#mergwen fanfic

[adhd-merlin]

Look at the beautiful piece I commissioned the talented @irishyuri to draw! Based on the ending of my merwenthur fanfic, because that scene kind of wrote itself and I ended up liking it a lot, actually. So, if you've read and liked it, here's a lovely visual to go with it <3 (If you haven't read it, I won't spoil it. You know, just in case you want to check it out).

#crying over gwen's gorgeous dress #look at them!! my babies #i've just watched some merlin & gwen scenes from ep 1x03 and i'm having feels about them now #they are so precious #me remembering i'm an adult with a job and i can buy myself fanart if i want to: #“guess what? it grows the economy. benefits everybody. hurts nobody” #do check out irishyuri's other art btw it's great!! #especially if you're into merwaine #merwen #mergwen #merwenthur #mergwenthur #merlin fanart #merlin fanfic #merlin fanfiction #merlin #gwen #merlin and gwen #fanart

[itsmakingyoucry]

guys the Merlin tags are getting flooded with porn bots what do we do

#bbc merlin #merlin #merlin bbc #merthur #merlin fandom #arthur pendragon #merlin fanfiction #merlin fanfic #merlin edit #mergwenthur #mergwen #morgwen #morgana #morgana pendragon

[aro-tarot]

Here’s my art master post for this year’s ACBB and the art for master of all, master of none!

It was another fun year, and it was great working with @princess-of-the-worlds again! This story was so fun to read, and it inspired me to go about the art in different ways and try some different things.

Go check it out! master of all, master of none

#my art #acbb #after camlann big bang #Merlin #bbc merlin #merlin fanart #merlin fanfic #merlin fandom #mergwenthur #Merthur #mergwen #arwen

[mumble-muse]

✨Non-Merthur Merlin Server AO3 Takeover!✨

We asked our amazing members to publish a drabble or short fanwork with one simple rule: it couldn't be Merthur.

And they did such an amazing job 😭

(please check full tags for warnings)

a kind of grief by @sirwilliamofdeira

Elyan & Gwaine

"the extra shadow brightens everything" Elyan and Gwaine in the cell s04ep13, dealing with the stress of imprisonment the best they can

bound in purple by @mumble-muse

Gwen/Merlin

Merlin and Gwen share a moment.

Different Kind of Knight by @lemissingmask

Arthur/Lancelot

Arthur gets an unexpected passenger on his drive home

Guilt is a form of hurt by @gremlinbehaviour

Lancelot & Merlin, Gwen & Lancelot, Arthur/Gwen

Lancelot saves Gwen from an assassin, but in doing so hurts her and her unborn baby as well as being injured himself. As Merlin sews him up, he tries to assuage his guilt with little success

Height differences by @gremlinbehaviour

Gwen & Percival

After the castle is reclaimed from Morgana and her immortal army, Percival needs help finding his way around. Unfortunately, some of the routes that work for Gwen aren't as useful for the tall new knight

kiss (noun): an exercise in avoidance by @gwen-cheers-me-up

Lancelot/Merlin

but maybe it's an exercise in hope?

Lancelot vs Lancelot by @gremlinbehaviour

Merlin, Gwaine, Lancelot

Living on in a torn apart world by @donttouchtheneednoggle

Gwen & Percival

Percival comforts Gwen after a nightmare and they talk about Elyan

No man he'd rather have beside him in a battle by @erdariel

Elyan & Leon

Arthur knights Elyan. Leon is proud.

on frogs and friends by @sirwilliamofdeira

Elena & Leon

Leon and Elena talk before her wedding. Set just after Grunhilda leaves Elena in s03e06, but before Merlin and Gaius get there!

Post-concussion cuddles by @gremlinbehaviour

Gwen/Lancelot

Sequel to Uncaged in Your Arms. Gwen and Lancelot are safely back in Camelot, but both injured, they're instructed to rest. This is improved greatly by doing so together.

Stairs by @gremlinbehaviour

Elyan & Gwaine

The Big Three of BBC Merlin by @mergwencelot

Gwen/Lancelot/Merlin

The Inn above the Tavern by @gremlinbehaviour

Gwaine & Gwen & Lancelot

When Gwaine runs into Lancelot and Guinevere outside of Camelot, it's not under the best of circumstances, but he's happy to see them again nonetheless and to be of service.

we left the book of love signed in blood on every page by @lit-in-thy-heart

Gwaine/Lancelot/Merlin, Gwaine/Merlin

After Lancelot walked through the veil, his partners are left to piece what remains of their lives back together. But they have both come to realise that perhaps the best way to do that is alone.

Will you stay? by @erdariel

Leon & Merlin

Merlin never came back to Camelot after Arthur's death, but at Gwen's funeral decades later, Leon sees him again.

(full collection link here)

Thank you everyone for participating! 💐💐💐

✨About the Non-Merthur Merlin Server: we're a positive space for all Merlin fans to discuss the show with a focus on rarepairs, lesser-discussed dynamics, and characters who need a bit more love! Everyone is welcome to join us on the server, just click here for the join link. ✨

#thanks to everyone who joined in! #bbc merlin #gwen #percival #elyan #leon #gwaine #merlin #arthur #lancelot #arlance #elena #merwaincelot #merwaine #mergwen #merwen #bbc merlin fanfic #bbc merlin fanedit #mergwencelot #merwencelot #honestly this collection makes me emotional

[fluffypotatey]

As much as I love Lance knowing about Merlin's magic, my dude is legit never around, so I propose Gwen knows about Merlin's magic instead.

Like, let her piece it together after "Excalibur" because she:

1) saw the Black Knight/wraith that could not be killed

2) had Merlin take a sword from her (hc she forged it, no I will not change my mind)

3) saw Uther kill the wraith with the sword she gave to Merlin.

