Sir Leon - Tumblr Posts

Change   Chapter 1

Note:  I am saving this here because of issues at AO3

The council meeting was over, and he was one of the final few to exit the room. At the last moment he had a thought, and turned. He saw Sir Leon with his hand upon Gwen's shoulder, and she had placed her hand over his. It was a small gesture, but a telling one. He left, his thought unexpressed.

He made his way to Gaius' quarters. He still lived, part of the time, with Gaius. Gaius was getting older, and often needed his assistance. The remainder of his time was spent in the abandoned crofter's cottage, he had made over into his own home. He often retreated there when he wished to experiment with magic, or needed solitude. He was no longer a longer a servant, although he did still serve the Queen. She had made him a member of her council. Some still looked down upon him or feared his skill with magic, but Gwen appreciated his abilities.

"Merlin" called Gaius, as he entered the room " I hadn't expected you back so early." Gaius was bent over a book, instructing young David. David was a lad from the lower town Gaius had taken on as apprentice, to teach him the way of the healing arts. When Merlin didn't return Gaius' greeting he must have seen something on Merlin's face. He turned to dismiss David.

"I think that is enough studying for today, why don't you head on home." David gathered his things, wished them a good evening and left. After the door closed shut, Merlin began to pace.

"Is something wrong, Merlin?"

"No, yes, maybe?" Gaius gave him a exasperated look.

"Have you noticed something different about Gwen and Sir Leon lately?"

"In what way?"

"A couple of weeks ago I thought I saw them holding hands, but I was a distance away, and I thought I was imagining it. However, today after the council meeting I clearly saw Sir Leon touch her shoulder, and Gwen touched his hand."

"So, what of it? Gwen and Leon have been friends for years. They were friends before she married Arthur." Merlin sat down across from Gaius.

"But, what if they are more than friends? what if they have feelings for each other, romantic feelings?" he emphasized.

"Well, I'm not convinced, but I could hardly blame them if they did. Gwen has been ruling on her own for quite some time, it must get very lonely."

"She is Arthur's wife."

"She was Arthur's wife. I know part of him still lives on the island of Avalon, but in this world he is gone."

"I don't like this. This can't be the way things are supposed to be." He said, as he got up and headed towards his room.

"Merlin" Gaius called "I would stay out of this. You are hardly an expert on matters of the heart. You must trust Gwen's judgment, and know she wouldn't make a rash decision." Merlin turned and entered his room.

Change   Chapter 2

The next morning Merlin lay abed, his thoughts racing. Maybe Gaius was right, he should do nothing and trust Gwen, but his first instinct was to protect Arthur and his interests. In the past few years that had meant protecting Gwen, but was she now going against what Arthur would want? He grabbed at his hair in frustration, this was all so confusing. He sat up in hopes of clearing his head. He came to the decision that all he would do for now was observe Gwen and Sir Leon, perhaps his assumptions were wrong.

A few days later Merlin passed Leon in the courtyard. Leon carried his arms loosely by his sides, but in one hand he grasped a small bouquet of flowers. Merlin decided to follow him. Leon entered through a gate into the small walled garden. Merlin stayed at the gateway, partially hidden behind a wall.

Merlin could see Gwen inside the garden, and Leon was heading straight towards her. Merlin made a fist with his hand, and his eyes flashed. The flower stems bent and the flowers withered.

"For you." Leon said to Gwen, presenting the flowers with a flourish, having no idea of their changed condition. Merlin tried not to laugh. Gwen took the blooms hesitantly.

"Thank you, but I have no idea what this means." It was then that Leon realized the state of the flowers.

"I am so sorry" he said, clearly embarrassed "they were fine when I picked them earlier."

"Never mind, it is the thought that counts" she said. giving Leon a smile. They than began to converse in hushed tones. Merlin was trying to decide if he should retreat, when he saw Leon reach towards Gwen, he either meant to touch her shoulders or hug her. Without thinking Merlin gently waved his hand, his eyes flashing again. Sir Leon stumbled backwards, catching himself before he could fall.

