#gmariam

[gmariam321]

Destiny Rising - Chapter Seven

In which the Knights of Medhir make an appearance in modern Mayfair. Enjoy and thank you for reading!!

[gmariam321]

Destiny Rising Gmariam Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: Gen, M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin, )Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Leon (Merlin) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Alternate Universe - Spies & Secret Agents,Destiny, Role Reversal, Magic, Minor Injuries, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Arthur, Secrets

Summary: Special Agent Merlin Balinson is assigned to protect Arthur Pendragon, heir to the Duke of Camelot, from his magical enemies. Merlin and Arthur must work together to fulfill their destiny and bring peace to Albion, facing evil sorceresses, dark magic, and secrets that may change everything. Link: Chapter One

I have settled on a title and decided to start posting my modern magic AU. A part of me wants to finish the entire thing first, but I've also written 30k that hasn't changed in months and I feel like it will be motivating to share it and update regularly. I will post a snippet in a separate post. I do hope you enjoy - thank you for reading!

[gmariam321]

Here is the beginning of my modern magic fic. I shared this same opening here several months ago. Not much has changed, but now the entire chapter is posted on AO3. Thank you for reading!

Destiny Rising - Chapter One

Merlin sits at the bar, nursing a ginger sour as he studies the room. He’s tasked with keeping a particular eye on a certain noble lord currently on the other side of the reception. Arthur Pendragon, son of Uther Pendragon, the Duke of Camelot, is entertaining a group of what Merlin can only describe as sycophants: half a dozen vapid men and women hanging on the man’s each and every word. Merlin can’t hear what the man is saying, but he imagines it is about as entertaining as a dull rock.

He shakes his head and takes another drink. He’s letting his personal opinions get in the way. He has a job to do—protect Arthur Pendragon—and he can do it without passing judgement. He hasn’t actually met the man and admits it is unfair to make assumptions based on his limited knowledge. Except that Uther Pendragon is well-known for his hatred of magic and has spoken out against it for years in the House of Lords; that his son would share his feelings is almost a foregone conclusion. And considering how often Arthur Pendragon is photographed at various social events around London, Merlin is fairly sure he’s a shallow playboy as well as an anti-magic knob.

He turns and surveys the rest of the party, a reception recognizing Uther Pendragon for his contribution to the British Museum’s exhibit on medieval Camelot. Each and every person is dressed in enough silks, satins, and jewels to run a small country. Merlin himself is wearing his most expensive suit, a navy-blue tuxedo and vest with a white spread collared shirt and a deep gold tie. He looks the part of a young, rich donor, though he stands against everything Uther Pendragon fights for: magic was banned in Camelot for hundreds of years, something the exhibit makes sure to focus on, and the duke would see it banned across the United Kingdom once again.

It is clear from watching the crowd that they are all, each of them, fellow anti-magic supporters. Merlin has heard enough ignorant comments and rude insults about magic to last him a year. It is frustrating to hear magic criticized by men and women who have no understanding of it and would see him penalized for simply being born with it. They are vain and boorish, even cruel in their calls to imprison or execute magic users, and Merlin can’t wait for the night to end so he can move on with his life.

The people around him are also some of the richest, most powerful people from around the city, and Merlin has saved at least a half a dozen of their lives without them knowing anything about him. It’s his job as an agent with MI-5 to track down magical threats across the country and counteract them. He’s part of a top-secret division known as MI-57, dedicated to protecting the citizens of England from magical harm. Only too often he’s saving the life of people who would see him—and his magic—banned in an instant.

Merlin knows attacking men like the duke is wrong: violence is not the answer. He would much rather that people see the good that magic can do, that it can guide and protect and enrich their lives. Magic cannot persevere and thrive by forceful means; it only frightens people more. And so Merlin must turn against his own people, protecting those who would be his enemies from being harmed by magic instead of using his powers to make the world better, more peaceful and beautiful.

Would he prefer to be wrangling magical creatures in Scotland, or tracking down dangerous artifacts hidden deep beneath London? Of course. But Merlin has another talent beside magic: he can lie. He can become anyone, do anything, tell story after story and people believe him. Which allows him to get close to people and then save their sorry arse. He has saved royalty, MPs, bishops, and even a prime minister from magic, using his magic. And still, he’s the country’s most guarded secret.