She's smart enough to realise something Ain't Vibing with that, and then she starts thinking about all the other weirdness that happens around Merlin, like the thing with the dog statue and then how her father was cured and Merlin confessed to sorcery to save her and-

Oh.

And of course there's she tells him she knows because oh my god dude what the fuck are you doing? But then let her be involved in the Chaos. Let her vouch for whatever wackass lie Merlin comes up with to hide the Shenanigans. And this is still early, unsure, awkward Gwen, so let her learn how to weaponize that shit. Let her purposefully stammer and backtrack and turn things around until whoever was questioning her has no idea what the fuck they were even talking about to begin with and literally just wants to leave.

And oh man, you know that when Arthur finds out, she will not hesitate to drag his ass the moment he tries taking his temper out on Merlin. She is a nice person, but she ain't letting any one mess with her bestie/bae, she will take his ass to the woodshed like "listen here you spoilt, ungrateful little bastard, yes you have a right to be angry, but don't you dare put that anger on him, or I will shove you into the forge, so help me God," and Arthur not knowing what to do with that other than mentally chanting not now, boner because he is into being yelled at by her, apparently.

Just...more of the Gwen and Merlin relationship we were robbed of by the cowards writers at BBC.

friendly reminder that Gwen was Morgana's handmaid for...who knows how long, and they've been friends since the beginning sooooo Gwen knows how to utilize her shit well.

also Merlin and Gwen were already doing some wacky hijinks as simple servants, so i feel like it would be so easy for her to fall into that pattern when it comes for covering Merlin. it's like the time she had to play a fool while Merlin hid from Cook, or when she "accidentally" dropped a basket of linens to save Merlin from some pesky visiting noble (who just so happened to be bad guy of the week gunning for Arthur's life but that wasn't her problem then).

it would be so easy to slide her into Merlin's magic shenanigans (also maybe cut Gaius some slack bc that man is old and weary and his advice can be....something)

#also this would be great to use to showcase gwen's intelligence and diplomacy that she would need as queen #merlin would joke and call her his queen of camelot and she'd blush and tell him to stop being silly #AND THEN YOU COULD CALL IT BACK WHEN SHE IS QUEEN AND THEY'VE GROWN SO MUCH AND HE CALLS HER HIS QUEEN #AND GWEN SMILES AT HIM BC IT'S THE FESTIVAL OF HER CORONATION AND SHE REPLIES “stop being silly” AND YEAH #*coughs* ahem #anyway #this ask does wonders to my merwen heart bc they are besties!!! and it's like bbc forgot they were besties after s3 #*sighs* but that's what headcanoning and fanfic is for #bbc merlin #merwen #mergwen #gwen & merlin #gwen #merlin #asks

[lit-in-thy-heart]

but thinking is a dangerous thing

Rating: Gen

Archive Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M

Relationships: Gwen/Lancelot, Gwen & Merlin

Characters: Gwen, Merlin, Lancelot

Additional Tags: Canon Compliant, Canon Era, Missing Scene, gwen gets to be angry, as a treat, Crying, Series 2, Self-Esteem Issues, sort of, Light Angst, Hugs, basically gwen deserves the world, and she has been hurt enough

Words: 1,977

Chapters: 1/1

Summary: Following Lancelot’s flight after he and Gwen are rescued from Hengist, Gwen allows herself to finally reflect on what could have been.

Read on ao3

Written for the Merlin Bingo prompt 'loss'

#gwen #bbc merlin #merlin fanfic #lit writes #merlin #lancelot #gwencelot #mergwen #another impromptu short fic :D

[groundbreakingdot872]

mergwen dancing 💖

The Years following the Great Purge

Merlin taking Gwen by surprise and awkwardly asks her to dance after their first kiss, Morgana cheering from the center of the room as they knock knees in the corner of the party. They’re both red, no they won’t do this again!, but their friendship is emboldened with the memories of that semi-embarrassing night.

The Wedding Day

Gwen letting Merlin twirl her around on her wedding day, before giving her away to a slow, romantic dance with Arthur. She looks over her husband’s shoulder and gives him the biggest smile, and Merlin feels it all so strongly and so suddenly. He smiles back just as wide.

The Reign of King Arthur

Merlin stepping on all of her toes in the Queen’s chambers, while Arthur sits nearby, busy with treatises and things; their exclamations and bouts of laughter offer a salve for his tired mind.

He watches Gwen work as instructor, affectionately frustrated with her partner, and Merlin hopelessly trying, both flushed by the end of the impromptu dance lesson. He would never admit it (to Merlin), but it remained one of his favorite memories, their easy companionship some strange comfort on that night. It was lovely to watch.

———————- ——-

Post-Camlaan, 2 years later…

The Queen’s first royal ball since Camlaan, the Court Sorcerer by her side, their stoic figures slowly melting into quiet laughter as they watch new couples bask in the era of peace. It’s them all over again.

He puts out his hand, a question arising and Gwen accepts it with a gentle grip, fully aware of how everything will be observed; an old friend sacrificed to the harsh and vengeful rumors of the surviving court, they will not hesitate in the wake of the late King. She struggles to enjoy the moment.

But as she looks into his eyes, she sees the warm friendship of all their years in his gaze, a mirror to her own thoughts, fears and late-night grief.

Merlin’s face looks the most vulnerable than she had seen in almost a decade, the most wide-open since His death; a genuine solidarity in age, both matured by the terrible years behind them.

She drops her mask, and gives him a small smile, bittersweet with the exhausting burden of remembrance, and realizes that Merlin might be the only one who truly understands. Her heart speeds up in a familiar yet newly profound rhythm, as they take their places on the floor, hand to waist, hand to heart; their movements made perfect by time, and hardly a space between them to feel a loss.

