#merlin fic snippet

[starrieisdelusional]

episode dedicated to merthur kiss that happened in s2 in my fix it au:

episode starts with a villain laughing evilly in the background, plotting the downfall of uther pendragon, using his newest magic-imbued deviceTM. intro rolls and it cuts to merthur banter, and uther announcing that there will be another tourney this year, the one with the horses and archery.

(merthur in the training field)

Merlin: Why are nobles so obsessed with tournaments??? Aren't you guys tired of it? We JUST had one last month (thinking about the chores he had to do)

Arthur: I don't know what you're talking about Merlin. You’re insufferable, stop being such a loser

Merlin: oh I'M the insufferable one?? have you seen yourself in the mirror???

Arthur: May I remind you that insulting royalty equals to spending the night in the dungeons???

Merlin: And yet you never sentenced me, not even once 😄

Arthur: 😁…it's such a shame, archery isn't my strong suit

Merlin: I know, you really suck at it, but what can I say Prince Arthur? you got to spare one of your talents for us country bumpkins, you can't have it ALL sire

(a squire interrupts their conversation)

Squire: excuse me sire? can you show me how to use the bow?

Merlin: go ahead arthur show him how it's done (know how much arthur sucks at archery, thinking: arthur will embarassed himself)

Arthur: (not falling for it)...why don't you show them instead merlin??

Merlin: wait what?

Arthur: oh i heard how much you've been dying to show your ways with the bow, go ahead!! this is your chance!! (took the bow from the squire's hand and shove it into merlin's hands)

Merlin: oh nonoonononono, i'm not-

Squire: Merlin can do archery??

Merlin: NO!, Arthur: YES! (at the same time, they look at each other)

Arthur: yes.

they banter for a very LONG time before Merlin gave up and demonstrate it for the squire, and to arthur's surprise Merlin is actually VERY good at it. the squire thanks him and merlin returns to arthur

Arthur:

Merlin: ????? what???

Arthur: i never knew you're proficient in archery

Merlin: i'm not??

Arthur: oh yes you are Merlin! Stop being so modest!

Merlin: (scoffs) i don't know what you're talking about

Arthur: (rolled his eyes, his face lit up) i know merlin! why don't you join the tournament!

Merlin: what.

Arthur: 😁😁 you should! it's open for everyone this year! maybe it will stop you from complaining about every tourney that’s conducted on camelot!

Merlin: stop being ridiculous

Arthur: I think it's brilliant! look i'll even be your personal trainer!

Merlin: Arthur, never in a million years would i sign up in an archery tournament

Merlin: YOUR SIGNED ME UP FOR THE ARCHERY TOURNAMENT???? (in arthur's chambers now, shoving a scroll of parchment into his face)

Arthur: (took the parchment) interesting lineups this year, no worries Merlin! i'll take care of you 😁

Merlin (already pale): you got to be kidding me

Arthur: oh relax! worse case you're just going to lose at the selection, then you can go back to polishing my armor 😉

Merlin: 😊

montage of arthur personally training merlin. it timeskips to the selection round. Merlin is in a tent dressing himself up

Merlin: (very nervous, mumbling to himself) oh my gosh, oh my gosh, what if something goes wrong, ohh nooo what am i going to do...

Arthur: (scaring him from behind) stop being a nervous wreck merlin!

(merlin actually jumps, arthur took pity on him and pulls him up, brushing off dirt out of his gears)

Arthur: (notice that merlin didn't even put the gear correctly) honestly merlin, can't you even do anything right??? (start fixing his gear)

(Merlin is nervous, still staring at the floor)

Arthur: (putting a hand on his shoulder) Merlin

Merlin: (looks nervously at him)

Arthur: (serious) you know, no matter what happens, i'm always here for you. you have my full support merlin, even gwen and morgana and gaius. if someone made fun of you, i will send them straight to the dungeons

Merlin: (a little less nervous now knowing that arthur is supporting him) thank you...

Merlin enters the selection ground, with the entire court watching him. He focuses on his target, feeling his surroundings with his magic, and it actually hits. gwen cheered at him from the crowd. gaius and morgana gave him a smile. uther was impressed. arthur beams at him from the royal chair, so proud with him.

it was break time and merlin saw the a participant doing very suspicious stuff (it's our weekly villain), he tries to follow him but arthur surprises him from behind

Arthur: you did it!! (putting an arm over his shoulder, ruffling merlin's hair)

Merlin: ow!! arthur!! (smiling bashfully)

Arthur: that was incredible! who knew you could be so good at archery! while riding a horse no less!!!

Merlin: oh stop it...(still smiling while trying to find the villain, arthur notices)

Arthur: is there a problem...?

