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legends-of-time · 2 months

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Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 33: The Tears of Uther Pendragon Part Two

Masterlist

Amelia's POV

Kilgharrah takes Anne, Merlin, and Amelia to an abandoned Cave on a cliff face. Anne has already passed out by the time they get there, so Amelia drapes her cloak over Anne to be used as a blanket while Kilgharrah uses his Dragon breath as a sort of healing spell. Merlin places his jacket under Anne's head as a pillow.

Amelia watches as Merlin gently brushes Anne's hair back from her forehead, fretting over her chills and the fact that she is also sweating bullets. Amelia loves how adorable the two of them are.

"I must confess, I didn't see your destiny taking this turn," Kilgharrah reveals as Amelia looks over at him. "You didn't fall under your sister's influence."

"My loyalty has always been to Anne, Merlin, and Camelot as it always will be," Amelia says. She looks over at her sleeping friend. "I'd do anything to keep them and Camelot safe."

Merlin shares a smile with her. "I'm sorry I doubted you."

Amelia shakes her head. "I do not blame you."

Their faces turn into ones of concern as they see Anne scrunch her face up in pain. Anne's eyes carefully open and she smiles gently when she sees them sitting by her. Merlin relaxes and now turns his head over to where Kilgharrah sits and smiles in relief.

"I didn't think you'd answer my call." He speaks.

"Merlin, I could not resist a Dragonlord, even if I wanted to," Kilgharrah replies.

"Dragonlord?" Amelia repeats, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion as she looks over at Merlin. "What's a Dragonlord?"

"I'll explain it all to you later," Merlin says, before turning back to Kilgharrah. "We're grateful. Thank you."

Anne tries to get up, but Merlin and Amelia grab her shoulders and gently push her down.

"Lie still," Amelia instructs.

"Uuugh, it hurts." Anne groans as she lies back onto Merlin's jacket.

"The Serket's poison is powerful. I have given you an enchantment that will help you heal, but it will take time." Kilgharrah tells her.

Anne is lulled back to sleep eventually, and Amelia and Merlin just sit beside her patiently as they let her rest.

"Morgana will be wondering where I am," Amelia says to no one in particular.

"Is she aware that you have come back to rescue Merlin and Anne?" Kilgharrah asks.

Amelia shakes her head. "I had to sneak out."

"I'm grateful and relieved," Merlin says.

"This is a very dangerous game you are playing, young one." Kilgharrah points out.

Amelia simply nods. "I am aware."

"And yet you play it anyways?" He asks. "When your sisters could find out about your betrayal?"

"I am not pleased with it but Morgana and Morgause have plans for Camelot, and as long as I am in the position to find out secrets and use them for good, then I shall. I have chosen my path." Amelia replies.

"How do you know it is the final one?"

"Of course it is." Merlin snaps.

They can't talk about it further as Anne suddenly lifts her head. She looks over at the three of them. "You shouldn't have let me sleep."

"I had no choice, young sorceress," Kilgharrah explains to her. "The venom was too strong; you have to rest."

"We don't have time," Merlin tells him as he struggles to help Anne stand up and Amelia reluctantly helps though she would've preferred it if Anne rested more. Still, she knows they need to get going. "We need to get back to Camelot. The Kingdom is in danger, and it's my fault."

"Not just yours," Amelia says, trying to lift his spirits.

"I should've listened to you. I should never have trusted Morgana." Merlin continues.

"You did what you felt was right, and that shows great courage, but trust is a double edged sword," Kilgharrah replies.

"I thought...because she has magic, I thought we were the same. Like with Anne and Amelia."

"In some ways you are."

"No." Merlin denies. "I will never be like her."

"Us too," Anne adds.

"You have learnt an important lesson, Merlin," Kilgharrah says. "Your determination to see goodness in people will be your undoing. But I fear that your futures are now joined forever. She is the darkness to your light, the hatred to your love."

"What of me?" Amelia asks, genuinely curious.

"As I said before, you are at two paths, with many turns. One that will lead you to the light and one to the dark. Your beliefs and faith in those that you care about is a very dangerous thing as it will alter your path." He speaks. "You cannot escape it, no more than you can escape what your destiny shall be."

Amelia looks over at Anne and Merlin, and they all know what to do. For now, they have to push all of this aside and get on with saving Camelot.

"We need to get back to Camelot," Anne says to Kilgharrah.

"You are not yet fully recovered yet, Anne," Kilgharrah tells her. "Even if you have Amelia and Merlin's help, it's still more than three days' walk."

Merlin looks over to them with a knowing smirk, and Amelia instantly knows his plan.

"We have no intention of walking." He speaks.

Amelia finds herself riding Kilgharrah with Anne and Merlin to Camelot.

"Woo! Whoa. Ha-ha! Woo!" Merlin cheers while Amelia clings to Kilgharrah with wide eyes and wonders whether to be scared or excited. Anne howls with laughter.

Kilgharrah drops them off in the clearing near Camelot. "This is as far as I go."

"Thank you. I won't forget this." Merlin says.

"Be careful, you three," Kilgharrah warns. "The great battle for Camelot has begun. You all must be strong. For Arthur's destiny and the future of Albion lie in your hands." And with that Kilgharrah flies off.

"Right, you two need to get Gaius and get rid of the Mandrake root to stop the enchantment. I need to go to Morgana." Amelia tells them.

——

The three of them get to the Castle but Anne and Merlin go in a different direction than Amelia, who feels nervous about lying to her sister again, heads to her own Chambers.

"Amelia!" Morgana cries as soon as Amelia enters the room. "I was so worried sister! I did not know it would take so long to find your bracelet!"

"I know, I know I shouldn't have gone but it was from Morgause. I had to!" Amelia lies as they take a seat at the table in her Chambers. She hadn't really lost her bracelet; it was all a ruse to get out of Camelot under Morgana's watchful eye.

"You find it?"

"Yes, here." Amelia shows Morgana her wrist where the bracelet sits. "I was only late because I got lost, you know how I am with directions, took a stumble then had to heal myself with a spell."

"Look at you using spells!" Morgana praises with a smile. Amelia internally grumbles at the part that feels pleased with the praise Morgana gives.

"Shut up." Amelia looks down bashfully. She then quickly changes the conversation, worried about Morgana picking apart her alibi. "You, however, look exhausted Morgana. You need sleep."

Morgana nods and stands but pauses when she gets to the door. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Amelia rolls her eyes playfully though internally she doesn't feel that way. "Yes. Goodnight, sister."

"Goodnight, sister."

Amelia slumps with relief as soon as her sister leaves the room.

——

Amelia eats breakfast with Morgana in the elder sister's Chambers.

"May we clear away the dishes, My Lady?" Gwen asks Morgana after they had finished. Anne is still recovering from Serket poison so the lie is that she has a bad cold. So, Gwen is helping Amelia with whatever she needs until Anne is better.

Morgana stares out the window and doesn't answer her.

"Yes please, Gwen," Amelia answers for her sister. Gwen proceeds to do so and leaves the room.

"Morgana?" Amelia calls.

Morgana turns to her and gestures for Amelia to look out of the window. Amelia sees Merlin walking through the Square with Arthur. She now realises what caused Morgana's distraction.

Amelia frowns in fake concern. "This is not good."

"Agreed. How did he escape?" Morgana wonders.

"That's not important. Right now, we need to make sure he hasn't done any damage." Amelia says to divert her.

"The Mandrake root!" Morgana gasps. "He knows about it. What if he's done something?"

"It's possible. He did see us take it." Amelia agrees, glad that Morgana is no longer thinking about how Merlin escaped. They really don't need Morgana and Morgause learning Merlin's secret right now.

"I'll get dressed and look myself." Morgana decides. Amelia nods in agreement.

——

Merlin's POV

Merlin is walking along the Central Corridor feeling annoyed that Arthur doesn't know the truth when Morgana pops out of an alcove as Merlin walks by and pulls him into it.

"I don't know how you managed to escape," Morgana spits, "but I do know one thing: if you breathe a word of what you saw, Amelia and I will make your life a very short and painful one. Just think how Uther would react if he learned that a serving boy had tried to poison his beloved ward, my sister." Morgana struts off with a smirk. Merlin leans against the wall, feeling shaky after the threat.

——

Amelia's POV

Camelot's patrol return with news that Cenred's army is marching upon Camelot. Arthur calls a Council meeting.

"I estimate they will reach the City within two days," Leon informs them. Everyone stands on one side of the table while Arthur paces on the other with Morgana and Amelia, who stand by one of the pillars.

"Under whose banner do they march?" Arthur asks.

"Cenred's, Sire. We knew he was amassing an army—"

"How many men?"

"20,000 maybe more."

Amelia shares worried glances with Merlin and Anne but keeps it brief as Morgana is standing right next to her.

"I fear that news of the King's illness has spread beyond our borders. Cenred sees an opportunity." Gaius says.

"Then we must find a way to appease him." Leon decides.

"Not what my father would do, he wouldn't bow to our enemies." Arthur disagrees.

Amelia sees Merlin look past her towards Morgana and sees that the two are sharing a stony glare. Morgana must've threatened him. Just before the meeting, Morgana had told her that Merlin had destroyed the Mandrake root. Amelia is glad that Uther suffered a bit but is even more glad that the root will do no more damage to the security of Camelot.

"Forgive me, Sire, we are outnumbered two to one," Gaius warns.

"What concessions will Cenred insist on? What territories will he demand?" Arthur questions.

"We do not have to give him anything, but it could buy us valuable time."

"It shows weakness, Gaius." Arthur walks over to the head of the table. "There's only one course of action open to us." Arthur sits on the throne. Amelia tries to contain the pride and happiness she feels seeing him do that. "We must prepare the City for siege."

"Are you sure that is wise?" Leon asks.

"The Castle is our strongest weapon. No army has ever taken Camelot." Arthur replies.

"But what about the people in the outlying Villages?" Leon argues.

"Give them refuge within the City walls." Arthur decides.

"And what of their houses, their livelihoods? Cenred will destroy everything in his path." Leon counters.

"But they will have their lives. Go. Ready the army." Arthur orders.

——

Amelia and Morgana watch the citizens of Camelot prepare for the siege before they sneak out of the City. They are waiting for a while until Morgause shows up on her horse.

"Where have you been?" Morgana demands to know as Morgause comes over to them.

"What's wrong, sister?" Morgause asks.

"It's Merlin." Amelia spits with fake hatred. "He's alive. He's back in Camelot."

"He has thwarted us." Morgana continues. "He destroyed the Mandrake root. Your enchantment's been broken."

"Do not worry. The root has already done its work, and Cenred's army is less than a day from the City." Morgause reassures them.

"Then it is time?" Morgana asks.

"Are you ready?" Morgause responds, looking at the two of them with hope on her face. "Cenred's army is mighty, but they cannot bring down the City on their own. You two must also play your parts."

Morgana and Amelia share quick glances before smiling evilly. "Tell us what we must do," Amelia confirms while she squirms internally.

Morgause reaches from behind her to reveal a long staff. It is a long stick with lots of thick roots at the end. "It's carved from the Rowan tree that grows at the very heart of the Isle of the Blessed. Only the High Priestesses and their Blood Guard have ever set eyes on it. One of you will have to use it."

Amelia does not want to be the one to backstab the people of Camelot but doesn't to expose her true intentions. "Morgana?" She turns to her sister. "Why not you do it while I distract?"

Morgana shakes her head. "My magic is still weak. I do not have the strength to wield such an instrument."

"Do not worry. The staff will guide you. It carries its own power." Morgause says. She hands it off to them.

"We will not fail you," Amelia promises.

"I know," Morgause says simply, she turns around to get back to her horse.

——

The next day, Amelia reports to Anne.

"I had a meeting with Morgause last night," Amelia tells her. "She said that Cenred's army is less than a day away from Camelot."

