Merlin Fic Prompts

Luci // 24 // they/she // If you have prompts or ideas of your own that you would like to see posted, send them to me. Also, if you send me links to stuff you've written based on one of my prompts, I would be more than happy to read them and spread around your stories, just let me know the prompt #. I also post on my blog @batfamficprompts and @isthisanything

[merlinficprompts]

If someone's already written a fic based off a prompt, can someone else still write one off the same prompt or like??

OMG! Just because someone has written a fic based off a prompt doesn’t mean you can’t use that prompt! I would love to see what you had in mind for the prompt you’re talking about.

[feelyoubehindmyeyes]

in the show’s lore if arthur is born “of magic” and therefore not “of uther” does that then make him only “of igraine” who bore him?

and then further, does that mean that, in truth, he is not related to morgana and she is the only “true” pendragon?

interesting i guess also that arthur was conceived in desperation for the pendragon line to continue and it was with his death that it ultimately ended heirless

i can hear the writers yelling being like you weren’t meant to think this hard about the show lmao

every aspect of arthur’s life being infected with tragedy hits as hard as the truck in the epilogue

anyway…as you were

[sugar-coated-prat-dragon]

“Born of magic” 🪄 likely doesn’t imply that he is not Uther’s son by blood, but rather that his soul/essence itself (which wasn’t brought into the world the traditional ways humans normally are) is what was created using magic.

To put it in another context, human souls are created when the woman gets pregnant thanks to her own fertility and then the normal process of child birth takes place.

Whereas Ygraine was barren (could not have babies naturally) and therefore magic had to be used to “help the process along”… so to speak.

So Arthur is the child of both Ygraine and Uther by blood (as is any childbirth), but the conception of bringing him into the world … and by therefore creating a soul that otherwise would not have been born, involved magic.

That is the reason Ygraine died.

To create a life, one must be taken.

Magic created Arthur’s soul/essence.

Therefore to balence the scales. Ygraine’s life was taken in return.

[ramblings-of-a-chaotic-neutral]

Ooh, I always love thinking about the implications of Arthur's soul being created by magic.

That's because we know that Merlin is magic itself! He's magic made human! Which essentially means that Merlin created Arthur's soul, even before he was born as a human.

Do you think that Merlin, on some level, recognized himself in Arthur the moment they met? That his soul and Arthur's were quite literally made from the same material? That Arthur is a part of himself in a literal sense, and he cannot be whole without him?

I just love all of the door that interpretation opens up for the story!

[sugar-coated-prat-dragon]

Exactly! Magic is the force holding the universe together (it’s in every person, every plant, animal, ect…), which is why he mentioned being able to sense the earth/nature pulsing with life.

Merlin before he was born into a human body, was that pure essence of magic and even in human form he is still that pure essence of magic (even if he doesn’t know it).

BALINOR: “Merlin, you are more than a son of you father. You are son of the earth, the sea, the sky. Magic is the fabric of this world, and you were born of that magic. You are magic itself. You cannot lose what you are.”

It was only a few months after the magic ban that magic went into the baby that was born between a human woman (Hunith) and one of the most powerful types of warlocks in existence… the dragonlords.

Please note that the large majority of humans don’t have magic (level: O) and can’t use it.

Nonetheless, it’s still used to hold them together, as is everything else in the universe.

According to Merlin cards, Balinor had a score of 49 magic wise and I’m assuming probably all dragonlords in general are similar level wise.

Magic wise that makes Balinor on the same level as Morgana.

Now I’m not saying that as a warlock Balinor was as powerful as Morgana (I don’t believe that), but by being a dragonlord in itself and being able to command dragons. 🐉 His magic level was already on a level few others could ever hope of reaching.

Note: Merlin (Emrys) and Kilgharrah both have a power of 50.

Being magic incarnate, Merlin is obviously more powerful then the Great Dragon and has shielded himself against his magic before when he attacked him, but Magic Level 50 is seemingly the highest anyone can be.

Unicorns are the most magical of creatures (discounting the dragons) and have an extremely high magic level as a result.

[tansyuduri]

I need more of these cards

[theroundbartable]

Lol, I used to joke that Nimue is Arthur's second parent because obviously Ygraine couldn't conceive from UTHER, so he needer HER help.

There is some underlying concept here about Nimue either using magic or other means to get Ygraine pregnant but I'll leave that out here for you to think about.

Also, I too need more cards.

[theroundbartable]

Modern au:

Arthur: holy shit, I was reborn gay

Merlin: wait, you weren't gay back then?