Merlin: Hm??? oh no no...

Arthur: (looks at the direction he was looking at, notices a scrawny men) was there something particular about that guy...?

Merlin: what guy?

Arthur: that guy (points at the guy)

Merlin: i uh...no it's nothing (smiles at him)

Arthur: (not buying it) Merlin he is not the weekly sorcerer trying to kill my father right?

Merlin: (haven't even concluded that far) what?? no!! (actually considering) could be????

Arthur: (internally: merlin is on his bs again) could be???

Merlin: i don't know!!! I was right about the troll!!

Arthur: lady catrina

Merlin: RIGHT!!!

Arthur: (doesn't actually believe the guy is evil) tell you what merlin, you can continue to participate in the tournament, while i stalk after this guy

Merlin: WHAT??

Arthur: Merlin as your personal trainer i don't think now is the right time to snoop on other participants

Merlin: Arthur, for all we know, he could actually be evil!

Arthur: (patting him in the back, laughing haughtily) don't worry merlin!! he's not evil!!

Merlin: but-

they were interupted by gwen hugging him, and morgana congratulating him. merlin stops worrying about the participant. time skips to scenes where merlin keeps training for the tournament, while arthur snoops around this 'evil participant'

arthur thinks its a joke, doesn't ACTUALLY think that he's evil, and snoops around for fun. until he actually brings out his magic-device thingy and arthur went straight to merlin

(in the camp when the first round about to begin)

arthur: you're right he's absolutely evil

merlin: knew it

arthur: i will tell my father!

merlin: (stops him) arthur, we don't have proof

arthur: i'll just order a search on his room

merlin: you need to be more careful than that

arthur: fine then merlin, what do you suggest?

merlin: right after the first round, i'll help you

arthur: alright then, good luck out there (double checking merlin's gear, and merlin DID mess up the gear on his arm, arthur fixes it for him)

merlin: okay (gulps)

merlin went through the first round. but before arthur can reach him, the evil sorcerer went to him first

villain-of-the-week: congratulations on passing the first round

merlin: thanks… (suspicious but can't let it show. merlin accidentally stare at his necklace and was enchanted by it)

villain-of-the-week: i trust that we will be good rivals in the future?

merlin: (smiles) why of course

the villain leaves, arthur goes to him

arthur: that nasty scumbag, what does he want merlin?

merlin: (still smiling)

arthur: merlin??

merlin: (blinks) who?

arthur: the bloke merlin!! the evil sorcerer!

merlin: (confused) arthur, he's not evil, he's very nice actually, i hope he wins…

arthur: something is very wrong here...

merlin: he's a very pleasant guy arthur, you should learn to be like him

arthur tries to get merlin out of the daze, but merlin is just not having it. arthur eventually gave up, and tries to warn the others but they are enchanted too, the villain tries to enchant him but he avoided him. only he and morgana was left unaffected

arthur: he enchanted the entire court!

morgana: tell me about it, gwen has been fawning non-stop. it's driving me a little insane actually

the days goes by as morgana and arthur tries to stop the villain, but everyone is just complying to him. and arthur notices that the villain is always closing on his manservant. one time arthur notices him and merlin in the yard

villain: i wanted to congratulate you

merlin: that's very kind of you

merlin has been passing through the rounds, they are now in the semi-finals, merlin wasn't planning on winning this far but the enchantment made him feel obligated to this villain, he's planning to give up to him once they are in the finals

villain: i trust that the prince is very proud of his servant

merlin: he is…

villain: (gets closer to him) you are a very talented man indeed, i wonder what else you can do…maybe you can…show me in private…?

merlin: oh...i don't know...i’m not-

arthur: (already putting an arm over merlin's shoulder) what he meant to say was you should leave

merlin: oh arthur he's just-

arthur: leave.

villain: (bows) sire (leaving)

merlin: what was that about??

arthur: he was going to hurt you

merlin: nonsense! (batting away arthur’s arm) why are you being so dramatic arthur??

arthur: (a bit frustrated that his efforts are failing for the last few days) oh i’m dramatic!? I’m not dramatic at all merlin!

Merlin: (pissed off at arthur) i don’t know what you want anymore arthur! You signed me up on this tournament when i didn’t want to! And now that i’m actually winning, you don’t want me to talk to other competitors?

Arthur: no-

Merlin: (a bit of merlin’s pent-up emotions bleeds, fueled by the enchantment) do you actually have ever think about anyone other than yourself?! Merlin this, merlin that, do you know how bloody exhausting it is to be your servant?! Have you actually considered what i want Arthur? You are an asshole! A gigantic stuck up git that won’t care about anyone other than yourself!!And when i’m actually winning you can’t even cheer me on? Do you actually care about me or i’m just another accessory to you? You don’t even train me anymore!!