"Leon" called Gwen, sounding worried "are you alright?" Grabbing his arm to steady him.

"Yes. I lost my balance for a moment. It felt almost like I had been pushed."

"Really? That is most strange" Gwen replied as she looked around the garden. Merlin ducked behind the wall.

"Come" he heard her say "let us get you inside." Their footsteps faded away as they made their way towards the castle door that opened into the garden.

(chapter 1)

Change   Chapter 3

Merlin stayed close to Gwen for the next little while. He interrupted any interactions between Gwen and Sir Leon, sometimes using magic, but sometimes his presence was enough to stop any romantic interludes. They were obviously not ready to share their affections in public, and Merlin was now sure there was an attraction between them. They would often seek each other out to converse privately, Leon would often try to touch Gwen, but Merlin found ways of preventing him. Merlin knew this wasn't a long term solution to the problem, but it was all he could come up with at the moment. Merlin had tried studying the old books to see if there was any spell that would make two people dislike each other, but the only ones he could find were to break an existing curse, which he didn't think they were under, or for them to feel disgusted and repelled, which he didn't want want either, it would look most strange if the Queen and one of her trusted advisers suddenly feel out.

On Friday morning Merlin exited his room, tried from another long night studying the books.

"Merlin" called Gaius " can you do something for me today?"

"Depends."

"I need you collect feverfew for me, my supply is running dangerously low." Merlin sighed.

"Can't David do it for you?"

"David's mother is ill, nothing serious, but she needs his care. Haven't you noticed that he hasn't been around for the last few days?" To tell the truth he hadn't noticed.

"I'm sorry Gaius I can't today, Gwen needs me."

"Does Gwen need you or do you need to be around Gwen?" Merlin fidgeted.

"I don't know what you mean."

"What I mean is every day you leave here early in the morning and spend your day by Gwen's side or close by, and don't come back until she has retired for the evening. Do you realize it has been almost two weeks since you visited your cottage? This is the longest you have gone without visiting it since you made it your home. In the past if I asked you to collect herbs you would have done so happily, so that afterwards you could spend the night at your home, than bring me the herbs the next day."

"Well, I don't know if I'd say happily" Gaius raised an eyebrow. "Look Gaius, I understand what you are saying. I will visit the cottage, and collect your herbs, but not today."

"When? Merlin you can't continue to follow Gwen around like a lost dog, others will begin to notice, if they haven't already." At that moment a knock sounded at the door. Gaius bid them enter. The door opened revealing one of Camelot's guards.

"Good morning gentlemen, Merlin the Queen would like a word with you in her private chambers." Merlin and Gaius exchanged a look.

"Of course" said Merlin as he followed the guard out of the room.

(chapter 1) (chapter 2)

Change   Chapter 4

Merlin entered Gwen's quarters following the guard. Gwen was sitting on the window seat, the light shone like a halo around her.

"Your Grace, I have brought Merlin, as requested" announced the guard.

"Thank you, you may leave us." Gwen got up and walked over to the table. She indicated that he should take the seat at her right, while she sat at the head of the table.

"Merlin, we're friends are we not?"

"Of course."

"Have I done something to offend you, or that you have disliked?"

"No."

"I see, and what of Sir Leon, is he your friend?"

"Yes."

"Has he offended you, or abused your trust in anyway?" Merlin hesitated for a moment.

"No."

"Merlin, strange things have been happening to Sir Leon and myself, magical things. Would you happen to know anything about that?" Merlin studied his hands, tracing a pattern on the table.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Let me give you a few examples, gifts Sir Leon means to give me are inexplicably damaged before I can receive them, when he tries to be close to me he feels like he is being pushed back by an unseen hand, the other day it felt like I had some sort of invisible shield around me, I could not touch anyone and no one could get close to me." Merlin hide a small smile, that last one he was particularly proud of, although it had not been easy to maintain over a long period of time.