He's growing weary of it, though—the constant conflict between his magic, his job, and others who use magic for harm and then resent him for doing his job and stopping them. He’s written his request for reassignment, perhaps to recruiting and training, perhaps to the archive at Avalon, but Gaius talked him into taking one more assignment. Merlin fully intends to turn it in come morning; should Arthur Pendragon prove as much of an idiot as Merlin believes the man to be, he may up and quit so he can move to Wales and be with Kilgharrah in the dragon’s old age. 

Merlin finishes his drink and contemplates ordering a gin and tonic, or even asking for a martini, shaken not stirred. It would definitely go down smooth at the moment given the boring nature of the assignment so far and his rather tedious thoughts about it. But because he’s on duty, he is not allowed to drink, smoke, or engage in personal relations. He snickers into another ginger sour as he considers that last. No worries about slipping up on this mission, not with this crowd.

The reception is on the top floor of a posh hotel; apparently the museum itself was too simple for Uther’s tastes. Three of the walls are floor to ceiling windows looking out over the river. It is a warm summer night, and the city lights shine through the glass. Merlin imagines London alive and well outside: theater-goers leaving their plays and musicals, couples walking along the Thames holding hands, magic-users gathering in Greenwich for community and support. He wishes he was out there enjoying it instead of babysitting a duke’s son.

The minimalist bar where he sits takes up the entire fourth wall, along with the elevator and emergency stairway to the lower floors. From his stool Merlin can scan the entire room. He reaches out with his powers to sense other magic users, particularly those who pose a threat. This party, of course, is clear. Merlin has sensed no one with magic in hours. Until he takes a sip of his drink and feels a sharp tickle in the back of his mind.

Someone else has arrived. Someone with magic.

There is a buzz around the room, a flurry of whispers and glances, though Merlin knows no one else could have possibly felt it. No, they are all looking toward the elevator, where a beautiful woman in an emerald-green gown has stepped out and is slowly making her way through the room. Her dark hair is down, covering bare shoulders; a golden bracelet curls around her wrist in the shape of a serpent. She is beautiful in a cold way, and Merlin recognizes her from the papers just as he did Arthur: she is his half-sister, Morgana Pendragon.

Merlin thinks back to what his briefing had told him about Morgana. She is intelligent, ambitious, but more secretive, preferring privacy over publicity. She had spent some time out of the country, and there is speculation that she had recently fallen out with Uther, though it remains unconfirmed and the reasons unknown. She had not been considered a threat to Arthur at the briefing that morning, but Merlin can clearly sense that she has magic and is holding it back. The entire room can see that she looks displeased to be there.

Merlin stands, buttons his jacket. He taps his earpiece and contacts Gwaine, his backup on the street. Gwaine doesn’t have magic; he works their tech and is the best partner in a non-magical fight that Merlin has worked with. “Morgana Pendragon is here,” Merlin murmurs quietly. Gwaine answers immediately.

“Then she found some way in without us seeing her,” he replies. “Because there was no sign of her until now.”

“What’s the threat assessment?” Merlin asks. He’s weaving his way through the murmuring crowd toward Arthur, his top priority now. His job is to protect against magical threats, and he’s fairly certain that threat is Morgana. Apparently, Arthur’s not-so-subtle bodyguard agrees, for the tall, well-built man who’s been trying to remain inconspicuous and failing all night moves toward Arthur as well.

“Same as this morning,” Gwaine huffs over his comm. “We don’t have a lot of intel on her other than that possible falling out with her father, which either means she’s not that interesting or—”

“She’s hiding something,” Merlin finishes for him. “She has magic.”

“What?” Gwaine’s curse is too loud for the earpiece and Merlin winces.

“Stay alert. I’m pretty sure this is why I’m here.”

“Aye, boss.”

“And don’t call me that.”

The tension in the room increases tenfold as Morgana makes her way toward Uther Pendragon. Merlin moves closer to Arthur; his assignment is to protect him, not Uther, yet Morgana is clearly looking for a confrontation with her father, so why wasn’t Merlin assigned to protect Uther? They wouldn’t leave him unprotected, as Merlin himself had saved the older Pendragon from a magical threat two years ago in the form of a hideous troll. Had the Home Office missed something?