Arthur realizes that he has been neglecting merlin in the past few days, in favor of catching the villain. Skipping their practices, ignoring him on the tournament. And he never got his consent to enter him into the tournament

Arthur: i-

Merlin: no arthur! Screw you! (Storms off)

arthur mulls over merlin’s words while trying to catch the villain with morgana. The final tournament rolled around and when merlin and the villain is going to face each-other off, did arthur finally realizes what he actually wants

Arthur: he’s going to kill merlin

Morgana: what??

Arthur: he doesn’t want to kill father, or you, or me! He wants to kill merlin!!

morgana and arthur scrambles to defeat the villain, while the finale is happening arthur is facing off the villain

Villain: well this looks like it’s going to be your resting place arthur pendragon

Arthur: please, try me

They fight in an intense battle, Arthur finds out that no, the villain is not a sorcerer after all. He’s like valiant, only a fool messing around with witchcraft

Arthur: why are you targeting my manservant??

Villain: oh arthur pendragon, there’s a lot of things that you don’t know about him….

Arthur: what do you mean

Villain: let’s just say he’s not what he is….have you ever heard of emrys??

Arthur: i heard it a few times before

Villain: you will soon encounter that name again, especially in the presence of your servant

Arthur doesn’t really give a piss about what he means, so they fight in silence after that. Arthur lost and the villain grins

Villain: be grateful i’m not ending your life right now, but i don’t see how your life will last much longer with the death of your servant….

The villain enters the finale with merlin. They are to shoot eachother with a dummy arrow. The first person to hit the other’s armor wins. Buf ofc the villain’s arrows are actually deadly. But when he almost hits him, Morgana managed to trip him with her magic.

He tries to get up but he feels himself paralyzed and passes out (it revealed later that arthur had slathered his sword with chemicals and managed to wound the villain). Everyone snaps back to their senses and camelot cheered on their new winner. Uther congratulate him and merlin still blushed like a child, embarassed

(Morgana and arthur from the crowd)

Morgana: i’m glad it turn out well

Arthur: me too

Morgana: we’re going to be in so much trouble for disappearing on the tournament (they didn’t sat at the royal seat for the past few days, always watching silently from the crowds)

Arthur: it’s fine, i’ll do anything for him, thank you morgana (looking at merlin who’s getting carried up by the crowds, and merlin cheering at them. Arthur is too embarrassed to go up to him, still thinking about their fight)

Scene cuts to the castle once the tournament is over, in arthur’s chambers at night, arthur was getting ready for bed on his own, trying to dress without merlin. Merlin enters the room, taking pity on arthur

Merlin: you look pathetic, let me (helps arthur into his sleeping attire, which is just his pants)

Arthur: thanks…

*silence*

Merlin: (biting lip) I- , Arthur: (looking sideways) So-

Arthur: you go first

Merlin: no you

Arthur: you Merlin

Merlin: (sigh) fine (preparing himself) i’m really sorry…for what i said back then, after the semi-finals…i don’t know what happened back then, something came over me and i just- i’m really sorry arthur, i really am. I didn’t mean any of that and i-

Arthur: no merlin….i should be sorry. You’re right, i’m a stuck up git. I overworked you too much at times and I force you into things that you didn’t want to and i can be a prat. I know i’m not perfect, and i’m really sorry…

Merlin: (feels bad, but awed by arthur’s apology) arthur-

Arthur: and as your future leader too. You need to tell me when i’m crossing the line, i know i can be a bit to much at times, and i really appreciate your honesty. i…want to be the king my father am.

Merlin: (caress his hair) arthur…but you’re already so…brilliant and amazing…and everything that Camelot needs. You don’t need to become like your father, you’re already perfect the way you are. i trust the reign you will bring someday. You will always be my once and future king

Arthur: (leans on him) thank you

They stare at each-other. Arthur drawing the lines on merlin’s faces and staring into his eyes

Arthur: i never knew how curly your hair is Merlin: i tried to straighten it like yours, never works Arthur: or how sharp your cheekbones are Merlin: i get that a lot, the kids in ealdor thinks im a phantom Arthur: or how blue your eyes are….(arthur trails the merlin’s lids, until he stops on his lips)

They inched closer to each-other until their lips touch. The kiss was light, and tentative. Testing the waters. Arthur nibbles into it, once, twice, and Merlin nibbles back. Arthur forgot how long it was, maybe it was only for a second, maybe a minute. Before merlin parted from him, leaning away

Merlin: no Arthur: no? Merlin: (tries to get away from arthur)

Arthur suddenly realizes that he’s kissing merlin. He, prince arthur had just kissed merlin, his manservant, a servant, a male servant. And arthur drops his hand from him as if on fire. Merlin didn’t say anything and left wordlessly. Arthur goes to his bed, still reeling over the fact that he just kissed Merlin, tucks himself under the covers.