"I remember years ago when similar things used to happen, we would write them off as strange occurrences, until we learned who was responsible." Merlin was silent. "Please, there is no use trying to deny it, it must be you. Unless some strange sorcerer has found his way into the castle, which I think you would have noticed since you have spent everyday by my side." There was no use trying to hide his actions any longer.

"Yes, it was me."

"Why Merlin?"

"Because you and Sir Leon are more than friends." It was Gwen's turn to fidget.

"I thought as much, but I had hoped it was something else, that others hadn't noticed."

"I don't know about the others, but I noticed, and Gaius knows."

"I guess that shouldn't surprise me. Merlin, what is it about Sir Leon and I being together that disturbs you so much? Why did you feel you had to go to such lengths to separate us?"

"Arthur. I have always protected Arthur, and furthered his interests, and you're Arthur's wife."

"I was Arthur's wife. He's gone."

"But, he will come again." She sighed.

"I know the words of the dragons prophesy as well as you do, but it has been five years. Five years where I have been sorely tested by our enemies, and our friends. There were many times when I looked for him to come, many trails where I have thought this must be a signal of his return. But, there is nothing but silence from the isle of Avalon, and I have come to realize that he must be needed for a time other than my own, and I do no want to spend the rest of my life alone."

Was Gwen correct? Was Arthur truly gone? He wanted to scream at her that she was wrong, that Arthur would return within their lifetimes. But, maybe she was right, Arthur might be needed by a future and distant Camelot. Was it fair to expect Gwen to wait for an event that may never occur? A great sadness filled Merlin the more he thought upon the matter. Something must have shown on his face, because Gwen placed her hand over his.

"I did not mean to make you angry or sad, and I am sorry if I have caused you distress, but your magical interference needs to stop." Gwen began to rise from her chair, as if to signal an end to their conservation.

"Do you love him? Sir Leon?" Gwen collapsed back into her chair.

"I don't know."

"You don't know?" asked Merlin, incredulous.

"It is still so new. Leon has been there for me through one of the hardest periods of my life. He has been my defender, adviser, confident and friend, but it only recently that I realized he cold be more."

"What changed?"

"A couple of months ago, when the group of you went to deal with the brigands on the northern boarders, and Leon was badly injured."

"But, I healed him."

"And I thank you for that, but it scared me, and my heart hurt at the thought of him not being part of my future. Afterwards, when things were clam and he was well, I told him how I felt, and surprisingly he felt the same way, but he never spoke to me, because I was the Queen. We decided to quietly spend time together, to make sure our feelings were true, before we told anyone. Or at least that was the plan."

"Until I ruined it."

"Yes. You know I had worried about the opinions of many people, the council, the other knights, but I never worried about you. You and I have been friends for many years, we were even friends before Arthur. I thought if anyone would wish for my happiness it would be you."

"I do want you to be happy, Gwen. Things just got mixed around in my head. I made a judgement about what was best for you, and I was just trying to protect you. Being a wise sorcerer is not as easy as it seems" he said giving her smile, she gave him one in return.

"No, I guess it's not, but next time something is worrying you, just come talk to me about it."

"Alright, no more invisible shields or dying flowers, but if he hurts you, or you change your mind..."

"I know where to find you." Merlin rose to take his leave. As he headed towards the door Gwen called to him.

"Merlin, I won't change my mind." Merlin nodded and left the room.

(chapter 1) (chapter 2) (chapter 3)

Change   Chapter 5

After his meeting with Gwen Merlin walked the castle grounds for a time, thinking about all she said, before returning to Gaius. Gaius was seated, supposedly reading, but he looked up as soon as Merlin entered.

"How did it go?" Gaius inquired.

"You were right. She noticed my strange behaviour, and the magic I thought I had hidden so well." Merlin told Gaius everything they had discussed, Gaius nodded frequently, but did not interrupt until he was finished.

"Gwen is turning out to be an astute Queen for one so young and with all the trails she has had to face."