As the dance comes to a close, and he returns her smile with a questioning one of his own, a small hope blossoms; in the arms of the only man she can trust to hold her steady.

He is the same yet changed, heavy-hearted yet devotedly admirable, his eyes sparkling with a promise that’s a vibrant gold in the endless horizon ahead of her, a buoying kindness to preserve her.

She wonders, hesitantly, is this history repeated, a cruel destiny turned legacy? Or more a grounding promise, sealed with the wishes of the past they were both cursed to remember.

The answer didn’t seem to matter looking up at him, his breath mixing with hers in a recollection of their own, an old attraction newly-formed.

As his gaze locked on hers, the familiar blue ringed with gold, a content feeling settled into her chest as she realized; that just as fickle as a foretold destiny, as bright as their enduring legend, and as synchronized as a soulmate, she and him, had been dancing all along.

#bbc merlin #mergwen #merlin x gwen #gwen x merlin #guinevere pendragon #merlin emrys #my ao3 drafts ✨ #arthur pendragon #bbc merlin fanfic

[the-king-and-the-druidess]

THREE ARMOR LINKS

Sad and beautiful Avalon Ending. Avalon here is like Tolkien's Valinor. "He is a fallen king, she is a fairy queen"

Seer Morgana, happy ending fix-it, cute Mergwen as a side pair.

Canon divergent, Morgana returns to Arthur after Gwen betrays him with Lancelot, and oh, Morgana has been jealous. Avalon Ending as well. "Arthur and you are your own gods and goddesses now and whatever you both say, is gospel"

#merlin archeology #arthur x morgana #fic rec

[tiodolma]

What are your best mergana tropes?

like in fanfic? like tropes i enjoy most in fanfic?

not ranked in particular order

modern au - i like seeing their dynamics translated in our world, especially stories where merlin is actually doing secret service/spy work/ espionage/ "seedy not really illegal but totally bypassing govt loopholes" sht in the background (i've only read like 1-3 fics with this kind of theme)

reincarnation au - i like it when they remember things lol and live thru sht again and again and try to fix things until they succeed

morgana gets to rule a kingdom/dominion - i love her having land,property and holdings tbh.. also it's great as bargaining tool against whatever arthur has.

morgana pregnant with merlin's child

morgana shifting to pendragon's side through continuous and actual negotiations (no more "she was enchanted by morgause!" "she was darktowered!" plots)

merlin having to keep defending himself and his choices and morgana always finding a way to tear his arguments apart and vise versa (let them talk honestly and fight it out)

merlin saying sorry

merlin saying sorry(1)

merlin saying sorry(2)

bonding over aithusa

bonding over mordred

bonding over shared pain

bonding over shared interests

magic reveal in s2

morgana making the scabbard for excalibur

both of them feeling guilt and doing something about it

merlin waking up and realizing that he doesnt deserve to be treated like sht by anyone actually

merlin and her healing each other

if the fic has preggers morgana then my faves are the ones where he helps her give birth. like he holds her and stuff. and not waiting outside birthing room.

arthur and morgana reconciling and being best friends/siblings again. (mighty need for this because i really really want arthur to be better. he needs someone who came from nobility to be his close confidante too. there are just some things that mergwen could never understand. he needs morgana really bad)

arthur tearing merlin apart for his crimes and victories. just let arthur and morgana be truly truly angry with lies for once please?

#mergana #merlin crit

[tavernfest]

round 4 masterlist

Thank you so much to everyone who participated the past few quarters. We are just doing a little catching up/housekeeping before we launch our next round.  Round #4 is officially CLOSED; however, if you find yourself inspired to create something for this or any of our previous rounds, we will be accepting submissions indefinitely!

For more info on how to take part, check out our FAQ or send us an ask 🙂 In the meantime, you can find a list of Round #4 submissions below! —————————————————————————— Fanfiction Title: always be like this Creator: TheCourtSorcerer / @tcs-main Rating: Teen Length/Medium: 1,323 words Pairing(s): Merlin/Arthur Warning(s): N/A Summary: “Are you really complaining about getting to spend time alone together?” Arthur teased, as he stared up at the cloudy sky. Merlin huffed softly, shifting to stretch out his legs in front of himself as he leaned back on his palms. “No, I’m complaining about you intruding on my vacation.” There was a moment of silence, as Arthur considered his lover’s words. He rolled over onto his side, ignoring the wet grass dampening his shirt, to look at Merlin where he sat beside him. “Are you really upset?” or A snapshot into Merlin & Arthur’s break from their duties, on vacation in Ealdor. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31727404  +++ Title: Goodnight, Dear Creator: @oncefutureemrys​ Rating: Gen Length/Medium: 927 words Pairing(s): Gwen/Morgana Warning(s): None Summary: Gwen offers to stay the night to help Morgana with her nightmares. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31740907 +++ Title: no moment more perfect Creator: TheCourtSorcerer / @tcs-main Rating: Teen Length/Medium: 1,555 words Pairing(s): Gwen/Morgana Warning(s): N/A Summary: “Morgana?” The familiar, questioning voice pulled Morgana out of her thoughts. A smile tugged at her lips as she sat up, propping herself up on her shoulders, and looked over to the sliding back door to the large house she and her brother were renting for the summer. “Gwen! You made it,” she called, not bothering to hide the joy in her voice, “come on out, I’m by the pool!” Or Morgana & Gwen take a dip in the pool, and Morgana asks an important question. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31751767 +++ Title: Your Hand In Mine [Our Hearts Beating As One] Creator: @the-ballad-of-deancas Rating: Explicit Length/Medium: 2397 Pairing(s): Morgwen Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply Summary: “Why did you write that letter?” Gwen swiftly draws her knife from the folds of her velvet dress and holds it out, a silent warning for Morgana to stay where she is. For a tense moment, silence reigns and Gwen holds her breath, unable to predict what Morgana will do next. And even though she’s the one with the knife, she isn’t under any illusions about just how powerful Morgana is. “To call you here, of course,” Morgana answers simply, as if she’s talking about the weather. “Why?” Morgana’s icy flames contort over themselves, as if sensing their sorceress’ disapproval. Morgana scoffs. “For god’s sake, Gwen, can’t we just be civil? Do we need that toy in every discussion?” “You’re an enemy of—,” “Camelot and your throne, yes, yes, I know. I called you here because I want to have intercourse with you.” Or: Where Gwen and Morgana have sex and “rest” in the woods despite being enemies. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/32048971 +++ Title: The Sins of the (Fore)Father Creator: tehfanglyfish Rating: Teen Length: 1518 words Pairings: Merlin/Arthur Warnings: Crack Treated Seriously Summary: When Merlin convinces Arthur to come along to a servants’ gathering for a night of socializing and recreation, Arthur finds himself asking George the question everyone in Camelot always wanted to know the answer to. Why brass? Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/32770738 —————————————————————————— If you have a moment, please remember to stop by and leave the creators some love! ❤︎