Arthur: ... No?

Merlin: then what was all that about?

Arthur: ... What are you talking about?

Merlin: You... Me... *Air quotes* do you know how to walk on your Knees*

Arthur: I married Gwen!!!!

Merlin: WE married Gwen, Arthur. WE did!!!

[dryadalisliv-deactivated2025040]

I think it would be insanely funny if after Arthur’s death everyone returns back in time to the place they were the day Merlin arrived in Camelot. But like, everyone thinks they are the only ones who has returned. We see it all from Merlin’s pov, who’s traumatised and wondering why the fuck Arthur is so much sweeter to him this time around and keeps saying ‘thank you’. He wonders why Lancelot shows up earlier, why all of a sudden Gwaine is there three years too early, saying he got hurt in a tavern bawl and needs a physician. He wonders why Leon keeps pretending like he didn’t just accidentally see Merlin do magic. Why Gwen keeps giving him these knowing looks. And why Morgana doesn’t seem as afraid as she used to when she was figuring out that she had magic. Everyone is trying their best to change history for the better, thinking they are alone with this duty... and then one day when uther is dead and they are sitting around the round table, merlin steps forward and is like: ‘I need to confess that I have magic, but also that I have returned from the future.’ And everyone just whips around and is like ‘YOU TOO??!’ And then they realise that they’ve all returned and wasted their time thinking they were alone.

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

Merlin has to explain an odd nickname,

only after Gwaine has a Fun (read: Stupid) idea. It’s not… illegal (not most of it, anyway), just… frowned upon.

TW: Bruises/minor injuries and fighting?

“What’s everyone up to later tonight then?”

Gwaine’s voice booms across the mostly empty training field, and it’s inhabitants look to him warily. The King, his manservant, and the First Knight just raise an eyebrow each as Sir Percival responds:

“Got no plans, something in mind?”

Sir Elyan is quick to follow:

“Having my night ruined by whatever you’re about to suggest.”

Sir Lancelot just grins, and Sir Mordred nods to Percival in agreement. Gwaine looks to The King:

“Sire?”

“I’ve a feeling you’re about to tell me.”

Gwaine’s grin grows and moves his gaze over:

“Merls?”

“Sorry, Gwaine. I promised to run some errands for Gaius after I finish with the prat, and I’ve got a few other bits and pieces I need to get done as well.-”

He claps his hands together and smiles brightly before continuing:

“-Speaking of, I actually need to get going.-”

He turns briefly to Arthur, yanking his hair to catch his attention before turning and walking back towards the castle, speaking over his shoulder:

“-I’ll send George out to help with the rest of training, I’ve got a shit ton of laundry to do.”

Arthur scowls but doesn’t say anything, and Gwaine pouts and mutters a quiet “You’re no fun,”; the rambunctious knight knows he isn’t going to get anywhere, having lost this argument many a time, and he finally looks over to Sir Leon:

“M’Lord?”

The knight grimaces, regretting more with every word out of Gwaine’s mouth mentioning to him that he’s the only Noble Born among The King’s closest circle.

“I, for one, stand with Elyan on this. Doesn’t matter whether I say no and stay well away, I’ve not got Merlin’s skill in sneaking around and I’ll still end up tangled up in whatever mayhem you have planned, so lay it on us.”

Gwaine just grins proudly, happy to have all bar one in on his little plot. He does however tap the side of his nose with a finger, as he winks conspiratorially:

“Ah, that would be telling. Meet me by the castle gates at about an hour before midnight. I promise I’m not just dragging you to the tavern but I… uh, well… whilst I was in the tavern I heard a pretty solid rumour, more than once, about a certain something I’m eager to try out.”

Arthur looks doubtful, giving Gwaine a suspicious up and down look before slowly speaking:

“Not the tavern?”

Gwaine nods and crosses his hand over his heart obnoxiously:

“Cross my heart, not the tavern. It’s a special, rare opportunity to… well… have fun! So come on, who’s in? It’s not like any of us have anything on in the morning, and I promise it’s not illegal.”

The knight receives a round of nods and agreements, varying in enthusiasm, and that keeps him mostly quiet for the rest of the afternoon, bar his knowing, excited grin, and loud ”I’ll see you all later, then!” as they re-enter the castle and go their separate ways. 

Keep reading

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

The aftermath of Merlin snapping, and yelling at Arthur in the middle of the forest;

Arthur pushes for change, the gang takes bets on when Merthur will happen, and someone, somewhere, is grumpy.

