#but like sorry my memory of merlin is rlly rusty! i havent been able to rewatch it ever since netflix took it down

[merlinssaggyyfronts]

i just think theres so much more to that time merlin was freeze-dying (get it? like freeze drying? im funny i swear) from the dorocha attack. like what if after those events, hes become extra sensitive to the cold??

like that man absolutely cannot STAND the cold, it not only brings back bad memories (and, unfortunately, reminds him of lancelot) but his body as an in general is weaker to it. so hes always looking for warmth- im talking sitting practically inches away from the fire, stealing blankets, jackets (particularly arthur-), cloaks (particularly arthurs)- you get the gist

and the others catch on, obviously- though they dont realise the severity of it til merlin nearly lights his arm on fire on a particularly chilly night on a hunt (“MERLIN what on EARTH DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!” “im cold” “you’re ON FIRE” “im cold :(” “?!?!”)

after that arthur, the knights and gwen start gifting him little things- an old cloak arthur insists is too damaged and fugly to wear (its in nearly perfect condition), one of elyan’s old jackets he’d long since outgrown from gwen

and the knights, well their gift to merlin is their physical body heat (gwaine in particularly enjoys holding onto merlin like a koala with the excuse of keeping him warm. the only reason arthur doesnt kill him for it is cause of merlins content smile at being warm)

#also ive had this idea in my head of merlin going into lancelots room after his passing and wearing his clothes over his own #cause with lancelot was the last time he ever felt warm #and gwen finds him and they mourn together #i just think there were fanfic opportunities here #like merlin is a dragonlord (lizard) so #hes probably not good at regulating his body temp #the knights r like his heat mat or something #honorable mentions are leon gifting merlin new boots and percy knitting him mittens #elyan (who i still think really likes amphibians and by extention reptiles) probably redesigns merlins room to be a proper habitat for him💀 #but like sorry my memory of merlin is rlly rusty! i havent been able to rewatch it ever since netflix took it down #and plus its been years since my hyperfixation ended #tho its recently come back… anyway #bbc merlin #merlin #merlin emrys #lancelot du lac #lancelot #the dorocha #the darkest hour