#bbc merlin #merlin #merthur #morgwen #merlin fanfic #merthur fanfic #mergwen fanfic #tavern #round: 4 #masterlist: round 4 #theme: rest and recreation

[adhd-merlin]

Can I interest you in some Merwenthur on this fine day?

* * * *

Call It Anything We Want (15k words)

Summary: After Gwen and Arthur's fantasies about Merlin turn into reality, they are left trying to navigate their new relationship with him. It isn't easy.

(The unofficial sequel to Choose and Choose and Choose by fleete.)

* * * *

“How much longer, do you think?” Merlin whispers into Gwen’s ear.

They’re sitting on the edge of Gwen and Arthur’s bed, Gwen in Merlin’s lap, her breasts peeking out of her half-unlaced bodice.

It’s something they like to do when they are kissing like this — this private talk. What started as small encouragements and kind reassurances has, over time, turned into remarks of an entirely different nature.

Even with her husband watching it feels illicit and daring, and it excites Gwen to no end. She loves to feel Merlin’s hot breath against her ear, the way his chest rumbles softly under her hands when he speaks.

And oh, the things he says.

That Merlin could think such things — let alone say them — is shocking. That Gwen would love to hear them, even more so.

#you might enjoy this if you like: #medieval attitudes to (homo)sexuality #extremely blurred lines between friendship and romance #puritan descriptions of basic səx acts #“no h¤mo bro but I'd let you fuck my wife” #skewed power dynamics #tender hair brushing #tragically repressed bisəxuals #<- if none of these tempt you I don't know what will #(oh also a magic reveal because why not) #merwenthur #mergwenthur #merlin fanfic #merlin #merwen #mergwen #arwen #merlin fanfiction #fanfiction

[rosedavid]

the fear of knowing

Pairings: Merlin & Gwen friendship, slight Gwen/Arthur

Canon Divergence from 4x08: Lamia

Warnings: brief descriptions of violence and execution (not graphic)

Description: Gwen discovers Merlin’s magic when they are fighting the Lamia. This leads to her having to reevaluate her views on magic and Merlin himself.

Please ignore any mistakes - I wrote this very quickly with no editing because I am lazy lol. If you enjoy this, please consider reblogging :)

...

Gwen lunges toward Lamia with a sense of courage she never knew she possessed. All she registers is Merlin being dragged away before she just acts. Although not as competent with a sword as a knight, she manages to wound Lamia, who lets out a pained shriek. It’s enough to incapacitate Lamia into letting go of Merlin. Gwen stumbles to the ground along with Merlin, who immediately places himself in front of her. Lamia only takes seconds to recover before she hovers over the two of them again, ready to strike.

Gwen can’t hear anything over the pounding of her heart. She grips Merlin’s tunic sleeve tighter, looking over to him as if for the last time. She expects to see fear and guilt etched upon his face. What she sees is gold. 

Merlin’s eyes are glowing gold. One of his hands is outstretched, mouth just about to open. Gwen gapes at him, her gaze torn between him and Lamia, wondering what will happen next.

But Gwen doesn’t have to wonder long, as suddenly a sword stabs Lamia through the back, revealing a worried Arthur. Merlin’s eyes fade back to normal, as if the golden hue was never there to begin with. Shakily, Gwen chokes out his name, then surges to greet him. She clings onto him, practically leaping into his arms. A sob forces its way out as they hug, but she refuses to let herself feel weaker than she already does. 

“You carry on, don’t worry about me.”

Merlin’s voice breaks them from each other, and Gwen is brought back to the reality of everything that just happened. Arthur heads over to help Merlin up, while Gwen hangs back, still shaking. 

After a few bickering remarks, Arthur rejoins Gwen. She wraps an arm around his middle, reveling in the comfort someone familiar brings her. Because suddenly, her whole view of Merlin has been turned upside down. Merlin, the one who Arthur beckons to follow behind them to safety, is a sorcerer. 

Everything feels too overwhelming. Lamia was harrowing enough, but to have this newfound secret suddenly revealed to her? That makes her feel all the more anxious. She sticks close to Arthur as they head back to the village. If Merlin is suspicious of Gwen, then he doesn’t let anything on. She sees Merlin rubbing at his back, as if in pain, and she swallows down the immediate need to help her friend. It’s just too much right now. Besides, Merlin appears to be doing alright, if not a bit bruised, so Gwen figures it’s okay to keep her distance for the time being. 

They return to Camelot soon after the knights are all deemed well enough to travel. Things are uncomfortable with the knights, as well, after everything that occurred, so Gwen mainly just stays to herself or with Arthur. She doesn’t know what else to do. 

