trying on a metaphor
roma★
Stranger Things
will byers stan first human second
tumblr dot com
DEAR READER
Monterey Bay Aquarium
if i look back, i am lost
Origami Around
sheepfilms
I'd rather be in outer space 🛸
oozey mess
JVL
taylor price
almost home
祝日 / Permanent Vacation
tannertan36
shark vs the universe
Misplaced Lens Cap
Mike Driver
seen from Malaysia
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seen from T1
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seen from Malaysia
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seen from Israel
@overlyspecific
I know most of my followers here are from the Merlin fandom but i just finished the first draft of a horror short film script revolved around geocaching. If any of you wonderful people are interested and want to beta read to give me feedback/thoughts, please reach out!
Part 13 of Merlin Hood
Previous part
Sorry i went a little mia, i got real busy with work and life. hope you enjoy, probably wont be posting super frequently for the foreseeable future.
If Gwaine had known that he would be third-wheeling the most dangerous and idiotic power couple of all time, he probably wouldn’t have said yes to helping the dripping wet greek god of a man at that lake. What can Gwaine say, he has a type and that type seems to be insanely powerful men who only see him as a friend. At least they both are happy with each other.
As soon as Gwaine saw the pure love and devotion in their eyes when Arthur and Merlin looked to each other, he knew he didn’t stand a chance with either of them. But that was okay, Gwaine is good at getting dates and if they made it out the this tomb alive, he would be spending 2 whole weeks in the tavern, to hell with whatever Lance and Merlin thought.
Right now though, he was busy trying not to get blow back against the wall as Merlin’s magic exploded through every surface in the tomb. Unbelievably, the old ruins hadn’t collapsed on all of them and even more unbelievably, his hair still fell flawlessly over his shoulders without a strand out of place.
Gwaine: Hey guys, love the heart to heart and the sentiment and everything, but we should probably get out of here!
Arthur continues gazing down at Merlin like he cant look away.
Gwaine: Guys!
Finally, Arthur looks up and seems to take stock of their surroundings. He picks up Merlin in a way where he is gently laying in his arms and follows Gwaine to the entrance of the ruins.
Merlin: *still glowing as the magic rushes out of him* Arthur.
Arthur: *sweetly* Yes.
Merlin: *softly* you called me love earlier…
Arthur: I did no such thing.
Merlin: you did, you dollophead.
Arthur: Look, Merlin. Can we not argue while you are out of control of your magic and we are trapped in ruins that may rain down on us any minute?
Merlin: I do, too.
Arthur: What?
Merlin: I love you, too.
Arthur: Oh… *trying to act smug but failing because of the besotted expression on his face* well… why wouldn’t you? I am a royal.
Merlin: *under his breath* A royal prat more like…
Crumbling stone and rocks start to collapse all around them and they pick up speed to the entrance to the cave. Arthur sets Merlin down as he looks a bit more lively.
Gwaine: *looks sheepishly at Merlin* So… uh…
Arthur: Really, Gwaine?
Gwaine: Well, how else are we going to get out?
Arthur: You can’t just give him a minute?
Merlin: Its okay, I’m okay.
Merlin’s arm shakes as he raises it at the wall, but its not weakness he feels. Its an abundance of magic dancing through every cell making him feel like he could do anything but overwhelmed by the sheer power. He starts to whisper a spell and only gets a couple words in before the wall is ripped apart.
Gwaine: Damn…could you always do that?
Merlin: I think maybe, but definitely not as easily…
Arthur: Lets get out of here. We can talk about the implications of that later.
The three exit the ruins, and with a lot of arguing, start to head in the direction of Merlin’s forest hideout.
ADHD is so funny it's like I diagnose you with lazy inconsiderate fuckup disease. And it's incurable. Here's meth
Part 12 of Merlin Hood
Previous parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 13
Merlin wasn’t sure what time it was. His stomach growled and his body hurt. What was worse was he could feel the magic around him and surging under his skin, he just couldn’t reach for it. it was like being stranded on a boat and seeing land, but you have no oars and your arms cant reach the water.
Merlin sighed and tried to think about something else. As usual, his mind settled on a familiar subject: blonde hair, tired eyes and an easy smirk. Merlin smiled to himself and closed his eyes, brain playing images of his prince.
On the other side of the ruins, Merlin’s prince was wearing a different expression.
Gwaine: All I’m saying is you need to lighten up a little.
Arthur: We were somehow magically sealed into a tomb of hundreds of years old ruins and you want me to lighten up?
Gwaine: With that attitude, we are going to get nothing done.