"What else did she say?" Anne asks.

"She gave Morgana and I a staff. She said that it was carved from a Rowan tree that grew in the Isle of the Blessed." Amelia informs her.

"The Isle of the Blessed?" Anne repeats and Amelia nods in response. "Then it must hold very powerful magic."

"It does." Amelia agrees.

"How do you use it?" Anne presses.

"Morgana is to go down during the middle of all of the fighting to the Burial Vaults in the Castle," Amelia explains. "Then drive it deep into the ground."

"Why not you?" Anne asks.

"I suggested Morgana do it while I 'distract'." Amelia explains. "It gives me a better chance to work against them."

"Then during the battle tomorrow, we must keep our eye on Morgana," Anne concludes.

Amelia nods, and her stomach tightens. "Anne, the staff... there's a reason we're to use it in the Burial Vaults of Camelot."

"Why?" Anne asks, furrowing her eyebrows.

"It's supposed to raise an army of the dead," Amelia explains. "Morgause has said herself that Cenred's army isn't enough to bring down Camelot. Fighting and trying to kill things that are already dead?" She shakes her head. "Camelot will surely fall to Cenred, if not through his men, then through the dead."

Anne takes a deep breath as she says, "Then we must stop Morgana."

Amelia shakes her head. "We can't because if we stop her from doing something that nobody but me is supposed to know about, she'll surely know that I was the one who told you and there goes our advantage. Now that we know that she's going to do it, we can stop her quickly before any real damage can be done."

Anne nods in agreement. "I'll tell Merlin and Gaius."

——

People stream into Camelot from the outlying Villages. Soldiers prepare for the siege while Amelia helps out sorting out the Infirmary.

By evening, the opposing army is outside the City gates. Amelia watches them from her Chambers, feeling the nervousness and anticipation of what is to come.

"Are you sure you should be doing this Amelia? What if you reveal yourself to Morgause and Morgana?" Anne warns as she helps Amelia into her armour.

"It's a risk I'll have to take," Amelia replies.

Amelia hears footsteps and a knock and turns to see Arthur coming in. Anne curtsies to him and leaves.

"Your place is not on the battlefield," Arthur says as he pulls her away from the window.

"And why not?" Amelia huffs, irritated.

"I mean it. We spent too long searching for you and Morgana to lose either of you again now." Arthur replies.

"You underestimate me, Arthur. I'm a match for any man." Amelia retorts.

"You," Arthur puts his hands on her shoulders, "are to stay inside the palace." His face is serious. The irritation in Amelia calms down when she sees how worried he is.

"You needn't worry," Amelia reassures him. "I wasn't planning on leaving its walls." Morgana needs to stay within its walls and Amelia needs to watch her sister. She obviously doesn't tell Arthur this.

"Good." Arthur nods.

"What you should be worrying about is trying to tell Morgana to stay in." Amelia half jokes.

Arthur rolls his eyes and sighs. Amelia grins at him. She has missed this.

——

When the first fireball hits, the Infirmary is immediately filled with burned, bleeding people, and Amelia, Gaius, Morgana, Gwen, and Anne have their hands full to the max.

As fireballs continue to rain down on Camelot, more screams and shouts fill the air as more die or are wounded, the Knights and Guards are trying their best to fend Cenred's men off both on the ground and in the battlements.

Amelia is helping an elderly couple with burns all over them inside the Castle when she sees a flash of silver. Her eyes widen when she recognises Uther Pendragon pulling out his sword and running towards the centre of the battle in full body armour.

She wonders if she should do something when she hears the groans of pain from the couple. Amelia pulls her eyes away from the retreating Uther and helps the man and woman up the steps and into the Infirmary for treatment, helping others along the way.

——

Merlin catches her as she settles some more patients inside the Infirmary.

Merlin glances over at Morgana. "Gaius is keeping an eye on her but we need more than one eye."

"Don't worry, I'll help him," Amelia says, her eyes flicker to Morgana, and is relieved to see she hasn't noticed Merlin and Amelia interacting.

"You mustn't let her out of your sight. I need to get back to Arthur." Merlin leaves and Amelia gets back to work.

——

In the Infirmary Amelia is tending to a small child, whose arm is broken, trying her best to keep an eye on Morgana along with Gaius. Gaius looks away and Morgana catches her eye and they give each other a nod. Morgana leaves the room and Amelia quickly goes over to Gaius.

"Morgana just left to use the staff," Amelia tells him. "I'm going to find Merlin."

Gaius nods and goes back to his patient while Amelia runs out of the Infirmary.

"Wait!" Amelia turns to see Anne had called her. "Let me come with you."

"Anne, we already have enough going on in here for more of us to leave," Amelia tells her.

"You need all the help you can get," Anne argues. Amelia sighs and nods though a sick feeling creeps into her stomach.

——

Amelia and Anne struggle to find Merlin together so they have to split up. Amelia steps out into the Main Square when she comes up with the idea of trying to call out to Merlin with her mind.

"Merlin?" She tentatively calls.

"Amelia?" Amelia sighs in relief when she hears the reply.

"You need to get to the Burial Vaults now. Morgana's gone down to use the staff. I'll look after Arthur."

"All right."

Amelia is anxiously running around to find Arthur when she feels it. A jolt of magic shocked through Camelot. She almost loses her footing at the pure power and strength behind it, her ears ringing. Morgana had done it.

She shakes it off when she finally finds Arthur. "Arthur!" She calls, running over to him.

His eyes widen. "Amelia?! I thought I said stay in the Castle walls!"

"Technically I am." She retorts before freezing as she sees three walking skeletons with swords in their hands, approaching Arthur's back.

"Amelia?"

Amelia is gaping in shock as she points behind Arthur. Arthur turns to see the army of skeletons behind him, dumbstruck. The closest one makes a swing at Arthur, who takes a second longer than normal to react before ducking out of the way. Arthur fights it and stabs it but the skeleton shrugs and keeps fighting.

Amelia has to fight another skeleton and is able to lop its arm off. A Knight takes on the skeleton while Amelia soon has to begin battle with the arm on the ground.

——

Arthur and Amelia rush up the steps but stop halfway.

"Where's Merlin?" Arthur asks.

"I don't know." Amelia answers. Probably stopping Morgana.

Arthur gently shoves her up the stairs. "You need to warn Gaius. Tell him to seal off the Hospital."

Arthur turns to face the skeleton entering the Castle. Amelia numbly watches the silhouette approach.

Arthur turns when realising she hadn't moved. "Amelia, will you just listen to me for once!" Amelia rolls her eyes and huffs before rushing up the steps.

——

Amelia enters the Infirmary and finds Gaius tending to Uther. She pulls him away to talk. "You need to seal off the Hospital. The Castle is under attack from within."

"Morgana's used the staff?"

"Yes, I sent Merlin to try and stop it as quickly as I could but he didn't get to her in time but he could be with her now," Amelia tells him. "I'm going to find him. Tell Anne where we are." She runs off before he can stop her.

——

Anne's POV

Anne is panicking as she had been unable to find Merlin and then realises she can't find Amelia either so she runs back to the Infirmary in the hope that Gaius knows something.

She finds him talking to Arthur as Gwen bandages the latter.

"I don't know how much longer we can hold the Citadel. We need to get my father to safety." Arthur is saying as she approaches.

"How?" Gaius replies. "We no longer control the Lower Town. There's no escape, Arthur." Anne feels dread build in her stomach but shakes it off the best she can.

"Gaius." She greets him when he steps away from Arthur.

"Anne! Where have you been?" Gaius exclaims worriedly.

"That doesn't matter." Anne dismisses. "Do you know where Amelia and Merlin are?"

"In the Burial Vaults, but Anne—" She leaves before he can stop her.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia huffs as she runs down the stairs as fast as she can, nearly tripping over everything that comes in her path. She slows down when she gets to the Vaults so as to not alert Morgana and Merlin to her presence until she's come up with a plan that doesn't expose her to the former.

As she gets closer, she hears talking and then sees Merlin and Morgana talking next to the staff that is now glowing. Amelia hides behind the Tomb as she listens.

"You of all people could change Uther's mind, but doing this? Using magic like this will only harden his heart." Merlin warns Morgana.

"You don't have magic, Merlin." Morgana snaps. "How could you hope to understand?" Oh, how wrong she is. Amelia wonders what would've happened if they had told Morgana the truth before she had become this person.

"I do understand, believe me," Merlin argues. "If I had your gifts, I would harness them for good. That's what magic should be for. That's why you were born with these powers."

"You don't know what it's like to be an outsider." Morgana counters. "To be ashamed of how you were born, to have to hide who you are." Amelia understands that feeling. "Do you think I deserve to be executed because of who I am?"

"No. It doesn't have to be like this. We can find another way."

"There is no other way."

Merlin nods as he backs up as if giving up. He walks behind a pillar and tries to dash around the other side to reach the staff. Amelia wonders if she should step out now when Morgana knocks the sword out of his hand and draws her own but doesn't know how. Morgana advances on Merlin, who backs up.

"What are you going to do? Kill me?" Merlin challenges.

"You don't think I can?" Morgana retorts.

"If you're going to do it, make it quick."

Suddenly, Amelia feels someone crouch next to her. She had been so focused on Merlin and Morgana, that she hadn't noticed anyone approaching. She relaxes when she sees it's Anne.

Morgana slashes at Merlin. Merlin ducks and picks his sword up from the floor. They become locked in a tight battle with Morgana winning. Anne grips Amelia's hand in panic when Morgana disarms Merlin. She strikes wherever she can manage but Merlin avoids her attacks. Merlin then trips and falls to the side of the Tomb. Amelia holds back her gasp. Morgana raises her sword to deliver the final blow.

"Feoll bu brand!" Amelia then hears Anne chant then part of the Vault roof collapses on top of Morgana, knocking her out.

Amelia and Anne emerge from the hiding spot and Merlin smiles in relief at the sight of them.

"Thank you." He speaks.

"You're welcome," Anne says with heart eyes. They stare at each other for longer than necessary.

"Uuuhh, guys? We still need to destroy the root." Amelia interrupts. They turn to her blushing.

"Right, yes." Merlin picks up a sword and runs to the staff. "Snæde!" Merlin slices through the staff. There's a tiny explosion as the top part falls to the ground.

Amelia and Anne cheer in victory. The latter runs over to Merlin to hug him before the two pull back and begin kissing. Amelia awkwardly looks about, not really knowing what to do. She glances at the unconscious Morgana and knows they need to get a move on.

Amelia does a loud cough, which pulls the two love birds apart.

"Um, sorry." Merlin mumbles, blushing. One of his arms stays around Anne.

Amelia shakes her head, smiling. "It's fine but both of you should leave. I'm going to stay till Morgana wakes."

Anne looks over to Morgana. "Will she not be suspicious?"

"I've been lying for more than a year. I think I'll be fine." Amelia argues.

Merlin and Anne run out of the Vaults and Amelia runs over to Morgana. She drops next to her and pushes away any rubble and pieces of rock off her. Amelia gently begins shaking Morgana's arm.

"Morgana! Morgana!" She hopes there hasn't been any serious damage.

Morgana groans and carefully opens her eyes. "What happened?"

Amelia sighs in relief. "You gave me a fright. The skeletons you summoned, they dropped dead. I knew something was wrong and went down here to find you like this."

Morgana tries to sit up but gives up after it hurts too much. "The staff..."

"Somebody broke it," Amelia replies. "Who else was down here?"

"Merlin." Morgana spits. "He was trying to stop me, we fought and then parts of the ceiling broke and fell on me."

"The fighting above must have loosened it." Amelia quickly offers. Morgana nods, closing her eyes. "Morgana, you must stay awake and let me get you to the Infirmary. You're bleeding." There's blood trickling from a wound on Morgana's forehead.

