#merlin's magic reveal

[quotidian-oblivion]

How I picture Leon finds out that Merlin has magic:

Merlin was tired.

Not because of the abundance of chores and the fatigue that came from running around after yet another assassin, but because he hadn't used his magic at all for the past month. Yes, even with the presence of the assassin. Gwaine had fortunately been there to knock the guy out and throw him in the dungeons, catching him red-handed.

He had been trying to stay as cautious as possible, which was why he hadn't used magic in such a long time.

But the fact was - Merlin was born with magic. It was as natural as breathing to him. So when he didn't use magic for an extended period of time, he would get tired.

He needed to use magic. Just a small bit.

He would do it in the safety of his room, but he was currently carrying Arthur's armor to his chambers from the training field and it was heavy and he was so so tired and- well, it would only be a small spell.

He put the armor down, checked that no one was around, then held up a palm. His eyes flashed gold and a small fire appeared on top of it.

Just because he had missed his magic, he flashed his eyes gold and made the flame morph into a butterfly. He smiled as it slowly flapped its wings, staying on Merlin's palm.

Then Merlin heard a gasp and he snapped his head to the newcomer.

The thing about knights was that they were trained to be as quiet as possible even in armor. It was required for certain missions as well as hunting. But armor was impossible to be quiet, so Merlin, having spent a significant amount of time with them, had trained himself to automatically hear when they were approaching. And since they were always in their armor anyway, even sleeping in it sometimes, he had relied on that to alert him of anyone crossing the hallway.

After all, anyone else - servants and nobles alike - wouldn't bother quieting their footsteps while walking.

If they did, it would be because of malicious intent so it wouldn't matter if they saw Merlin or not.

But occasionally - very very occassionally - knights walked around without their armor.

That, combined with their light footsteps and silent movements, had caught Merlin unaware.

So when he snapped his head over to look at Leon staring with wide eyes at the butterfly made of flame in his hand, Merlin was surprised. More than that, he was afraid.

The two of them froze, with Leon's gaze on the fire butterfly and Merlin's on Leon, standing rigidly like deers caught in the wild.

Then Leon raised his eyes from the butterfly to Merlin, then back to the butterfly, then back to Merlin again-

Before he spun on his heel and walked the other way whistling jovially like he hadn't seen anything.

Merlin was still frozen like a deer. He didn't move until several minutes later when he did hear armor clinking against each other. That was when he got rid of the butterfly and hefted the armor up, walking back to his room, leaving Arthur's armor in favor of panicking.

~

When Merlin met Leon in the armory that evening, he tried to approach him. Leon, recognizing what Merlin was trying to do, let him, moving into a secluded changing room far from the armory with the other knights and squires and pages.

Leon nodded at Merlin in greeting when Merlin closed the door.

"Leon," Merlin started. "What you saw-"

"That you were shirking Arthur's chores? No worries. I didn't give you away before, I won't do so now."

Merlin blinked. "What?"

Leon sighed. "Look, Merlin. I don't get paid enough, even as a knight. Not with all those missions and calamities that keep getting Arthur into trouble. So I refuse to deal with anything above my paygrade. Even you avoiding chores."

Merlin blinked again.

Leon clapped a hand on his shoulder, and with a smile, left the room.

Merlin looked after the knight, wondering for the first time, exactly how many times the knight had committed or aided or turned a blind eye against treason for him to be this casual about it.

[hoarder-of-dragons]

Arthur could have noticed earlier if he wasn’t already enamored by Merlin. But perhaps his brain was hiding the truth because he knew once he dwelled over the thought, it would just lead to a series of events that wouldn’t end well.

It all finally came together not in a dramatic reveal but by gardening. Gardening. Yes. Apparently he underestimated the/foolishness of his manservant because when he took a walk to the woods nearby (“And no Merlin” he answered to a suspiciously cheeky voice that resembled his manservant in his head, he was not running away from the castle, it's just that the forest seems to be more peaceful and inviting than usual) when he heard strange sounds near the lake.

With the sleight of a tiger and the grace of a swan (No he was not exaggerating his feats Mer-lin), he slowly glided through the grass, hiding in the shadows. Many bandits have settled near as the king got more sick by the day and Morgana’s disappearance didn’t help. The mutterings he heard didn’t seem too dangerous. It looked like it belonged to one person

A very well known person in fact, as when he finally came to view the silhouette near the waters, a familiar red neckerchief and flop of dark hair stood out.

He was about to call out what his manservant was even doing in these parts when he was supposed to be cleaning his armour, when his words got stuck in his throat.