Arthur: Look, let’s just find Merlin so we can get the hell out of here.
Gwaine: Lead the way, princess.
Arthur and Gwaine follow the tunnel by a faint light that gets brighter until they reach a torch hanging on the wall.
Arthur: At least the witchfinder was kind enough to leave something to light our way.
Gwaine: *patting Arthur on the back patronizingly* That’s the spirit! See the power of a positive attitude.
Arthur: *mumbling angrily* I’ll show you where you can put your positive attitu-
Arthur stops his thought when they round the next corner and see bars locked together with shiny new chains.
Arthur: Merlin.
Arthur brings down excalibur on the chains and they explode apart. Gwaine throws open the doors and they charge into the room.
Arthur and Gwaine: *shouting* Merlin!
Arthur uses the torch to sweep light across the room and he sees a figure chained to the wall at the far side of the cell. He rushes over, almost putting out the torch in the process.
Arthur: Merlin!
Merlin doesn’t move, causing Arthur’s heart to stop in his chest. Arthur brings a hand up to Merlin neck fearing the worst, but a light pressure beats into his fingers and he can breath again.
Arthur: When you get up, I’m going to make you promise to never scare me like that again, you clotpole.
Merlin: *faintly with a slight pained smile* my word…
Arthur looks up at Merlin’s face and is met with his soft blue eyes. The little bits of gold in them shine with the torch glow.
Arthur: *softly* Merlin.
Merlin: You keep repeating my name. Are you worried you’ll forget it.
Arthur: As if you’d let me forget you.
Merlin: Its my destiny.
Arthur: *smiling* Its your destiny to be a constant nuisance in my life?
Merlin: *smiles back* Something like that. The dragon wasn’t too specific.
Gwaine: *clears his throat* Not to interrupt, but we are trapped in this old dusty tomb of ruins with no way out.
Arthur: Right.
Arthur reaches his sword up to break the chains, but Merlin’s frantic face stops him.
Merlin: Wait!
Arthur: What?
Merlin: My magic. If you take the chains off now, I’m not going to have any control over it. I could hurt you.
Arthur: You’d could never hurt me.
Merlin: Arthur, I’m serious.
Arthur: Well, i’m not going to just leave you here in chains. If Gwaine wants to leave, he can but you are getting out of here.
Gwaine: I’m not going anywhere.
Gwaine gives a confident smile, showing no wavering.
Arthur: Guess its settled then.
Arthur looks at Merlin seriously. Merlin makes no other effort to argue, obviously too exhausted to put up much fight. His eyes slip closed and he nods his head. Arthur swings excalibur at the chains holding Merlin’s arms and Arthur catches Merlin before he can hit the ground.
Gwaine: *joking* so much for uncontrolled powerful raw magic…
Arthur looks down at the slumped Merlin in his arms. He is tense, shaking slightly and his eyes are shut tight.
Arthur: *whispering softly while running a hand through Merlin’s hair in a comforting gesture* its okay. You can let it out.
Merlin’s eyes shoot open, frantically. Arthur catches their line of sight and maintains eye contact. Merlin looks as scared as Arthur has ever seen him and it breaks his heart. He gives Merlin a soft smile and a nod then he pulls him closer into his chest.
Arthur: Its okay, love, im not going anywhere.
Merlin’s eyes go golden and the room explodes with magic.
my forever babygirl
After a particularly close call with Arthur, Uther employs Merlin as his spy/ assassin. Merlin takes the job and starts spying on everyone in the castle and then reporting his findings to Uther. However, he also can't resist talking to Arthur about it, but Arthur doesn't know Merlin is a spy, so he is just so confused about how Merlin knows all of this stuff.
he was crazy for that
baz invented yearning i stg
Part 11 of Merlin Hood
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 12
Sometimes life is fair and sometimes you are Morgana Pendragon. If the fact that she had to hide her very powerful magic and the only other person she knew with magic was forced to flee into the forest wasn’t enough, she now had to watch as her servant/newly realized love flirted with a very handsome man. She was so distracted by the thought of it, she didnt realize said object of her desires had entered.
Gwen: *still smiling* Hello, my lady.
Morgana: *trying to pretend like she didn’t jump a mile when Gwen spoke* Hello, Gwen.
Gwen: Is something wrong, my lady? You look a little pale.
Morgana: Gwen, dear, we are alone. You can call me Morgana.
Gwen: Sorry, my-Morgana, habits.
Morgana finds that the room has gotten tense and wouldn’t be able to forgive herself for wiping a smile off of Gwen’s face so she tries to hide her sadness.
