#merthur the great war

[the-lesbianest-batman]

fucking merlin is fucking trending. any merthur swifties please check out my the great war merthur song analysis

[jumpingtoconclusions]

I’ve noticed a late tendency in fandom spaces to not accept variations from canonical informations, or acknowledging only 1 headcanon and disregard everything else. It’s a bit strange to me considering how much of fandom is truly just about changing canon and reading between the lines, but it makes sense considering it goes hand in hand with another thing that is really bothering me, which is the “it’s not that deep” trend.

It seems to me like we went so far into the conviction that nothing is deep that now there’s a general incapacity to comprehend subtext. Like if something isn’t literally openly acknowledged by a piece of media then it doesn’t exists, and wondering if it does is dumb and not valid.

I’ve seen a shitload of people say that a ship isn’t valid because they’re not canon, or that a specific interpretation of a character or a topic is way too far off just because it hasn’t been explicitly confirmed by the author.

Which is why the bbc Merlin fandom is so refreshing and it’s so great to interact with it. The what this fandom overanalyzes every single piece of interaction between Merlin and Arthur is truly endearing. There’s so many tropes and headcanons, and the thing is that it’s not just about the main ship. There’s plenty of fanon content for every character on the show. I’ve seen pages long character analysis on Elyan or Morgause, or even Ygraine (that is dead the whole time, mind you).

Also yeah Merthur is the generally accepted ship but there’s so much more and amost all of them are fanon and based on very little content that truly comes from the show. Think Leon/Gwen or Mordred/Daegal, where do they even come from??? And there’s genuinely great content for all of them, some actual masterpieces. I’m pretty sure i read a great Morgana/human!Aithusa fanfic.

And even genuinely bad characters are sometimes redeemed by fanon. I hate Uther and Morgause but I’ve read some amazing fanfiction of them being redeemed or even just straight up good. They managed to make me like Agravain and that’s something.

All of this just to say that fandom really isn’t the place to be judging other people’s headcanons, even if they seem weird or very far off from the original piece of media. Everyone is entitled to their own interpretation, that’s the whole point. Art isn’t a dead thing immortalized by its own creator, but the experience of those who engage with it.

[lovingtheshow]

Merthur + The great war❤️‍🩹 the watermark is my instagram/tiktok page

[castial]

I know that Merlin and Arthur didn't actually survive the great war, but this song is still theirs :(

[forfuckssakejim]

bloodshed, crimson clover (uh-huh)

My first attempt at a hanahaki fic. In which Merlin is the one that has it; coughing up dark red clovers; the first one appearing as he watches his prince be crowned king.

[omni-flex]

Renegade - Arthur

(desperately begging to be let in and allowed to love someone who's clearly struggling in secret)

The Great War - Merlin

(finding love in time of violence and strife yet never being able to fully open up and trust each other)

Afterglow - both

(wrestling with revelations that nearly break them, just wanting to come out alright in the end)

[ravenwilds]

Merthur Soulmate Fic Recs

For my @merlinbingo square I3, soulmarks

Strangled by the Red String of Fate by @idlestories

Explicit; 9,971 words; posted 2020; canon era

Idlestories writes the best banter between these two idiots and that's absolutely the case here! If you like this you should also read Nicest Thing, which might be my favourite ever Merlin fic (not soulmates).

“It has its roots in a legend from the east, sire. I believe it’s called the red string of fate.” “Fate?” Arthur said incredulously. “What, is he going to be the one to kill me?” “Getting more likely by the minute,” Merlin supplied.  ...

The Rebel, the Prat and the Unfortunate Soulbound by Leandra @nuttersinc

Teen; 10,310 words; 2022; canon era

I loved betaing this fic. It is pretty darn hot for a teen rated fic, and very funny. Rebellious, sassy Merlin and pining Arthur <3 - another reluctant soulmates one.

When Arthur tries to prevent the escape of prisoners in the dungeons, he's pulled into a tussle with a mouthy, unapologetic and irritating magic user. Turns out the dark-haired stranger with the criminal streak and terribly kissable mouth is Arthur's reluctant soulmate...

Bare Your Soul by Polomonkey

Teen; 4,256 words; 2021; modern era

Delightful, funny and completely in character case of reluctant-soulmates, mixed with a classic bit of they-didn’t-realise-they-were-dating. Two sides of the same idiot. Loved Kilgharrah in this too.

An accidental soulbonding leads Merlin and Arthur into counselling to get it dissolved.  If, of course, that's what they really want...