When the castle finally comes into view, Gwen heaves a great sigh of relief. Maybe now everything can finally get back to normal. However, as she glances at Merlin, she realizes that nothing will never be the same again. Even as she gets back to work, she can’t stop thinking about it all. Lamia. The Knights. Merlin. 

Gwen’s had a rocky past with sorcery. Obviously, she’s grown accustomed to not having any sorcerers around because of the ban on magic in Camelot. Gwen was raised to fear sorcery, to view it as something purely evil. Still, Gwen’s father always taught them never to hate anyone, that they should always be kind and true to themselves. So, despite Uther’s views on the vileness of magic, Gwen never outwardly detested magic. In fact, for a long time, Gwen was sort of indifferent on magic. She never thought of it as some terrible thing, but she also never associated it with good. What she does associate sorcery with is fear. 

She’s always feared sorcery, whether it be because of the dangerous those with sorcery pose to the kingdom or because of the horrible things that happen when sorcery gets involved. Gwen could never stand the burnings; the smell of fiery flesh and screaming is something she’ll never forget. And then, it all became unimaginably worse when her own father was executed on the crime of sorcery, a crime he didn’t even commit. And the nightmares are horrific. She had hoped they would vanish after time, but now she knows better. Still, she wakes up some nights gasping for air as she cries, fear flooding through her veins. So yes, magic scares her. 

But when she thinks of Merlin, one of her closest friends, she can’t imagine ever being fearful of him. Besides, he just saved her life. If it wasn’t for him, for his magic, Gwen may not have made it out of there alive. She knows that Merlin would never hurt her, and she trusts him with her life. He’s always there for her, no matter how tough things may get. And Merlin has always had such a kind heart and giving personality. He makes everyone around him happier, even Arthur (though he’ll never admit it). So, even though Gwen equates sorcery with fear and death, she can’t possibly equate Merlin with anything other than goodness and light.

She feels so conflicted between her views of magic and her views of Merlin that she ends up avoiding him for a good couple of days. When Arthur asks her about it, she talks it up to everything she’s been through, which technically isn’t a lie. She hates lying to Arthur, but she can’t find it in herself to tell him the truth. Similarly, she can’t find it in herself to tell Merlin that she knows. 

And the longer Gwen thinks about it, the more she understands. As the months pass by, she observes Merlin in a different perspective, and slowly but surely it all starts to come together. 

The first thing she notices is the way Merlin tenses when Arthur, or anyone else for that matter, mentions magic. Immediately, it’s as if Merlin’s on constant guard. Gwen doesn’t know how she didn’t notice Merlin’s reactions before. His expression drops to something serious, and his eyes hold a deep worry in them, traveling far beneath the surface. You can tell he’s trying his hardest not to react, but now that Gwen knows his secret, it’s like she has another view into his behavior. She can see every nervous fidget, every hand clenching into his trousers, the strained nod he sends Arthur when Arthur declares some type of lookout or attack on a sorcerer. She may not be able to understand everything that Merlin’s feeling, but she can tell it’s eating him up inside. 

And that’s just the first of it. She also begins to notice that Merlin does a lot more work than he appears to do. In addition to being Arthur’s manservant, Gwen often finds Merlin coming back to Gaius’s worse for wear. He always brushes it off if she asks, usually claiming that “Arthur worked me too hard at training, the prat,” or “I had a run in with a ditch while collecting herbs for Gaius.” But she sees the weariness behind his smile, the complete and utter exhaustion in his gait. She knows that he’s been doing a lot more for all of them than he’s ever let on. Gwen only wonders what he’s hiding behind his mask.

Through the months, Gwen’s mood shifts from fear to anger. Anger that Merlin kept this from her. She thought they were best friends, that they told each other everything. Gwen has certainly told Merlin everything. But this part of Merlin that he’s been hiding from her makes Gwen feel like she doesn’t even know him at all. 

However, after the anger passes, Gwen starts to feel a bit guilty about it all. She’s been keeping Merlin’s magic a secret for all of a few months, and already the toll of keeping it has been weighing on her constantly. She can only imagine what Merlin’s been going through if he’s had his magic for the whole time he’s been in Camelot. But the part that makes Gwen feel the most guilty it that she never noticed. She always expressed her concern for Merlin, of course, but whenever he used a typical excuse, she assumed everything was fine. Even those times when things seemed a bit more than suspicious, Gwen never thought twice. All this time, Merlin has been guarding this secret in fear for his life, and as far as Gwen knows, he’s been dealing with it alone. 

So, as conflicted as Gwen feels about everything, she comes to realize that it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter that Merlin is a sorcerer because Merlin is her friend. And as Merlin’s friend, Gwen can’t stand to hide from him the fact that she knows about his magic. 

They’ve interacted plenty of times since that day, but to Gwen they all felt forced, like she was pretending. She wants to feel that bond of friendship again. She cares for Merlin, as she knows he cares for her, and she wants to make everything right again. 

Of course, the day that she chooses to do it ends up being the worst possible time. 

Gwen awakens that morning with one thought on her mind: Tell Merlin. So, after eating and attending to her morning duties, she immediately heads to find Merlin. She goes to Arthur’s chambers, first, as that’s where Merlin usually is in the mornings. To her surprise, she only finds Arthur in there, eating his own breakfast. 

“Good morning, Guinevere,” Arthur greets, surprised. 

“Good morning,” Gwen greets back, smiling as he stops eating to kiss her cheek. “You haven’t seen Merlin, have you?”

Arthur rolls his eyes at this statement, already confirming the answer to her question before he even responds. “That idiot didn’t even wake me this morning! He’s just lucky that I didn’t have anything pressing to attend to. When he gets back, though, he’s definitely going to pay with some time in the stocks.”

“Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh?” Gwen asks, knowing that Arthur doesn’t truly mean his threats. “I’m sure he’s just busy with chores for Gaius. Let me know if you see him, though. I need to talk with him about something.”

“Or at the tavern,” Arthur adds under his breath, earning a stern glance from Gwen. He eases up. “Fine, I’ll let you know. But if you find him, you let him know that I’m this close to firing him!”

Gwen smiles. “Of course. I’ll see you later, Arthur.”

With one last kiss goodbye, Gwen leaves Arthur’s chambers in search of Merlin yet again. She heads down to Gaius’s next, hoping that he truly is there helping out the Physician. When she arrives, though, she only sees Gaius searching through some potions. 

“Ah, hello Gwen. What can I do for you?” Gaius asks. 

“I’m afraid I’m just searching for Merlin. You haven’t seen him, have you?”

Gaius raises an eyebrow. “No, I haven’t. He wasn’t here when I got up, so I just figured he was with Arthur. Is he not?”

“Arthur hasn’t seen him. Gave me quite the earful about it.”

A worried expression appears on Gaius’s face, and Gwen has a feeling that it’s from more than just him wondering where his missing ward may have gone. She hesitates before asking the next question.

“Gaius....could his disappearance have something to do with his....abilities?” Gwen asks gently, biting her lip. 

Gaius startles a bit, staring at her openly before putting a blank expression back on. “I can’t say I know what you’re talking about.”

“Please, Gaius, I’m really worried about Merlin. I know about everything--the magic. I found out after Lamia, and I’ve been keeping it a secret from him that I know, but now I feel like I need to tell him, but he’s missing and I’m worried that it’s something serious--”

Gaius places a hand on her arm. “Calm down, Guinevere. I have to say, I’m surprised that you know, but Merlin never has been the most careful with his magic.”

“So do you think that’s why he’s gone? Is it something to do with him protecting us again?”

Gaius sighs, rubbing his brow. “I can’t say for certain, but usually that’s what his disappearances end up being about. Usually, he tells me what’s going on before wandering off, at least.”

“He could be in danger,” Gwen realizes. “I have to go find him.”

“You must stay here, Gwen, where it is safe. I don’t know what kind of trouble my boy has gotten himself into now, but I’m certain he wouldn’t want you to risk your life on top of that. He comes out of these things.”

“But how does he come out of them?! Maybe he survives, but at what cost? He’s throwing himself at danger for our expense! I have to help him.”

Gaius relents. “I understand, but please be careful. Who knows what Merlin is up to this time. I would advise you to take a knight, but I have a feeling you wouldn’t listen.”

Gwen shakes her head. “I can’t risk them finding out about Merlin. I might not be completely comfortable with the idea of his magic yet, but I do know that Merlin is my friend, and I will not betray him. Now, do you have any idea of where I might start looking?”

Gaius thinks to himself for a moment before remembering, “Merlin did say something last night about going to the forest for more herbs. I didn’t think anything of it, after all we are running quite low on some items. We typically gather herbs down by the creek.”

“The forest creek. I’ll start there, then. Thank you, Gaius.”

“Thank you, Gwen, for being such a loyal friend to Merlin.”

Gwen smiles, nodding her farewell to the Physician. She only hopes that her loyalty proves true enough that she can find Merlin. 

...

The forest has a strange air to it. The lack of any wind makes the trees stand unnaturally still and silent. Despite the bright shining sun that morning, there’s a dark mood within the forest as she wanders through it. In one hand, she holds a sword, the same one she wounded Lamia with months ago. It seems silly, but the sword reminds her of her bravery, and it gives her strength. 

As she continues on her trek through the forest, worried thoughts play through her head about what condition she might find Merlin in. Gwen doesn’t know what she would do if she lost her closest friend.

Gwen reaches the creek bed, but Merlin is no where to be found. She isn’t surprised, as she figured that Merlin wouldn’t be out for so long merely collecting herbs. Gwen continues searching as the day wears on, only stopping to drink and eat, replenishing her energy. 

Gwen walks a long distance in search of Merlin, though she never strays into unfamiliar parts of the forest in fear that she won’t find her way back. Her feet ache horribly, and her body is weak, but she refuses to give up before nightfall. The sun rises and sets, and soon Gwen is left searching in the near dark with only the stars to guide her. She’s about ready to call it quits, as she can’t search for Merlin properly if she gets incapacitated herself, when she suddenly hears a deep, loud noise in the distance.

She chases after the noise, despite not knowing what the noise could possibly be. The noise sounds again, only softer, and Gwen continues to trace it as best she can in the dark. Brush scrapes at her hands as she hurries through the foliage, following her only lead she’s had all day. 

Finally, panting in exertion, Gwen stumbles into a clearing. Although it is dark, she can make out a familiar form kneeling on the ground next to something. Gwen shudders in relief and sprints over to him. 

“Merlin!” she calls out, hitching up her dress as she goes. The figure startles, turning toward the noise. As she gets closer, he comes into better view. 

“Gwen?!” Merlin asks in confusion, standing up to greet her. 

Gwen smacks into him, clinging on tightly to his form. He winces, but clings back to her just as tightly. An odd chirping noise interrupts their reunion. Gwen pulls away, only to find what looks like a tiny baby dragon at their feet, white as snow, and a cracked egg. She gasps in surprise. 

“I-I can explain,” Merlin stutters, grappling for some sort of excuse. Meanwhile, Gwen kneels next to the creature, cooing at it. The dragon snuffles, scooting closer to her in caution. Gwen offers a hand, allowing the dragon to come to her. It stretches out to sniff at her, obviously deeming her acceptable as he comes closer to nudge into her hand with another adorable chirp. Gwen giggles, stroking the strange feeling skin with her palm as the dragon continues to nuzzle her. 

“Adorable. What’s its name?” Gwen wonders idly as she scratches at the dragon’s neck. 