Part 2 of Merlin’s Angry Outburst. 

Part 1   Part 3   Part 4   Part 5

Once Arthur has a first draft of the repeal, the first people he brings in on it (with Merlin’s approval, of course) are the 5 knights, Gwen, Gaius, and Morgana.

(Morgana, who later that evening comes back to Arthur’s chamber in tears (Merlin is also there) to reveal her magic, and thank him for not being Uther.) 

All of them enthusiastically agree, after only a little conversation.

Elyan and Leon are the most… dubious, but only because of the practical factor, they don’t disagree with the actual repeal.

Keep reading

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

The Magic Reveal fic we deserve, in which Merlin gets as angry as he deserves to get:

Part 2   Part 3   Part 4   Part 5

Don’t get me wrong I LOVE a magic reveal with a Merlin who feels bad about lying. I love a reveal with Arthur being furious and Merlin crying but then they talk it out and all is well. I think it’s pretty in-character for Merlin to want to see Arthur come to his own conclusions about magic, without being influenced by Merlin’s opinions

BUT I also kinda wanna see Merlin get angry? Like, why should he feel bad about hiding himself in a kingdom where “himself” gets him nothing but a pyre?? Yeah, he and Arthur are close, but unless you’ve lived with a secret like that (one that will get you shunned, hated, or even killed) then, and I CAN’T STRESS THIS ENOUGH, it doesn’t matter How Close you are with someone, how certain you are that they would never hurt you, or care either way, it will almost ALWAYS be scary to tell them. So like. Let Merlin get angry:

I’d say Arthur has been king for maybe a year at this point. He’s still a new monarch, still a lot on his plate, BUT also still plenty of time for him to have repealed the ban on magic, or at least started working on it.

But he hasn’t.

Granted he hasn’t executed anyone in a while (banishments and prison time are the norm, executions are only used nowadays for high treason). BUT the law still remains, it’s still technically punishable by death, to be a sorcerer.

Keep reading

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

A new servant desperately struggles to understand what exactly Merlin is:

A cryptid? Arthur’s boyfriend? Simply a dude? The court jester? Something else entirely? Who knows, certainly not the new guy.

The first time the new kitchen-hand, Tristan, saw The King’s dark-haired servant sprinting down the corridor, he couldn’t tell if the man was laughing or crying.

He was fast, faster than Tristan thought possible for someone whose arms were so full of laundry, but he politely steps out of the way, coming to the conclusion that he must’ve been late for something. At least… he did think that, until he turns the next corner to see three of The king’s most trusted knights peering out of windows and into random doors. Tristan freezes in the corridor, he’d heard that servants were treated extremely well here, but he’d only been employed for a few days and he didn’t want to risk anything by pushing past or addressing his betters.

Keep reading

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

5 times Merlin does something that requires a considerable amount of strength;

+1 time the gang has time to actually bring it up.

Everyone is baffled, half distracted by Merlin’s surprising buffness and half amused by Arthur’s gay panic:

1)

The clearing fills with the sounds of a brutal fight. 

The Knights of Camelot, along with their King, had given up on trying to figure out how bandits always managed to find them in the woods. It seemed impossible for there to be so many mercenary groups that it was just coincidence for them to stumble upon each other so often, but equally, the knights moved quietly and always covered their tracks well, so… yeah, who knows.

Keep reading

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

Merlin has to explain an odd nickname,

only after Gwaine has a Fun (read: Stupid) idea. It’s not… illegal (not most of it, anyway), just… frowned upon.

TW: Bruises/minor injuries and fighting?

“What’s everyone up to later tonight then?”

Gwaine’s voice booms across the mostly empty training field, and it’s inhabitants look to him warily. The King, his manservant, and the First Knight just raise an eyebrow each as Sir Percival responds:

“Got no plans, something in mind?”

Sir Elyan is quick to follow:

“Having my night ruined by whatever you’re about to suggest.”

Sir Lancelot just grins, and Sir Mordred nods to Percival in agreement. Gwaine looks to The King:

“Sire?”

“I’ve a feeling you’re about to tell me.”

Gwaine’s grin grows and moves his gaze over:

“Merls?”

“Sorry, Gwaine. I promised to run some errands for Gaius after I finish with the prat, and I’ve got a few other bits and pieces I need to get done as well.-”

He claps his hands together and smiles brightly before continuing:

“-Speaking of, I actually need to get going.-”

He turns briefly to Arthur, yanking his hair to catch his attention before turning and walking back towards the castle, speaking over his shoulder:

“-I’ll send George out to help with the rest of training, I’ve got a shit ton of laundry to do.”