Outside the hallways merlin is walking towards gaius’s chambers, hand pressing over to his lips. Before he continues to walk away.

END

season 2 outline:

main post:

To find my other ramblings about this AU, filter with the hashtag #must we really rely on fate?

[regulusrules]

After Merlin returns from Avalon, he finds a letter on Arthur's desk, untouched. It was left to be found by the only person who ever ventured this close. With trembling hands, Merlin reads Arthur's last words.

Merlin,

I hate that you are not here. I hate that you left me in what could be my last days. But I regret my words, Merlin, you must know that I do. They were easier to cast than to think about surviving the upcoming days without your guidance. In truth, I have never truly felt this alone, for in my darkest days, you were always there with me. You were always protecting me from a monster I have long feared. Facing this now without you— it somehow feels like the end.

Still, I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you that way. But I do stand by some of the words I said, Merlin; you are the bravest man I know, and I channel my own strength from yours. Perhaps I overreacted because I always expected too much of you, and took your steady presence for granted. I know now that I shouldn't. I know now that it isn't what I owe you after all your years of love.

Forgive me, Merlin, for I also know that it is not cowardice that takes you away from me. Whatever the reason may be, I truly wish you succeed. I wish this endeavour brings you peace, for you, more than anyone, deserves it. I wish you find what you are looking for, and know that not a single cell in me blames you if the outcome of this battle turns unfavorable and I never see you again.

But Merlin, I do wish, more than anything, to see you again.

If not— you are to be my servant in the next life.

Your friend,

Arthur

[georgies-ftts]

Fuck it, cursed merlin wip snippet but ignore any mistakes cause i’m drunk and i dunno if the skim i did was good enough lemme know what you think and ill post another snippet tomorrow whilst i finish it and proof read 👀

Arthur returns to sipping on his wine, but this time with a skeptical look on his face that has Merlin rolling his eyes before Arthur even has the chance to speak.

“You never did tell me why you were streaked with mud earlier.”

“I wasn’t streaked with anything, thank you. It was one, small smudge.”

“You promised, Merlin.” And Arthur is right. Merlin did promise. He barely managed to get the words out but he did indeed promise Arthur that he would stop being so alone in his battles so Merlin sighs and rubs a tired hand over his eyes before he gulps down the rest of his wine. 

“Well, that reaction fills me with joy.” Arthur mumbles sarcastically as he refills the servants cup. 

“Yeah,” he mumbles. “Reports of a rogue sorceress, out in the woods.” Merlin fiddles with the sleeve of his jacket, he still isn't quite used to recounting these tales, but Arthur listens and the pressure eases slightly. “We may have crossed paths, exchanged words.” 

“And how did that happen?” Arthur looks at him like he’s disappointed and for some reason it hurts more than the sting in his belly. 

“I didn’t go looking for her. I just-” 

“-You went looking for her.” 

“Alright, yes, fine. Fucking hell.” Arthur snorts again and Merlin tries to hold in a laugh. “Shut up, I’m still- I’m not quite used to sharing… my burdens as you so called them. I went looking, she appeared, and we exchanged words.” 

“And by exchanged words you mean you fought and she kicked your arse all the way back to Camelot?” It’s Merlin’s turn to let out an affronted sound and Arthur mocks him from his place at the head of the table. 

“She did not. It was merely a tree she kicked my arse into.” Arthur nearly chokes as Merlin speaks and Merlin puts his head in his palm. 

“A tree!” Arthur sounds truly concerned but Merlin only has the energy to pinch the bridge between his eyes. 

“I’ve been launched into worse things than a tree, Arthur.” He’s serious now. The concern and worry was exactly why he doesn’t share his excursions with Camelot's latest threat and as sweet as he finds the King’s worry he doesn’t need to be made to feel like a child. 

“Like what? A building?” 

“This job.” Merlin mutters into his hand and he practically feels Arthur’s disgruntled sigh on his neck.

“Shut up, Merlin.” He doesn’t even go to respond this time, instead he goes to drop his wrist onto the armrest of the chair but as his wrist flops onto the wood the burn in his belly sparks to life and Merlin jerks in his spot. 

“You really should see Gauis, Merlin.” Every ounce of annoyance has melted from Arthur’s tone and Merlin is met with genuine concern as he tries to press away the pain. He pries open his scrunched eyes to see Arthur staring at him like a kicked puppy in expensive clothes and Merlin breathes out slowly as the pain subsides. 