“Aithusa, her name is Aithusa,” Merlin replies, still shocked at everything that’s happening around him. “Gwen--why are you here?”

Gwen stops petting Aithusa, who continues to explore the world around her. She stands again, facing Merlin. “I was worried about you, of course! No one knew where you were, Merlin. You could have been dead!”

“Well, I’m obviously alive,” Merlin jokes. Gwen smacks his arm. 

“That’s not funny, Merlin!”

“I’m sorry, really.” He pauses, in thought. “...You don’t seem very surprised by the dragon.”

“Oh, I am a bit. I didn’t expect you to have hatched a dragon egg, but I’m not surprised that you’re getting into something magic related. That’s actually what I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”

Merlin plays dumb. “W-what? What are you talking about?”

“Do not think me stupid, Merlin. I have known about your magic for a while now, since the Lamia incident. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but I was trying to wrap my head around everything.”

Merlin gapes at her, face paler than normal. His fingers twitch, and he looks around, as if ready to bolt from her. She takes a step forward, ignoring his flinch, and brings him into another hug. He hesitates before cautiously hugging back. 

“So, you don’t hate me?” Merlin wonders, still on edge. 

Gwen chuckles. “I don’t hate you, Merlin. I don’t think I could ever hate you. I’ll admit, I was confused and hurt at first, because I’ve been taught to fear magic my entire life. I never would have expected you to be a sorcerer. But then, it all began to make sense. You’ve been protecting us all this entire time.”

She feels the heat of Merlin’s blush against her cheek. “It’s my duty to protect my friends and Camelot.”

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t honest with you about knowing.”

Merlin pulls away this time, looking her in the eye. “You’re sorry?! I’m sorry, Gwen. You’re my best friend. I should have been honest with you about my magic from the beginning, but I was scared.”

“You’re my best friend too, Merlin. And you don’t need to be scared any longer, not around me.”

Merlin smiles, appearing lighter than before. The feeling of Aithusa pawing at her leg gently interrupts the moment. Gwen looks down, unable to do anything but smile at the baby dragon. 

“Don’t worry, little one. We haven’t forgotten about you,” Gwen coos, reaching down to pick her up. Aithusa trills happily at the attention. “Speaking of which, what are we going to do about her?”

Merlin scratches his head. “I hadn’t really thought any further ahead.”

Gwen rolls her eyes. “Of course not. Honestly, you men are all the same sometimes. It’s a good thing I’m here to help now. What if we find her a nice cave to reside in where no one will discover her?”

“That won’t work, at least not now. She’s a baby, she needs someone to care for her constantly. I thought Kilgharrah would naturally do that, but I guess I should do it myself.”

“Kilgharrah?” Gwen questions, then backtracks. “Not now, later. You do still have a lot to explain to me, Merlin. Don’t think you’re getting off the hook quite so easily.”

Merlin laughs. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Well, I suppose we’ll just have to bring her to Camelot for now. Only temporarily though! Maybe you can disguise her.”

“Disguise her? How?”

Gwen stares at him. “Magic?”

“Oh, oh yeah! Maybe. I’d have to consult some of my books, though. Maybe she could be disguised as a large bird, like an owl.”

“We’ll figure out the details on our way back to Camelot. Also, just so you know, Arthur is probably planning your punishment as we speak.”

Merlin groans. “Of course. That prat. You couldn’t convince him otherwise?”

“I tried! But you know Arthur. Besides, I do think you deserve a bit of reprimand after leaving to hatch a dragon egg! You could have been seriously hurt, Merlin.”

“I know, but I’m alright, I promise.” As if to confirm this, Aithusa hops from Gwen’s arms over to Merlin’s shoulder, sniffing him. Merlin chuckles, sweeping a hand over her flank. She happily chirps and curls around his shoulders, fitting perfectly. 

“You’re still going to get checked out by Gaius when we get back.”

“Fine, if that will convince you.”

Gwen glances over at Merlin, knowing now that she’s finally seeing him for who he really is. “I’m glad I know, Merlin.”

“I’m glad you know, too.”

#merlin fic #merlin #gwen pendragon #mergwen #merlin fanfic #merlin fanfiction #bbc merlin #merlin bbc #fanfiction #mergwen fanfic #friendship #magic reveal #canon divergence #merlin 3x08

[southfarthing]

my merlin fics masterpost!

long(er) & complete:

scorch marks and embers. 93.4k, angst with a happy ending, tension, slow burn, mystery, drama, action. 4x7 canon divergence where gaius dies, merlin is disillusioned, and arthur is desperate to fix things. poured my soul into that magic reveal

outrun man's long shadow. 12.5k, hurt/comfort, magic reveal, angst with a happy ending. 5x13 role reversal where merlin throws himself in front of mordred's sword, and arthur has to rush merlin to avalon in time

sunset yellow. 3.5k, fluff, humour, romance, regency au. arthur is a gentleman's son but he's smitten by gwen the seamstress and makes an utter fool of himself <3

hide your dragons. 6.3k, fluff and humour. merlin tries to raise aithusa in camelot. fatherhood and tomfoolery

smaller oneshots:

ignite your fear. 1.5k, angst with a happy ending. 5x1 canon divergence magic reveal where merlin reveals his magic after realising destiny is a bit of a stressor :)

at night you could hear its cries. 0.8k, angst. just some lonely s5 merlin Thoughts i'm sory

to spill soup (down someone else's front). 0.6k, fluff. merlin & queen gwen have each other's backs

when magic isn't enough. 0.5k, angst with a happy ending. flowery language and arthur & merlin mourning lancelot :)

so full of life. 0.3k. more flowery language but about merlin's magical ties to nature, and arthur protects merlin's secret