Arthur scowls but doesn’t say anything, and Gwaine pouts and mutters a quiet “You’re no fun,”; the rambunctious knight knows he isn’t going to get anywhere, having lost this argument many a time, and he finally looks over to Sir Leon:

“M’Lord?”

The knight grimaces, regretting more with every word out of Gwaine’s mouth mentioning to him that he’s the only Noble Born among The King’s closest circle.

“I, for one, stand with Elyan on this. Doesn’t matter whether I say no and stay well away, I’ve not got Merlin’s skill in sneaking around and I’ll still end up tangled up in whatever mayhem you have planned, so lay it on us.”

Gwaine just grins proudly, happy to have all bar one in on his little plot. He does however tap the side of his nose with a finger, as he winks conspiratorially:

“Ah, that would be telling. Meet me by the castle gates at about an hour before midnight. I promise I’m not just dragging you to the tavern but I… uh, well… whilst I was in the tavern I heard a pretty solid rumour, more than once, about a certain something I’m eager to try out.”

Arthur looks doubtful, giving Gwaine a suspicious up and down look before slowly speaking:

“Not the tavern?”

Gwaine nods and crosses his hand over his heart obnoxiously:

“Cross my heart, not the tavern. It’s a special, rare opportunity to… well… have fun! So come on, who’s in? It’s not like any of us have anything on in the morning, and I promise it’s not illegal.”

The knight receives a round of nods and agreements, varying in enthusiasm, and that keeps him mostly quiet for the rest of the afternoon, bar his knowing, excited grin, and loud ”I’ll see you all later, then!” as they re-enter the castle and go their separate ways. 

Keep reading

[theroundbartable]

~How to court a king~

That's what the current queen of Mercia teaches her best friend and cousin, when they arrive in Camelot. Should she succeed, then Camelot and Mercia could finally live in peace.

The cousin (with a huge crush on Arthur) now decides to follow the queen's example and somehow lure Arthur in.

And you know- she is doing absolutely perfectly. She finds out Arthur's favorite meals, his favorite flowers, his hobbies, his schedule, everything. She knows how to make Arthur laugh, she knows precisely how to get his attention.

Everything is working just like her queen instructed. Except for one thing:

That blasted manservant of his. Who keeps one uping each of her attempts.

When she prepares food for arthur, Merlin comes and says:. Oh sorry, but the king is supposed to work out in an hour. This is too much. I made some finger food instead.

When she makes arthur laugh, Merlin trips and all the hard worked attention is suddenly gone.

Not to mention everything goes through merlin. If she brings flowers, merlin is the one to take care of then. She makes a painting, merlin decides where it goes and is the one to put it up.

She even tried acting like an advisor, giving good and insightful advice on certain topics. Based on what she knew Camelot stands for.

And then Merlin comes in and instead of giving strategic advice, he comforts the king in times of crisis. And tells him to just follow his heart and do what he thinks is right. No manipulation, no as actual knowledge. Nothing. Just comfort.

Then, later, she asks arthur out on a date. He says yes, oh joy. But what the hell is Merlin doing there as well?

After a battle, she tries to treat Arthur's wounds, but no. Merlin is apparently the court physician's apprentice as well and obviously he knows much better what he's doing.

By the end of the week the queen's cousin is exhausted. Her only advantage now is ensuring an alliance between mercia and Camelot, which arthur would find very smart and intelligent..... Since protection is his first priority for Camelot.

And then Camelot get's attacked and of course Mercia can't intervene fast enough. But that Merlin that blasted servant... Of course he just HAD to have magic and be the most powerful warlock to ever walk the earth. And of course his sole loyalty lies with Arthur and he can protect Camelot on his own. As a one man army.

She is so fucking tired.

Only then, Arthur freaks. Because apparently he didn't know? And now he had the audacity to feel betrayed??????

"okay stop this. I'm done. I've had enough of this .... Whatever this is!!!!!", She finally snaps. And both Merlin's and Arthur's attention are finally on her.

"i have tried to court Arthur for MONTHS now! I've been the perfect housewife, advisor, cook, botanist, nurse (the list goes on) any man would be lucky to even get to know!

But I can't even compare to (she points at merlin) any of that.

I have literally never seen a man so dedicated to the life of another human being. I couldn't name one man who treats his wife as well as he does you (she points at arthur). Whatever your relationship is.... (She glares at Arthur), you sir, will never find a partner more loyal and perfect for you.