“I will, if it’s still bad tomorrow. I will.” He won’t.

“Good.” They sit in a contemptuous silence with only the dying crackle of fire behind them and Merlin suddenly yearns to close his eyes and drift off to a fitful sleep and Arthur must notice the sudden droop of his eyelids because then the King is standing and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. 

“I can dress myself for bed, Merlin. You should-” 

“-Yes. Yes, I should let you sleep.”  Merlin stands quickly, the effects of the wine sending the room into a gentle spin but he slips from his place at the table and tucks in his chair, stacking the empty plates in his hand. He chokes down the rest of the wine that laces his cup and then he’s turning towards the door. 

“Goodnight, Sire.” Merlin unlatches the door and even the soft scratch of the metal manages to add to the ache in his head but he turns towards the King who still watches him from where he remains at the table. 

“Goodnight, idiot.” Arthur rolls his eyes and Merlin laughs as he pulls the doors closed behind him

[places-across-time]

Haha funny thought but what if (post-series?) Merlin one day woke up in King Uther’s body the day Arthur was born/Ygraine died?

The baby, Arthur, screams his lungs out, healthy as can be. It’s a sunny day and the light gives Merlin a good look at the boy. Beyond the blood, his skin is the scary pink of many newborn babies and he has feathery hair, dark though that’s no indication of whether he’s inherited his mother’s blonde hair.

Merlin feels he knows Arthur already, as though he’s always known him. It’s just a flight of fancy though, an imposition of the memory of the Arthur he once knew. Regardless, the baby’s presence is a comfort in his arms, however loud his cries.

There’s shuffling and quiet conversation behind him from the two other people in the room. Merlin ignores them as long as he can, until one of them comes up behind him, placing a placating hand on his arm.

“Queen Ygraine…has passed.”

Ygraine…? Merlin nearly thinks he’s misheard over the baby’s cries. Surely he doesn’t mean Ygraine Pendragon?!

Merlin whirls around and comes face to face with Gaius.

The man is younger than Merlin has ever known him, brown in his hair and face not so heavy with grief even with the recent loss. He stares with concern and trepidation at Merlin.

Merlin swallows.

By the bed is the other person, a dark-haired woman draped in red and cloaked in magic. She does not look at him but she does not need to.

Merlin takes it all in again, more critically this time.

The room looks as lavish as the King’s but fashioned for a woman, flowers at the table and colours stereotypically delicate, a vanity against one wall and a tall wardrobe at another, perfect for hanging tall items like the gowns of noblewomen. Gaius is before him and a sorceress is at the side of the dead Queen Ygraine.

Merlin looks down again, caressing the baby’s face but ignoring him for the first time to truly take himself in.

Hands thick with war, clothes of the highest quality despite appearing he’d just rolled out of bed. Merlin is almost terrified to guess who he is at the moment.

Ygraine Pendragon is dead and Merlin holds her son in his arms, his own son, Arthur Pendragon.

Don’t ask me what Uther is up to rn, I dunno, he’s probably amidst magic itself until Merlin’s body gets born (I really hope he doesn’t remember what being born feels like)

[thesongistheriver]

thanks @bebravedearheart for the tag, even though I just did one of these and am woefully short of WIPs. LOL.

Rules: you will be given a word. Then you share one sentence/excerpt from your wip(s) that starts with each letter of your word! My word is SHIP.

S: So Arthur pressed on, ignoring his uncle’s attempts to get him to give up the search. 

H: “Hardly a lie in, sire,” Merlin retorted, and the tease in his voice made Arthur bite back a smile. “It’s barely past daybreak.”

I: In the shadows, Merlin’s sapphire eyes seemed to shine. He’d draped his arms loosely over his knees, tilting his head to regard Arthur carefully, almost as if Arthur were something precious, and a soft, devoted smile flickered over his lips.

P: “Perhaps everything would have turned out differently.”

no-pressure tagging @citharaposts @shana-rosee @ravenwilds and anyone else! Your word is SNOW

[liketwoswansinbalance]

Wizard Guessing Game

Somebody sent Tedros to the insane asylum (not literally) in TOTSMOV41. Guess who.

I'm sure you've all heard of: "Which witch is which?" Well, this is: Which wizard is this? Feel free to write out your reasoning. I'm curious.

Tedros’ head lolled to the side. “'Tis ungodly, my hears. Ears. Myne eyen hear. 's the Evil wizard, foul, foul." He laughed to himself as if he had witnessed a joke no one else was privy to. His head snapped to the other side sharply, his gaze unfocused. "No—foul fowl!” he burbled in a daze, approaching incoherence.