Let it be you by Amithia

Explicit; 33,323 words; 2021; modern era

This is funny, and hot, and has a great cast of characters, besides the main pair. All the phone messages are brilliant. And it's a coffee shop au. Reluctant soulmates with great banter.

This is all Gwen's fault. Merlin never wanted a stupid smartphone in the first place. Now, he has a smartphone and a supercilious, posh git bullying him on Whatsapp. He really should block the prat.

True Love by platonic_boner

Teen; 6,927 words; 2016; canon era

Recommended to me by my friend Seth and I loved it. Such a great concept and leading to delicious mix of mutual pining, light angst and funny misunderstandings.

AU where soulmates can’t lie to each other. (That’s okay, Merlin wasn’t planning to lie to Arthur anyways! Haha.. ha.. ha…)

And finally...

Honourable mention to Gamut by Nahara - great world-building in a contemporary/future country at war au. It's hot - there's quite an age difference so mind the tags if that's not your thing.

Also for something seasonal, Seth recommended Santa ain't got nothing on tone-deaf carollers by headfirstforwaywardhalos, which is also funny and I loved the concept for the soulmarks, which behave like mood rings.

[cbk1000]

Preview for the next chapter of Book of Merthur. If you don’t want spoilers, don’t read this if you're not caught up with the latest chapter.

So the platonic conversations over wine went on, for weeks, whilst he made an arse out of himself by getting flustered at the sight of Arthur riding at the quintain, and blurting out little dumbarse additions to their conversations such as, “I like your hair longer.”

“Really? Your mum thinks I should cut it.”

“Mums always think people should cut their hair. It’s a mum thing. But yeah. It suits you. I mean. You know. As much as anything can suit your face,” he recovered.

“Ha ha,” Arthur said, but he had coughed, and scratched his neck, and cleared his throat to show he was all right about the compliment, and even had barely noticed it. “Your hair--too. It’s--not terrible.”

“Yeah. It gets curly when I grow it out.”

“Exactly,” Arthur said sagely. He nodded. Merlin nodded. Then they lapsed into staring at one another with a kind of bovine complacence, just gaping whilst their brains ground haltingly along in the background, waiting to be of use again. 

“Ah, for fuck’s sake,” said Gwaine on his way past with an apple.

But anyway, he was managing, till one day he went round later with the wine, and found that Arthur was already in bed, and naked. He was reading, with his bare chest projecting dangerously above the bed covers, and started, and said, “Oh. I thought you weren’t coming tonight.”

“Yeah,” Merlin said to Archur’s chest. “Sorry I’m late. I was helping Gaius with a patient.” He flexed his fingers nervously on the goblets. “Is it not still too cold this time of year to--sleep like that?”

“My manservant always banks the fire too high. If it were still you, the fire would have died a long time ago from neglect, and then I’d barely be able to undress for my bath without freezing to death.”

“It was never that bad.”

“You were truly the worst servant I’ve ever had, Merlin.” He laid the book aside.

“What are you reading?” Merlin asked, trying to prompt his own attention away from the two deadly nipples which he could not stop picturing putting in his mouth. He was hanging on, by one fraying thread, to the idea that it was not very nice to penetrate people’s husbands whilst they were in the next room. He set the wine down on the writing table, so he could turn his back on Arthur’s chest.

“Le Roman de Troie,” said Arthur, which was unbearably sexy of him. “It’s a retelling of the Trojan War.”

“Oh. Any good? You sure you’re not cold? Because I could bring you something. To wear.  If you were. Not that I’m saying anything looks like it’s cold. You know. I mean, it’s all under the covers anyway, so.” He turned back, cautiously, to see that Arthur had arched a brow at him. “Anyway, I’m fine, yeah, really good, temperature wise. Are you?”

“I’m fine,” Arthur said. “Are you?”

“Yeah, great. I am. Yes. Doing well. Thanks.” He was on the verge of taking off his trousers, and getting into the bed next to the warm, nude body whilst Gwen dreamt obliviously one chamber over: but other than that, he was perfectly brilliant.

[the-lesbianest-batman]

The Great War - Taylor Swift

I'm going to be analysing the song from a merthur perspective, trying to prove to you how merthur coded it really is!!!!

In my opinion the song is mostly from Arthur's perspective.