And don't give me that 'but he's a sorcerer' nonsense. The only thing this guy is capable at hurting is my pride. (let's just ignore the corpses in the background)"

Arthur and Merlin: *both completely oblivious* wait, you were courting Arthur/me??????????

[wispeth]

(doppelganger Merlin au. Arthur is looking at two Merlin's, who both have all of Merlin's memories, except the imposter doesn't have magic. which is perfect, because the real Merlin lied so flawlessly to Arthur that imposter Merlin would have a real chance to take over Merlin's life. oh and, uh, Merlin was drugged w a truth serum. so he can't lie about the magic if it comes up. The imposter is able to pretend to be Merlin better than Merlin can bc ofc the magic comes up.)

Arthur: What's the first thing you ever said to me?

Imposter Merlin, confidently: Hey, that's enough. You've had your fun my friend.

Real Merlin, dazed, looking over at the imposter in horror as he realizes that the imposter has all of his memories, and that the imposter is actually capable of lying rn unlike himself, which means Real Merlin can't even keep up his own facade, but the imposter can: (says exactly the same thing in perfect unison with the imposter, but looks a lot more lost and shaken about it)

Arthur, narrowing his eyes at them both: What is your favorite tunic to dress me in?

Imposter Merlin: The red one. (It was a fair enough assumption. It was the one that Merlin picked out for Arthur to wear more than any of the others.)

Real Merlin, unable to believe he's about to admit this, but he has truth potion in his system: Your nightshirt, when you decide to wear it... It is--you look the happiest, in that one. (gay sweatdrop)

Arthur, kind of floored by the vulnerability: (was honestly expecting Merlin to say the red one, but now he wasn't so sure because that also sounded like something girlish that Melrin might say) Alright... How many times have you saved my life?

Imposter Merlin, gleeful on the inside because he finally has a chance to play Merlin's part while Merlin can't even maintain his own web of lies because of the truth potion: (to this imposter's credit, he is very good at pretending to be merlin. he starts mumbling to himself and counting on his fingers, just as Arthur thought Merlin might have done.) Let's see, there was the dagger, the poison, the... (proceededs to ramble off most every single one that Arthur himself is aware of) ... so that's about, a dozen? I'd say?

also Imposter Merlin: (places his hands on his hips in Merlin's sassy way) I'm starting to think you owe me a day off.

Real Merlin, voice shaky, because they are getting nearer and nearer to the topic of magic: Twice a fortnite for as long as I've lived in Camelot... That's got to be in the hundreds by now.

Arthur, suddenly remembering all the creatures of the week that suddenly disappeared before they became a problem. He knew of about one every month or two, but he started reconsidering if his guardian angel had been taking care of threats that he perhaps DIDN'T know about: Erm... (still can't tell who the real Merlin is, because one of them is giving all the answers he's looking for and is acting exactly like he would expect Merlin to, but the other Merlin is being so damn earnest right now, as Merlin was wont to do in times of crisis) What is--what's an honest truth that you've told me that I have mistaken for a lie?

Imposter Merlin, knowing that he's being quizzed on the memories of their shared history, without missing a beat: Valiant's shield. It was enchanted with those snakes. You got into a world of trouble for confronting him about it in front of the entire court. (aka exactly the answer that Arthur was expecting from the real Merlin)

Real Merlin, with a knot in his throat and tears in his eyes because he knows he's doomed: (the first instance that came to mind was that time he saved Gwen's father from sickness using magic and Gwen got thrown in the dungeons for being an alleged sorceress--and of course that was his first thought, he is very very paranoid about the magic so it's all he's thinking about--he has to say the first one for the sake thought for the sake of honesty, even though it's damning) Gwen's not the s-sorcerer... I am. (is also making exactly the same face that he was making the day that he told Arthur about Valiant's shield, the face where he is pleading for Arthur to believe him. The imposter only has access to Merlin's memories through Merlin's eyes, so the imposter wasn't able to see what Merlin's face did that day, so he wouldn't have known)

Arthur, now even more unsure, just gapes for a moment because how fucking stupid does someone have to be to confess to sorcery in Camelot? Twice?! And it was worse yet that he still couldn't tell for sure which Merlin was the real Merlin because he'd never had to combine the image of Merlin with magic before and gods damn it all he needed a moment to process: (decided to start asking Merlin questions about himself instead of quizzing him on information that Arthur already knows) Who was your first love? (fully expecting to hear Gwen's name, although, Merlin was quite flamboyant....)