Magic

He was certain whatever happened right now was magic

Because Arthur would really like another explanation on how leaves can float around and make shapes strongly resembling dragons. There wasn’t even a wind for God’s sake.

Oh also if that wasn’t enough, if he slightly tilted his head, he can even see the gold in his eyes

So Merlin has magic.

He waited for the feeling of anger and rage to take over but all he felt was disappointment. Disappointed that he didn’t find out sooner, though all the indescribable mishaps along the years made more sense. Disappointed that Merlin felt that he had to hide magic from him. And why wouldn’t he.

He was the prince of Camelot, a magic banned kingdom with Uther Pendragon as his father. He was sure the roles were reversed; he would have done the same.

There was still a touch of betrayal in his heart but most of it is subdued (not only has he been trained to be a king but also to control his emotions. if he tries to) . Deep down, he knew Merlin was hiding, lies spoke through his mouth though his shifty eyes gave way to reveal that he was hiding something. But he knew once he discovered whatever Merlin was hiding, it was for a good cause

He still needed time

He needed time to think this all over

[addrianastarflower]

Best Magic Reveal Fics

Since Merlin is trending again, I might as well have this great oppurtunity to compile my list of the top 10 Merlin's Magic Revealed fics! These are in no paticular order because I love them all so much <3 -- All fics are rated Gen, Teen+, or Mature. None contain explict content.

Secret Whistle by thenerdyindividual -- I know I said these are in no paticular order, but this is the very top of my list. The emotions are well done, the characterization is on point, and on top of that it's hilarious. A complete must read for anyone in the fandom.

As a Sea Shell by bathilda bagshot (wellthengameover) -- I cannot even express my love for this fic. The symbolism is wonderfully done and the emotion is really just WOW

With Sufficient Thrust, Pigs Fly Just Fine by inktomi -- wonderfully hilarious, just a really good fic overall

Hide and seek by Lola_Rose_Robins -- Merlin is the feral little boy we all know and love in this fic, 10/10

Merlin Rewritten: God AU by Villain_Complex (Random_Fandom_writer) -- The emotion is really jut RAW in this fic, I love it so much.

One of the Wonders by versaphile -- Really well done character study

All the Colours in Disguise by inktomi -- JUST THEM AH

Noble('s) Wrath by Zaharya -- just *mwah* good

Wolf's Eyes by PeaceHeather -- beautiful and stunning, a collection of really interesting tropes all bundled into a well executed fic

between you and gravity by schweet_heart -- cutie time I love them

Top 10 Merlin Fics in general: HERE

[aecs-multy]

Secrets are (not) meant to be kept secret

Summary:

He acted by instinct. He was already talking in the dragon tongue before he had time to think things through. The only thing Merlin knew was that one moment a wyvern was attacking Gwaine and the next the creature was scurrying away in the direction it had come as Merlin had commanded.

He could already see the Triple Goddess welcoming him into the afterlife.

Merlin just wanted to get as far as possible from the ruined fortress. He had been on edge since they had dismounted their horses, his magic telling him that something was dangerous here. But of course Arthur wouldn't listen, instead making fun of Merlin and his 'funny feelings' even after all the times he had proved himself right.

The sun hadn't already set, but it wouldn't be long before the darkness surrounded them. Merlin resigned himself and kept alert as they entered the ruins they had decided to camp on for the night. Lancelot walked by his side, sword at the ready as he knew what it meant when Merlin was on edge, and gave him an apologetic smile with a shrug of his shoulders. Merlin was thankful that at least someone believed him, although by the worried looks that Gwaine was constantly shooting around, Lancelot may not be the only one that had listened to him. The rest of the knights walked without much care, only a hand on the hilt of their swords just in case. It wasn't long before they found a room big enough for all of them to rest comfortably, and Merlin went to get something to burn a fire for the night.

"Have you found the monster that lived in the ruins yet, Merlin?" Arthur asked when Merlin returned. The rest of the knights chuckled at their banter, everyone already settled while Merlin started lighting the fire.

"For a second I thought I had found a troll, but don't worry, sire, it was just you," Merlin said with a smirk, even if the feeling of danger wouldn't disappear from the back of his mind.

Gwaine's chortle sounded the loudest through the room at the astonished look on the king's face, but everyone's laugh stoped the moment a loud screech was heard in the distance, and Leon asked, "What was that?"

The six knights moved fast as they got to their feet, unseating their swords and watching the entrance the sound had come from.

"That was a pheasant," Gwaine said, a nervous smile on his face as he glanced at Merlin before looking back at the entrance.

He almost wanted to laugh at the memory of their time in the perilous lands, but the wyvern that entered the room stopped him from reminiscing of the past. Soon, other two followed the first one, screeching and groaning while they cautiously approached their group.