[quotidian-oblivion]

Want to share an excerpt from one of my wips for no reason Pt 3:

"I thought of you as a friend. Trusted you more than I have anyone else in my life!"  His vision blurred with tears and Arthur hurried to rub his eyes to get rid of them.  "It is only those years that are holding me back from killing you right this instant. I'm risking everything, everything my father built, everything my kingdom stands on, all the laws, all the people, just for you."  He swiped at his eyes again.  "So take it. Take the chance and go. Leave. Stay in Ealdor, I won't send anyone after you. Don't come back."  Merlin was shaking now, his eyes shining before they released more tears.  "I can't," he said again. His voice was quiet, but fearful determination was infused in every word. "I can't leave you."

[thedragonlies]

Yes, hello. About the WIPs, I read *the succubus fic* there in parenthesis for Fruitful Delights. I'd love to hear more about that please 🙂‍↕️

(Do you have some of it posted? 👀 )

@saladscream you aren't the only one who wants to know!

So yes, the first part of this I actually posted a few months ago, but it continues to languish in my drafts longing to become a series... originally I thought it would be something lighthearted with different pairings around Camelot stumbling on the succubus fruit (which is where the title Fruitful Delights came from). But after finishing part 1, I feel like it's begging for a more serious sequel, with Arthur trying to track down lost knowledge about succubi reproductive cycles and whether he actually already has an heir out there now so he don't need no queen and can marry merlin instead

“I need to access the records that were sealed after the Great Purge. I’m looking for information on magical creatures.”

“Oh, Prince…” the man looked deeply uncomfortable. “King Uther has decreed that those records may never again see the light of day.”

“Well, I am ordering you to unseal them.”

“I’m afraid that would be quite impossible, without word from the king himself. Sire,” Geoffrey added with another bow. 

“Well?”

“I’ll go ask him immediately.” The old man went for the door. 

“Merlin!” Arthur hissed, mouthing, Stop him, as soon as he caught the servant’s gaze.

“Oh! Uh…” Merlin looked around, and finally jostled a bookcase with his shoulder so that a stack of books piled on top fell off and hit Geoffrey in the head, knocking him to the ground, where he lay quite unconscious. 

“Merlin!” Arthur reprimanded. “I meant stop him with magic, not by dropping a bloody bookshelf on him!”

“Oh.” Merlin scratched his head sheepishly. “To be fair, I probably would have just used magic to drop the books on him. That’s what I usually do.”

[procrastinatorrex]

“Why are you here?” Merlin collapsed against the wall, unable to keep up the pretense any longer. The prince caught him, pushing on one shoulder until the Druids chest was visible. “You’re not bleeding.” He said, jaw tight. “Not that kind of ambush.” Merlin replied, weakly. “I told you I wasn’t coming. Why are you here?” 

The blond man dragged him forward, ignoring his hiss of protest, and took Merlin’s weight, slinging one of the Druids arms over his crimson clad shoulders and holding tight to his wrist. “You honestly think I believe a word you say? We need to get out of here before that bastard comes back.”

[r-ate-9]

“You’re the quarterback!” Merlin called (un)helpfully. “Now look out! Percival almost killed you that time!”

“I know!” Gwaine ran faster.

Leon helped pry Elyan out of the mud. “Should we be wearing our armor?”

“Erughfhhh.” Elyan groaned back.

[starrieisdelusional]

merthur reunion in s4 of my fix it au (now not canon, i’ll explain why in the end)

merthur had just completed an epic battle, they're standing in the throne room, just like the end of s3 when arthur banished merlin 3 years ago

merlin: honestly i didn't think i will be standing here again arthur: me too (stepping down from his throne) why did you come back? merlin: (shrugs) i tried running away, but i can't...

'i can't leave you' hangs in the air

arthur: (sharp breath) you never left, even after all this years merlin: no

(silence)

arthur: why? merlin: i swear loyalty to camelot arthur: not that....(shakes his head)

(more silence)

Arthur: tell me emrys, why do you, the most powerful being ever walked on earth, continue to serve me, a lowly king with too many mistakes, too arrogant for his own good, isn't wise enough for his kingdom when i did nothing but to continue to treat you like dirt, banished your kind and family, sentenced you to exile for the last few years? merlin: (sharp breath) i live to serve you arthur: so the prophecy then? merlin: NO! (shocked at his own voice)

(merlin took a shaky breath)

merlin: no, it's not...it's not because of the prophecy...i don't serve you because of some destiny that's just ridiculous

(merlin looks to the ground)

merlin: you know arthur? i never expected to cross path with you when i entered citadel all those years ago….i thought that maybe i can make a change for myself, made new friends, maybe even become the new physician but

(merlin shakes his head)