"But, is she right?"

"About Sir Leon or Arthur?"

"Either." Gaius sighed.

"Merlin death is never an easy thing. When someone dies it can feel like the world should stop, but life continues, the crops must be harvested, animals need to be feed, the sick must be tended to, and finding love is part of life."

"But, Arthur isn't dead, not in the true sense."

"We are all aware of the dragon's prophesy, but we can not suspend our lives waiting for it to occur. Arthur himself had to deal with death, he had to continue on after his father passed, he had to adapt to a new life. Do you really think that if Arthur came back today that he would be angry at Gwen for living?" Merlin didn't answer Gaius, but he thought long and hard about what he said. That night when they were preparing for bed Merlin asked

"How are you so wise?" Gaius allowed himself a small smile.

"Wisdom comes from age and experience. You are a great deal wiser than when we first met, and someday when you are my age you will know things beyond my comprehension." He gave Merlin's shoulder a squeeze, and headed to his bed. Merlin walked towards his room, but stopped on the threshold and turned.

"Thank you, Gaius."

"For what?"

"For always being there for me."

"It's been an honour Merlin, it truly has."

From that day forth Merlin no longer interfered between Gwen and Sir Leon. Actually, he made sure that the servants and members of the court gave them the privacy they required. It was not always easy, he often doubted himself, but then he would think back to that conversation with Gaius. He knew the answer to Gaius' question, Arthur would not be angry at Gwen, he would want her to live and find joy. Also, by helping Gwen he came to realize he himself wasn't living a full life, he had been living a partial life, a suspended life, waiting on Arthur's return. It was time for him to make some changes, if Arthur would want happiness for Gwen, he would want the same thing for Merlin too.

The End

(chapter 1) (chapter 2) (chapter 3) (chapter 4)

In season 4 of BBC Merlin, the episode where they have to face the "Lamia" is probably one of the biggest monstrosities I have ever witnessed. The way the knights treated Merlin was so mean, so appalling, so cruel. It broke my heart.

I am fully aware they were enchanted. Still when Leon starts coming for merlin saying that he's not a Knight, not a physician, that he's nothing but a servant, I seriously considered homicide.

I mean, technically, merlin was the court physicians apprentice first before Arthur's servant.

It hurts even more when I remember that at the beginning of the episode, Elyan stood up for him in front of the elder of the village.

I also can't help but think if Lancelot were there, Merlin could have used his magic to get him disenchanted or something, then help him find a way to slay the Lamia. But he was left alone.

Same goes for the episode where they visited a shrine the druids had made. The Knights made fun of it. Merlin looked so upset because they were making fun of his beliefs, his religion in a way. Alas, they couldn't know they were doing so, but it still doesn't make it any less hurtful. Especially when you remember that the victims the shrine was made for were probably unjustly executed at the hands of Uther. And again, if Lance was there, he probably could have said something to appease the air. But no, Merlin was left alone.

Damn it, I'm really in my feels(　＾ω＾)

hes Up To Something………as usual

ko-fi

Here, have this picture I edited of Leon being eaten by a snake which I made instead of writing an essay due for tomorrow 🤗

Poor Sir Leon :(

As an apology for my last post, here’s a better edit of Leon :)

He’s just finished taking over Camelot xx

Plot twist: Ed Sheeran has been Sir Leon this entire time

God ok bbc merlin rare pair that will forever be my fave is Gwaine and Leon. They kinda just fit together, ya know? Like. Leon's all professional and Gwaine's... very much not and they just kinda rub off on each other. Leon learns to chill, to have fun, to goof off. Gwaine learns reign it in when needed, to pick his battles, to be mature and responsible. They have the potential to grow together, and we even get to see that a little bit in the show, though it's rare. Idk I just think they'd make a cute couple.

okay so I'm just watching this episode where Gwen gets kidnapped by Morgana and put in the tower and the knights all go out to save her and basically Gwaine checks out Leon so now I need some Gwaine x Leon headcanons

Ooh I watched that episode a few days ago!! I honestly loved Morgana in that episode. I mean, what she does is awful, but she does it so well and when she talks about how she was imprisoned for three years, there’s still the slightest bit of humanity in her. Anyway.