Imposter Merlin: It was Will... (blushes a little, looking flustered and matter of factly at the same time, in that awkward way that mimics merlin perfectly) You met him, in Ealdor.

Real Merlin, sneering at the imposter in the way that he did Cedric when he was bitter about replaced by a possessed man in the Cornelius Sigan incident (a/n: even though the episode I mention in this line is a totally different one. I think I mix referenced a lot of episodes in this ramble actually): H-her name was Freya. You killed her.

Arthur, alarmed: Killed her? Wh--Merlin--not Merlin--Merlin? (stammers on how to address this Merlin, tosses his hands up after 0.5 seconds) I do not recall killing any village girls in Ealdor..!

Real Merlin, shaking his head: She was the bastet. It wasn't her fault, she was cursed by a sorceress to become a bastet at night. It wasn't your fault either, you did what you had to; I don't blame you for what happened.

Arthur, suddenly remembering that night, remembering how Merlin was reaching for the dangerous feline beast as if it were only a kitten, as if Merlin was going to pet it, or shield it from Arthur, or any other number of things that also seem so very Merlin. Arthur hadn't even considered it before, but now? Looking back? Merlin certainly had been remarkably upset in the passing days after that: (more confused than ever) Wh... Where did -- where were you, yesterday? (Gaius already told Arthur that Merlin was at the tavern)

Imposter Merlin: At the Rising Sun. Gwaine took me out for a round of drinks. Something about a lucky charm?

Arthur, nodding along: (it was true that Arthur has heard Lancelot and a few other knights call Merlin a lucky charm) Hm... (turns to look at the other Merlin)

Real Merlin, with a wobbling lip: (laughs weakly, rolling his teary eyes a bit) I told him to stop using that excuse... (refocuses) I was crawling out of the mirror, if you must know. I TOLD you I had a funny feeling about it. (motions to the imposter) (he has tears in his eyes and a smile on his face, and his voice sounds exactly the same as it did that one time when he said to Arthur 'you're certainly not' after Arthur told him that no man was worth his tears)

Arthur, now watching Real Merlin more closely than Imposter Merlin, searching: Who was your favorite guest to mock at the feasts and whatnot?

Imposter Merlin: (kind of stumped bc he wasn't expecting a question like this)

Real Merlin, who is actually able to answer first after some thought: ..... (snorts) Does-- (snorts again) Would the Lady Catrina count as a guest, d'you think? Or should I--no--I'll say it was the Lady Vivian. You get this, LOOK on your face every time she sits near you at the banquet table when she comes 'round.

Arthur, jaw dropped in mock offense: Because she is rather touchy! We've been over this..! (doesn't even realized that he just responded to Real Merlin as if he were for sure the real Merlin, and momentarily forgot that there were two convincing Merlins present)

Imposter Merlin: Are you mad? Arthur, the fake me said it himself that he crawled out of the mirror and practices sorcerery..! (looks so earnest, so genuine, but it's just... not quite how Merlin would say it)

Arthur: (narrows his eyes at the imposter with slight suspicion)

Imposter Merlin: (gives Arthur a flat look, exactly like the real Merlin would do when Arthur says something stupid) Arthur, I am not a sorcerer. You would know. (a/n: last episode style)

Arthur, who had never once suspected magic, but did always know that Merlin had been keeping a secret from him (he'd always assumed it was the alcoholism, but now....): You'd think so, wouldn't you.... (glances at the real Merlin, looking a little hurt)

Real Merlin, not denying the magic at all: I was born with it. I use it for you, Arthur.

Imposter Merlin: You can't honestly--

Arthur, looking deep into Real Merlin's eyes: Swear to me, right now, that you are telling me the truth. Prove it to me.

Real Merlin: (grabs the hidden dagger out of the imposters hands, who had apparently been gearing up to attack Arthur, which is confusing enough all on its own because it made it difficult to tell which one of them was truly intent on attacking Arthur with it, and then charges Arthur)

Arthur, who normally has keen warrior reflexes but not when his enemies wear Merlin's face: (freezes up, and then watches in shock as the dagger clashes against the thin air about an inch in front of Arthur's chest, cast aside by some glowing shield that fades after a second)

Real Merlin: Why do you think it takes me three hours to polish your armor? Do you have any idea how long it takes to enchant the space between every link of chainmail? (drops the dagger at Arthur's feet so he knows it was just a demonstration and not a genuine attack, similar to the way that Arthur always aims just to the left of Merlin when he's throwing blunt objects such as goblets because he never wishes any actual harm on Merlin)

Arthur, blinking dazedly: (can't help but think of that one time that Merlin spontaneously became talented at juggling. it's such a strange thing to remember, and completely unrelated to the current happenings, but Merlin's smile was small and smug just like it had been that day, and it just--clicked)

also Arthur, looking slightly more sure of himself now: (needs one final test to make absolutely certain, but he thinks he knows just what to ask) What would you have me do, if I cannot tell you apart?