Merlin: i never knew when i was involved in something greater than i can ever imagine, when i became magic, when i devoted myself to albion's future but…

(merlin looks at arthur)

Merlin: i think it’s you, you’re the one who changes me, and i’m not just talking about some destiny or some prophecy spewed by the great dragon. I…I serve you because you’re you. You’re not anyone else. You meant something to me. You have a kind heart, bigger than anyone else i’ve ever known, you shine like the sun when you’re fighting on the battlefield. I just- i don’t know arthur, i tried leaving, i really tried but i just cant-

Arthur is already hugging him, and merlin lets his tears drop to arthur’s shoulders, hugging him back. Arthur is crying too, nuzzling to the side of his head

Arthur: i missed you- Merlin: i miss you too Arthur: i’m sorry Merlin: it’s not your fault- Arthur: it is my fault Merlin: blame your father Arthur: i shouldn’t listen to him

They both look at each-other, seeing how much they’ve changed for the last few years.

Arthur: thank you for staying by my side merlin. i will try to make you the happiest man alive. Merlin: but i’m already happy when im with you, i’ll burn villages for you, i’ll do anything for-

Arthur kisses him, merlin kisses him back. Deep down inside, arthur realizes, he’s stupidly in love with the man standing in front of him, he doesn’t want to lose him again

Merlin: i love you, i love you, i love you... Arthur: I know...

Episode ends

Note:

This is no longer part of the story because there are changes to the plot!! This is however part of the old masterlist which you can check out here:

The difference between the old one and the new one is that the new one is much more improved and coherent! They overlap with eachother.

main post:

To find my other ramblings about this AU, filter with the hashtag #must we really rely on fate?

[empiresgleam]

Sneak peak of the forthcoming Chapter 8 of Empires Gleam, in which Merlin has gone back in time to save them all, and ended up in a friends-with-benefits situation with Arthur. Mutual pining while having sexy trysts all over the place... chef's kiss.

----

"Ready? Pull!" shouted Arthur, drawing his bow.

Merlin flicked a hand and a clay disc ricocheted into the air. Arthur took the shot and felt in his bones that it was flying true towards the target. But at the last second the disc zinged out of the way and the arrow landed harmlessly in the grass.

"Sorry? Should I go easier on you?" asked Merlin, with an innocent smile.

Arthur glared. “I can't handle anything you’ve got, Merlin.”

Merlin smirked and crooked a finger to pick up Arthur's arrow and float it back to him.

"Again," sighed Arthur. "Ready? Pull!"

This time, the arrow hit the clay disc dead on, but Arthur knew enough about Merlin now to anticipate the second surprise disc. He whipped a dagger out of the top of his boot and threw it, managing to hit the second target mostly by sheer luck.

Merlin's jaw dropped open.

"Arthur, ye gods," he said.

"That's what happens when you’ve been trained to kill since b-" said Arthur, but was cut off by Merlin's mouth landing hotly on his.

Afterwards, when they were lying on the grass, letting the night air cool their heated skin, Merlin asked, "Do you want to tell the others about this place?"

Arthur looked around the aerie, at the neat acres of mossy grass, the high stone walls covered in thick ivy that looked a hundred years old, the blossoming trees, the cozy outbuildings. He took in the whole massive arena, ringed with iron braziers, a fire burning merrily in all of them, giving a warm tone to Merlin's skin that matched his eyes, which were more often gold than blue here.

"Not right now. But eventually," he conceded. "Only because it seems a shame to let all your hard work go unappreciated."

Merlin pressed his face into Arthur's shoulder, pleased as a cat at this simple compliment.

"But not now, right?" Merlin said. "It's too– too– convenient to give up."

"Right. Exactly," said Arthur, with a shiver. Convenient. That's all it was.

------

Then there was the quiet summer morning when the unicorn stepped out of the trees.

Merlin looked at Arthur's raised crossbow, looked at the unicorn, remembered a labyrinth and a beach and a riddle of poison.

Arthur put a finger to his lips.

Merlin tackled him into the dirt.

“Wow, unnecessary,” said Arthur. “I wasn’t going to shoot it. I remember the story of the prat and the unicorn.”

“Couldn't risk it,” said Merlin. “Can't rest my whole fate on whether you are or are not a prat.”

He was lying heavy on top of Arthur, panting.

Arthur said, “You know, I’ve heard that unicorns only appear to virgins. If you’re so worried, we could make sure that neither of us ever sees one again.”

He grinned, thrust his hips suggestively, and reached up for a kiss.

Merlin tasted salt on his tongue and remembered the smell of the sea, sitting across from Arthur, two goblets between them, deciding who would die to save Camelot from the unicorn’s curse.

