Different Destiny: The Outlaw Prince
When Merlin's magic is exposed shortly before season 2 starts, the path of destiny starts changing forever. Now on the run with Arthur, Morgana, and Gwen. Merlin hopes to convince Arthur that magic is totally good instead of him and Morgana just being an exception. Morgana, meanwhile, hopes to convince him to usurp his father. As allies are gathered and Arthur realizes the injustice in his kingdom, it looks more and more like he will have to act in a drastic way. A way he dreads.
Meanwhile, Arthur and Merlin are growing closer and closer and might just have feelings for each other. Something they probably should be better about realizing, considering the example of Gwen and Morgana right next to them.
In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom now rests on the shoulders of four, their names: Merlin, Arthur, Guinevere, and Morgana
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Arthur looked at Gwen and Morgana from his place next to Merlin. “My point is that I’ve had no time to think about any of this, but neither of you—” he gestured to Merlin and Morgana “—fit what I was taught about magic. I will not believe you are evil.”
“Magic doesn't fit what Uther taught us about magic,” Morgana said. She seemed more ready to accept an entirely new view of the world, Merlin noted. Arthur, it seemed, was still trying to decide what to think about magic in general.
Merlin tried to ignore the slight tightness in his chest. He was being stupid. This was a remarkably good response to his magic from Arthur! Better than he could have ever expected. “Arthur, there is something else you should know… I’m not just a sorcerer; people think I will be the greatest sorcerer to walk the earth, eventually. The druids even have a special name for me: Emrys.”
Arthur stared at him as if trying to make this idea fit in his mind. After a moment, he shook his head slightly and just responded with a, “Right, greatest sorcerer, you are the greatest sorcerer… right.”
“I told you because you should know the truth. Please don’t treat me differently, I'm still me.” Merlin could not keep the slightest hint of a tremble out of his voice. He did not want his friends seeing him as some all-powerful figure to hold in awe. He wanted them to see him as himself.
Gaius knew about Merlin's destiny and still treated him like a son! Surely his friends could still treat him as himself, too.
Arthur’s eyes softened at his plea. Morgana and Gwen’s expressions also shifted from shock to understanding as he spoke. And Merlin felt himself start to smile as he realized he didn’t need to worry.
“You all need to make a plan.” Gaius stood, bracing himself on his knees before pushing himself up. “The king will be searching for you, assuming that Merlin enchanted you to act how you did.”
Merlin opened his mouth, but Morgana spoke before he could. “Arthur will have to take his place.”
Merlin knew there was no chance of that even as Morgana said it. Arthur would never agree. Sure enough, Arthur was instantly on the defensive.
“I cannot usurp my own father!” Arthur stood and glared at Morgana. “And that could cause a civil war. I will not do that to the people of Camelot. People would die, Morgana. Does that mean nothing to you?”
“People are already dying now!” Morgana exclaimed. “Magic users just like Merlin and me!”
Arthur’s gaze traveled between Merlin and Morgana, and he took a deep, steadying breath before responding, “Then we stop that.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Betas: Malus_sieversii. @calamity-talvi @linotheghost. Zets Cover Art By @zazrichor
Army of chapter artists: @skltart, @b-h-art @oldowlshollow, @oh-merthur-charm, @niammrmr @kairennart @samwinjester pretzelparty, @den-denzz, @argentasterdisaster @momentov1vere, @places-across-time @totallynot-mollie ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
READ IT HERE ON A03!