It was actually Kilgharrah who had sent word that Arthur was in danger. He’d not said anything other than the future of Albion depended upon Arthur’s survival, and that Arthur’s survival depended on Merlin. It was an odd statement even for the dragon, who had been speaking more and more of Merlin’s destiny. He said Merlin would be known as Emrys and was destined to do great deeds beside Albion’s greatest warrior. It sounded like nonsense, and Merlin wishes he’d gone to Wales to speak to the dragon himself about Arthur; he has not seen Kilgharrah for several months, and as the last dragonlord he should be more mindful of his duty. But his mother had been ill, and after Merlin had nursed her back to health, he had been sent on assignment after dreary assignment, unable to connect with the dragon and learn more about this mysterious destiny.

He watches Morgana approach Uther as he comes up behind Arthur. The son throws him a look over his shoulder, then does a doubletake, eyes wide. He looks Merlin up and down with sharp blue eyes, not in a lascivious way, but as if he recognizes Merlin and can’t place him. He’s never met the man before so he’s not sure why Arthur Pendragon is looking at him like he’s seen a ghost. Still, Merlin nods amiably, notes the bodyguard move in closer, then glances back toward the middle of the room. Uther is standing in front of the dais where he gave a dull speech earlier, and Morgana slows as the crowd parts for her.

“This is not good,” Arthur murmurs to no one in particular. When no one answers, he looks back at Merlin again. “Are you here for them?” he asks, jerking his head toward his father and sister.

Merlin is caught off guard and gives Arthur an honestly confused look in reply. Arthur rolls his eyes. “You’re clearly MI-5,” he whispers, leaning back. “So are you here for me or my father?”

Merlin narrows his eyes at the other man and decides honesty is the best way to gain Arthur’s trust should he need to get him out of there quick. “For you,” he murmurs quietly. “Sire.” It’s not the proper way to address the duke’s heir, but Merlin doesn’t really care to dig the correct way out of his mind.

Arthur snorts as he turns away. “Just Arthur will do,” he tosses over his shoulder. “Since you’re not even close on the title.” Merlin rolls his eyes right back.

Uther and Morgana embrace and hold hands, though Merlin can see the forced affection in them both. And he can sense Morgana’s magic growing, to what end he does not know. He steps forward, placing himself in front of Arthur. The blond-haired man grunts irritably, and his bodyguard moves closer.

“I don’t think it’s me she’s after,” he murmurs into Merlin’s ear. Merlin can’t help but reach up and bat him away as it tickles. “And I can’t see with you standing in front of me, idiot. Move.”

“But should she change her mind and decide you’re a prat, I can protect you better here,” Merlin replies smartly.

The man huffs. “You can’t talk to me like that, you know. I’m the Duke’s son.”

“Right now, you’re just the prat I’ve been assigned to protect, not a fancy title,” Merlin replies. “And I didn’t get the memo about how to address an arrogant arse.”

“You misaddressed me as ‘sire’ so don’t pretend my title wasn’t in your memo,” Arthur points out. “And I’m not arrogant.”

“But you are definitely an arse.” Merlin can’t help but lean into the snarky nature of the conversation. He hadn’t been expecting much from Arthur Pendragon, but in a few words the other man has at least shown himself able to hold his own, if still a bit of a prat. “Besides, you just told me to call you Arthur, like an old friend, so I’m not sure why you’re so worried about titles.”

“I take it back,” Arthur replies. “We are not friends, and we will never be friends. Now move.”

“No, my mistake. I’d never be friends with someone like—” Merlin feels the change in the air too late and whirls around, arms spread discreetly before Arthur, magic ready at his fingertips. Morgana attacks Uther instead, but the Duke stands tall, untouched by her spell.

Arthur takes a step forward, but Merlin pushes Arthur even further behind him, ignoring the bodyguard moving closer. He taps his earpiece and calmly murmurs, “Black fire.”

“That your secret code for danger, then?” Arthur scoffs, but his voice is slightly unsteady. Merlin nods silently as he watches the scene before him. Morgana is staring at her father in shock, and even Merlin is caught off guard by Uther’s shield. A man who is so publicly anti-magic should not be able to block a spell like that. The crowd is silent.

“Magic?” Morgana taunts, eyes flashing in anger. “The man who would ban it is now using it to protect himself? You’re such a hypocrite, Uther Pendragon!”

“No, I’m a survivor,” Uther snaps back. He holds up his wrist, where a silver bracelet glows with an ugly yellow stone. “And this…this is technology, developed to protect men like me from evil witches like you.”

Merlin inhales sharply; he has not heard anything about technology that could block offensive magic like that. If it is true, the world order is about to massively change, particularly with Uther Pendragon leading the way against magic. Maybe Merlin won’t be turning in his transfer paperwork after all.