"Then help me, sister. I do not want anyone else to." Morgana pleads.

Amelia nods then internally she feels annoyed. "Þurhhæle licsar min." Morgana sighs in relief. "We need to go, sister."

"But how will we explain why we are down here?" Morgana asks worriedly.

"We'll lie. Say we were the ones to defeat the skeletons." Amelia suggests. She doesn't like taking away Merlin's success but right now she needed to so to find the right opportunity to expose Morgana at a later date. This isn't the time.

Morgana smiles. "You're right as always, sister."

Amelia helps pick her up and they hobble out of the Vaults. Amelia glances back at the broken staff and feels relieved that it worked.

——

The next day, the siege is over though they are still recovering and Uther calls a meeting in the Throne room. Amelia stands anxiously next to Morgana in the crowd while Uther stands upfront. The two sisters had fed Uther the lie they had come up with.

"In my time, we've won many battles," Uther begins, "but none so important as this. Every man, every woman and child has performed their heroic best, and I thank you, and I salute you all. Even before the battle, we knew there was a traitor in our midst, one who was almost the undoing of us. However, we have to thank the one person who outwitted them, and who - almost single-handedly - turned the battle."

"Uther knows about Morgana?" Amelia hears Merlin ask.

"No." She simply replies.

"The Lady Morgana!" Uther announces. Morgana takes his outstretched hand and Uther presents her to the Court. The Court applauds. "For it was she who bravely entered the Vault, found the magical vessel, and destroyed it."

Morgana interrupts his speech. "But I wouldn't have done it without the help of one person." She announces proudly. Morgana turns to Amelia and holds out her hand. "The Lady Amelia!"

The Court bursts into applause. Amelia's stomach twists guiltily as she goes up and takes Morgana's hand, standing next to her.

"For it was her that went searching for me when I couldn't be found and healed me when I was injured." The Court starts clapping. Morgana gives Amelia's hand a squeeze and has a warm smile on her face directed at Amelia. Amelia gives a small, uncomfortable, smile back.

"We must be vigilant!" Uther decrees. "We must stand firm against the dark forces of magic, and ensure that they never penetrate our walls again."

Amelia shares worried looks with both Anne and Merlin. This is far from over.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#bbc merlin #merlin

0 notes

tiodolma · 1 year

Note

I already sent scenes, but I couldn't resist sending you a bit more, just because this is hilarious as hell. Here, have more scenes shenanigans!

Morgana: What do you have to do?

Merlin: *dutifully answers* Not interfere with destiny.

Morgana: Why?

Merlin: Because it's none of my business.

Morgana: Which is why you under no circumstance will meddle in people's relationships.

Merlin: But-

Morgana: Especially if it's our counterparts love life!

Merlin: I just want Morgan to be happy.

Morgana: *pinches the bridge of her nose* Merlin, let her learn from her mistakes.

Merlin: *slumps his shoulders* She's my friend.

Morgana: *smiles sad* I know, but our previous life was enough of a lesson, don't you think?

Merlin: I know...

...

Morgan: I'm surprised, my lord.

Lord Henry: Oh? *looks at her curiously*

Morgan: Not once have you spoken about Merlin nor have you done one of your schemes.

Lord Henry: *shrugs* A friend told me I should know better than to interfere with other people's lives.

Morgan: Would that friend be Anna?

Lord Henry: *smiles a bit* Maybe.

Morgan: I'm glad for you. She's a good influence on you. Tell her my thanks as well. I was this close to strangling you.

Lord Henry: I'm sorry...

Morgan: You're a good friend, Henry. Never change that, but... don't get in the way of my plans, yes?

Lord Henry: Fine. *shifting uncomfortably, because he did get in the way of her plans again*

A few hours later...

Morgan: *growling* I'm going to kill him, slowly and painfully.

Merlin: Who would that be? *letting out a yawn*

Morgan: Henry, that's who!

Merlin: You can kill tomorrow. Come back to bed.

Morgan: *comes back to bed* Let me remind you of one thing and one thing only, Merlin. This-

Merlin: *rolls his eyes* Never happened, I know.

...

Lord Henry: *hiding in the kitchen*

Anna: Would you mind explaining why is Lady Pendragon is looking for you with looks that could kill?

Lord Henry: *squirming* I did the one thing you told me not to...?

Anna: *glares at him* We talked about this!

Lord Henry: I know! But I just couldn't...

Anna: Just... just don't talk to me, right now.

...

Arthur: Henry?

Lord Henry: Yes?

Arthur: Did you by any chance had anything to do with me changing my room at the last minute?

Lord Henry: *trying to look innocent* No...?

Arthur: And then telling Merlin that my sister had nefarious plans to sleep with me on my own room?

Lord Henry: Me? I would never.

Arthur: *lets out a sigh* Look, I know my sister and Merlin have a complicated relationship, but would it kill you not to lie to my advisor? We both know my sister would never do such a thing.

Lord Henry: *thinking* Oh, sire, if you only knew.

Henry: (enters his room and finds anna chained to his bed) ...she didn’t

Anna: (rolls her eyes) now she’s onto me!

Henry: (looks her over and see that she’s been made to wear the revealing garment of morgan’s dancers) ...and you just let her do it.

Anna: what was i supposed to do huh? Throw her against the wall?

Henry: (sits on the bed while removing his boots) gotta admit that’s a good look on you.

Anna: (blushing angrily) get me out of these chains, you fool.

Henry: (changing his clothes to sleepwear) i mean you can do it yourself now. I’m the only one here.

Anna: ...i can’t.

Henry: (pulls on his sleepin tunic) what do you mean you can’t?

Anna: the iron burns.

Henry: (shift closer to inspect her tied hands. He touches the chain and gets a vision of merlin getting tied up in bed as well)

Anna: (watching henry and admiring his face close to hers... plus he smells nice,suddenly the room feels hotter and she is now very aware of how exposed she is)

Henry: (reels back in shock because of the vision)

Anna: (alarmed) merlin?

Henry: (blinks) what is it with you and chaining me up?

Anna: I’m the one in tied up here, not you!

Henry: no, i mean you chained me up in your hovel once. Morgan used these chains to tie Merlin to bed as well.

Anna: (raises chin imperiously) great minds think alike.

Henry: (tucking himself in beside her) maybe i should just sleep here beside you. The view is great. (Winks at the outline of her breasts peeking out the sheer garments)

Anna: i swear i’ll put a dagger to your throat the minute i am out of these

Henry: looking forward to it, milady.

Anna: (furious) oh that’s it grrrrgrrrr (here eyes glow gold and the irons dissolve)

Henry: i told you, you could do - (finds himself pinned by anna to bed, dagger on his throat)

Henry: - it

Anna: (now angrily straddling on henry. One hand holding the blade to his neck and the other hand gripping at his his hair tightly)

Anna: i’m going to chain you up myself (presses blade to his throat)

Henry: (scared, distracted by anna being so sexy and close, his adams apple bobs)

Henry: see that wasn’t so bad! (Grins at her)

Anna: (pulls his hair, he winces, so she leans her face close to his, blade starts to cut into the skin) you are enjoying this...

Henry: (already feeling the sting of the blade, he lets his own eyes burn gold)

Anna pulls back in fear, but Henry catches her hand that was holding the blade. He looks down at her wrist and sees that it was bruised from the iron. Takes her other hand that’s on his hair as well.

He rubs on both her wrists and mutters the healing spell. Anna gasps when the bruises heal.

“Now I did something.” Henry gives her a small smile while letting go of her wrists.

Henry looks up at Anna, at this Morgana. He couldn’t help but stroke her cheek with the back of his fingers. Anna leans into it but I’ll still watches him warily.

“So now that you’re a lord, you are now brave enough to do this?”

Henry retracts his hand as if burned. It is true. This place is changing him. No. He is a different person in this world, with a different upbringing, a much privileged lifestyle. This is a much different life. He is Henry in as much as Merlin.

Anna catches on to his hand before he could drop it. She grips it tight. "Why are you still afraid, Merlin?”

Henry curls the fingers of the hand she was holding, "I can’t play into Lady Morgan’s schemes. I can’t let her use you against me or this world’s Arthur.”

Anger flashes through Anna’s eyes. Before Henry could react she had closed the distance between their bodies and pressed her barely clothed torso to his chest.

"Did it ever cross your mind, Merlin, that I could still easily topple her if I wanted to? Our magic is strong here. We can overpower her if we need to.”

Henry takes a deep breath, dizzy from Anna, from Morgana’s, intoxicating proximity. "W-what do you want from me?” He squeaks.

“A better chance at life,” she replies her breath hot on his lips.

“For us?”

“For us.”

#mergana au #this become bbc mergana #i made it hot #merlin x camelot reincarnation #sorry i got carried away

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kakiwrites · 3 years

Note

hi! i saw your requests were open, and i love your Howl one-shot!

i was wondering if i could request a Howl fic (an x gn! reader if possible) from the hurt/comfort prompt list you reblogged? no. 2 and 4 if it's okay:) thank you so much!

bringing back your smile

Genre: comfort

A howl pendragon x reader

Number 2 and 4 on the hurt/comfort prompt list

a/n: hey babie! I got some inspiration and I am fairly excited to do this! I'll try to make this as gender neutral as I can, if you guys spot anything, please don't hesitate to inform me and I'll change it as soon as I could! Let's get started!

The berating wouldn't stop.

Customers seemed to be more panic-driven and angry that day. It brought you back to times of war and how you heard panicked yells and screams all around you.

That was before Howl took you in.

You tried to remember him. Tried to imagine his face in the soft smile he always seemed to have. You tried to imagine his teases and soft whispers in your ear when you make breakfast. It was the thin barrier you had left. It was the only thing that stopped you from breaking down in front of Markl and Calcifer right then and there.

"you sure you're okay, (y/n)?" Calcifer tried to ask nonchalantly but you could tell he was worried. You smiled reassuringly at the flame before placing back the jars you used for a love charm a rude maiden came in for.

"I'm fine, Calcifer. Nothing to worry about." you said. You didn't even know if you said that to reassure Calcifer or yourself. He decided to not push the subject.

Night fell and you got Markl to retire to his room while you stayed beside the roasting fire. You wouldn't dare breakdown in front of him and maybe that was a good thing. You kept Calcifer company and he pushed away all of your racing thoughts.

Win-win right?

"maybe you should get some rest, (y/n). You've been looking pale ever since this morning." he said, his tone a bit more worrisome now. He grew to like your presence and to see you trying to bottle something in kind of made him concerned.

He saw you twist your smile into a smile that didn't seem to reach your eyes. "I swear, I'm fine. Besides, I want to keep you company." you forced a laugh but Calcifer didn't join in, causing an awkward silence to settle between you.

Just then, the dial turned to black and walked in the wizard of the house himself, Howl. He was about to greet the fire when he saw you still sitting beside it. His face twisted up in surprise. He was sure you would be sleeping by now.

"love, what a pleasant surprise." Howl pranced over to you, took your hand that was resting on your lap, and placed it on his lips, kissing it. You tried to keep yourself composed as he stood straight once more, running his thumb over your knuckles subconsciously. "what are you still doing up?" he asked.

You really didn't want to answer. You opened your mouth to change the subject when Calcifer busted up from the grates to glare at your ministrations. He then faced his wizard who looked back at him curiously. "Howl, your little darling has been looking pale ever since a sailor cursed them out." he ratted you out. Howl turned to look at you to get your side of the story but you were having none of it, opting to look away. "I kept telling them to go up and rest but they kept refusing to do so." Calcifer continued.

"Is this true, darling?" Howl asked in a softer, inquisitive tone, his hand coming to rest on your shoulder. You looked up to stare at the wizard's blue irises. When you didn't answer, Howl took it upon himself to carry you up the steps and to your shared room, much to your dismay.