here, at last, on the shores of the sea. 1.1k, post-5x13 (arthur lives), angst, character study. merlin & arthur return to camelot but merlin finds there’s something holding him back

a world we will dream of. 2.2k, angst, 5x8 canon divergence where arthur finds merlin dying and daegal trying to protect merlin from him

a gift should not lie idle in hoard. 0.6k, magic reveal, character study. merlin sees magic as an art; arthur sees it as a weapon

set in middle earth:

in a land of myth and a time of hobbits. 1.4k, fluff. merlin and arthur hobbit RIVALRY turns into Begrudging Friendship!!!1! i love self indulgence <3

deep roots are not reached by the frost. 1.6k, action, comradery. elf!merlin, dunedan chief!arthur, and dunedain!knights of the round table. knights banter :')

not all those who wander are lost. 1.9k, 4x12-3 exiled/self-doubting arthur. and look mr frodo..... MORE of this ridiculously niche, vaguely beleg&turin-inspired verse.......

ongoing:

hide and seek. 13k+, angst with a happy ending, whump, hurt/comfort. merlin is the one to be locked up with aithusa for years after running away from camelot

#been feeling overwhelmed by all my unfinished wips so i thought i'd compile all the the works i HAVE finished!!! #i'll update this list every time i post something new! anyway a reblog would mean the world for some exposure for little old me hehe <3 #merlin #bbc merlin #merlin bbc #merlin fic #merlin fanfic #merlin fanfiction #merthur #merthur fic #argwen #mergwen #mine #*merlin #merlin: fic #my fic #merlin fic rec #🤡 #sunny writes

[onceandfuturelesbian]

can i pls get a gwen/merlin/arthur pendragon fic where they all get married and merlin is actually named king

so then we have high king arthur pendragon of albion, king merlin pendragon of camelot and the druids and queen guinevere pendragon of camelot

like honestly besties, idc if it’s not historically accurate, merlin deserves to be king of camelot

#bbc merlin #merlin #merthur #arthur pendragon #bbcm #fanfic #fanfic prompts #onceandfuturelesbian prompts #gwen/merlin/arthur pendragon #merwenthur #mergwen #arwen

[aftercamlann]

First Writers’ Check-In! (Mandatory)

Hello to all our lovely writers who have signed up for After Camlann Big Bang!

Just a friendly reminder that our first check in is now open. This is a mandatory check-in.

Please drop us a note to let us know how you are doing! Nothing is due at this point, (rough drafts  of 15k min and/or 60% of your finished story & summaries will be due on May 23).

If you wish to write for After Camlann's Big Bang please respond to our LJ post HERE or alternatively fill out our Google Form HERE. If you fail to do so, we will assume you are no longer interested in participating.

For now, we just want to confirm your participation in the Big Bang and see how you are coming along. If you have any questions, please email the mods at [email protected].

If there's a reason you are unable to check in during this period, please email us ASAP to let us know.

#after camlann big bang #bbc merlin #merlin fanfic #merlin fandom #merthur #arwen #merwaine #mergwen #perwaine #writers check-in 2021

[lit-in-thy-heart]

cut me down with your gaze and i'll be buried in your eyes

Rating: Gen

Archive Warnings: None

Category: Multi

Relationships: Elyan & Gwaine, Elyan/Gwaine, Gwen/Merlin, Gwen/Lancelot/Merlin, Gwaine & Merlin, Gwen & Elyan, Gwen & Sefa

Characters: Elyan, Gwaine, Gwen, Merlin, Arthur, Sefa, Morgana, Agravaine, Lancelot, Tom

Additional Tags: Trans Elyan, They/Them Merlin, They/Them Gwaine, Queerplatonic Relationships, aromantic gwaine, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Everyone Knows About Merlin's Magic, Gwaine Knows About Merlin's Magic, Magic Gwaine, Miscommunication, Like so much, this is a maan au after all, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, yes i said i would post this as a completed fic, but here we are, i will get there it will just take twice as long, Past Relationship(s), Light Angst, Unresolved Tension, asexual gwen, basically take maan and shift the focus to beatrice and benedick, and you have this au, it's gonna be fun

Words: 6471

Chapters: 1/5

Summary: ‘Pale with illness, with anger, or with hunger, my Lord, but never love,’ scoffed Gwaine.

In the midst of Camelot's war with Mercia, the Crown Prince and his army stay with Tom Smith of Messina. And whilst love seems to be blossoming between Guinevere Smith and Arthur Pendragon's new protege Merlin Emrys, things between Elyan Smith and Gwaine Cledd could not be further from that. Their friends and family are determined to catch them in a trap that could rival Cupid's skill, but that might prove harder than they first imagined...

Opening:

Messina, Elyan reflected, looked all the more beautiful for him having left it. The blossoms were just beginning to bloom as he trailed his fingers along the branches he passed and the sun seemed more comforting than uncomfortable. His hands shifted from running over branches to unconsciously brushing against his upper ribs and a delicate smile twisted the corner of his mouth. It was still slightly odd to feel so content in a place that had once slowly suffocated him, but Elyan was not going to remind himself of the past. Not when it wouldn’t bring him any joy.

As he ducked beneath the ivy cascading down a doorway, he caught sight of his sister laughing with Sefa from an open window and, unable to resist, hurled a grape up at her. Gwen caught it in one hand without tearing her eyes away from her friend and tossed it back, hitting Elyan squarely in the face. He was about to throw another one when Gwen finished her conversation with Sefa and leaned out of the window, her floral-embroidered braid dangling from the nape of her neck.

read on ao3

#first chapter of the elyaine maan au is up!!! #even though i was like i am not going to post this until i've finished the full thing #but i'm tired and incapable of keeping things to myself #elyaine maan au #elyan #gwaine #elyaine #mergwen #mergwencelot #bbc merlin #merlin fanfic #lit writes