Morgana: Lancelot seems like a nice fellow.
Gwen’s smile returns to her face and Morgana tries not to let her heart shatter from it.
Gwen: *a little timid* yeah, he is sweet. *a small blush appears on her cheeks* he even kissed my hand when he left
Morgana: *turning her back on Gwen to hide her facial expression* oh wow that’s forward of him
Gwen: *not noticing anything wrong with Morgana* yeah, i thought Leon was going to chase him away but we were lucky he bought our lie that Lancelot is from a neighboring town.
Morgana: oh, Leon is on guard? I need to speak with him.
Morgana jumps at the opportunity to leave the situation and makes for the door.
Gwen: Morgana.
Morgana: *stopping at the door and turning back to Gwen* yes, Gwen?
Gwen: if i’d done anything to upset you, you’d tell me, right?
Morgana: right. i’m just worried about Merlin that’s all. you’ve done nothing wrong.
Morgana rushes out, leaving Gwen alone in her chambers feeling out of place without knowing why.
Back in the woods, a hundred feet from the entrance to the ruins, Arthur and Gwaine are hiding in a bush.
Arthur: I can’t believe I didn’t figure out sooner that you would be one of the forest ruffians that trampses around with Merlin.
Gwaine: technically you didn’t figure it out and Merlin does most of the trampsing.
Arthur: shut up! i see something. *Arthur points at the entrance to the ruins*
Aredian exits the ruins with his face a shade redder than a tomato.
Aredian: *ranting loudly to himself* Never in my life- in all my years- who even knows all the words to the tavern songs- If the king wants answers so bad, he’s going to have to get them himself!
Aredian angrily makes his way to his horse and rides off in the direction of Camelot.
Gwaine: well, that was easy.
Arthur: *looking around confusedly* usually these things take longer or something bad happens…
Gwaine: Usually you don’t have Merlin though *gestures to the ruins* come on!
Arthur puts aside his uneasy feeling and enters the ruins after Gwaine. Neither of them notice a figure shrouded in a deep violet cloak watching them from the tree line. The cloaked figure raises their hand and a large slab of rock seals the entrance, trapping them all inside.
Sorry things in this part got a little bit angsty with Morgana’s POV. There also might be a little more angst to come with Gwaine, Arthur and Merlin all being trapped together but don’t worry ill be sure to cut it with some light-hearted humor.
Part 10 of Merlin Hood
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 11, Part 12
Merlin didn’t have a lot of regrets in his life. Sure, he wished he could spend more time with his friends and do more with his magic than what he was doing, but he understood the constraints of his life. He accepted it through and through. What he did regret however was not eating back at the hideout when he got the chance.
Okay, maybe he was a little loopy from pain and blood loss, but that didn’t stop his stomach from rumbling. Merlin half excepted the noise to echo off the walls.
Merlin: *mumbling a little deliriously* Hey, Mr. Witchfinder, sir! You wouldn’t by chance have a sliver of bread or a sweet meat I can have? I would be forever grateful and I may even forgive you for the whole nasty torture business for a sausage.
Aredian: I have tortured hundreds of sorcerers to the point of madness. I have interrogated thousands of people for very important information. Never once have I ever wished for someone to be silent rather than be subjected the utter rubbish you have spewed to me and I still know absolutely nothing. You are either the most intelligent person in all of Albion or the craziest idiot I have ever met.
Merlin: Hey, I only allow one person to call me an idiot and he is currently busy retrieving a mythical sword from a lake.
Aredian: How do I even respond to something like that?
Merlin: *thinking with a determined look on his face* I mean you could ask me who the person is or why they are retrieving the sword.
Aredian: Who is the person and why are they retrieving this mythical sword?
Merlin: *smiling* The once and future king is retrieving the sword because a forest druid friend of mine told him he needed to in order to be able to follow a beacon of magic which is connected by the strings of destiny.
Aredian: *regretting every life decision he has made that brought him to this point* I really don’t know whether to let you go to put an end to your madness or kill you for wasting my time, but either way I would be going against the king’s orders.
Merlin: *sympathizing* King Uther is really picky about orders. Found that out the hard way when I ruined his favorite shirt but I couldn’t exactly offer to clean it with magic at the time. Do you think he would be mad if I broke in and fixed it now? No, don’t answer I know its too risky for something unimportant. Its still gonna bother me though.
Aredian: *storming out of the dark room* DO YOU EVER SHUT UP?!
Merlin: *alone now* I think that may have been rhetorical.