He plopped you down on the bed, closed the door behind you then stared back at you, a neutral glint in his eye. "okay, tell me what is the matter." he said, straight to the point. His tone was hard, telling you that even if you lie, he'll find a way to coax it out of you. You moved yourself to the corner of the bed as you kept your eyes on your fidgeting hands.

"i-I just…" you tried to say but the lump in your throat blocked your airway. Howl chose to kneel in front of you, taking both of your hands in his, his eyes boring into yours lovingly. The warmth helps you push the rest of your words out. "i-I didn't want to be a burden so I thought accompanying Calcifer would stop me from bursting into tears." you said, your voice less than a whisper, fearing that If you said it any louder, the tears that you were holding back would pour down your cheeks.

Howl sighed, bringing your hands to his lips once more before letting them go. He pulled both of you up, engulfing you in an embrace. It only then did you let everything out. Howl rubbed your back, whispering reassurances in your ear.

"you don't have to hide it. You are never a burden. Calcifer, Markl, and I will be here when you're at your worst or best like you would be for us, alright." he said kissing your forehead.

You only had the strength to nod your head, nuzzling into Howl's shoulder.

Thanks to your beloved, you were finally able to breathe properly without a heavyweight on your chest. And he would help you carry that until the end of time.

And that's all! This was so fun to write about! Hope you guys don't feel shy to send anything in my inbox, I really want to interact with yall! Hope you guys enjoyed this! Love yall ❤️💖💕

General taglist (don’t be shy to comment your tumblr @ below): @tokyoghoose @macaronnv @reogou @midnightangelfox @wumboho @seiijixcia

#howl's moving castle x reader #hmc x reader #howl pendragon #howl #howl x reader #howl pendragon x reader #howl's moving castle #kaki writes

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that1fanficwriter · 3 years

Text

No More PDA

Pairing: Arthur Pendragon x reader

Summary: Arthur wants to show you all of his affection when you go on an overnight patrol with the knights.

“Alright everyone. It’s getting too dark, so why don’t we stop here for the night and make camp.” Leon announces.

Everyone agrees and starts to prepare for the night. Your first priority is always to make sure your horse is well taken care of so you head off to feed and water her. While you take care of her you talk with her and don’t notice the footsteps sneaking up behind you because you know you are in safe company that would never let anything bad happen to you. So when you are suddenly picked up and spun around it is no surprise that you let out quite a squawk. Once you are set down you finally realize that it was just your charming but needy prince.

“Arthur!” You lightly chastise him “Why would you do that? You know I get really jumpy on overnight patrols.”

“I just missed being near you my love and I wanted to see what you were up to. You do know that Merlin can take care of the horses right?”

“Yes, but I like to make sure she is well taken care of and gets a little extra pampering now and again. What do you want?”

“Cuddles and physical affection.”

“Why don’t you go ask Merlin or Leon?”

“You’re the one I’m in love with.” He says, persisting.

“Am I now.” You say with a bit of humor in your voice.

“Of course, we are courting you know.”

“Really. I had no idea.” Sarcasm dripping from your voice.

Arthur shakes his head in laughter. “Yes silly, now come on, Merlin made dinner and this is one of the few times I can express my deepest affections for you with others around. Everyone in the court is so judgmental.”

“Only because it is just our friends and I like to annoy them every once and a while.” You begrudgingly agree.

So, Arthur takes you back over to the group by the fire so everyone can spend time together.

All throughout the meal you notice Arthur moving closer and closer to you and after he returns your dishes to Merlin he sits against the log you are on and pulls you into his lap.

“Ugh, really? Again you two?” Gwaine whines “You both are always going at it. Just give it a rest just this once.”

“Can’t I express my undying love for my beloved?” Arthur says as dramatically as he can. Subsequently, he pulls you into a very passionate kiss as all of the knights, plus Merlin, let out a loud groan of annoyance.

“Alright Arthur,” you say as you finally pull away from your snogging session “I think we have annoyed everyone enough. And before you say anything,” you shush him as he starts to speak “I know you dislike not being able to show any affection while at the castle but I also would like to keep our friends and right now I think we are on the path to them renouncing our friendship.”

“Alright, fine. I’ll restrain myself from any more grand gestures of my adoration of you.” Arthur agrees begrudgingly.

“Thank you.”

“It is getting late so why don’t I take first lookout and let you all get some sleep.” Elyan suggests.

“That’s a great idea, thank you Elyan. I don’t want to see ‘that’ anymore.” Gwaine responds, gesturing to you and Arthur.

As you lie down together Arthur pulls you both under your capes to keep warm.

“Thank you my love.”

“Of course, I cant have my dearest love getting cold can I?” Arthur smiles.

“Arthur, I really do love you. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I hope you know that.”

“Lofian, I feel the same way. The wouldn’t be the man I am today without you.”

You both start to drift off to dreamland but before you fall asleep you feel your prince pull you closer into his loving embrace.

Lofian- “my love” in old English

#imagines #imagine #x reader imagines #arthur pendragon #king arthur x reader #prince arthur x reader #arthur pendragon x reader #arthur x reader #bbc arthur #king arthur #prince arthur #bbc merlin #merlin tv show #bbc merlin x reader #bradley james #bradley james x reader

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amidnightjen · 1 year

Text

The man who slid from his horse was not his son. Not as he’d known him. Uther was still seeking answers for what had befallen Camelot, for what had become of his son, but he wasn’t certain the man before him could give him those answers.

He was changed. The man Uther had sent out to settle unrest along the northern border had been young, eager to please, there’d been a confidence in him that came from the arrogance of youth rather than confidence in his own abilities, something Uther had frequently taken advantage of.

This man bore none of that youthful arrogance. He stood tall, shoulders firm, sure in his own power and strength. The clean youthful lines of his face had given way to rougher lines of hard living, of a neatly trimmed beard.

He did not bow at Uther’s feet, rather he greeted him as an equal.

No, not an equal, Uther saw that in the way this grown version of his son eyed him.

“Father,” he greeted.

“My son,” Uther returned, longing to reach forward and bridge the gap between them and yet knowing it would not be welcomed. For once it was he who felt wrong-footed by their exchange. Something made all the worse when the ranks of knights behind Arthur, some familiar, most not, parted and another man strode up the stand beside Arthur.

Stand beside him as an equal. That at least had not changed, then. Merlin had always been an atrocious servant.

His son’s manservant had changed too, perhaps as much, if not more than Arthur. He stood tall and confident beside his master, clothes better made than he’d ever worn before, at least in Uther’s presence, a thick beard covered his jaw.

“You have returned with answers, I hope.”

“I have,” Arthur replied, his words were unexpectedly made of steel.

“We’ll speak inside.”

“Yes.”

Arthur turned to his head knight, a man Uther did not recognise and issued orders to deal with the horses and the men and then, with words that struck Uther deep he said, “And someone find Ygraine before we lose her to the sights of the Lower Town.”

“Ygraine?” Uther choked out.

“Our daughter,” Arthur replied curtly.

“A grandchild?” He uttered in wonder.

“We’ve much to discuss.��

Uther certainly thought so, no more than when one of the knights stepped forward and said, “King Arthur, the princess is with her grandmother.”

King Arthur.

Much to discuss indeed.

#may writing challenge #merthur #arthur pendragon #uther pendragon #bearded arthur pendragon #bearded merlin #wip excerpt #merlin #bbc merlin #let sleeping pendragons lie

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akampana · 3 years

Note

Maybe 10 with Bedivere? And it's your choice if you'd like to use Saber Artoria or Lancer Artoria! Or if you want to take this ask. Have fun!!!!

10. “I want to wake up next to you. Every morning.”

Bedivere X Arturia

THANK YOU FOR THE ASK! also hi :>

AU where the Battle of Camlann still happens, but even after Excalibur is returned to the lake, Arturia survives. Enjoy!

_________________

Arturia twirled her fingers through fine strands of champagne-colored hair, wondering how on earth she could be so lucky.

The rough quilt slipped from her bare shoulders as she rose from her knight's chest to stare at his peacefully sleeping face. Bedivere looked so serene, so innocent. If not for the large scars that littered both their bodies, she could believe they were nothing more than the people they presented themselves as, living out their lives without the burden of king and crown.

The shorter blonde leaned over her most loyal friend, brushing his long locks from his face with a touch as light as a feather. He was overdue for a trim, she believed, but between the final battle and the months he spent building their new life here in Wales, she supposed dressing their hair had slipped their minds.

Bedivere was her only company in the old manor, in which they were lord and lady. None of the commoners did suspect that the returning knight's "wife" was in fact, the reputable king who for a year, they mourned. For she was small and young with considerable beauty, and Arthur was a warrior who'd long gone to Avalon.

The people thought her Bedivere's reward for his long and truehearted service, and no more. It was a good disguise, and one that neither of them even had to lie for, so in return for their freedom, they let the people maintain that illusion.

"...My king?"

Arturia instinctively wrapped her arms around her chest though she knew her knight would avert his eyes. Red spread through their faces as their hearts beat like those of a hare, and soon the "couple" found themselves facing opposite walls of the bedroom.

"Forgive my rudeness for not sensing you wake...ahh...is...is it no good after all, my liege?" the man asked, ever concerned for her wellbeing.

Arturia shook her head, trying to suppress the shivers now that she was no longer attached to him. The night was especially cold and still yet too warm for the pelts, and the structure in which they lived did little to make autumn more comfortable.

So, the two knights found themselves sharing one fire, sharing one room, and sharing one bed. And Bedivere, whose blood ran warmer than hers, shared too, his body heat.

"'Tisn't that, Bedivere, quell your fears," she said shakily, already craving his warmth. If she were honest, it had long become a comfort. An awkward one, certainly, especially when Bedi was still getting used to her being female, but a comfort nonetheless.

"I just...I merely..."

A small part of her knew there was some wrong in the fact that they shared the same bed. They were not actually married, yet they lay with each other backs bare. Though Bedivere had never touched her without consent, there were times she'd wake wrapped in his solitary arm and find that she loved being hugged to his chest.

Or perhaps, that she loved the man that made her feel so safe.

It had been months since her dream. While she longed for that ginger boy still, the new life she was given courtesy of the Lady of the Lake quickly cemented that was all he could be for now.

The man that shyly invited her back on the covers, however, was real.

...

That Bedivere loved his lord was no secret. He would journey to the ends of the Earth if his king so wished it.

When the Lady of the Lake saw the magnitude of his loyalty, witnessed him on his knees, begging for one Arthur Pendragon's salvation, she took pity. In the end, it was not for Arthur's sake that she returned the Once and Future King to health, but for the sake of her very last knight. Avalon could wait, for she was its charge, and the Lady would still be there to ferry Arthur when the king's time came again.

Vivian's price for her deed was that he give her the life her kingship prevented her from having.

The one-armed man watched his king's shoulders rise and fall till her breaths evened out. He didn't dare move too much; else she wake once more.

Arturia turned in her sleep, curling up against his chest. Bedivere tried not to think about the warm breath tickling his sternum, or about any of the places where his skin met hers, but every night, it proved more difficult.

Everyone knew Bedivere loved his lord, but that he was in love with her? That was something new, and yet, something he'd suspected for quite some time.

The realization settled in gradually, like the changing of the seasons. Their newfound proximity made him realize that his admiration ran deeper than he initially believed. Everything just started to make sense; like why he'd always been so attached to her, why her trust mattered so much, why he couldn't even fathom a life without his king. He'd had all the puzzle pieces during his time as her knight, but only now was he able to put it together.

As he swept her bangs behind her ear, Bedivere wondered if what he was doing was enough. Was she satisfied with their day-to-day, their simple loaves of bread and meat? Did she miss the sweet puddings the palace cook used to make? Was it enough, the simpler garbs for the lords and ladies, or did she long for the finer silks from her time as king?

