#i feel like it's through percival's explanation through the shrine is when the knights learn how much of a cryptid emrys is

[fluffypotatey]

Consider: Arthur keeping his word about making peace with the Druids (*side-eyes BBC*) and the next time they come across one of those small shrines, he's a lil uncomfy still but is doing his best like, "what's this one for? Should we go around or...?" Because this one isn't as subtly creepy as the last one, there are no "def haunted" vibes, it's just a kind of rough cairn of stacked stone and branches, and it's got flowers all over it, candle stubs and incense sticks, little jars of honeycomb, sweetmeats, preserves, etc.

And it's Percival (hc he was raised in a Druid camp, even if he doesn't have magic) is like, "No, it's fine, this one is for Emrys."

Cue Arthur asking about Emrys, and Percival explaining he's supposedly the living son of the Triple Goddess, born to heal the wounds of the Old Religion (he's tactful enough to not mention who made those wounds *coughcough*kingcunt*cough*) and the offerings are made to show kindness and peace, and to aid him in his duty (sure enough, those flowers and herbs are all medicinal).

"Why's it so important to keep him happy?" It's Gwaine who asks, irreverent and curious.

And Percival tells them the story of the High Priestess Nimueh, who tried to turn her power against Emrys's through the magic of life and death. So Emrys created a great storm over the Isle of the Blessed and called down the wrath of rain and lightning to unmake her.

They're all so absorbed in storytelling that nobody notices Merlin sitting off to the side and sweating like a hooker talking to a beat cop.

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Bonus points if Merlin sneaks over to take some of the offerings, against his better judgement bc he should not be encouraging this but he's got a killer sweet tooth and nobody in Camelot can make decent sweetmeats, apparently, and some of these herbs are pretty rare.

Double bonus if Percival or Elyan sees him do it and are like, "bro you gon be so cursed," and Merlin doesn't know how to explain that no he's not sacrilegious, these are for him, they're offerings, they were offered, and not entirely realising he's being paid the magical equivalent of ye olde protection racket.

*also side-eyes bbc* yeah...this would have been awesome to have...excuse me while i go sharpen my knives, completely unrelated to this ask i assure you

#(at bbc) hey why the FUCK did you leave an opportunity like this open??? 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪 #bbc i just wanna talk #hey i just want to have a conversation 🔪 nothing bad 🔪 i swear #your honor you can vouch for me right 🔪 ....that's what i thought #bbc merlin #i am 100% on board with this #elyan being extra vigilant with merlin bc he was possessed before and doesn't wish such a thing to befall his dear friend #merlin: emrys won't mind #elyan: emrys burned a fucking priestess to the ground for challenging him #merlin: well...she asked for it #elyan: merlin that's not helping your case! #merlin emrys #i feel like it's through percival's explanation through the shrine is when the knights learn how much of a cryptid emrys is #yeah yeah i'm going with that #sir percival #knights of the round table #Anonymous #asks #ask