Real Merlin, without missing a beat: Arrest us both. (shrugs casually) I am a sorcerer after all. Better safe than sorry.

(And that's just it, isn't it. It was just like Merlin, to sacrifice himself like that. It was just so, unmistakenly Merlin.)

Arthur, smirking in mock offense: Better safe than--excuse you, I could take you apart with one blow!

Merlin *cough*hearteyes*cough* "Emrys" Hunithson™, the one and only: I could take you apart with less than that

(In the end, Merlin walks himself to the dungeons as the imposter is arrested, just to give Arthur peace of mind so there's no pressure to second guess his decision since even if Arthur chose wrong, there is no assassin Merlin imposter on the loose. Merlin and the imposter both spend 3 days in their respective cells before the imposter finally does some decidedly out of character shit and Arthur can have him executed with full confidence that it's not Merlin... since the guy really was very good at mimicking Merlin. Arthur didn't even realize that he'd needed it at the time, but looking back, he probably would have had a panic attack as the imposter was marched to be hanged. He probably would have doubted himself at the last second and wondered if he really did believe the right Merlin those few days ago. But thankfully, Merlin thinks ahead sometimes and is actually quite thoughtful and wise on these such rare occasions.)

[justaz]

magic reveal where arthur doesn't say a word and starts walking away and then merlin is at his heel calling for him, pleading with him to talk, to let him explain everything, begging for him to turn around and look at him, his voice breaking with grief. arthur has never been able to deny merlin anything and turns but he is still hurt and angry and merlin can see it in his eyes before he even opens his mouth to spew accusations. merlin stands, demure, as he shakes his head yet he doesn't say anything - fallen silent under arthur's rage. arthur walks away and around a corner, merlin doesn't follow. merlin breaks down into heartbroken tears and sobs and arthur is just around the corner, leaning on the wall for support, and listening to merlin fall apart.

[ravennhearted]

Okay but you can’t just leave it like this:

Arthur is around the corner, his heart breaking in a dozen different ways as he listens to Merlin sob from just feet away, unaware that his prince can hear every broken sob. And Arthur just stands there, back pressed against the wall because he doesn’t have enough strength in his legs, trying to reconcile gold with blue and magic with Merlin because one is evil and one is good and they can’t both exist in the same person so that means one has to be wrong. Except the idea that Merlin is evil, that he is something that Arthur should hate, is so perverse that he can’t believe it. He can’t believe that this man that trips over his own feet and doesn’t know when to stop talking and stands beside him no matter how many times Arthur manages to screw up is evil, which means that magic isn’t evil.

Within the span of a minute Arthur’s entire worldview crumbles as surely as Merlin is crumbling as he sobs on the floor, and, really, there’s far too many broken things right now for Arthur to handle, and only one that he can fix.

So he braves his wobbling knees and sore heart and walks back to Merlin and falls on the ground beside him, brushing tears from his face with gentle thumbs as he tells this idiot that is everything good in the world to stop crying and explain himself because there has to be a good reason that Merlin has lied to him for so many years.

And Merlin is sniffling and red eyed and so so confused but he’s never been one to deny Arthur anything.

So he talks.

[justaz]

hunith comes to camelot to visit merlin and absolutely no one can understand how this sweet, loving, caring, polite woman sired The Menace that is merlin. especially uther. he normally doesn’t care for peasants but since arthur is fond of merlin and merlin insists on…being merlin, he’s intrigued by how different hunith is. hunith keeps things civil tho she detests his policies on magic and the whole purge business, but then she sees firsthand how uther treats her son in law- i mean arthur. her anger grows quick and she sees it reflected in merlin but merlin adores arthur and doesn’t want to put his position at arthur’s right hand in jeopardy so he bites his tongue. hunith has no such reservations. she stands before uther, back straight and eyes meeting his. she speaks evenly as she rips him a new asshole for how he treats arthur before socking him in the jaw so hard he stumbles back and has to grab the table to stay on his feet. as shes glaring down at him everyone suddenly sees just how merlin is her son.