The second Leon starts realising he’s fallen for Gwaine, he basically goes “dear gods why”

Gwaine has a similar reaction bc out of all the knights, Leon is the one most unlike him.

It’s a case of opposites attract lol, and in this case, both of them hate that they’re in love with the other. They don’t hate the other, they just hate being in love with someone who’s so completely unlike themselves.

The other knights, obviously, find this hilarious. Even Lancelot joins in on teasing them.

Gwaine complains about his crush to everyone who will listen. And to everyone who wouldn’t be listening but is u fortunately stuck in the same place as him. Merlin is this close to just revealing his magic by using a spell to shut him up lol.

Leon, on the other hand, tells no one and is praying that it’ll pass. But Gwen has known him since they were kids (she mentioned this in one episode, she said something like “you and I used to do this as kids”) and she sees right through him and gives him advice.

Arthur has also known him most of his life, but he’s more subtle. Sort of.

Look, he too has a breaking point.

So at some point, he corners Leon and pretty much tells him “if you don’t confess to Gwaine, I will” which leads to a lot of confusion bc “wait, Arthur, you’re in love with him too??” “What are you talking about?”

Somehow, that conversation ends up where it was supposed to be from the beginning.

Not that this changes things.

Eventually, it’s Merlin and Arthur who come up with a plan to lock them in a pantry.

They leave them in there a bit longer than strictly necessary bc “peace and quiet, finally”

Except, once they get their shit together, Leon and Gwaine are the most obnoxious couple you can think of. 75% is revenge for the others locking them in a pantry, but the other 25% is literally just how they are as a couple.

So the peace and quiet don’t last long.

There are frequent shouts of “GET A ROOM” bc Gwaine does not care where he’s making out with Leon so long as he’s making out with him.

Arthur and Merlin are kind of regretting their great idea now, but not really bc it’s worth it to see their friends so happy

Introducing new squires to the knights

Arthur: This is Sir Leon, he likes his personal space. This is Sir Gwaine, he also likes Sir Leon's personal space

Merlin Gotcha for Gaza Event.

We now have a carrd for the event to keep all information condensed, so please feel free to check that out!

Our Donations period has officially closed!!!! But stay tuned and check out this account to see all of the prompts that have been finished so far, and if you’re looking for somewhere to just donate then check out the links on the carrd!

We are looking for a couple more artists to join as creators, if you’re interested then DM this account!

Imagine if Leon and Arthur experimented with each other in their squire days and Merlin and Gwaine had a one-night stand. Post Merthur and Leowaine getting together Arthur and Gwaine have this sort of playful "I fucked your boyfriend before you did" animosity

@fluffbruary Day 6

It came to a head in the armoury.

It started long before that, of course. God knew Leon hasn’t ever had a moment of peace in his life, much less since Morgana decided to go on an insane rampage of a dictatorship and he swore loyalty to Arthur at the Table, binding himself and the prince in the strange coalition of a court healer, two servants, a blacksmith, a woodcutter and two wanderers.

Leon was intensely proud of being part of Arthur’s inner circle – and not only because he had known Elyan and Gwen since childhood, Lancelot previously, and had respected Merlin ever since the man had demanded he open the doors to the throne room and talked Arthur down from the most politically unstable ascension to the throne in living memory. No. He had seen that day, the bindings that true loyalty and respect could create, and he would’ve been humbled at being included in it even if he’d known none there but the Prince Regent.

Others did not feel that way.

Knights who had been high in his esteem all his life were rapidly losing respect at the repeated sneers, the ragging that went far beyond casual joking, and the refusal to spar with the newly anointed common-born knights.

