Caqpu - "When In Doubt, Blame The Wizard"

My new favorite Merlin AU is that Merlin finally confesses to Arthur about his magic, but Merlin is too flustered to think straight and there’s some miscommunication.

What Merlin says: I have magic 😔

What Merlin thinks he said: I am a powerful sorcerer and I use my magic every day to protect you and all of Camelot. We are two sides of the same coin, our destinies forever intertwined. Spare me and I will help you become the once and future king.

What Arthur hears: I know a few cantrips. Please don’t kill me.

So Arthur eventually comes to terms with Merlin knowing some magic and things kinda go back to normal except Merlin starts using minor spells in front of Arthur to speed up chores.

But then while Arthur is working to legalize magic (because of course he would) and make reparations to magic users, he asks Merlin to accompany him to a meeting with the Druids. Arthur asks the Druids to nominate a court sorcerer and they just look at him confused like

Druids: why not ask the great sorcerer Emrys?

Arthur: ok where do I find him?

Druids: points to Merlin sitting 1 foot away

Arthur: why did you hide this vital information from me!?

Merlin: … I did tell you, didn’t I? Whoops

Bonus

Arthur: Gwen! Knights! Merlin is the most powerful sorcerer to ever live! Can you believe it?

Everyone … yeah. We saw him shooting Lightning while riding a dragon just last week.

Arthur:🫨…😐

bbc merlin - 03x07 The Castle of Fyrien

they might not be the best at small lies. but elaborate, grand plan lies? oh, they've GOT it

I just discovered your Merlin fanart and I would like to say I love the way you perfectly capture the expressions and uniqueness of each character! Have you ever drawn Gwaine or any of the other knights other than Arthur? (I love the way you draw Arthur btw cause Bradley has such an expressive face and you capture it perfectly)

Thank you!! Here is some Gwaines ;)))

Okay so a lot of people write Arthur as being emotional constipated in a way that strongly implies that his emotional intelligence is close to a box of wet and soggy bread’s ability to read and understand feelings. And that’s valid! With mister troll shagger as a father, I get that it would be a likely outcome of his childhood. BUT what I love much more (and I’m not projecting at all, shush!) is Arthur knowing damn well what he feels but never truly feeling safe in any of his core emotions, because he has had to suppress them since he was a child. That he feels guilty and uncomfortable when he enjoys something. That he hides what he likes in fear of somebody using it to hurt him, and that he hides what he dislikes in fear of somebody using it to hurt him.

baby’s first merthur