The odds were in their favor, but Merlin knew better than to let his guard down around the winged creatures. With a roar of one of the wyverns, the battle begun, but it wasn't until Percival's sword pierced the last one that the warlock allowed himself to relax. No one seemed to be dangerously injured, so Merlin let out a sigh of relief.

"Well, that wasn't that hard, was it?" Gwaine said, moving his head to get his hair out of his face and turning to grin at Merlin. "They just were really big pheasants." Despite his careless demeanor, he was panting from the effort of fighting the creatures.

Merlin was about to reply when he saw a fourth wyvern coming out of the shadows of the other entrance, behind Gwaine, and his face paled. As the wyvern threw himself at the knight, Merlin knew that Gwaine wouldn't be able to react in time, to defend himself against an attack from his blind spot.

He acted by instinct. He was already talking in the dragon tongue before he had time to think things through, and the words came to him like second nature. The only thing Merlin knew was that one moment a wyvern was attacking Gwaine and the next the creature was scurrying away in the direction it had come, as Merlin had commanded.

No one said anything, and only the sound of the cracking fire disturbed the silence. Merlin's hands started trembling as terror took hold of him when he realized what he had just done, but most importantly, in front of whom.

"I-" he tried to say, but his throat was closed and not another word would come out. I messed up, he thought. The trembling of his hands started to spread throughout his body with every beat of his heart. He looked around him, each knight with a different emotion on their face. Arthur was still looking at the space the wyvern had been a moment before.

Merlin wanted to talk, to say something, but the words were stuck. With every second of silence the panic he felt only increased. "I'm- I- I'm sorry," Merlin managed to get out after several tries.

"Who are you?" Arthur asked, his tone so soft he wouldn't have heard it if it weren't for the loud silence. He was finally looking at Merlin, and it pained him to see the look on Arthur's face, as if he were watching someone else and not his best friend who had accompanied him to battle countless times.

"Merlin?" It was Gwaine's turn to talk when Merlin didn't answer the king's question, but the knight didn't look at him with disgust or uneasiness. He saw only worry in his features and a caution usually reserved for frightened animals, which he supposed wasn't very far from the truth as his shaking continued.

He didn't know how to answer Arthur. He was the Merlin Arthur knew, but he was also Emrys and the Once and Future King's other half. He was magic and a Dragonlord. But Arthur only knew one of those because the rest were a secret he had kept to himself for years now. Instead, he said softly, "I have magic."

Arthur made a chocked noise that took hold of Merlin's heart and squeezed until it felt like it was breaking apart.

Merlin startled when a hand landed gently on his shoulder, so focused on Arthur that he hadn't noticed Lancelot coming to his side. "I think we should talk," Lancelot said, giving Merlin's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"You knew," Arthur breathed out. It wasn't a question, but a statement, betrayal and pain clear in his voice as his face started to turn red with anger.

Merlin's gaze caught Gwaine's, and his reaction to Lancelot's interference was similar to Arthur's, the same betrayal and pain, but instead of anger he found a sea of sadness on his brown eyes.

"I did. I have known since the day we defeated the griffin," Lancelot admitted, voice loud and clear where Merlin's had been a mere whisper. "He didn't tell me, and if I had found out today like the rest of you, I wouldn't blame him, because it's a secret that could cost him everything. However, he risked everything when we fought the griffin and used his magic, and thanks to that I survived back then, the same way it's only because of Merlin that Gwaine is still with us now."

Merlin felt his vision turn blurry with unshed tears, but he forced them away, as he tried to push through the panic. Lancelot was trying to help him and he couldn't break down now, not when Lancelot would be accused of treason along with him if things went wrong. "I only use it for you, Arthur. For Camelot," Merlin said, voice slightly less unsure, but still pleading for him to understand.

"You're a sorcerer," Arthur said, spitting the last word with disgust.

"I was born with magic, I didn't chose to," he said in reply.

Their attention was pulled away from each other when Gwaine started to walk towards Merlin. For a second he feared his life would end before he had a chance to explain himself. However, no blade pierced his heart. Instead, two arms encircled his body and a voice whispered next to his ear, "Nothing has changed for me, you're still my truest friend, bog man."

It took his brain a second to realize that, at least, he hadn't lost Gwaine, and that is all it took for the tears he had fought so hard to contain to spill out as he returned the embrace.

"Gwaine!" Arthur's voice sounded disbelieving, and Merlin couldn't blame him because he hadn't expected someone to welcome him with open arms after they discovered their secret either. And yet, Gwaine's arms around him were proof that he still cared about Merlin, even now.

