering scream. Grief and rage filled him as he clawed at his torso, nails digging into his skin drawing blood, as he felt the hopelessness of the situation bleed out of him.

Merlin allowed himself a few moments to mourn the friendship he had just lost in such a tragic way. Arthur could never forgive him for such a display of insubordination and insult.

He had ended their love and friendship in such a way that it could never be repaired. Merlin had finally truly fucked up by letting his emotions overrun. The emotions he had for years suppressed and ignored.

But as much as he regretted causing Arthur pain, he didn’t find himself regretting his actions. He loved Arthur more than anything in Albion, or even the world. He would let Camelot burn to the ground if it meant saving his life — but he could not stand by and watch as Arthur burn it to the ground himself.

After years of never being treated like a true friend should, of verbal and physical assaults, he had finally stood his ground. And in doing so, he lost his King.

Like always, Merlin had to push down his own emotions, and focus on the task ahead of him. Destiny must come before anything else. He could never help Arthur become the King he was destined to be if Morgana and Agrvaiane were still alive. And maybe by leaving Camelot he had a chance.

Despite his many chances of killing them before, Merlin could never find it in himself to kill Arthur’s only living family members. He would not wish to deprive Arthur of his uncle, but that was until his own was threatened.

First he had to get up and find Gaius, and then he would have a chance to stop Morgana and Agravaine before they completely overturned Camelot and killed Arthur.

Making his way quickly to the physician’s tower, he planned to pack and leave Camelot before anyone, like Gwaine or Lancelot, could try and stop him. But with time still stopped, he had no reason to stress.

He entered his home.

The room was in total chaos, broken glass had left potions seeping into on the floor, staining it. Books were scattered and thrown about from the guards’ search of magical items. In trying to find proof of his magical treason, they had destroyed Gaius’ lifework.

And his home.

Merlin carefully stepped over the bits of broken glass on the floor, navigating through overturned tables and bookshelves, and made way to his bedroom.

The world was completely quiet. A fly was frozen in air, hovering over the windowsill. Merlin realised he had forgotten to unfreeze time. He could do that now, but he wanted some more time to pack and plan.

For years he had put Arthur’s happiness before his own, before anyone else’s even. And he had tried to bite his tongue, to act from the shadows like he always had, but this time his emotions took over.

Merlin could only hope that by causing such a scene, Arthur was forced to face the reality and consequences of his own actions. Maybe by loosing Merlin, he would finally believe him.

Getting his book and Sidhe staff, he quickly threw all his clothes into his rucksack. He grabbed his bedroll and blanket, carefully wrapping his wooden dragon into it, and made sure his room was sufficiently empty, before he left.

Merlin allowed himself one last look at his Camelot home. The smell of herbs and spices filled his nose as he closed his eyes. At last he decided to unfreeze time, and he could hear the people in the castle come back to life.

Life continued in Camelot, as Merlin made his way down the spiral stairs. He knew the knights would be running around trying to find him, not knowing he was already leaving the castle grounds.

Once he had found Gaius and killed Morgana, he would return.

But not until he had fulfilled his destiny.