Tomorrow, instead of making a noble sacrifice for each other’s lives, they would probably trade furtive kisses in the armoury.

And– momentarily– horribly– Merlin wished he’d let the unicorn die.

“No!” Merlin pushed off Arthur and got to his feet roughly. “It’s getting late. Let’s get back.”

He felt the pressure of Arthur’s gaze, but avoided it all the way home.

------

New chapters coming soon to Ao3.

[georgies-ftts]

Please sir, take some dodgy half draft thing i wrote a few days ago whilst very drunk and very tired after my brain short circuited halfway through writing a piece of dialogue and this is what i wrote for some reason?????

This is the wip from the prompt/fic idea i posted last week that somehow went from funny and wholesome to incredibly depressing and kinda gay? idk man it just comes to me

~~~~~~~~~~

“He’s fine. He’s strangely protective of you” Merlin cringes. He doesn't need protection from Gwaine, or Arthur for that matter, though he thinks knowing it's there wouldn’t be too terrible.“Don't pull that face. I'm glad you had someone, at least.” Merlin sees the way Arthur holds the rest of his words on his tongue, even if it wasn’t me. 

“I didn’t tell Gwaine. Or Percy for that matter.” 

“I know.”

“Do you?” 

“I know that even you’re not dumb enough to tell any of those two before telling me.” 

“Lancelot knew.” *Theres an awkward silence and merlin thinks hes fucked it but then Arthur nods with a smile. 

“I’m glad you had him too. If anyone was deserving of knowing all of you. It was him.” Fucking gaybo.

[places-across-time]

I’m writing a Lancelot du Lac AU where Gwen and Merlin stayed besties instead of drifting apart throughout the seasons, and Merlin and Lancelot had a queerplatonic relationship.

I’m nowhere near done but I wanted to share a snippet:

“You pine for Gwen like when you first met, but I met you first.  You were mine first, and you died for me.”

Something devastatingly confused comes across the shade’s face.  Seeing that expression on Lancelot’s face, as though Merlin is the stranger, makes Merlin’s heart tighten.  He reaches back to grab the hand Lancelot still has on him and firmly it pulls it away, stepping back from the shade.

“I died for you…?” the shade says as if consolidating the information with himself, failing to sound like an echo instead of a lost child.

“What a great man I loved,” Merlin whispers, “who would walk into death itself for me.”

[pyjamacryptid]

*remembers that Merthur fic I wrote two months ago, forgot about, remembered, forgot about, and have once again just remembered*

I have got to stop doing this

And maybe actually post it

[uniasus]

Whumptober - Day 19 - BBC Merlin

This is part larger fill that's already on Ao3 if you wanna read the whole thing.

-----

“Catmor can’t see him,” Arthur whispers, and the secret Arthur thinks they all know but won’t voice haunts his sentence.  

Merlin tried to hide the impact the collar has on him, and he’s been doing a good job. But he stays too close to the Camelot knights and they all noticed the way he struggled while wearing it. A struggle the other slaves – temporary or not – aren’t sharing. Merlin’s reaction is unique, and the answer came to Arthur the second night as he watched Merlin sleep. 

The collar looked like jewelry, but it was iron.  

Not pure. Too much gold had been pressed into, or some other ore in its forging. But enough. He’d whispered it to Leon and Gwaine just that morning, a simple statement of fact. “There’s a chunk of iron in the collar.” 

It took Gwaine longer to catch on, but when he did, he simply nodded. Way more accepting than Arthur’s light night musing, or Leon’s pressed lips.  

Iron is known to have properties that only harm one type of creature.  

If Catmor knows, Arthur has no clue, but for all that magic hasn’t been a topic of conversation the past three days, there is a dearth of it in Midden. Catmor seems smart enough, or at least his backers are, to know most kingdoms in the Isles don’t approve of magic. He could be building affinity between Midden and the other Five Kingdoms, only to bring sorcerers from across the sea to launch an attack next year. Or he could truly see no place for magic in his kingdom.  

Either way, he doesn’t want him to find out about Merlin. Nor any of the other kingdom’s emissaries.  

“If you leave this room for breakfast,” Gwaine snarls, “Merlin will have to be at your side, collared. We don’t know how much he’ll recover tonight, but he’ll sure as hell need more than a night’s sleep.” 

“He didn’t eat supper,” Arthur confesses. “I tried to sneak him something at the feast, but I don’t think he noticed.” 

“No,” says Leon. He reaches for Merlin’s boots and pulls them off.  

Arthur watches Leon and Gwaine make Merlin comfortable, not able to allow himself to touch the other man. It feels wrong. Arthur is supposed to protect Merlin, keep him safe, and he is failing. He has no right to help settle the man.