Gwaine pulled away from the embrace, but kept close enough to put an arm around Merlin's shoulders as he stood next to him. "What did you want me to do, princess?" Gwaine said. "If a friend tells you a secret that has him fearing for his life, the knightly thing to do is to support him, isn't it?"

Merlin felt Gwaine's shrug of his shoulder through the arm around him. Arthur's mouth started opening and closing, but when nothing came out of it he groaned in frustration and started pacing while he run his hands through his hair in desperation.

A few minutes passed where no one talked and everyone let Arthur organize his thoughts. Meanwhile, Gwaine kept Merlin close while rubbing his shoulder, something that he felt comforting even if the threat of an axe cutting his neck or burning in the pyre still haunted his thoughts.

"Talk," Arthur finally said when he stopped, jaw clenched and gaze hard.

It was a chance to finally lay it all out in the open, and Merlin did. He told him about his magic and how he was using it before he could even walk. He told him about coming to Camelot, to learn how to control his magic without just following his instinct. He told him about bandits and magic beasts that could only be killed with magic. He told him that magic didn't corrupt, that it was each person that chose how to use it. When he finished with one story, he went on to the next, finally free from the weigh on his shoulders that was his secret.

"-killed Nimueh after he tried to trick me and sacrifice Gaius instead of me-"

"-I freed the dragon, but I didn't know Kilgarrah would-"

"-told me that Balinor was my father and, when he died, I turned into the last Dragonlord-"

"-you from the Sidhe Sofia and his father when they tried to-"

"-tried to heal your father, but Agravaine put a-"

They had all sat down around the fire when Merlin had started talking, and by the time he had finished several hours had passed. The knights had asked questions and listened with an openness that Merlin could have only wished for, nodding from time to time as if the pieces of an incomplete puzzle where finally fitting in and they could at last make sense of it. Neither Gwaine nor Lancelot had moved from his side and they offered words of support when his emotions became too much and he had to stop for a bit.

Through it all, Arthur was quiet. He stared at Merlin with an intensity that made it impossible to look at him for too long, although he noticed how he flinched at certain parts like when he mentioned Balinor's death as well as Freya's.

"How many times?" Arthur asked, and he must have seen the confusion in Merlin's eyes, because then he clarified, "How many times have you saved me or Camelot?"

Merlin opened his mouth, but then frowned and stared the fire. "I don't know. I never counted them. It wasn't about how many times I protected you. It was just about keeping you, and everyone in Camelot, safe, regardless of the number of times I had to do it."

Arthur nodded just once at the answer and the silence returned once again to the room. Everyone seemed to think about what Merlin had been saying, each of them in their own world with pensive looks.

He felt a hand over his and turned to look at Gwaine, who was looking at him with affection and pride, making his heart race once again, but this time not in a bad way.

"No matter what happens, I will always be by your side, magic or not. Besides, I'm already planning some pranks that will need your help," Gwaine said as he bumped their shoulders and interlocked their fingers. Merlin's grin was genuine for the first time in what seemed decades.

It had happened slowly, he realized, but as he spent more time in Camelot and started to have more friends he loved and had to protect, keeping his magic a secret had started to weigh him down more than it ever had before, because he didn't want to lie to the people he cared about.

Now he was finally free of that weight and still had friends by his side no matter what, like Gwaine had said.

"Thank you," Merlin said in response, trying to convey his gratitud with just those two words and rubbing Gwaine's had with his thumb.

When Arthur stood and walked towards Merlin, he was ready for whatever he was going to hear, or at least he thought so.

"Merlin, I..." Arthur stopped talking to let out a deep sigh before getting on one knee and putting one hand on Merlin's shoulder. "I'm sorry you couldn't tell me sooner, or anyone else-"

"Arthur, it's not-"

"Yes, it is my fault, Merlin. And even after hearing you, there is still a voice in my head saying that magic is evil," Arthur said, and Merlin could see how much it hurt him to admit that. "You're my best friend, and it pains me to see how much you've suffered because of me. It's going to take some time until I can silence that voice, but I promise you that no harm will come to you because of who you are as long as I'm the king of Camelot."

"Are you saying...?" Merlin said with a trembling voice, not wanting to get his hopes up, but unable to stop himself from doing so.

"Yes, Merlin, you won't be executed nor banished, and I'm planning on lifting the ban on magic," Arthur said with a roll of his eyes, and Merlin threw himself at his friend to hug him. Surprisingly, Arthur returned his hug, even if just for a few seconds before he pulled apart. "You're such a girl."