[wispeth]

Every knight of the round table possesses a trait that Arthur admires about them--a trait that he inevitably adopts himself, trying to mold himself into someone he is proud to be, by looking first at the people he admires, and why. Mimicry is the highest form of flattery after all.

Leon was the first person Arthur ever truly admired. When Arthur was a boy, he took a first notice of Sir Leon during his (Leon's) knighting ceremony. After a boyish bout of asking round the guests, Arthur had deducted that Sir Leon was something of a prodigy swordsman; the ginger haired man was younger than most who'd been knighted that day, but he was given additional honors for a recent act of heroism. It certainly raptured the princeling's attention.

That and, Uther looked genuinely pleased with him, which caught the eye of the little prince, who wished for his father to see him in the same light. Little Arthur wanted also to be something his father was proud of. So he looked to Sir Leon.

The knight was loyal. He was honorable. He was chivalrous. He was obedient. He was a proper soldier. He was everything a knight was meant to be; Arthur could see then why his father would be proud. Arthur took pride in him as well, still did, far beyond those days of youth.

The princeling was not jealous, no. He was awestruck. 'I could do that too,' he thought in wonder. 'I could be a knight.' He couldn't have been older than nine at the time: no idea who he was, but he did know, in his heart of hearts, that he, too, wanted to be a man like that.

Far later, now, Leon is a knight of the round table. His place at the table represents the soldier in Arthur--his roots--reminds him what he's fighting for: for Camelot, for home.

Lancelot, as well, was someone that Arthur admired. He faught only for the most noble of reasons, and was otherwise a very gentle (albeit gently chaotic) soul. He was kind, and he was charming, and Merlin--that was someone else who's opinion mattered--Merlin always looked happy to see Lancelot.

Arthur could do that as well. He could be kind.

Then there was Gwaine. That one, he, oddly enough, signified Arthur's humility. He was messy, sure, plenty rough round the edges, but he was a serious man when it counted (and not a second more).

Becoming a knight made him no less human. He was just as much of a man as he was before, just as much of a drunk, and a troublemaker, and just as good a friend. Similarly, even being but a mortal man of mortal mistakes, he was no less of a knight.

Arthur took a page from his book: to be a man first, and a king second. He would not make kingly decisions that would hurt his honest heart, and he would not do reckless things with the heart he uses to rule.

And Merlin--gods above, Merlin--there lies the heart in question. Merlin was hope itself. He was everything sacred in the world that Arthur vowed to protect.

Merlin was, well, he was odd, to say the least. He was gangly, and waifish, and awkward and clumsy--sassy, that one--and boyish too. Merlin went about life as if he learned how to be a person from the ground up, as if he was never told how to behave, as if--when he was young, and full of sunshine still--he was simply let loose, and never told to protect himself.

And still yet, it seemed that he wore his heart on his sleeve everywhere he went, as if nothing bad could happen to it while it was on display. And Arthur would wrangle the fates into obedience if it meant never having to prove Merlin wrong.

[that-nerd-who-writes-fanfiction]

Merlin: ARE YOU-

Gwaine: Fucking

Merlin: KIDDING ME?! YOU-

Gwaine: Fucking

Merlin: IDIOT!

Arthur: *looks between Merlin and Gwaine*

Arthur: No. Just no. *walks away*

Merlin: *follows, yelling about Arthur being reckless*

Lancelot: ... What was that?

Gwaine: Princess banned Merlin from swearing, so I'm helping him out.

Leon: Shouldn't you be the one banned from swearing?

Gwaine: Yeah, but princess lost all hope in curing me of that a long time ago. He just wanted Merlin’s rants to be less intimidating.

Merlin, in the distance: Were you born without any self preservation or did you lose it somewhere in that big empty space between your ears?!

Leon: …

Lancelot: I wish him luck. Hell hath no fury like a scorned Merlin.

[magicourageandstrength]

I love the headcannon that Gwaine knew about Merlin’s magic, and without question, kept it a secret.

Gwaine probably saw Merlin use his magic during a fight with bandits (saving everyone in the process) and looked at him for two seconds like ‘I fuckin knew it’

Never talked to Merlin about it, never told a soul. If anyone ever caught on that Merlin had magic he would steer them in the complete opposite direction.

I mean, Merlin never told anyone that he was of noble blood, so it’s only fair obviously.

[merlinficprompts]

I need them eventually having that conversation once Merlin’s magic is revealed to everyone!