My knuckles were bruised like violets

so this is arthur, always a fighter, trained to kill since birth et cetera

Sucker punching walls, cursed you as I sleep talked

arthur is very repressed emotionally and has feelings for merlin he's not accepting, so he let's that out through anger (also the sleep talk thing fits really nice because we've had scenes of both merlin and arthur sleeping/waking up saying each others names)

Spineless in my tomb of silence

I feel like the tomb of silence can be read has his fear of dying/ never being able to express his true feelings and arthur living his life like that- rigid and spineless because of his father's influence.

Tore your banners down, took the battle underground

so yes the banners are merlins openness, regarding both magic and being gay and arthur is repressed and ignores merlin being queer in more way than one. the battle of ofc the actual literal battles and also his internal battle over his feelings

And maybe it was ego swinging

this could be arthur thinking his ego/arrogance are responsible for the conflicts and the war

Maybe it was her

personally I see this as morgana, since she is the only valid love interest merlins ever had (in arthur's mind at least - tbt "where are my flowers") and also morgana being responsible for the war

Flashes of the battle come back to me in a blur

this one's obvious- in my version of the great war of camelot vs morgana, arthur didn't die but got injured and is now regaining consciousness, so his memories start to come back. this could be when the song is playing because he's thinking about his feelings and the situation and all that.

now for the chorus

All that blood shed, crimson clover

so blood shed is like arthur thinking about like all the casualties of the war and also him having killed so many innocent magic users. plus him and his gang have killed many ppl so yes it fits.

Uh-huh, sweet dream was over

so yes this could be s2e10 sweet dreams (aka the ep with the best merthur potential imo) or more likely arthurs infatuation for merlin feeling like a dream (yk that high when you fall in love)

My hand was the one you reached for

All throughout the Great War

them both supporting each other during the war <3 (maybe merlins magic was revealed and they're fighting side by side?

Always remember

Uh-huh, tears on the letter

omg I have a great idea for this: post magic reveal merlin gives him a letter being all "I'm leaving" and arthur crying -> tears on the letter.

I vowed not to cry anymore

If we survived the Great War

them hoping for their eventual happy ending (which they DESERVE)

You drew up some good faith treaties

court sorcerer merlin helping arthur with political stuff/ lowkey being an advisor th3 way he kinda is in the show already???

I drew curtains closed, drank my poison all alone

again, arthur shuts himself off and doesn't accept or express his feelings. drawing curtains closed is very "I'm not out to myself/I'm the closet/ !!!beard!!!" to me and drinking my poison all alone is also heavily leaning on repressed feelings/ sexuality crisis.

You said I have to trust more freely

this is arthur trying to get over his prejudices/fears about magic. and perhaps even getting over his internalised homophobia and trust issues and merlin is for sure helping with that.

But diesel is desire, you were playin' with fire

arthurs internalised homophobia and stuff kicking in- he's scared after all. it's like the golden-harry styles thing. merlin: "I know that you're scared because I'm so open."

And maybe it's the past that's talkin'

Screamin' from a crypt

uthers god awful parenting and influences being the past that's talking. say it with me IN-TER-NA-LISED HO-MO-PHO-BI-A

Tellin' me to punish you for things you never did

arthur sees that magic is not a crime and that he shouldn't punish merlin for "the crime" of using magic. and on a subtextual leven this could again also apply for gayness since magic=gay (watch the aretheygay video on merthur, I'm not gonna explain that concept rn)

So I justified it

this right here is arthurs character development. he's no longer hiding behind his father's politics but taking matters into his own hands-legalisong magic and making a case for all magic users- justifying how magic should be legal in front of the conservative councilmen

All that blood shed, crimson clover

Uh-huh, the bombs were close and

My hand was the one you reached for

All throughout the Great War

Always remember

Uh-huh, the burning embers

I vowed not to fight anymore

If we survived the Great War

pretty much the same as the first chorus BUT "the bombs were close" and "the burning embers" "and the last two lines. so the first difference is a reference to the war yes. the burning embers are imo merlins eyes when he uses magic. seeing merlins eyes go golden woudl be a pivotal moment for arthur-it being the undeniable proof that YES, MERLIN HAS MAGIC. and the last two lines are again about hoping for their happy ever after. arthur did dream about him and merlin living on a farm. if that's not gay then what is tbh

It turned into something bigger

friends to lovers say what

Somewhere in the haze got a sense I'd been betrayed

again this is both applicable to magic or gay. arthur felt betrayed that merlin didn't trust him and maybe even that merlin WAS that way (he's repressed not homophobic or magicphobic(???)