Merlin shrugs his shoulders and closes his eyes.
Meanwhile, Leon is pacing where he is stationed at the front of the castle. He helped Arthur sneak out hours ago when they returned and Arthur learned of his father’s plans. Uther expected Arthur to be thrilled that their problem would finally be put to an end and Arthur played the part well, but Leon knew Arthur. He had known him since they started training to be knights together. Leon would even go as far as to say he was the one who taught Arthur how to lie when they stayed out too late at the tavern or when he disagreed with his father.
Leon saw the signs in Arthur. He saw the tightening of his fist, the crinkle of his brow and the locked in focus of his gaze. He knew Arthur was going to leave the castle and warn Merlin. What Leon didn’t know was why.
Arthur was a very smart and talented warrior and hunter. He should have tracked Merlin down years ago, but he didn’t. Leon has never understood it. However, Leon came to the conclusion that when it comes time to pick sides between Arthur and the king, Leon will support his best friend. He’s seen the good in Arthur and he decided he doesn’t always need to understand his friend to support him. All of that doesn’t mean he is any less frustrated about being left in the dark.
A couple of shadows approaching pull Leon out of his thoughts.
Gwen: *smiling* Hi, Leon.
Leon: Hello, Gwen. What has you out so late? Surely, Morgana doesn’t keep you that busy to work dusk to dawn.
Lancelot: Sorry, that would be my fault. I offered to buy Gwen a drink at the tavern and we lost track of time.
Leon: *narrowing his eyes a little* Have we met before?
Gwen: Lance here is from a neighboring village so you might have seen him around.
Leon: *unsure* yeah, maybe…
Lancelot: Well, Gwen I’d better be on my way back home. *he leans down to kiss her hand*
Gwen: *embarrassed* That’s really not necessary!
Lancelot: For you, the world, Guinevere! *Lancelot takes off back through the courtyard to the forest*
Leon: *clears his throat*
Gwen: *blushes* Sorry about that, Leon. I’d better get inside to help the Lady Morgana to bed.
Leon clears the way for Gwen to pass through, thoughts going back to Arthur. Where was that friend of his?
In the woods, just outside the clearing with the lake, Arthur was trying to traverse very quietly. His companion didn’t seem to get the memo.
Arthur: Could you be any louder?
Gwaine: Depends, what kind of noise making tools you got?
Arthur: *turning around and approaching Gwaine angrily* I’m already worried about making it to my friend in time before something really bad happens to him which will most definitely happen if the person keeping him hears us coming. So quiet down before I make you!
Gwaine: *whistles sarcastically* hey you’re the one who threatened me for help. I’m the one trusting you to keep your word, your majesty.
Arthur: *under his breath* its actually your highness.
The two continue walking in silence until Gwaine steps on a loud branch.
Gwaine: Okay so that was actually on accident, I swear.
Arthur holds up a hand to silence Gwaine. Gwaine scrunches his face in disbelief but stays still. The wait for a minute and nothing happens
Arthur: Sorry, I thought I heard-
Arthur is cut off by five bandits emerging from the trees, weapons drawn. Gwaine and Arthur immediately close ranks and stand back to back like they have fought together many times.
Bandit 1: Gwaine, fancy seeing you here. If I remember correctly, you owe me and my friends here a round. Care to pay up?
Arthur: *whispering angrily* You know these guys?!
Gwaine: *to Arthur* Unfortunately *to the bandits* You apparently don’t remember correctly. I believe I was forced to empty you and your friends cups when I knocked your sorry behind over the table for insulting a lass. I’m happy to clear up the confusion for you though.
Bandit 2: Where’s your little crew, Gwaine? They get fed up with you yet? Word on the street is you mess up everything eventually and have to leave town.
Gwaine breaks rank to attack Bandit 2, leaving Arthur to deal with the others for a moment. Arthur being the advanced warrior he is, barely breaks a sweat incapacitating Bandit 1. Excalibur moves in fast graceful arcs as he works through the bandits.
Gwaine, similarly dispatches his bandit easily and closes back in with Arthur to watch his back. They fight like a well-oiled machine and make quick work of the remaining bandits.
Arthur: *laughing and pushing Gwaine’s arm in familiarity* Where did you learn to fight? I wish some of my men were have as good as you.
Gwaine: *laughing with Arthur* Oh, here and there. You aren’t so bad yourself. Wait, what do you mean your men?
Arthur: My knights.
Gwaine: *smile dropping* Your knights as in they serve you.
Arthur: *realizing that Gwaine is peicing together that he is the prince and getting serious* Yes.