When he looked at Lancelot, he had one of the biggest smiles he had ever seen in him. He was lucky to have them as friends.

The other three knights that had refrained from interfering while they talked, walked towards them and congratulated Merlin, giving him a few pats on the shoulder and back.

For the first time in his life, Merlin felt truly happy. Soon, he wouldn't have to hide anymore. He would be able to do magic freely and talk about it without being constantly on alert and hiding who he was. His friends knew what he was and they had accepted it.

"It will take time, though, before we can change the old laws for new ones if we want to avoid chaos," Arthur said, but not even that could spoil his happiness.

"Your father only needed one day to create them, so do it fast, Princess," Gwaine said with a teasing smirk.

"And look the mess he left me," Arthur said waving his hand in Merlin's direction, "a useless manservant that wouldn't be so useless if he could use his magic."

"I don't care about the time it takes," Merlin said with a wet chuckle, trying to stop the now tears of happiness with the sleeve of his blue shirt. "I have waited my whole life. I can wait a bit longer."

"Well then, everyone, lets get some rest and we'll talk more tomorrow," Arthur said, and everyone listened to him.

Merlin wouldn't be able to sleep even if he wanted to with the amount of energy he had in his body, so he chose to watch after their group in case another wyvern or some other creature appeared. He leaned on a wall and hugged his legs to his chest, resting his chin on his knees while he looked at his friends with a smile that wouldn't disappear anytime soon.

"So, apparently you're the greatest sorcerer to ever walk the earth." Gwaine said as he sat down next to him.

He didn't reply, just smiled with everything he got. No more holding back.

Gwaine answered with his own grin before running his hand through Merlin's hair, what got him a shove. It felt good to go back to their camaraderie as if nothing had happened.

"I believe I haven't thanked you yet for saving me, oh great Emrys," Gwaine said, and his smile turned genuine, filled with warmth.

"You don't have to, I did it for selfish reasons," Merlin said. Gwaine's acceptance mattered to him in a different way than the other knights', because the way he cared about him was different. He hoped that the words he had said conveyed the meaning of the words he hadn't.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Gwaine said after a bit, expression more serious than before. "Were you worried that I would have turned my back on you?"

Merlin turned to look away from his face, gaze unfocused. "No... well, yes, but it wasn't you I was worried about. Not really," he said with a sigh before glancing at Gwaine out of the corner of his eye to watch his reaction. "Since I was a kid, my mom has constantly warned me about keeping my magic a secret from others, and even when I came to Camelot Gaius always said the same thing as her. It didn't matter who it was, the fear was always there even if I trusted all of you with my life. It was something I couldn't tell anyone, not just you.

"I knew that Morgana had magic and yet I didn't even dare to tell her. It may have been an irrational fear, but it's difficult to forget about something that has been carved deep into your mind, the same way it's difficult for Arthur to forget about his father's warnings about magic, no matter how irrational it may be." Merlin started playing with the hem of his shirt, waiting for Gwaine to speak. He wanted him to understand that it wasn't because he didn't trust the knight.

"I understand, I just... wished that I could have helped you somehow," Gwaine said as he took Merlin's hand in his and interlocked their fingers. "I know that Lance was there for you, but I hate that I wasn't." he admitted in a soft voice. Gwaine's free hand reached up to cup his face and he leaned into the touch subconsciously as his thumb brushed Merlin's cheek.

"From now on, count on me for anything you need, alright? I don't care what it is. Even if you need me to run naked in the forest for some ritual, I'll do it," he said with a chuckle, "I'll do it for you." His words caused Merlin to blush, and Gwaine seemed to be delighted by that.

"Thank you, but I don't think there are any rituals that require someone to run naked in the forest," Merlin said.

"Well, I know of a certain ritual that requires nakedness, from both parts involved," Gwaine said with a wiggle of his eyebrows, and Merlin felt his blush deepen, but then Gwaine's eyes lost their playfulness as he leaned in slowly, giving Merlin a chance to move away. When he didn't, Gwaine's lips soon met his in a kiss that was far too innocent and chaste for it to come from someone as flirtatious as the knight, but it still made Merlin's heart race and a shiver to run down his spine.

"I have wanted to do that for a very long time," Gwaine said when he broke the kiss, resting their foreheads together. "Will you show me? Your magic?"

The question caught him off guard and he leaned back to watch Gwaine's face, making Gwaine's hand fall from his cheek, but he didn't see any hint of doubt or a joke. "You want to see my magic?"

"I want to know everything about you, and that includes your magic," he said with a reassuring squeeze to his hand.