Your finger on my hair pin triggers

Hold you down on that icy ground

oooh what if merlin was like injured and it would be kinda opposite of s5e13 with arthur being the one panicking over merlins dying body (except that merlins immortal ofc)

Looked up at me with honor and truth

Broken and blue, so I called off the troops

so yes merlin is on his not-really death bed, loyal, honest and honourable until the very end proving to arthur that all his prejudices were for nothing because this, THIS is all that matters. HE is all that matters

That was the night I nearly lost you

I really thought I lost you

the "merlin almost dies and arthur realises everything right then and there" vision is SO CLEAR omg

We can plant a memory garden

Say a solemn prayer, place a poppy in my hair

it's giving "vision of the future and their happy ending". arthur dreams of their future together and wants more happy memories with merlin. plus the poppy flower thing is adding onto my merthur farmers au for this song. escapism due to war trauma so true

There's no morning glory, it was war, it wasn't fair

yeah so to me this is by now post war. the war is won. they're trying to pick up the pieces.

And we will never go back

confirming that arthur has had his acceptance arc, he's now accepting merlin, himself, magic, being gay and also turning his back to the violence, striving to bring a new peaceful era to the lands of albion.

To that bloodshed, crimson clover

Uh-huh, the worst was over

My hand was the one you reached for

All throughout the Great War

Always remember

Uh-huh, we burn for better

I vowed I would always be yours

'Cause we survived the Great War

yes so end of war. the worst was over. also "we burn for better" is such a raw line? omfg taylor!!! so yes they got together in a "I might die tonight so I have to tell you something" situation, vowed they would always love each other and BOTH survived the great war. haply ending confirmed.

I would always be yours

Cause we survived the Great War

I vowed I would always be yours

repetition for emphasis.

so yeah. that was my analysis of the great war. I hope this wa enjoyable and I hope you all now add this to your merthur playlists.

[merlinemrys]

hi, I hope I'm not bothering you😅😅but I was wondering if you have any Arthur centered fic recs?? whether it be angsty, fluffy, gen or shippy, just anything arthur centered is fine tbh

it's totally fine if not though, hope you have a good day/night 💕💕

hiiii ur not bothering me at all i love giving recs 💙 and i ALWAYS love arthur-centric fics so here r some i've read recently. hope u like them!

When I Didn't Know The Answer, I Found It In Your Eyes by ironfamjam (rated t, merthur, 36k)

Summary: “It was never supposed to end like this. You were both meant for such happier things.” “I was always meant to be a tragedy.” Arthur disagrees. “Dearest darling, you are the king of kings, this will not be your end.” With Arthur's death comes a single chance to go back to the beginning and save everyone he's ever loved. Seeing home in Merlin's eyes and a hope for a better world in Morgana's, Arthur knows what he must do. Only bringing magic back to Camelot will prevent the future he knows is coming from happening, but in his way is the only mountain he's never been able to climb; his father won't change for anyone, not even for his son.

Born of Magic by KingPrat (rated t, merthur, 77k)

Summary: Set after 1x13. When Arthur learns he is of magic, he decides it's time to grow out of Uther's shadows. Secrets are revealed, and Arthur comes to learn just how far his father is willing to go in his war against magic. With Merlin on his side, can Arthur build the kingdom he was destined to create?

How Arthur Got His Groove Back by thegeminisage (rated t, merthur, 134k)

Summary: Arthur Pendragon is at an all-time low: he's still suffering from the day he nearly dueled his father to the death, his sword arm has been wounded so grievously he may never fight again, and, worst of all, every last soul in Camelot and the kingdoms beyond have had magic forced on them overnight. Now Arthur must contend with the chaos of magic run rampant, his father's dangerous instability, Morgana's increasing distance, catching Merlin in more lies than he can count, and the magic that is now threatening to consume him—all while searching for a way to break the curse before it consumes them all. It's not going to be easy: Arthur grapples with a destiny he's not sure he can handle, and a past he'd rather forget—and if he wants to save his people, he must be prepared to confront hard truths and harder choices. It's a trial by fire, one that risks destroying everything Arthur has left to hold dear should he fail. But with enough courage, enough understanding, and maybe just a touch of magic, there's nothing he can't face.

I suppose that I look different (without the robes and crown) by WingedWolf121 (not rated, merthur, 18k)

Summary: When Arthur blows the horn of Cathbdhah for the second time, the horn doesn’t just send Uther to the other world. It sends Arthur away as well – to a world where Ygraine never died, the Great Purge never happened, and magic lives freely at court. As do those who practice it.