Morgana appears to bow her head in defeat. She has revealed her secret to the entire room: the daughter of Uther Pendragon, well known for his opposition to magic, has magic herself, and her father has just called her an evil witch. But then she raises her head, her eyes defiant, and Merlin knows it’s not over.

“I wonder if you shared your precious technology with your son.”

Uther’s eyes widen as she turns her head, lifts her hand, and casts a spell straight at Arthur.

Continued on AO3 here.

[gmariam321]

Destiny Rising - Chapter 4

Summary: Special Agent Merlin Balinson is assigned to protect Arthur Pendragon, heir to the Duke of Camelot, from his magical enemies. Merlin and Arthur must work together to fulfill their destiny and bring peace to Albion, facing evil sorceresses, dark magic, and secrets that may change everything.

Chapter Four is posted for the week and I hope to update next weekend! Things are starting to happen - thank you for reading! I appreciate any comments or reblogs! :)

[gmariam321]

Destiny Rising - Chapter Two Gmariam Summary: Special Agent Merlin Balinson is assigned to protect Arthur Pendragon, heir to the Duke of Camelot, from his magical enemies. Merlin and Arthur must work together to fulfill their destiny and bring peace to Albion, facing evil sorceresses, dark magic, and secrets that may change everything.

A quick update for the weekend, then more regular ones. Hope you enjoy! Thank you for reading and sharing! :)

[gmariam321]

I posted a Merlin one-shot today. It's a Merthur remix of a fic I wrote for another fandom, because I thought it would work well for Merlin and Arthur, and I enjoy trying to adapt such things to a new situation and dynamic. It's an attempt at humor - I hope you enjoy and thank you for reading!

Unconventional Technique by Gmariam "Merlin can’t relax without air and thinks Arthur Pendragon might be the biggest idiot in Albion at that moment. He shakes his head again, making sure to glare at Arthur as well, because it is the only way he knows how to communicate that it simply isn't possible to relax since he can’t breathe and everything hurts too much..."

Arthur helps Merlin through a difficult moment in a very unexpected way.

[gmariam321]

I've started posting my first Merlin story, though it is really the third one I've started in the last month. But it is mostly done, and I am continuing to work on the others as I edit. The last excerpt that I posted here, in which Arthur learns about Merlin's magic, is the first chapter and is now up. It is called A Place in Camelot. I am a little nervous about posting in a new fandom and hope it is enjoyed. Thank you for reading!

A Place in Camelot Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin) Additional Tags: Episode: s04e10 The Herald of a New Age (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Post-Magic Reveal, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Angry Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Understanding Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Catha Summary: While returning from the druid shrine, Merlin, Arthur, and Elyan are attacked by a Catha priest and Merlin is forced to use his magic, revealing his secret to his king. He leaves Camelot alone the next day, but Arthur rides after him, determined to find him and work toward understanding. He may have said there was no place for magic in Camelot, but there is a place for Merlin. And perhaps one day soon for his magic as well. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/64035787

[gmariam321]

The opening shot in Ianto’s drive for order (and a bit of pretty) in the Hub. . . 

Pretty

"What the hell happened to all my pizza boxes?" yells Owen a few hours into Ianto's first day at the dirty and chaotic Torchwood Three. "I was using those."

Ianto stands from where he was untangling a stork's nest of computer cords under his new station, but the Captain comes out of his office and beats him to the question. "What were you using old pizza boxes for?"

"I was building a tower," Owen replied.

"I took the tower out with the other six bags of rubbish I picked up this morning," Ianto offers, dusting off his trousers and beginning to rewire his system.

"Great, so that's what it's going to be like around here," Owen grumbles under his breath. "The new guy messing with my stuff."

Ianto nods, determined to hold his own against the gruff and disagreeable doctor. "That is what I was hired for. And as I plan to clean out the refrigerator later this week, I suggest you label any science experiments you may have hidden behind the leftover take away."

"Jack," Owen whines, but Jack holds up a hand and grins.

"Personally, I think we could do with some more upkeep around here. And wait until you try his coffee."

Owen grumbles some more as he spins his chair around to ignore them. Ianto decides Torchwood Three needs more than upkeep: it needs divine intervention. He will do everything he can to stop the Hub's slide toward chaos, but it already feels like a losing battle. At the very least, it may help bring order to his own troubled mind.