Gwaine: The person you care greatly about, it’s Merlin.
Arthur: *drawing his sword suddenly* How do you know, Merlin? Where is he?
Gwaine: Well, princess, I have good news and bad news.
List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox of the last 10 people who liked or reblogged something from you ‼️
1. A beautiful piece of art
2. My cat
3. People supporting each other, especially strangers.
4. The times during a sunrise or sunset when the clouds go pink.
5. Walking at night and seeing all the different colors of LED light strips in apartment windows.
What character (that hasn’t been involved yet) do you want to see in the next part?
Leon
Elyan
Percival
Freya
Mordred
Part 9 of Merlin Hood
Previous parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12
Sorry last part was a little long! this one is a bit shorter.
Morgana looks out her window down at the courtyard for what must be the fourteenth time in an hour. She curses herself for not accompanying Gwen to warn Merlin. Merlin is her friend as well but more than that, she is beside herself with worry for her… well servant is probably the most accurate description, but Gwen has always been more than that, more than even a friend really.
Regardless, she cares about Gwen and Merlin both, but she made the choice to stay to keep them safer in the first place. If she were missing, Uther would stop at nothing to track her down, so it was a lot better if Gwen warned Merlin alone. It didn't stop her worrying about them though. Morgana goes to the window again.
The sun had set a few minutes ago leaving the last light remaining a crimson color across the sky and it casted long shadows on the ground. Emerging from one of those long shadows at the edge of a courtyard was a familiar shape. Morgana let out a sigh of relief. Gwen was safe and sound, nothing to worry about.
Before Morgana could run down and envelope Gwen in a fierce hug, she noticed another figure following close behind Gwen. It wasn’t Merlin, the figure was filled out with muscles too much to be their scrawny underfed sorcerer friend. No, it must have been one of his forest crew she’d met a couple of times. Lancelot, she thought his name was.
Lancelot was escorting Gwen into town and ducking behind walls when guards passed. Something Morgana couldn’t put a name to filled her chest at seeing him along side Gwen. Then, she saw Gwen’s radiant smile which was reserved for her closest friend and Morgana clenched the side the window opening.
Morgana: *aloud* Oh, no. This is not good.
Morgan laid her head in her hands. Her feelings always had the worst timing.
In another area of the forest, Gwaine traveled alone wacking at tall grass with a stolen sword.
Gwaine: *shouting* Merlin!
No answer came to Gwaine and so he continued on. He had checked the three open caves on the north side of the forest to no avail. Most rock formations in the forest were too small to store someone without anyone seeing but he checked them anyway. If Merlin was still in the forest, the only place he could be was the ruins on the east side of the forest.
Gwaine both hoped and didnt hope that Merlin was there. If he was, that would mean that someone went through a great deal of trouble to hide him away for a reason which meant probably a lot of pain but a possibility he was still alive. If he wasn’t there than that meant that whoever took him could have took him beyond the forest and even out of the kingdom. If that was the case they may never see him alive again.
Gwaine shook his head to clear his thoughts. Negative thoughts were not going to help him. He needed to get to the ruins and find Merlin.
Unfortunately, the sun had beat down on him all day and even though having ale in his water skin was fun while it lasted, now he was sufficiently dehydrated. Fortunately, Gwaine had stumbled into a clearing with a large lake to one side.
Gwaine: Great, now I just need to find a river that feeds into- What the actual hell!
The rest of Gwaine’s thought is cut of by his, admittedly not very manly, scream. From the water a mere few feet away, a man showered in the last bit of golden light emerges dripping out the lake. He looks in every way an immortalized warrior complete with a glowing sword emanating pure power. The man turns to Gwaine and raises the sword.
Arthur: Someone very dear to me is in trouble and you are going to help me find him.
Gwaine: Look, man, normally I would love to help you, but I’m actually looking for someone myself. So, if you could put the magic sword down I’ll just be on my way.
Arthur: The person I am looking for is very powerful. If you help me, he will be able to help you find your friend. Plus this sword will lead us right to him.
Gwaine takes in the man once more. He isn’t wearing any armor but that does nothing to hide the fact that this man is clearly a very strong and talented fighter. Gwaine also doesn’t know who is keeping Merlin but they must be pretty powerful if they can keep Merlin subdued, it wouldn’t hurt to have a little backup on his side.
Gwaine: Fine, I will help you but we have to be quick. I don’t know how long my friend can wait.
Arthur: *smiling and holding out a hand* Great! Then, its settled.