Wærcsár Tācnunge by Glon_Morski (rated t, gen fic, WIP, 190k)

Summary: When Arthur is born, Ygraine dies and Uther vows vengeance against all magic. When Arthur is four, Nimueh decides to take matters into her own hands and casts an enchantment on the prince as penance for his father. One which can only be removed by a magic user willing to undo the enchantment for the sake of helping Arthur, and no other reason. When Arthur is seven, the truth of the spell's nature comes to light. When Arthur is fifteen, the rumours of the worsening enchantment spread among the kingdoms until news it has been removed take their place and his father tells Arthur he must never let anyone know the truth of the matter. When Arthur is twenty, he lives with the firm belief the enchantment will never be lifted. When Arthur is twenty, a boy named Merlin arrives in Camelot and, by a streak of luck, becomes the enchanted prince's manservant...

Only Friend by CaptainOzone (rated gen, gen fic, 60k)

Summary: What if Arthur went after Merlin in the tunnels outside of Ealdor earlier? What would he think of the confrontation between him and Agravaine? And how will he deal with the revelation as they retake Camelot? 4x13 AU.

Beg, Borrow, Steal by s0mmerspr0ssen (rated t, gen fic, 23k)

Summary: Merlin has access to everything relating to the Prince, including the keys to Arthur’s coffer. And why shouldn’t he? If there’s one thing Arthur is certain of, it’s that Merlin can be trusted completely. Then, one afternoon, Arthur walks in on Merlin about to steal money from his strongbox. The incident leaves Arthur with one burning question: Why, after two years of loyal service, would Merlin (almost) turn into a thief?

↳ s0mmerspr0ssen has so many good fics, not just this one. not all of them are arthur-centric but the characterisation is so delicious. see also: unfit for another arthur-centric fic!

What I'd Have Done by Flight_of_Fantasy (rated gen, merthur, 119k)

Summary: "I'm not sure what I'd have done." "And I didn't want to put you in that position.” For better or for worse, Arthur knows Merlin's secret. The problem? Merlin doesn't know Arthur knows. This leaves Arthur with a predicament... and an opportunity. A test. Three trials and three opportunities for Merlin to prove he doesn't deserve death. Arthur hopes he will pass them. Maybe then the image of Merlin's golden eyes will stop haunting him. AKA an in-depth character study of Arthur. I do not endorse Arthur's actions, but this is what I think he'd do in canon. This was my season 3 prediction!

The Homecoming of Arthur Pendragon by TheSeasonOfWinter (rated t, gen fic, 91k, part 1 of an incomplete series)

Summary: The dragon leaned forward. "Your destiny is to protect Uther Pendragon's heir, the one who will be the Once and Future King and unite all of Albion." Merlin blinked. "But . . . Uther doesn't have an heir." . . . In many Arthurian texts, Arthur is raised as a peasant by Sir Ector with no knowledge of his royal lineage. Let's bring that back, shall we?

Requiem of a Forgotten Prince by queerofthedagger (writer), kairennart (artist) (rated m, merthur, 86k)

Summary: 'You will forget all that you hold dear,' the sorcerer had vowed before he attacked Arthur, leaving his patrol dead and Arthur achingly thankful that for once, Merlin hadn’t been with him. Well, and he is quite certain that he hasn’t forgotten anything. As it turns out, everyone else has; specifically about him, and that Camelot is supposed to have a crown prince. When Merlin stumbles across him by chance, Arthur should be relieved. And he would be, really—if he hadn’t just been stabbed, and found out that Merlin has magic while he was at it. That Merlin does not remember who he is, either. It all gets a lot more complicated from there on out as Arthur tries to keep his own secrets, deal with the revelations about Merlin, and find a way not only to restore Camelot's memories, but protect it against the threats gathering on the horizon, too. When it rains, it pours; sometimes, the aftermath might just be worth it.

aaaaannnddddd not to self-rec but here's a liddle oneshot

living legend by me (rated gen, gen fic/background arwen, 3k)

Summary: The birth of the young Arthur Pendragon marks a great change in the very heart of Albion. His name will stand the test of time. But, as you well know, accuracy is not a lauded trait. Gossipmongers, the lot of them. Or: Arthur Pendragon, as seen through the eyes of the people of Camelot.