But most of all...was she happy?

This simpler life was the best he could offer. Periodic hunts for sport, riding through the land on the horses he owned, occasional visits to the town with the farmers that tilled his property. She may have been free from the weight of her crown, but her life was no less burdened. Bedivere would understand if she chose to spend her time with a richer man instead, but if he could have just one, selfish wish...

“I...I...want to wake up next to you. Every morning. I wish to be the home that you return to at nightfall,” the knight declared in whisper. " Forgive me for asking the impossible, my king. I know I cannot offer you a life of plenty, but..."

The knight shook his head, banishing the thought before it could go too far. Arturia remained his king, even when her kingdom was no more. He remained her knight though the Round Table was long broken. That he could even hold her so closely like this was a privilege. He needn't want for more.

Suddenly, he froze, feeling a small, gentle hand cup his cheek. Arturia shushed his apologies, pulling him close so that their foreheads touched. She needed him to hear the words she spoke next.

"You have given me a happy one."

#akampana asks #love confession prompts #bedituria #beditoria #bedivere #arturia pendragon #artoria #artoria pendragon #arturia #saber #lancer #fate #fgo #fate grand order #fate/stay night

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grailfinders · 3 years

Text

Fate and Phantasms #126: Bedivere

Today on Fate and Phantasms we're making the one delivery service with worse return timelines than Amazon, Bedivere!

Bedi's got a bit of extra witchcraft that certainly would have gotten you in trouble if you weren't rolling with the king of England, but he's also a knight who's accomplished in the art of warfare. Surprisingly, that combination means your build is actually more complicated than the immortal pseudogod you face off against.

There's really no telling what gets accounted for in D&D classes.

Check out Bedi's build breakdown below the cut, or his character sheet over here!

Next up: What a twist!

Race and Background

I mean, you were human at some point. Ol' Bedi's much, much older than he looks, thanks to time traveling the long way around to me your king again. So far, in fact, that you now count as a Reborn from that fancy new UA. Using the new lineage traits, you get +2 Charisma and +1 Constitution. You also count as an Undead and a Humanoid, meaning you're affected by both Turn Undead and Cure Wounds. Real fun for a paladin! You've got a Medium size, with 30' of movement speed. You get 60' of Darkvision, and your Deathless Nature nets you a gaggle of benefits. You have advantage against disease and poison, and resist poison damage. You also get advantage on death saves, and don't require most things needed for life. You no long require eating, drinking, or breathing, and instead of sleeping you just sit tight for four hours. This also means magic can't put you to sleep. Finally, a number of times per long rest equal to your proficiency bonus you can recall Knowledge from a Past Life, adding 1d6 to a skill check.

That almost makes up for... actually it doesn't make up for anything. Still, it's better than nothing.

Oh yeah, background. You're a Knight of the Order, like your coworkers before you. This gives you proficiency with Religion and Persuasion.

Ability Scores

Make your Charisma as high as possible. You look me in the eyes and tell me that isn't a charming young man, I dare you. After that is Wisdom, because you can't fight a war if you can't see what the enemy is doing. After that is Constitution-you survived an inordinate amount of time to get to this point, and even with a magic artifact that's still one hell of a save DC. Strength is next, you're as good with a sword in one hand as most knights are with two, but we'll get our swordfighting skills from somewhere else in just a bit. Your Dexterity is a bit low, but you wear heavy armor, so it's not that much of a problem. Finally, dump Intelligence. Like a lot of builds, Bedivere isn't dumb- we just needed other abilities more, and intelligence affects very little besides skill checks, and that's what KfaPL is for.

Class Levels

1. Paladin 1: Once again, no surprise here. As a paladin, you get a Divine Sense to locate extraplanar beasties nearby, and you can also Lay on Hand to heal a creature from a pool of hp equal to five times your paladin level, which refills on long rests.

You also get proficiency in Wisdom and Charisma saves, as well as two paladin skills. I've said this already, but you can do one-handed what most people need two for, so you're pretty good at Athletics. You're also able to read the battlefield well, and that most closely translates to Insight.

2. Paladin 2: Second level paladins get a fighting style, and since all your weapons are one handed, the Dueling style is perfect for you, adding 2 to all your one-handed weapon attacks when you aren't also wielding a shield or a second weapon. You can also cast and prepare spells using your Charisma. You can also burn those spell slots to activate your Divine Smite, adding some extra radiant damage to your weapon attacks.

Bedivere is known for his knowledge in witchcraft, so he gets a bit more leeway in what spells he can get. That being said, Heroism is always a good pick to calm yourself before a battle, and Bless will use your Charisma skill to improve your allies' attack rolls and saves, giving them an extra d4 for the duration.

3. Warlock 1: I know you're more of a paladin than this, but you don't have one of your arms yet, and to be honest it's cramping our style. Technically you got your arm from Merlin, but we've done more than enough crown paladin/archfey warlock combos now thanks to the Pendragon family to last a lifetime. Your powers more directly come from your arm, which is a transformed magical sword, so that makes you a Hexblade warlock.

At first level, you can place a Hexblade's Curse on someone once per short rest. This means you deal extra damage to them based on your proficiency bonus, you crit on 19s when you attack, and you gain hp when the target dies. The curse only lasts for 1 minute, but so do most D&D fights, so you're probably fine.

You also become a Hex Warrior, allowing you to use Charisma instead of Strength when attacking with a specific weapon you choose after a long rest. Once you get your pact boon, this will apply to any weapon you make with that boon (though you probably want to make your hand).

You also get Pact Magic, which is kinda like normal magic, but it doesn't mix with your other spell slots, and recharges on short rests. This also uses your Charisma to cast.

You can cast True Strike to strike true, Prestidigitation to make up for all the little magic effects we can't get you, Wrathful Smite to smite while you smite, and Comprehend Languages, because most people aren't going to know what you're talking about if you're speaking Middle English.

4. Warlock 2: Second level warlocks get Eldritch Invocations, ways to customize the selling your soul experience. Save one for next level, but grab Beast Speech so you can cast Speak with Animals for free. There's a lot of talking creatures in medieval mythology, and we spend most of our spell slots smiting. You can also cast Unseen Servant to make things a bit witchier, and also for help carrying cumbersome stuff.

5. Warlock 3: Third level warlocks get their pact boon, and Pact of the Blade will allow you to summon your arm as an action. You can also make other weapons, but regardless, whatever you make counts as a magical weapon for resistances, and can be used as a casting focus for your spells. You also get the invocation Improved Pact Weapon for a +1 to damage and attack rolls.

Finally, you learn how to cast Hold Person, locking a humanoid who fails a wisdom save (DC 8 + proficiency + charisma mod) in place and making all attacks against them critical hits. This usually ends poorly for them, especially when smites get added to the mix.

6. Paladin 3: Oh that's right you're a paladin too. You might be sick of this by now, but Crown paladins; let's talk about them. You get two Channel Divinity options, which you can use once per short rest. Both use your bonus action, but Champion Challenge forces enemies within 30' of you who fail their wisdom save to stay within 30' of you. This lasts until you're incapacitated, you die, or the creature ends up further away from you unwillingly. Turn the Tide heals bloodied allies around you a touch, to keep them in the fight a bit longer.

Alternatively, you can Harness Divine Power, turning that channel divinity use into a refilled spell slot.

You also get Divine Health, making you immune to disease.

Finally, you get oath spells, which you always have prepared. You already could've cast Command and Compelled Duel anyway, but now they're not taking up prep space.

7. Paladin 4: Just because we're taking a different patron doesn't mean we can't rep Merlin a bit, so use this Ability Score Improvement to become a bit Fey Touched. This rounds up your Charisma, and also allows you to cast Misty Step or Gift of Alacrity once per long rest for free. Alternatively, you can use your spell slots, but I'd save those for smites, personally. The former lets you teleport, the latter adds a bit to one character's initiative for a couple hours. Basically you're just telling someone to keep their eyes peeled, but magically.

8. Fighter 1: Depending on how your DM wants to rule it, Argetlam might be a regular weapon, or it might be an actual hand. Grab the Unarmed Fighting fighting style if it's the latter, or just grab Defense otherwise.

You also get a Second Wind, allowing you to heal yourself as a bonus action. You've been around for a while, you know when you're reaching your limits.

9. Paladin 5: Fifth level paladins get an Extra Attack each attack action. They also get second level spells, including your oath spells Warding Bond and Zone of Truth. Literally making it impossible for yourself to lie can be a great show of trust when meeting new people. Or new gods. Either or.

I'd recommend grabbing Protection from Poison since you'll be travelling with Serenity for a while, or Branding Smite for the inevitable fight against Sir Tristan. I hear he's kind of hard to hit.

10. Warlock 4: Use this ASI to max out your Charisma for the best attacks and spells possible. You also fill out your defensive repertoire with the cantrip Blade Ward to make yourself more durable and Blur to make yourself harder to hit. Nobody said living this long would be easy.

11. Warlock 5: Fifth level warlocks get third level spells and slots. I'd consider a lot of what the Lion King did to the round table to count as a curse, so grab Remove Curse to fight back. You also get the invocation Eldritch Smite this level, allowing you to burn a spell slot for some extra force damage. This is on top of your Divine Smite dealing radiant damage, and possibly on top of your Wrathful Smite dealing psychic damage, by the way. Argetlam's got a lot of power behind it.

12. Fighter 2: Second level fighters get an Action Surge, giving you an extra action to slap on your turn once per short rest. You've been pushing yourself for hundreds of years, six seconds is nothing.

13. Fighter 3: As a Battle Master, you really come into your own in terms of warfare. You become a Student of War, giving you calligraphy proficiency, the most powerful of abilities. On a lesser note, you also get Combat Superiority, meaning you can use three maneuvers, powered by four superiority dice. These are d8s that recharge every short rest.

Commander's Strike uses one of your attacks to allow another creature to attack instead, using their reaction. If they do so, you add the superiority die to their damage. Tactical Assessment improves your battlefield knowledge without having to invest in intelligence as an ability, allowing you to add the superiority die to one Investigation, History, or Insight check. You can also Rally a companion as a bonus action, giving them some temporary HP.

14. Paladin 6: Oh that's right you're also a paladin. Now you've got an Aura of Protection, meaning every save made within 10' of you gets your charisma modifier added to it, if you so choose.

15. Paladin 7: Your Divine Allegiance allows you to use a reaction to take another creature's damage for it. Mash is lovely, but occasionally she needs some time off tanking.

16. Paladin 8: You get another ASI this level, and your charisma's all good now... grab some Constitution I guess? More health is nice.

17. Paladin 9: Ninth level paladins get third level spells, like your oath spells Aura of Vitality and Spirit Guardians. You could also use something like Crusader's Mantle or Spirit Shroud to pile even more radiant damage onto your attacks.

18. Paladin 10: Your Aura of Courage calms allies around you, preventing them from being frightened.

19. Paladin 11: Hey, did you want even more radiant damage on your attacks? Here, have an Improved Divine Smite. Same smite taste, no spell slots!

20. Paladin 12: Your capstone level is another ASI! Bump up your strength. This doesn't give you many benefits, but you're a knight, you should be pretty strong.

Pros:

You've got a divine smite, improved divine smite, eldritch smite, and even one of the spell smites if you're feeling spicy. Four smites at once means your critical hits hurt. Especially since you can fish for them with a hexblade's curse.

Despite your damage dealing, you've also got plenty of tools in your support kit. Tank for allies, heal them, help them attack more, improve their initiative... You can do a lot.

You've got almost 200 hp and ways to heal yourself, so your survivability's pretty on point as well. Stay in the fight, and make sure everyone else does too.