"Okay," Merlin said as he thought about something he could do to impress him, but being careful not to scare him away either. When he saw the sparks from the burning fire in the center of the room, and idea came to his mind. He pulled from his magic as he extended his hand in the direction of the flame and sent it that way with the intent of giving it shape. A small dragon formed from the sparks, flapping its wings experimentally before flying towards the two of them and landing in front of their feet.

Merlin heard the gasp that came out of Gwaine's mouth and when he looked at him he had an awe stricken expression on his face, the corners of his eyes crinkling a bit because of his smile. When he reached to touch the little dragon the creature exploded in a thousand of sparks that floated around them, reflecting on Gwaine's eyes and illuminating the space the two were in.

"Your eyes," Gwaine said in a breathless tone with his mouth slightly ajar, "they're- you're beautiful."

"So are you," Merlin said before leaning in for another kiss, just because he could, and Gwaine seemed to want it too as he reciprocated in kind. This one was less chaste than the first one, but it was still full of affection as Merlin and Gwaine explored with their tongues each others' mouths. When they broke apart they were both panting and Merlin's hand had found its way to the back of Gwaine's head through his hair while Gwaine's was on Merlin's back, pulling them closer together.

"I want to court you. Properly," Gwaine said, "even if I don't know what I'm doing." Gwaine was biting his lip with a kind of nervousness that he had never seen in the knight before.

"You don't need to worry about anything. I will always want you, even if our attempts at courting each other end up in disaster."

"Wait, our attempts?" Gwaine said as a smirk started to grace his lips, the nervousness from a second ago banished from his expression.

"Of course, you didn't think that I would do nothing while you courted me, did you?" Merlin said with a grin.

"Then shall we make a bet and see which of us makes the other fall in love faster?" Gwaine said, a playful touch in his eyes.

"I don't think you should make that bet as you're bound to lose," Merlin said with a cheeky shrug of his shoulders.

"And why would that be?" Gwaine said playing along.

"Because I can make that cheese that tasted of apple pie you once dreamed about..." Merlin said as he gathered all the sparks around them on his outstretched hand and willed them to take the form of a piece of cheese, "with my magic." He felt giddy just by being able of saying something like that out loud without fear and he was almost afraid that he would wake up from at any given moment.

However, he didn't wake up, and, as Gwaine grabbed his face with both hands and joined their mouths in something that was more lips pressed together than a kiss, he could only look at the future with hope as he listened to Gwaine murmur something along the line's of 'luckiest man to ever walk the earth'.

[hopelessromantic5]

“You would choose Merlin over your sovereign?” Frustration was present in his tone but it gave no indication of what Arthur wanted the answer to be.

So, instead, Leon told the King the truth.

“No, sire. We would choose Merlin because you are our sovereign.” Arthur was taken aback at that. “If we allowed any harm to befall Merlin, even by your own hand, you would never forgive us, Arthur.”

At once, Arthur knew Leon was right.

[counting-stars-gayly]

Sometimes, I think about how Merlin purposefully turned Arthur against magic twice—the first time to save his soul and the second to save his life—so when he finally told Arthur he was a sorcerer, it was the ultimate bamboozle.

“How could the bumbling idiot I’ve known all these years have been my greatest protector the whole time?” Yeah, sure. But also: “How could a sorcerer have chosen me over magic? Over his own freedom and the freedom of those like him? Over the gods who created him and the religion that saves him?” It’s one thing to die for someone and another thing entirely to give up who you are for them.

Obviously, Merlin was wrong, and that’s why playing God had an effect opposite to what he’d intended. But I think it’s so interesting to consider how Arthur might have viewed this confession. He was betrayed by Morgana because she loved herself more than her own brother and betrayed by Uther because he loved himself more than his own son. And all of this while Merlin, at first, fell in love with the cause and, then, even more with the man behind it. His loyalty to and love for Arthur was so pure it turned sinful, and I don’t think Arthur would have ever gotten over that. If he hadn’t died.

[abisalli]

sometimes he forgets the power behind his magic and goes a bit overboard-

[thefabledpheasant]

The reason they couldn’t do an earlier magic reveal is because if Arthur had seen the way Merlin’s eyes turn into pools of starlight when he does magic, Arthurs defenses would’ve fallen and allowed him to realize everything he ever needed was standing right in front of him and everything would’ve fallen into place for them to build the Camelot they dreamed of.

But this is a tragedy.

[theroundbartable]

Imagine Arthur and Merlin end up in another kingdom for a peace treaty and their king demands that Arthur prove his convictions on magic.

After all, they didn't want to aid a hesitant king.

So, they put a sorceress to the pyre, claiming she'd used magic.