The two shake hands and set off into the woods following the glowing magic of excalibur.
Some fun stuff in this part! I’ve introduced a couple love triangles, so sorry about that but I couldn’t resist. Next part will contain some hilarity of Arthur and Gwaine realizing that they are both looking for Merlin. The reason Gwaine doesn’t recognize Arthur is because in this AU, Merlin always meets with Arthur alone to flirt but also to keep his forest crew safe from being recognized and captured later. There might be the introduction of a few characters I haven’t included yet in the next few parts so get ready for that!
Saw this going around twitter, looked like fun. What? I'm not procrastinating (I am, I really am)
Make this picrew of yourself
Take this uquiz
Post the results side-by-side. No pressure tags: @alypink, @revnah1406, @madefordvarka, @deadbranch, @welldonekhushi, @kaitaiga, @applbottmjeens, @froglights-and-pearls
Gotta be honest, did not expect that one XD
@crimsonrose14 @larluce @sassyninjawarrior @snazzy-jas-z-is-a-fan-of @tamaha
Hope you'll have fun with it
As someone who has been suspecting she might be neurodivergent, this feels almost like a confirmation
@smileytrinity @tansyuduri @star-rie @lucifertookmyshoe @evadne01
Do it if you like ^^
I definitely flirt with all my friends and never get into any relationships so this checks out.
Part 8 of Merlin Hood AU
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12
The room is dark, lit only by a sliver of sun peaking through a hole in the wall when Merlin comes too. A breeze through the dark dank cave causes Merlin to shutter. His wrists ache from being chained in cold iron above his head and the sound of water dripping echoing through the chamber pulls a sorrowful longing sound from Merlin’s scratchy throat.
Merlin: *whispering to himself* Well this couldnt get any worse…
Merlin looks quickly around him for the witchfinder to approach. From Merlin’s experience they usually can’t resist the urge to say something witty like ‘Oh, but it can’ or ‘I was hoping you would say that.’ If Gwaine was there they’d probably bet on which one it would be. Man, he missed Gwaine and Lancelot and Gwen and Arthur. Wait, Arthur! He was in the woods and he was looking for Merlin! Merlin smiled to himself sadly, it was nice to have people who cared about him…even if one of them was a clotpole.
The Witchfinder (Aredian): Oh my boy, there’s nothing to smile about.
Merlin: *sighing* I liked my options better. Why are we even here? Don’t you just want to deliver me to the king and get paid?
Aredian: But wheres the fun in that? Besides the king has some questions for you that he knows I can get answers for.
Merlin: If its about how I manage to look this good when I’ve been living in a forest for years, the answer manages to escape me too.
A bucket of cold water is thrown at Merlin, irritating his wounds. Merlin typically doesnt like the idea of killing anyone, but for Aredian he could make an exception. A small bit of magic sparks itself in Merlin’s abdomen, comforting him before diminishing once again. Merlin groans it frustration.
Aredian: What? No more quips? Did I get the fearsome Merlin to finally shut his trap?
Merlin: *gritting through his teeth* Not likely.
Aredian throws his head back in a laugh and Merlin watches as he brandishes a dagger.
Aredian: Good. The fun is just beginning.
Meanwhile, Lancelot, Gwen and Gwaine are thinking of plans to rescue Merlin at the hideout.
Gwaine: All I’m saying is if you have enough chickens-
Lancelot and Gwen: *monotone because they have heard Gwaine pitch this four times now* -they make for a good diversion.
Gwaine pouts a bit.
Lancelot: Gwaine, we don’t even know where they took him. Merlin has made it pretty clear that he can break out of almost every dungeon and cell they keep him in so I doubt they’ve taken him to the castle.
Gwen: Plus, if he was at the castle, the king would be showing him off to everyone as an example and we haven’t heard anything like that yet.
Lancelot: Gwen, why don’t I escourt you back to the castle so you can try to gather more information. Gwaine can scavenge the woods for anywhere they might be keeping Merlin.
Gwen takes off in the direction of the castle leaving Lancelot with Gwaine for a moment.
Lancelot: We’ve been through these woods a thousand times, there’s only a few places that he could be hidden.
Gwaine: Right. I’ll scavenge the areas and you can send word if Gwen hears anything.
Lancelot: Be careful, Gwaine.
Gwaine: *smirking* When am I not?
Gwaine takes off in the other direction and Lancelot sighs. He really needs more friends that don’t attract trouble like it’s their job. But they are all he’s got and he’ll do anything for them. After a moment, Lancelot takes off after Gwen.