[worstqueerbaittournament]

Submission messagefor Merlin and Arthur: merthur (merlin and Arthur from the BBC show merlin

Submission message for Steve and Bucky: Does Stucky count? Steve and Bucky from Captain America

Additional propaganda: I refuse to shut up about this. Merlin is not queerbait!! At no point during the show is there a genuine possibility of Arthur and Merlin to be in a romantic relationship. They are queer coded but they do not create a false impression of their relationship. See Sherlock for good example: they constantly bring it up in the show itself and dangle it in front of the viewers, only to not follow through. The show Merlin does not set them up. There are no offhanded remarks, comments, or jokes that they’re more than friends. There is simply no chance in the show that they will get together. They are queer coded, which is not the same. Coding says: this character displays some traits and characteristics that ___ people may relate to. Baiting says: oh you want these two together? hmm, you wanna see that? wouldn’t that be nifty? what if they talk about it and act like it? aren’t you gonna keep watching to find out if they really do? Then follows up with: SIKE! Wow we got you, of course they’re not together! All of that was meaningless! Let’s please stop confusing these two entirely separate concepts!

Merthur is just gay I don’t have to explain merthur on the merthur site. They’re talking to each other at night and giving each other flowers and shit— things Arthur NEVER does with his canon romantic love interest and if I’m not mistaken I think Arthur like goes to sleep for a hundred years and Merlin is like. Still waiting for him? Let them kiss, damn!

Stucky: "Of course, this is still a rollicking adventure tale and no adventure is complete without a love story.....the longest, most tortured one in Marvel history" - Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (writers of Captain America movies + Avengers Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame)

"from the meet cute to the tragic separation, their bond has all the elements of a classic romance." - Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely

"Just as Jeph and Tim’’s earlier Daredevil: Yellow, Spider-Man: Blue, and Hulk: Gray all dealt with the major love interests in, the heroes’ lives, so too does Captain America: White. Steve and Bucky are each other’s soulmate." - Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely

“So you have a character in Captain America who is searching for the only thing that he has left from his past that has any meaning to him, and that’s Bucky; and people have interpreted that relationship all kinds of ways and it’s great...we will never define it, as filmmakers, explicitly." - The Russos (Captain America: Civil War press)

"You mean, aside from Cap and Bucky?" - Anthony Russo (co-director of Cap 2 and 3 and Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame) when asked about romance in Captain Amierca: Civil War

"Moderator: But you already had a romantic B story with Cap and Bucky, right?

Anthony: We sure do

Joe: We still do

Moderator: Did you ever had to dial down the sexual tension on set?

Joe: Why would we?" - Anthony and Joe Russo (directors of Cap 2 and 3 and Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame) at a screening of Captain America: Civil War

Just a few examples directly from Marvel and the writers and directors.

merthur totally should win for so many reasons but mostly. most because the show writer, when advertising the last episode, said it was “a love story between two men” and then arthur just died in merlin’s arms for 42 minutes. on the day before christmas.

I put the first episode of Merlin, because I heard it was such a great show. I knew nothing about the ship at that point. I only put it on because i love shows like that. Before the first episode was over I was like OMG those two are gayer than later seasons Destiel. There is no way it was not intentional. NONE. Big time homoerotic vibes. It was great

I get the coding critique, but I think I disagree with the person who said they never teased a relationship with Merthur. If we’re talking “offhanded jokes that they’re more than friends” (or that other characters thought they were together a la Sherlock), I think the poetry and pants scenes fit that.

[ink-through-her-veins]

Okay, months ago I did this poll about which fic idea should become my merthur week fic. And ended up writing #3 (Merlin ignores Arthur attempts at courting… read on AO3 here) because the creative itch struck, and I’m in the process of posting the winner (read here) as Merthur week goes on.

Now, in the new year I want to tackle this angsty plot idea:

Arthur rises out of the lake almost regularly. War, famine and disease are horrendous but not uncommon things. The pattern becomes unmistakable. When there is famine, Arthur starves to save his people. He dies of each disease just as the cure is discovered. In every war he becomes a casualty, but his people emerge victorious.

But, I’m not sure which historic events I should do chapters over, except I obviously want to do both world wars, cuz duh. I think it could be a giant behemoth of a fic where each chapter is like a 10-15k historic AU one shot that starts with Arthur returning and ending with him dying type thing. Soo… give me some ideas for major historical events where Albion’s need would be great enough to wake the sleeping Arthur!

Also, how many chapters of this becomes too many? I’m thinking 10… 15? Only 5? Help me!