Cons:

Thanks to being a reborn, you count as an undead for spells and effects. That'll seriously hinder your social standing in places that can check for that sort of thing, and it'll also make working with clerics in general troublesome.

Hexblade makes picking ASIs a lot easier, but it also means your strength and dexterity scores aren't as high. Because of that your AC isn't going to be that great. It's a good thing you can survive hits, because you'll definitely be taking them.

Despite your array of smites, you have limited spell slots to use them with. Your highest level spells are only level 3, and you don't get that many slots to work with, so you'll have to be careful of when you go all out.

#Fate and Phantasms #FGO #Fate Grand Order #Bedivere #D&D 5e

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foxofthedesert · 3 years

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So I just finished my 3rd watch thru of Merlin, and yet again am brokenhearted. Not only by Arthur's death and Merlin's grief, but by Morgana's tragic descent into madness. Though I loathed the choice, I always understood why the writers went the direction they did with Morgana. What I did not understand was the way they handled her relationship with Gwen. It just never made any sense to me that Morgana could be so cruel to someone she clearly loved very deeply - even if only in the platonic sense. To me, it seemed like the Morgana that existed at the end of season 2 was replaced by a totally different, inexplicably cruel and insufferably smirky one by the start of season 3.

Still, prophecies need fulfilled and such, and after all it is a fantasy series based on a complicated mythology where Morgana sometimes is portrayed as evil. I just wish it was handled better.

Be that as it may, as a writer I tend to gravitate toward the untold stories within canon. That being the case, Gwen and Morgana's relationship is a natural attraction. I adore their chemistry, which makes them so easy to pair up. Since I am also not necessarily beholden to canon, that means I can imagine whatever the hell I want for them. Such an AU where their potential is realized before Morgause enters the picture to warp Morgana into her father's daughter.

This little piece is part of that. I may or may not add more entries in the future.

As a side note, this was initially supposed to be much shorter, but my fingers wouldn't stop typing words. Silly digits.

Ficlet below the line!

Morgana awoke giggling in an entirely unrefined manner. Her uncharacteristic bubbly mirth, she discovered, was due to a gentle tickling sensation all across her face. Once the wispy haze of sleep was blinked out of her blurry eyes, a familiar shape resolved into an entirely too handsome face wearing such a love-sick expression that her chest reflexively suffused with an affectionate warmth that quickly seeped into her very bones.

“What time is it?” she asked to the person hovering above her, voice still gravelly and slightly slurred from having been roused out of such a deep, blessedly dreamless repose. The pleasant tickling sensation began anew immediately after her half-slurred inquiry, and when she lifted her gaze she was greeted by rich brown eyes she would swear on her life she could live and die in.

“Just after dawn.” The utterly enchanting creature paying her such lovely attention continued to delicately and reverently brush calloused fingertips across the expanse of her jaw. “Sorry I woke you. I meant to let you sleep in a bit longer, I just really couldn’t help myself.”

A pause allowed a full, dusky lip to be pulled rather invitingly between pearly white teeth before her beloved added, “It seems I never can where you are concerned.”

Morgana smiled. A genuine smile, too. Nothing like the false ones she graced her guardian with, full of barely suppressed loathing and rage. Lately she had been consumed by disgust for the man who so many times proclaimed to cherish her, a man who would see her burnt at the stake if he knew who she truly was. Uther Pendragon claimed to be a fair and just king, yet he waged unlawful wars against territories that dared stand up against his brutish rule and relentlessly persecuted innocents whose only crime was to be born different. People like her. People with magic.

Coming to terms with her gifts had cost Morgana both countless nights spent in wakeful torment over horrific visions that plagued her dreams and untold days spent wrestling with throat-clogging anxiety over the possibility of discovery. There were many occasions during that frightening period in which she felt as though tottering precariously over a dark, abyssal chasm at the bottom of which lie only inescapable madness. Every second spent at court was an exhausting exercise in choking down a nauseating terror of the tyrant who held the power of life and death over her and would surely decide upon the latter should he learn the truth about her magic. Meals were a unique form of torture due to the perpetual knot residing in her stomach and every event she would normally revel in was transformed into a dreaded affair during which she could scarcely breathe for the crushing weight resting upon her chest.

Frankly, if it hadn’t been for Guinevere and Merlin she is sure she would have already plummeted headlong into those foreboding depths, right into the waiting arms of a hatred no human heart could withstand without incurring irreparable damage.

If Merlin hadn’t told her the truth about his magic as he lead her to Aglain’s druid camp, the pervasive sense of isolation and desperation worming insidiously through her mind would have inevitably forced her into drastic choices. Even before her magic manifested she had silently nursed treasonous thoughts toward Camelot’s cruel monarch. What might she have done if the walls closed in so tightly on her she felt there was no avenue of escape outside of acting upon those unsavory impulses? It hardly bears thinking about for risk of inviting such evil desires back in to her heart when of all her attributes, it is her heart which makes her most special – or at least that is what Guinevere insists to be the case.

Thankfully, finding a steadfast friend and ally in Merlin had done much to ameliorate the suffocating feeling of helplessness she felt as a member of the court harboring so deadly a secret. With much diligence and patience he was teaching her to control her powers, to harness them for good, and to have faith that better days were ahead for their kind. It was also mostly due to the Merlin’s deceptive wisdom and boundless optimism – and to be fair what reasonable person could resist that impish, dimpled smile? – that she began to view Arthur through a fresh lens.

If she bothered to look deeply, as Merlin insisted, to ignore the chauvinistic bravado and infuriating superiority complex, it was not difficult to recognize Arthur’s innate nobility and compassion that existed despite his monstrous father. And seeing as Merlin was as stubborn as he was convincing, it did not take long for Morgana to accept with a cautiously hopeful heart that with the aid of loyal friends, Arthur had it in him to become to the greatest sovereign Camelot had ever seen, a king who might actually prove himself worthy of the people both common and magical to whom he would be sworn to serve. Of course, she and Arthur still had their mundane squabbles and butted heads frequently over political and legal matters, but in the months since Merlin began her training, Morgana had acquired a new appreciation for the young man who was to her as good as a sibling.

As much as Merlin had done for her, however, it paled in comparison to Gwen’s contributions to her health and happiness.

For as long as Morgana had known Gwen she had held the blacksmith’s daughter in esteem far higher than any Lady should their maidservant. What started out as mutual respect born from shared grief over the loss of a parent soon flowered into genuine friendship. For many years they were the best of friends, each providing for the other a refuge from the storms of life and a confidante more reliable and wise and loyal than could be hired with all of Midas’ gold.

By the time Morgana entered womanhood, her fondness for Gwen had only swelled to become boundless as it was profound. In her eyes, Gwen was the most wonderful person in all the world; none could hope to be her equal in breathtaking beauty, charitable kindness, seemingly endless stores of patience, altogether praiseworthy meekness, a silent strength surpassing steel, or in nearly saintly levels of graciousness. Gwen was the unfailing light to Morgana’s rapidly encroaching darkness, the quickening sun to her deathly pale moon, the Aurora to her Luna. She neither trusted any more deeply as she did Gwen, nor did she desire the company of another so keenly. As a result, they were rarely parted until retiring for bed, and then only by necessity of station. So inextricably attached were they Gwen’s friends often jested that she must have accidentally stitched herself to her lady’s garments at the hip. The noblewomen were not nearly so kind. Some of the more prominent Ladies in the castle questioned the innocence of their arrangement, going so far as to exchange idle speculation which painted them as clandestine devotees of Sappho.

If Morgana could be bothered to care about the rumors, she would have confronted the useless busybodies long ago. But quite frankly, their opinions on her relationship with Gwen mattered for naught seeing as Arthur dismissed them as absurd upon reaching his ears and, beyond even that, Morgana would rather die than provide the snide gossipers ammunition that might serve as tacit confirmation that their unwelcome conjecture was not without merit – which was in fact the case.

All the same, though, she took great pains to prevent them from reaching the ears of the king. Uther already disapproved of their unusual bond and reminded her of such every time she treated Gwen with an ounce of basic human dignity while in his presence. Rather than censure the prejudice as she might have no long ago, Morgana now bore the chastisement with pride. Were it required, she would gladly wear forty stripes upon her skin if that be the price of Gwen’s love. The haughty bigotry of her guardian could never dissuade her from the path her heart had chosen to travel. Gwen was far too precious to ever surrender without a fight, to death if she must.

For what felt like ages, Morgana had believed her feelings would never be reciprocated. And that was perfectly acceptable to her, so long as Gwen remained an integral part of her life. The constant yearning that caused her chest to ache, sometimes almost painfully, was something she could endure so long as Gwen was happy.

That perspective radically transformed the night Gwen’s father died.

The midnight bells sounded in the citadel as Morgana slipped out into the upper town. Her intentions were pure at the time. She had only meant to visit her friend and offer what support she could, no matter the reckless impropriety of her visiting the her maidservant’s home so late at night. Instead, one glimpse of Gwen’s devastation over the pointless tragedy reignited her rage. All too quickly it boiled over, allowing those old, bitter feelings to spill out as impetuous threats of vengeance, and not only on Gwen’s behalf but for all those wronged by the merciless hand of Uther Pendragon. For what felt like hours she railed, heedless of the effect her malicious speech was having on the distraught girl she was supposed to be comforting.

It was only when Gwen – sweet Gwen, kind and thoughtful and selfless to a fault – had been pushed to her limits that Morgana’s perilous vitriol was interrupted.

Casting aside station, Gwen grasped her by the face and made her swear to never utter such dangerous words again.

“My brother has already abandoned me and now both my parents are dead,” Gwen had said, lips quivering and cheeks stained by tears. “I can’t lose you, too. I can’t. I won’t survive it.”

“Of course you would, Gwen. You’re the strongest person I know,” Morgana had replied, grasping reflexively at lean wrists, Gwen’s hands having migrated to the back of Morgana’s neck, thumbs cupped round the front of her ears. It was the first time she had been embraced so intimately, and if it weren’t for her anger she most certainly would have shivered with excitement at the surprisingly welcome contact.

“I’m not,” Gwen had half-sobbed, voice hoarse from hours surrendered to grief. “I’m only standing at all right now because the person I love most in all the world is here with me.”

Morgana hadn’t understood the nature of that declaration at first. Not until Gwen tucked her lip between her teeth, her nostrils flared with what could not be misinterpreted as anything but raw want, and her eyes went impossibly dark. A sharp gasp of realization was all Morgana could manage as a response, so stunned was she that her most secretive and treasured wish was being fulfilled.

But when Gwen nodded, chest heaving with emotion, despair and fear warring with adoration in her eyes, Morgana could no longer contain herself. Suddenly all the pieces of the puzzle fused together, revealing the explanation as to why a simple smile from Gwen was able to chase away the storm clouds gathering above her head, or why Gwen’s chiming laughter kicked up butterflies in her stomach and a captivating warmth in her chest, or why even the most airy of touches from Gwen left a wake of goose-flesh in her skin. It wasn’t just love. It was destiny.

In retrospect, Morgana probably should have been as if not more terrified of crossing that final, socially forbidden line between mistress and servant, friend and lover, than she was of being magical. The thing of it was, the only relevant factors in that moment was Gwen willingly offering of herself more than she probably should and Morgana being selfish enough to accept.

They made love that night beneath Gwen’s threadbare sheets, and it was glorious, just as Morgana had imagined it would be.

All of their sorrows and anxieties and animosities drifted away like dandelion seeds upon a crisp summer breeze. Cliches regarding such unions suddenly made sense. Somewhere along the journey that began by laving the stiffened peak of a pert breast then languidly progressed into nestling her face into the delicate, aromatic flower situated between smooth bronze legs, she lost all sense of self. It was as if with each bruising kiss, playful nibble, and greedy draw with open mouth, she and Gwen were merging into one being. Gwen’s throaty noises and keening pleas reverberated through her every muscle fiber, down even into the very marrow of her bones. Gwen’s intoxicating flavor permeated her senses until it was all she could taste or smell. And Gwen’s gratification became hers as her hand slipped beneath her ridiculously extravagant undergarments to relieve the desperate pressure upon a mound so slick with arousal that the sound of her feverish rubbing was positively obscene.