It's the first time during Arthur's reign that something like this happens and Arthur hardens his expression. Especially when Agravaine reminds him what he's meant to do it for. Arthur's seen through these before, so he tries to endure it.

Merlin, however, can't watch this. Not when Arthur is king. Not straight up burning her at the pyre, so he moves to stand between the pyre and the foreign king. : I'm begging you, let her go!

King: "you let this servant speak up against you like that?!"

Arthur: "I apologize, he can be a bit thick in the head and he has a heart for druids. Merlin, please-"

Merlin: *growls* "I'm not speaking up against Arthur, I'm speaking out to YOU! You have to stop this! She's innocent!

King: *laughs*. Boy, you have no authority here! This woman is one of my citizen! I can do with her as I please!

Merlin: *snaps* The druids are nomads. They live in the forests, not your kingdoms.

King: the forests are part of my kingdom! If the druids want an advocate for their rights, Show me THEIR king.

Merlin: *freezes* wait, what did you say?

Arthur: Merlin, come back here, only the king of the druids may speak up for this woman -

Merlin: *gasps*. Hold on. You mean, Emrys has authority as king? He's a sovereign?

Arthur: yes, Merlin. Of course he is. Although he's a legend, he's technically royalty.

Merlin: *groans* seriously? Why on earth does no one ever fucking tell me these things?! *Takes deep breath* well then, I guess I have no choice.

Arthur: good, now-

Merlin: I'm no longer asking. I demand you let her go.

King: excuse you?!

Merlin: *eyes blazing with magic* Let. Her. Go.

[an-entity-i-think]

Magic reveal in a terrible situation except whenever it's over and Merlin saved Arthur and the knights hes so tired and upset and angry and overwhelmed and he just sort of turns to denial and

"No." Merlin shakes his head slowly and then more sure.

Everyone looks at him appalled but before Arthur can even open his mouth, he's interrupted by tiny nervous giggles from Merlin rocking back and forth in front of them before stopping abruptly and looking up determinedly.

"No. You all-" he points at the knights (who only flinch a little thank you), "-are you going to pretend you never saw that and then- then!" Merlin says a little hysterically pointing at Arthur now who can't help but take a step back and the look in his eyes.

"You! Are going to wait and then when the time is RIGHT just like I PLANNED I will tell you I have magic! And it will be the perfect moment! And it'll be when I'm ready and I'll tell you everything and it'll be SAFE and and- and you'll be upset but you'll understand and this is just-" Merlin screams a little to himself making everyone's eyes widen.

Merlin looks down with his eyes closed and takes a long breath.

He looks up at them looking like he's about to cry before saying desperately in a small voice, "You guys didn't see anything, right?"

Silence greets him before Gwaine cuts in, in a much less boisterous voice than usual, "I didn't see anything." Looking at the knights beside him, he elbows Elyan in the ribs causing a grunt.

Wincing at the pain, "I don't know what you're talking about." Elyan looks at the others with a very obvious look of 'your turn'.

Percival shrugs solemnly, "I was blinded by the sun."

Leon looks hesitantly over to Arthur before straightening his shoulders, "It must have been a trick of the light."

Merlin's shoulders relax a little as he nods to himself before everyone looks to Arthur.

Arthur looks at his knights and then back to his trembling manservant before looking to the ground and then to the sky.

"We were simply lucky as we always are."

Merlin breaths and everyone ignores the tears falling down his cheek as he turns around.

[happypeachsludgeflower]

It would be delightful if a fed up Arthur went on a journey to find Merlin who, according to Gaius, is at the tavern again, only to start realizing that Merlin has literally never been to the tavern because no one knows who Merlin is (or at the very least they’re insistent that Merlin’s never been there.)

[quotidian-oblivion]

Want to share an excerpt from one of my wips for no reason Pt 4:

He jumped in surprise when he saw Arthur standing right in front of him and his eyes betrayed fear. 

"My lord?" he asked, but his voice cracked. 

So Mordred knew Merlin was in the dungeons. Who—

Right. Gwaine had been there. He dimly wondered if Gwaine was a sorcerer, but decided that he wouldn't be losing as many gambling games as he was if he did practice magic. 

"You are a druid," Arthur growled in a low voice. 

A flash of surprise mixed with desperation crossed his face, but he solemnly nodded. "I am."

"You use magic," Arthur growled again. 

"I do." Mordred's voice went as quiet as Merlin's had. This only made Arthur angrier. 

He pushed Mordred back in and shut the door. 