[magicalmischel]

WIP TAG GAME 🌿

rules: make a new post with the names of all the files in your wip folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have wips

thanks for tagging me @regulusrules ! 💖

I have a lot of wips too 😂 most of these are for BBC Merlin, a few are for classic who. I hope I don't forget anything, I keep a list but I haven't updated it in like a year 😂

BBC MERLIN WIPS

The Crystal Hunters; 45k

a canon era time travel fic with merthur and morgwen, set during the Great Purge. There's lots of plot, magic, crystals, old castles and running.

Layers of Dusk; 17k

a darker fic where Arthur dies and so Merlin tries his hand at necromancy

Give Me Your Hand, I'll Give You Mine; 1300 words

canon era, merthur, magical injuries caused by the great purge and a magic reveal.

"the medieval roommates valentine fic" (untitled); 2500 words

merlin is forced to stay in arthur's chambers 24/7 bc of plot. Not sure if I'll ever finish this one tbh

Rhythm of Love; ??k

glastonbury festival fic where arthur returns + musician!merlin. I have no idea how many years ago I started this, definitely pre-2018 though. Idek if I still have the draft somewhere ;-;

Suddenly Flames Everywhere; 77k

;-; i think abt this fic every day and try to work on it at least once a week ;-; i wanted to post it for acbb 2023 but i ran out of time, and then once the deadline was gone, so was most of my motivation 😂 it's a merthur enemies to lovers dragon!merlin soulmate canon au that I care about very very much. pls ask me abt it if you want maybe it'll kick me into working on it more 😂

The Light of Knowledge; ?????k

oof this is an old one. started it way back in 2014 and I'm honestly not sure if I still have the draft saved somewhere. All I remember is a big maze, lots of bad poems that I wrote in like the 9th grade and merthur 😂

Falling into Empty Space (??); 400 words lmao

basically a s1!merlin vs s5!merlin epic fight with time travel to 1x08 bc obviously killing kid!mordred is wrong, right? Right??

"ghost!merlin canon au fic" (untitled); 9k

exactly what it says in the title. damn i need to return to this ;-;

"cat!merlin fic" (untitled), 1000 words

canon era, merthur, magic reveal. Merlin transforms himself into a cat bc of course that is the absolute best way to get arthur to accept magic. it only makes sense in his head lmao

Burn Us Away (But Keep Me in Your Heart); 11.8k

canon soulmate au with a LOT of angst and a magic reveal

"the bird!merlin fic"; 1000 words

first written for merlin bingo 2021 but I never finished it ;-;

No Doubt in My Mind Where You Belong; 12k

a canon era trans!merlin fic with established relationship merthur

"cuddle fic" (untitled); 1300 words

written for fluffalooza 2023 but never finished ;-;

"one bed fic" (untitled); 1900 words

also written for fluffalooza but never finished bc it felt too ridiculous/cracky/ooc, but it might be worth reworking

"the weird tarot crack fic" (untitled); 2.8k

written for tarot fest 2023 but abandoned bc i came up with a better idea for the fest. I remember it was very cracky, I might return to it. Canon era merthur.

i might be forgetting some tbh, I've written a lot of drabbles that I later wanted to expand but never did ;-;

CLASSIC DOCTOR WHO WIPS

"jamie/10 + 11 fic" (untitled); 3.5k

the 10th doctor visits all his companions before regenerating into 11 including jamie <3

"twojamie war games "make it worse" fic" (untitled); 849 words

this is theoretically a fix-it but also i make it much worse first lmao, and i'm not sure yet how it ends either, so is it really a fix-it??

ok and I think that's it!! ;-; i did write a little something for each of the titles but hopefully not too much so if anyone sees this and wants to know more feel free to dm me

i'm not gonna tag 18 people though that's way too many 😂 I'll tag @insane-ohwhyfandoms (good luck) @lair-of-the-dragon @lesbianlefay @invisibility-superiority @queerofthedagger @wolfiery @haventacluewhatimdoing and @twojamie-o-clock <3

absolutely no pressure to do this though of course! 💖

[forfuckssakejim]

first installment of the great war merthur challenge lol.

[futurepastme]

Gaius and Merlin have dinner and talk about Uther

Just because I haven't really posted anything Merlin lately, (I think) here's a little scene with Gaius (not merthur for once yet):

Merlin was about to go back to read more about some spells he had marked as ‘must learn,’ when he heard the door to the physician’s chambers opening. He waited before leaving his room - he was off duty and didn’t really want to see anyone - until he heard the characteristic sound of Gaius’ cauldron going into the fire, only then he left to the main chambers with his new treasure of a book in hand.