Mere heartbeats after Gwen went taut with a silent scream, stars exploded behind Morgana’s eyes as the most exquisite mixture of pleasure and pain engulfed her mind and set her nether regions aflame. Spent and unable to control her trembling limbs, she collapsed across Gwen’s heaving chest. Strong arms immediately wrapped around underneath her arms to pull her in tight, and as she buried her nose in the damp curls at Gwen’s neck, all she could do was weep, utterly overcome by an unspeakable joy she understood without needing to ask was fully mutual. They fell asleep like that, Morgana stretched across Gwen, encased in an embrace that felt like a subconscious announcement of a claim upon her, heart and soul and body, something she not only welcomed but reveled in.

Wonderful thoughts about publicly belonging to Gwen lulled Morgana into a peaceful sleep that went markedly undisturbed.

In the pale light of morning she was still so drunken upon pure, heady, all consuming bliss to realize she would be missed if she did make an appearance in the castle. Had Gwen not pointed that out, she would have been more than glad to spend the entire day wrapped around her new lover, discovering every last spot that made Gwen’s toes curl ‘til the girl was too exhausted to move the tiniest muscle.

Alas, the constraints of reality marshaled both of them to action, and so once they had dressed, they sneaked carefully into the castle by auxiliary corridors during the changing of the guard. By only the slimmest of margins, they slipped into her chambers just as the fresh patrol rounded the corner in their direction. Once inside, the thrill of the close call and euphoria over their consummated love invigorated Morgana into a passion she could not ignore. Overcome by a need – more like an almost maddening hunger really – to touch, smell, and taste every delicious inch of the skin she had feasted upon last night, she unceremoniously dragged a breathless, ruddy cheeked Gwen straight over to her bed.

After that thorough christening, they lingered together in a tangle of limbs, both sated and happy. At least until the sound of Camelot’s awakening resounded through the chambers from the courtyard below and with it the first doubts crept in. Morgana could recall the subsequent conversation as though it had just happened.

***************

“I should see to my duties directly,” Gwen had said, immediately rustling to exit the bed upon hearing Arthur’s booming voice rattle down the hallway, clearly a response to the latest in an endless string of mistakes by his loyal yet tragically clumsy manservant.

Morgana hadn’t wanted to turn loose quite yet, so she tightened hold around Gwen’s waist, halting the undesired escape.

“They can wait,” she replied between leisurely kisses trailed up a shapely arm. “The laundry isn’t going anywhere, nor is the evening gown that needs mending. Stay with me a while longer.” She paused to nuzzle into Gwen’s shoulder. “Stay with me forever.”

Rather than struggle, Gwen melted the embrace. “You know that is all I wish for. I love you, Morgana. More than anything. But…”

“But what?”

“What if someone catches us?”

Morgana scoffed, having missed the long term nature of the question in addition to the concern pouring off of Gwen in waves she should not have missed. It was not her finest moment. She hadn’t meant to be insensitive, though. The idea had just seemed so preposterous at the time because she had thought Gwen was only speaking about the present.

“Who would be so bold as to enter my chambers without permission?” she had said. “Not even Uther at his most disrespectful would dare venture such a trespass. We are entirely safe here. No need to worry your pretty head.”

Gwen shifted in Morgana’s arms then so that they were face to face. “I do, though. Worry that is. And I have to ask: why aren’t you?”

“Why should I be? For that matter why should you be?” Morgana replied. And then she met Gwen’s eyes. Large, and impossibly dark, and unmistakably upset.

All of the sudden it was impossible for Morgana to ignore how frightened Gwen really was. In response, her stomach twisted almost painfully and her heart fell as the happy bubble she had been floating in abruptly burst.

What in all the world, she wondered in a moment of regrettable obliviousness, had Gwen afraid of them being caught? Her brow furrowed as deeply as it ever had as she mulled around potential causes.

Certainly they were going to have to be careful in the future to avoid exposure, she reckoned, but Gwen was as fully cognizant that there were more perilous secrets both were currently keeping. Morgana’s ability to pull the wool over Uther’s eyes was well established, and no one else besides the two of them had unfettered access to her chambers. Besides all that, Morgana knew every nook and cranny of the citadel and was able to slip out and into the upper town undetected at will, of which Gwen was also very well aware. So there had to be more to it. But what?

Only one other possibility occurred to her, and it was the one she least wanted to entertain. And yet...

“Unless you regret what has transpired between us?” she asked at length, unable to disguise her own fear, which manifested through a faint trembling in her voice. “No!” Shaking her head fervently, Gwen grasped Morgana’s face much as she did the night before. “Not even for a second. I’ve lost so much, and I have much to regret, but not this. This is the best thing to ever happen to me. I just…”

Again Gwen trailed off, her hands retreating to clasp together against her mouth. And although Morgana’s anxiety had quieted with Gwen’s reassurance, there was clearly something still bothering her.

“Just what?” Morgana prompted, then reached out to stroke Gwen’s hair. “I hate seeing you so twisted up. Tell me. Please.”

A single, contrite nibble of a kiss-stung lip later, Gwen averted her eyes and gave her answer, “Don’t you wonder, even just for a second in the back of your mind, if what we did was wrong?”

Morgana very nearly sighed in relief. This was a problem she could easily remedy, as it was a one she had wrestled with for years only for Merlin’s simple yet profound worldview to unexpectedly resolve.

During the incident where Gwen was accused of using sorcery to heal her father, he had stumbled upon Morgana beside herself after a visit to Gwen’s cell. In her anxiety and grief she had confessed to having feelings for her handmaiden that although unseemly nonetheless had taken hold of her. Where she had expected disgust, she was instead given only understanding and compassion. In that endearingly provincial way of his, Merlin ensured her that love – if true and pure and unselfish, which he insisted hers for Gwen surely was – could never be wrong.

Morgana had felt something turn loose inside her at Merlin’s easy acceptance, as if her heart had been tied into a knot being slowly and perpetually tightened. Breathing became a relief once again. And as she learned to accept herself the way Merlin did, she began to hope that perhaps one day in the future a door would open for her to act upon her feelings without destroying what she and Gwen already shared. She could not have anticipated Tom’s death being the impetus for her to do so. Yet as awful as his tragic death was, it birthed something so infinitely precious that Morgana would never cease being grateful. And if only for the memory of that kind, thoughtful, patient man, she would never stop fighting for the love she shared with her beloved Guinevere.

“Gwen,” she had said, unsuccessfully vying for her conflicted love’s attention. Twice more she called Gwen’s name, and after receiving no response pushed up slightly on her elbow. “Look at me, Guinevere.” When large, uncertain eyes, brimming with tears, met hers, she leaned over so that she could press her forehead against Gwen’s. “We have done nothing wrong. Do you hear me? If you trust me, if you love me as you assert to, believe me when I say this. Something so wonderful and beautiful and perfect could never be anything less than rightly divine.”

***************

That phrase that swiftly became Morgana’s favorite answer to Gwen’s occasional concerns. The world at large, and most definitely those housed within the vaunted halls of Camelot’s citadel, would most certainly view their relationship as wicked and immoral and perverse. If that was indeed the case, Morgana did not believe she ever wanted to be either innocent or righteous. Their love was wonderful, and beautiful, and perfectly divine; an immutable fact which Morgana was determined to never allow either of them to forget.

No doubt lurked within Gwen’s eyes this morning, however, only unadulterated affection. And that made Morgana exceedingly joyful indeed.

“I understand what you mean,” Morgana at last said after escaping that precious memory. She sighed contentedly and shuttered her eyelids as yet another reverent brush of fingers smoothed along the crest of her chin. And while the diligent attention felt incredible, she grew increasingly curious why Gwen’s focus appeared to have narrowly fixated on that one specific region of her face.

“What’s the matter?” Gwen said after a bit of easy silence.

“What makes you think something’s the matter?” Morgana replied, still basking in the glow of Gwen’s magical touch.

“You have that telltale crease between your brow which means something is bothering you.”

This time Morgana opened her eyes. “I’m not bothered, merely at a loss as to why you suddenly find my chin so hypnotizing.”

Gwen sucked at her lip momentarily as if weighing whether to answer before a crooked smile bloomed across her handsome features.

“Well, not just your chin, but if you must know it’s all these little hairs…” And then she stroked Morgana’s chin again, this time allowing her fingers to feather over said hairs all the way down her jawline.

“Are you saying my face is hairy, Gwen?” Morgana asked, frowning as a thread of hurt pulled taut.

As should be obvious, she didn’t appreciate it pointed out that her alabaster skin failed to conceal what otherwise would have been a nearly invisible coat of fine hairs that covered all humans male and female alike. Arthur teased her about it relentlessly when she was a blossoming teenager, and even now some of the noble ladies who envied her would snidely comment upon how it clearly indicated that she was a witch destined for a life of barren unhappiness.

Up til now, Gwen had made no mention of that peculiar feature and Morgana would be lying if she claimed she wasn’t wounded that it would be brought up only now that they were in an intimate situation.

“No!” Gwen’s eyes went wide as the full moon. “No, not at all! I mean...well, yes, it sort of is.” A huffed breath of remorse followed Morgana’s gasp of offense. “Not that it’s a bad thing! I swear I meant no insult. I have some too, after all. It’s just less visible because of my skin tone probably. And don’t worry! It’s nothing like Lady Johanna’s fledgling beard. Not even close. On the contrary, they’re so tiny and delicate and wispy and soft, and I really am utterly obsessed with them because they are part of you and you are perfect, so they are also perfect by extension, and I just can’t get over how adorable they are, and I am currently babbling like a lunatic with zero manners. I am so sorry, milady.”

At the end of that adorable ramble, Gwen’s shoulders hunched in as her cheeks darkened and she yet again sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. Any insult Morgana felt evaporated as quickly as it formed. How could she be upset with such an enchanting creature?

Reaching across Gwen’s waist, she pulled her abashed lover down until they were flush, skin to skin from shoulders to hips.

“Oh, Gwen, there is nothing to be sorry for,” she said, legs instinctively parting as Gwen’s familiar weight settled against her. “My reaction is habit, I’m afraid, due to Arthur’s derisive mocking. It’s actually quite nice to hear a compliment for a change.”

“Are you sure you’re not cross with me? I’d understand if you were…”

No one with a functioning soul could be cross with those doe eyes staring at them, Morgana decided. She danced her fingers with lighthearted mirth across Gwen’s cheeks and over the ridge of her nose.

“Nonsense, sweetling. It’s no different than me admiring your freckles.”

Gwen’s features relaxed into a flattered smile. “You like my freckles?”

“Like them? I love them! How could I not? It’s like you said, they are a part of you, and you are perfect, therefore they are perfect by extension.”

In response, Gwen gave her an appreciative little smile before arresting her hand to place a kiss upon the inside of her wrist.

“So you won’t mind to be awakened like that again should I fail to curb my weird fascination?”

“Only if you won’t should I wake you by mapping the stars written across your cheeks,” Morgana said, then returned Gwen’s tactile affection with some of her own by again acting out her words with her own fingers. She was pleased when Gwen leaned in to the touch.

“I promise I won’t. I think I’d quite fancy that, actually.”

“Then I promise, too. And if you’re a good girl today, perhaps I will indulge your fancy tomorrow morning.”

“Well, then, I’d better get to work, hadn’t I?”