In another area of the forest, Arthur wakes up to in a bed of flowers. The sun is shining high above his head and his chainmail is laid out against the grass next to him, leaving him in his tunic and breeches. Birds are chirping near by and Arthur rubs at his eyes. He feels at peace, but something is wrong. He was supposed to do something or be somewhere. He knows it.
Rustling in a bush catches Arthur’s attention and he gets up quickly to draw his sword. A hooded figure approaches Arthur and raises out their hand.
Hooded figure: Arthur Pendragon.
Arthur: Who are you? Where is this place?
Hooded figure: I have many names but for our purposes you can call me Pirerymus.
Arthur: Pyramus? Like the tragic love story?
Pirerymus: *softly chuckles* No, but it this case it might work just as well. As for your where you are, I’m surprised you don’t recognize this place. It means a lot for your future and your destiny. Tell me, what does it feel like to you.
Arthur: Peaceful, warm, protecting. It feels sort of like it’s watching over me, like if I fell asleep again right here I would safe.
Pirerymus: and when have you felt that before?
Arthur thinks back and has a hard time placing it. He feels safe at Camelot but he’s always a little on edge waiting for the next person to try to kill him or for his father’s disapproving words. The only time he has really felt at ease is when he is with…
Arthur: Merlin.
Pirerymus: He’s your protector and your destiny, but the same applies to you. You must protect him as well.
Arthur: How am I supposed to protect the most powerful sorceror ever? What can I do that he can’t?
Pirerymus: He may be very powerful but he is not a warrior. Not like you.
Arthur: Well, I don’t know how much good that’s going to do now. I don’t even know where he is and I still don’t know where I am or how it connects to our destiny.
Pirerymus: Oh, but you do. He told you exactly where he was.
Arthur: The light.
Pirerymus: Yes. You need to learn how to understand what he is telling you, otherwise you two will never unite the land and bring about the golden age of Albion.
Arthur: I don’t have time for this. He’s in trouble.
Pirerymus: Emrys’s own well-being is not my main concern. You will find in time that he can handle a lot. However, if he loses control the safety of everyone and everything around him is at risk.
Arthur: Merlin would never hurt anyone.
Pirerymus: That may be the case, but if any outside forces got control of even a sliver of his true power they could do a great deal of damage.
Arthur: So, I’m supposed to keep people from stealing his magic?
Pirerymus: You are to protect him when he cannot protect himself just as he does for you. But you will need to work together this to work. Emrys has already opened up to you. Now, you must do the same. Follow me.
Pirerymus leads Arthur through the wildflowers until they get to a small lake and they stop at the water’s edge.
Pirerymus: Tell me, Arthur, what do you feel now?
Arthur: *pauses for a moment to take in his surroundings* There’s something in there. Something calling to me.
Pirerymus: Yes, I would guess so. After all, it was made for you.
Arthur looks back to the field of flowers. Most wildflowers have a cacophony of colors, but Arthur only sees here a very harmonious blue and golden yellow. Arthur closes his eyes for a minute and the calling from the lake grows. He wades into the lake.
Part 7 of Merlin Hood AU
Previous parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12
We are back in the present for this one. Thanks to everyone who has been sending encouraging messages I appreciate them tons. I’ve been going through a bit of a tough time recently and writing these parts and seeing all your love for them is making me feel really good so thank you all.
Gwen tears through the woods towards where Merlin directed her. Scratches and cuts from wayward sticks and weeds cover her arms but she doesn’t dare slow down. She has to make it to the hideout.
Lancelot: He should be back by now. I know he said to stay here but…
Gwaine: …we should ignore that and go look for him?
Lancelot: Yeah, that sounds like-
Lancelot is cut off by a noise in the bushes at the entrance to their hideout. Gwen stumbles through with leaves in her hair and both of the forest knights rush forward to help her.
Lancelot: 😨 Gwen! What are doing here?
Gwen: *taking deep breaths and grabbing Gwaine’s offered waterskin* Ran into Merlin *takes a sip of ale from the waterskin and gags a little bit* GWAINE!
Gwaine: what? it seemed like you could use it.
Lancelot: *rolls his eyes and offers Gwen his waterskin instead* What about Merlin, Gwen?
Gwen: *between drinks of water* Witchfinder. In trouble.
Gwaine: That’s it, I’m going after him!
Gwen: No! Wait! You’ll just get captured, too.
Lancelot: Gwen’s right, we need a plan.
Meanwhile, alone deeper in the forest, Arthur paces in a field of wildflowers.