Gaius had half of his body leaning over the cauldron, mixing their dinner - porridge, probably - with a long wood spoon. Merlin watched him work on it for a while before removing the spoon and tapping it on the cauldron’s edge to make sure there was nothing left on it. Gaius turned around and gave a little jump of surprise upon finding his nephew staring at him.

“Good God, my boy, are you trying to get me killed?”

“Never! You’re the one that cooks dinner, If I caused your death I’d starve.” He smiled at Gaius as the old man shook his head.

Gaius went around the room collecting the books he was using earlier that morning, putting them on a neat pile before heading to the bookshelf.

“So, long meeting, wasn’t it?” Merlin drifted back to his earlier place at the table, setting his book on top of it and looking at Gaius’ white head of hair as he worked on putting the books away. He saw him shake his head.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into Uther this time, but I fear it is nothing good.”

“I heard he’s inviting a bunch of kings to this week’s feast?”

Gaius turned around, the one eyebrow of disapproval raised. “And where, pray tell, did you came upon this information?’’

“I made George tell me.” Merlin answered with a sheepish smile.

Gaius shook his head again, this time glaring at Merlin, and walked back to the cauldron now that he was finished with the books. “It’s wrong anyway,” he stirred it a little bit before reaching for a pot, filling it with a spoonful. “Uther cancelled this week’s feast. Should be announced to the rest of the castle first thing in the morning.”

Merlin stood up and began setting two seats at the table so they could eat. “That’s good then, if he’s no longer receiving the kings, I mean.” He filled two goblets with the drinking water they had in a jar, and sat down at his place. Gaius marched to join him, holding two pots of porridge for them. 

“Ha!” Gaius sat the pots with more strength than usual making them clank, “If only! He has postponed it to the end of the month.” Gaius satdown and picked up his spoon then pointed it at Merlin, using it to emphasize his words. “He didn’t clarify what exactly it is that he wants to discuss with the kings, he kept calling it the Peace Convention.” He shook his head again. “I’m worried.”

Merlin sighed, “Does he not recall what happened the last time? I bet King Alined still wants war, and King Olaf must still be angry with Arthur, I mean, Princess Vivian was still enchanted to be in love with him when they left.”

Gaius shook his head again with quick movements while still eating, when he was done swallowing he answered “I don’t know what goes on Uther’s head these days, Merlin.”

Merlin scraped off the rest of his dinner with the spoon, he hadn’t realized how starved he had been, and stood up to have his seconds. 

“You should ask Arthur about it, Uther kept him in the room after dismissing the council.”

“Arthur’s still there?” He sat down with his now refilled pot and went back to eating. “Great, he’s going to be insufferable in the morning. What could Uther possibly want with him after a whole day?”

“After the normal meeting subjects, Uther spent most of the afternoon trying to convince the council to receive the dignities at this week’s feast, it took us a long time to convince him otherwise.” Gaius finished his pot and stood up to get his own seconds. “Whatever is he wanted with Arthur, he either didn’t have a chance to bring it up this evening, or just didn’t want the rest of the council to intervene with more of his plans.”

Gaius sat back at the table to start his seconds, while Merlin rested his head on his hands after finishing his own. Both men kept quiet for a while, lost in their own minds as Gaius finished his dinner.

“Anything interesting in that book of yours?” Gaius changed the subject, and with the memory of the new spells he would be able to learn, Merlin smiled, ready to give him an answer.

He didn’t have a chance to, though, as they heard the characteristic Rat-tat-tat of knocking on the door.

“Come in.” Merlin said, as Gaius was still chewing.

The door opened to reveal a tired-looking George, he greeted them both with a nod before turning to address Merlin. “Prince Arthur has summoned you, Merlin.”

Merlin let a little sigh fall from his mouth, frustrated with the interruption - he really wanted to talk with Gaius about the book - as he stood up, headed to join George at the door. “Thank you, George.” He stopped midway to glance one last time to Gaius, his dirty dishes - cleaning them was his task, as Gaius always cooked dinner - and his book.

“Go see what the prince needs.” Gaius dismissed him with a wave and a nod. “We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

Merlin nodded goodbye and joined George, closing the door behind them.

☽♚☾

[laurenmartinez01]

My take on the ships I like as Midnights by Taylor swift’s songs :

Destiel - midnight rain, bigger than the whole sky

Hannigram - mastermind, would’ve could’ve should’ve

Patrochilles - karma , sweet nothings

Merthur - labyrinth , snow on the beach

Gallavich - the great war