Eyes flashing with eager anticipation, Gwen threw the covers aside and made to get out of bed – a development Morgana was not prepared to authorize. Not only was she of a mind to lounge abed and cuddle away another hour or two, all of Camelot was blanketed in snow and she was loathe to be deprived of Gwen’s heavenly body...heat.

“Now, now,” Morgana tugged at Gwen, almost desperate with a need to curl right back into Gwen’s warmth and never move again while hoping she sounded at least somewhat the dignified noblewoman she was supposed to be. “Don’t be so hasty. Have you forgotten yourself and your duties to your lady? I haven’t yet had my good morning kiss.”

Gwen tumbled back into bed giggling merrily. “For shame! I have failed my lady most unforgivably. I shall rectify the trespass immediately.”

“See that you do, Guinevere, and promptly,” Morgana said, her eyes twinkling as her own merriment curved her lips into a smile. “As you know, your lady does not appreciate being made to wait.”

After a deliberately silly half-curtsy, Gwen draped herself across Morgana’s body, and once settled whispered her reply against Morgana’s already tingling lips.

“My lady’s wish is my command.”

The brief peck that followed was not enough for Morgana. Fingers winding into dark curls, she pulled Gwen into a much more passionate kiss, which lead to another, and another, until the embrace quickly evolved into tangling tongues and undulating hips. Soon enough, Gwen’s head was disappearing beneath the sheets and Morgana was having to recall how to breathe due to the magnificently excruciating pleasure coursing through her loins.

And that was how she came to be late for her first appointment of the morning, where she was relentlessly lectured about the importance of punctuality over manchet, eggs, sausage, and apples sprinkled with cinnamon. It was worth it, though. Her giddy grin throughout breakfast only made Arthur more bewildered and Uther more angry.

#bbc merlin #gwen #morgana #morgwen

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breezclaire · 3 years

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Can I just leave this here? K thanks

Let Sleeping Sorcerers Lie

BreeZClaire

Summary:

In Camelot's time of need, Captain Arthur Pendragon would risk everything to ensure the survival of his city and people. When the latest danger rears its ugly head, there is only one man who can save them all. Unfortunately, it also happens to be Merlin's naptime.

#Merthur #BBC Merlin #arthur pendragon #Leon #Lance #Gwaine #Mordred

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min-sugar-7 · 3 years

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DAY 5: “Any other lies to tell me?” + Angst

Read it on AO3 Here!

Merlin slumped against his bed, covering his eyes and willing them not to spill. It felt stupid, really. But he was told for so long that Arthur is the other side to his coin, his other half, his soulmate. He should have known better than to think that destiny would ever favor him.

It probably would hurt less if Kilgharrah did not feed Merlin pointless lies. If he had clearly stated that there would be nothing romantic between them. Because Merlin went ahead and caught feelings, those pesky little things. At least he never got a chance to make a fool of himself.

What was he thinking? Golden Prince, Arthur Pendragon, falling for him? Of course, his true love was a 'she.' At least he never acted on his feelings. At least the only one that knows about them was himself. But it is fine. It’s not like he loves Arthur. He hates him half the time anyway.

A lie.

He is just a little bit heartbroken. Maybe a bit more than little. But he should have known better than to think that there could be anything between them. It is a miracle they are even friends, considering the number of lies Merlin has told him.

That, sadly, did not mean that Merlin got over his feelings. It hurt, seeing Arthur with someone else, but at least it was Gwen. Sweet, kind, strong, and caring Gwen. He couldn’t have chosen anyone better. She’s the best in the world.

So Merlin made sure his two favorite people were happy, even if it meant that he would be pining from a distance. He is glad that Arthur’s happy and smiling, even if those were directed to someone else. It’s fine. Destiny was a stupid thing anyway.

Well, it was fine right up until he was getting crushed under the weight of destiny. If one more person reminded him of his destiny, Merlin would scream. Merlin doubts if he can keep going, carrying the weight of the expectations of sorcerers alive and dead. Not to mention the fact that he’s considered some sort of leader to the magical community. Merlin was not trained for this, will never be trained for this, and cannot possibly live up to their expectations.

Everyone expects Emrys to be some sort of divine leader- fearless and ruthless, a guardian and protector of the magical community. Merlin isn’t Emrys. He doesn’t want to be Emrys. But every single Druid he meets bows and pays their respects and tells him how he’s such a great warlock.

Merlin might as well scream.

They treat him like a God, which is not as great as you would think. Merlin is the one to carry their dreams and expectations. Their hopes and dreams followed him around like dead weight, refusing to leave. He is required to fulfill it. It is either that or let every magical being suffer.

And he is the only one to carry the burden of fate.

He doesn’t have anyone to share it with, not even Gaius. Gaius doesn’t get it either, and never will. He treats Merlin like a son, and for that, he is very grateful. Some days he is sure he would be dead in a ditch if it weren’t for Gaius. But with Gaius, it is a bit different. For him, having Merlin is like having a God for a son, which isn’t that far from the truth. He knows that Gaius worries for him and cares for him. But Gaius also has expectations for Merlin. Expectations he’s afraid he can’t fulfill.

With each passing day, the threat to Arthur’s life grows stronger and more dangerous. Merlin cannot keep up.

Everyone who knows about Merlin’s magic also knows about his destiny. There are people that Merlin does not know that know about Merlin’s destiny. Merlin wants to yell that they are entrusting their freedom to the hands of the wrong person. That he is not the one they should be laying down their lives for. That there must be another sorcerer, one who deserves to be called Emrys.

He feels laced with guilt and regret for the lives of Alator and Finna, along with every other sorcerer's life lost for a cause that is impossible to fulfill. They have laid it all down so Merlin could hear, in painful detail, just how his King is going to die.

Merlin did scream then, in the relative privacy of the forest. Arthur’s going to die, and if Merlin doesn't prevent it, it is all on him. Arthur's death would be on him. It is going to be his fault that there will be no Albion. It is going to be his fault that magic will forever be lost to these lands. It is going to be his fault that Arthur's going to die, and he doesn't want that. He wants Arthur to live a happy and long life.

Somewhere along the line, 'Albion' sounded like 'Arthur.' If given a choice between the two, Merlin would no doubt chose Arthur. He would pick Arthur over and over again. Always Arthur. Because Arthur has become his priority, and he won't be able to live with himself if he let Arthur die. It will all be his fault.

It was his fault anyway. It was his fault Morgana turned. It was his fault that Mordred lived. It was his fault that he didn’t let Morgana die when he had the chance. It was his fault that while trying to show Arthur how good magic can be, he did the complete opposite. For Arthur, magic is something that took his mother, his father, his sister, and his wife. Merlin doubts that saving Gwen made Arthur’s opinion on magic any different.

Everything he does, everything he tries, only brings him closer to the inevitable. Arthur is going into battle at dawn, and Merlin won’t even be there.

Merlin promised Arthur that he would always protect him or die trying. A lie. He failed at both. Now Arthur’s saddled up with a piece of a sword forged in a dragon’s breath inside him, the very same dragon he should have looked after.

Aithusa, Light of the Sun, the very same dragon Kilgharrah said would bode well for Albion, for him and Arthur, and for the land they would build together.

A lie.

It is the sword drenched in her breath that brought Arthur down. Merlin did not have the heart to blame her. Merlin was the one that abandoned her, sent her straight to Morgana.

Gaius trusted him, told him that only he could save Arthur. Said that he would have a bowl of his favorite soup waiting for him, for when he would come back. He said that Arthur would be fine, that the Shide would heal him.

Another lie.

Merlin clutched the wheezing body of his love tighter as if he could will him to stay. It is all his deepest nightmares playing out. Arthur- dying in his arms- practically resenting Merlin’s magic. For all his magic and he still could not save his love.

Nothing, nothing ever could be worse than this.

Until it was.

In any other situation, anything but this, Merlin would have cherished Arthur’s last words. He despised them. He despised his final words, the last whisper of something he has never said before. He despised the way they were told- as if a confession of his deepest darkest secret.

But that is what they were. Arthur had a wife, a loving, doting wife, and yet-

And yet, his last words to Merlin had been a choked whisper of, “I love you.”

Merlin has dreamt of those words, thought about every single way Arthur would tell him. Never like this, though. But those were just that- dreams and fantasies. But Destiny was never easy, was it?

Was it all a lie? Could, heaven forbid, Arthur really love him? Or was it just words spoken out of desperation, just another lie?

Just like how his destiny was a lie? Like how Albion was a lie? Like how the Kingdom they were supposed to build, together, was a lie?

Like how everything Kilgharrah said was a lie. Like how his hopes and dreams were lies. Like how every Druid lied. Like how everything was a lie, a half-baked truth, a stupid fantasy.

“There is nothing you can do, Merlin, for all that you have dreamt has come to pass,” Kilgharrah said.

Lies.

He had failed. He’d failed Arthur. He’d failed Morgana. He’d failed Gwen. He'd failed Gaius. He’d failed Mordred, Isidir, and Freya. He’d failed Finna, Alator, and Gili. He’d failed Daegel, Balinor, and Hunith. He’d failed all the sorcerers that died during and after the Purge. He’d failed all the sorcerers living in fear. He’d failed all that sorcerers that are yet to be born.

Merlin stayed long after he sent Arthur away, no doubt his bowl of soup growing cold. He learned that Gwaine, too, had passed in a last attempt to run Morgana through. It was not supposed to be like this. It was supposed to be the three of them, Courage, Strength, and Magic, standing side-by-side, ready to face whatever destiny throws at them.

Another Lie.

He made it as far as Camelot’s gates, listening to the echoes of “Long Live the Queen,” before deciding that Camelot would prosper under Gwen’s rule. He could never, ever face her again. Not after his failure, not after the lies. Not after being the keeper of his King’s last words, which no doubt should have belonged to Gwen.

He only scried for Gaius when he felt the old man’s life slipping away. Gaius saw him and heard him, telling him that they missed him there. No doubt another lie. Merlin watched as the light behind Gaius’s eyes dimmed, saying one last goodbye to the closest thing he had to a father.

Soon it was Kilgharrah, and then Geoffrey, then Gwen, then Leon, then Percival, then Audrey, Queen Annis, Queen Mithian, Queen Vivian, Queen Elena, Isidir, Gili, Sefa…

He should have guessed that he would be punished in some way. The Gods made him immortal, forever waiting for Arthur to return. Forever waiting near the lake, never allowed to be away from Albion for long.

Excalibur might have been his only way out, but he had disposed of it into the lake soon after Arthur died. Again, that could have been a lie too.

The world changed. Green and magic got replaced by iron and steel. Aithusa passed peacefully in her sleep, never once forgiving Merlin for slaying Morgana. Magic slipped away from the land slowly, until the last tendril of magic died along with the last wizard, leaving Merlin to be the only source of magic left.

All of it seeped deep into the Earth’s core, locked away and to never be accessed, leaving the Earth barren.

Wars broke out, along with famine, storms and disasters, and death. The Lake of Avalon remained still and timeless, forever preserved by the Gods, like Merlin.

Merlin looked up at the sky, where he believed the Gods to be, long forgotten like the legend of his love and his legacy. The Gods were never merciful. They had disappeared too, the last of them forgotten like Merlin. But Merlin was forced to keep living, forever traveling the Earth, never straying too far from the lake.

“Any other lies left to tell me?” Merlin said, resigned and pitiful, as he felt the world falling apart around him. Arthur never once returned, dooming Merlin to watch as humans ripped apart from each other, unable to help. They tear themselves apart, rebuilding and rehabilitating soon after. They, too, had been cursed to keep going, destroying and restoring. And for all Merlin knew, that also could have been a lie.

#merthurweek2020 #day5 #angst #fic #prompt fill #unrequited love #requited unrequited love #immortal merlin #major character deaths #minor character deaths #lots and lots of angst #pining!merlin #bbc merlin

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