Arthur: *to himself* I shouldnt. *he turns to leave* But, what if he’s in trouble… *he turns back to the field and sighs, bringing out a old dull red neckerchief and laying it gently on the ground. he then thinks better of it and picks it up, tying it to a tree branch a few meters away* Merlin?
The wind blows through the wildflowers sending a shiver down Arthur’s back. Arthur sighs again and turns to leave. As he starts to turn a bright blue orbs floats out in front of him.
Arthur: Merlin! Where are you?
A deafening scream fills the woods scaring the birds and bringing Arthur to his knees.
Reblog if you're queer, have ADHD, or hate the government.
Nobody needs to know which one.
Reblog if you’re all three and want everyone to know
Part 6 of Merlin Hood
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12
Still in the past at Merlin’s magic trial, next part will be back to the present!
The first thing Merlin notices when he wakes up is that it’s daylight. He should have waken Arthur up hours ago, but somethings not right. Merlin knows he didnt need to wake Arthur up today for some reason, but what was the reason?
Uther: Merlin of Ealdor, you stand accused of using magic and treason to the crown. What do you have to say for yourself?
Oh, that’s right, its because Merlin is to be put to death today.
Uther: Well, do you have anything to say?
Merlin: *mumbles under his breath*
Uther: *angry* What was that?
Merlin: I said, ‘What makes me any different?’
Uther: 😡 What?
Merlin: Its just that you’ve murdered thousands of sorcerers and magical beings and never listened to them. What makes me any different?
Arthur: Merlin!
Merlin: No, Arthur, I’m already going to die, no thanks to you. I’d like to finally get the answers to questions I’ve been silent about my whole life.
Arthur looks at Merlin with a look on his face between apologetic and confused. Merlin has always found that look adorable, but under the current circumstances he has to look away. Arthur cant save him now.
Uther: You said you have your questions. I am willing to hear your last remarks. Ask away but do not expect any answers.
Merlin: Great! First question, when you decided to keep the last great dragon under the castle, did you do that just so he could torture me with half truths and vague prophecies or did he decide to do that on his own?
Uther: The great dragon?
Merlin: From the look on your face, I’m going to take that as a no and that you maybe didnt even know he could talk. Next question: the law says its illegal to ‘study and practice magic’ if I didnt study it, but just practiced it, would it still be a death sentence or could I be let off with a time served kind of deal?
Gauis: Merlin!
Merlin: What! I’m gonna die anyway, might as well see if there is any leniency.
Uther: So, you admit to practicing magic, then? Guards, take the prisoner to the pyre! I dont want to hear another word.
Merlin: *smiling a little too wide to be friendly* …And here I thought you actually wanted to hear me out. *Merlin shakes his head* Oh, Uther, you see, I don’t just practice magic. I am magic.
As the guards approach Merlin from all sides, he snaps his fingers and disappears.
Uther: Find him!
Merlin: *appears right behind Arthur* Arthur.
Arthur: *spins around too quickly in fright and tumbles into Merlin, who catches him* Ahh!
Merlin: *smiling while trying to keep Arthur upright* I don’t have much time.
Uther: There! *points at Merlin* Get away from my son!
Merlin: *takes off his neckerchief* If you ever need me for any reason, *starts to hand the neckerchief to Arthur, but Arthur doesn’t take it* seriously, Arthur, I’m trying to have a heartfelt moment here, you utter prat.
Arthur: *starts to smile at the insult, but quickly hides it with his blank princely expression* Merlin, you have to leave.
Merlin: That’s what I’m trying to do! *hastily ties the neckerchief around Arthurs wrist* If you need me, leave that in the darkling woods and I’ll be there as soon as I can.
Merlin jumps onto the throne that Uther vacated when Merlin vanished.
Merlin: People of Camelot! I will not die at the hands of King Uther in his unjust war on magic. I am Emrys, the most powerful warlock to ever walk the Earth. The Once and Future king is the only one I serve. I will be back when he reigns. Until then, however… *Merlin looks directly at Uther* …I’m going to make your life a very difficult. *turns to Gwen and Morgana* If anyone needs me I’m only a call away. *Merlin snaps his fingers and disappears again*
In Merlin’s absence, flowers fill the room and nobody says a word just staring at the flowers around them completely covering the floor.
Morgana: *picks up a flower and puts it in Gwen’s hair* Beautiful.
Gwen: *smiles, before creasing her eyes in worry* Do you think he’ll be alright?
Morgana: *looking over at Arthur who is staring solemnly at the neckerchief tied around his wrist* I’ll think he’ll be just fine.