[treasureguardingdragon]

i like the idea of a fic where arthur finds out about merlin’s magic, then all of a day passes and arthur has absentmindedly revealed it to half the kingdom

and merlin is so unbelievably frustrated because he managed to keep his secret for YEARS but arthur couldn’t even manage a single day??

and arthur just feeling really embarrassed about having accidentally mentioned merlins magic to five separate people on five separate occasions without realising it

[aecs-multy]

Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Category:

M/M

Fandom:

Merlin (TV)

Relationships:

Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin)

Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin)

Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin)

Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin)

Characters:

Merlin (Merlin)

Gwaine (Merlin)

Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Lancelot (Merlin)

Leon (Merlin)

Percival (Merlin)

Elyan (Merlin)

Additional Tags:

Protective Gwaine (Merlin)

Protective Lancelot (Merlin)

Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin)

First Kiss

Emotional Hurt/Comfort

Happy Ending

No Beta Read We Die Like Morgana

Alone

Language:

English

Words: 3948

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

He acted by instinct. He was already talking in the dragon tongue before he had time to think things through. The only thing Merlin knew was that one moment a wyvern was attacking Gwaine and the next the creature was scurrying away in the direction it had come as Merlin had commanded.

He could already see the Triple Goddess welcoming him into the afterlife.

[merthur-she-wrote]

Prompt:

Arthur’s known about Merlin’s magic almost from the beginning.

When he first discovered it, he tried to warn Merlin, discreetly - commenting on the dangers of magic without addressing Merlin’s magic specifically so he won’t have to arrest him. Over time though, he slowly learns - from Merlin - that magic isn’t all that his father has always claimed.

After this, it becomes a bit of a game to them; Arthur warning Merlin about magic, and Merlin coming up with the most outrageous of stories to try to explain it away.

But then the day comes when Arthur realises that Merlin never knew that Arthur always knew the truth.

[merrilinie]

Things I like to think would happen if the Knights and co knew about Merlin’s magic (and merthur):

• “Merlin, can you do the fire trick with the dragon again?”

• “I’m not drying your clothes, Gwaine. You chose to go in the river fully clothed, you pay the price.”

• Merlin making them flower crowns and them bullying Arthur into wearing his

• Everyone asking him if he can make them fly

• Merlin pretending he can talk to the horses and making them think him and the horses are shit talking

• Him and Gwen pretending to do chores together but really he magicked it and they’re just having a nice evening

• Merlin and Morgana having lessons in the forest while the knights what over so none one spits them

• “No, I can’t read minds.” One of the knights, “oh, okay.” *realises they didn’t ask that out loud.* “WAIT-“

• Merlin and Arthur cuddling together at night accidentally and everyone knows because Merlin’s magic is safe now and leaves a patch of flowers under him when he sleeps

• Merlin creating plants with his magic so he doesn’t have to spend so much time gathering herbs for Gaius

• the Knights and Gwen taking this a step further and making a garden of herbs for him and Gaius

• Arthur realising they should have done that years ago and putting the royal funds into it despite Uthers annoyance

• Morgana and Merlin being taught how to fight with swords (even if she already knows a fair bit) so they can protect themselves with something other than magic

• the two of them then teaching Gwen because they both think she’d be an amazing knight

• Gaius having a mini heart attack whenever he hears Merlin and the Knights talking about magic

• them realising he’s insecure about his healing magic because it’s the hardest form of magic and being sure to praise him whenever he does it or any other form of healing

• After Merlin and Arthur finally get together, his magic doesn’t want to leave him alone and so when he does his little fire show for them it instantly goes to Arthur and the others get jealous

• after an attack and Merlin nearly gets hurt, Arthur ‘forces’ his Knights to be sworn to Merlin with Merlin’s staff and so technically, they’re also his Knights and Merlin is a royal

• The druids instantly knowing this and calling him a prince

• the knights going along with it

• After a while the Knights (who know how) begin to teach the Druids things like reading and currency

• everyone teasing Merlin by saying his magic has a crush on Arthur despite the two being together already

• he blushes every time

• Merlin openly enchanting their amour to be stronger and magic proof

• him giving Gwen and Morgana matching necklaces that are also enchanted that they keep hidden

• all of them are so impressed with his power but then they are just straight dumfounded because like… how the fuck did he keep this hidden for so long?

• Growing strawberries once he sees how much Gwen loves them and they are really rare

• tricking the Knights into thinking he can talk to ghost just to laugh at their faces

• Just constantly embarrassed by the Druids cause they see him as a god or, as the knights point out, as a king and the Knights decide that means he’s Arthur’s wife and Queen of Camelot

• Arthur making this worse by saying, “Queen or Consort?”

• Merlin flicking water in his face despite none being near them

I’ll add more as I think of them :)