While the others chafed under it, Gwaine bore it easily, sauntering around, offering ale, making rude jokes, his eyes shrewd all the while. Leon liked the man, but he was sure he had depths he wasn’t showing them. However, his loyalty ultimately lay with Arthur (though it went through Merlin first) so Leon trusted him.

Trust. It was another thing that bound those at the Table – all of them had offered their lives to the cause, after all nobody could’ve expected the army to explode into ashes. Leon might not have known every person there very well, but in that moment, he had trusted every single one of them in a way he didn’t even trust his other fellow knights.

Especially not now.

Sir Bors gave a particularly cruel laugh as Sir Vidor ‘accidentally’ tripped Elyan. The man calmly stood up, ignoring them and instead brightly chatting with Percival about training that morning. Gwaine good-naturedly complained that Arthur was trying to kill them.

“Can’t even handle training,” Sir Alinor muttered under his breath, snorting. Leon noticed Merlin stopping his job of handling Arthur’s sword, worrying his lips and glaring at the knight.

“Weren’t you complaining about the same thing this morning?” Sir Galahad asked interestedly. Leon hid a smile.

The common-born knights had nearly as many allies as they did protestors, which was good. He couldn’t have defended them all on his own.

“Different,” Sir Vidor answered.

“How so?” Merlin piped up.

“Mind your own business, boy, and get back to His Highness’ side.” Sir Vaughnes snapped. They’d all gotten used to Merlin’s general disinterest in prostrating for authority in about two weeks of meeting him, and by the second time Arthur had defended him.

“No, he asked a good question,” Leon said this time. Elyan and Percival stopped talking in that purposefully loud way. Gwaine leaned into the wall, took a sip from his hip flask and watched carefully. Lancelot was – as always – next to Merlin. “Why should it be different when a new knight complains regarding training than an old one? Besides, they’ve been here for nearly two moons already. No one can say His Highness isn’t running us ragged.”

Merlin had theorized idly that he was trying to take out his anger about Morgana on them so that they were prepared if she ever attacked again. Leon hoped he found another way soon, and not just because this unhealthy for everyone – for Arthur mentally, for everyone else around him physically.

“New knights,” Sir Bors said contemptuously.

“What about it?” Gwaine said sharply.

“I did think that was what Arthur meant when he had us kneel and vow our loyalty and told us to right,” Percival said amiably.

“You dare call the Prince Regent by his name?” Sir Vidor demanded, turning near purple in anger, grabbing his scabbard and standing up.

Gwaine did the same, challenge in his eyes.

“That is enough!” Leon said in his best I-am-First-Knight-and-you-will-not-disobey-me voice. “Arthur himself told us to call him that. These men were courageous and loyal enough to follow him into battle when there was no hope for a win. They are trustworthy and deserving of their status and I will not have you suggest otherwise. And neither will the Prince Regent.”

Leon was relieved to see that at the mention of Arthur the ‘righteous’ anger seemed to dissipate, and everyone grudgingly settled down. It would take more than this for Lancelot, Elyan, Gwaine and Percival to be truly trusted, but for now this was enough.

Alas, he spoke too soon. He should’ve known better than to think he would actually get his peace that easily.

“The others, perhaps,” Sir Vaughnes bit out, sounding pained to even concede that much. “But that one—” he pointed at Lancelot. “Cheated his way into our honourable ranks. How can you claim he can be trusted?”

Lancelot paled, stepping backwards. Gwaine’s mouth dropped unflatteringly open. Elyan seemed surprised, but Percival merely clenched his jaw. Leon had hoped this would not be brought up.

“Be as that may,” Sir Galahad replied. “The Prince Regent knighted him again, so it is hardly our judgement to make. Besides. He did slay the beast when he was here.”

Lancelot grimaced, as though not wanting to take credit for that. There was modesty, Leon thought, mentally rolling his eyes, and then there was the utter foolishness Lancelot was doing. Why wasn’t he capitalizing on that?

“That doesn’t matter,” Sir Vaughnes snapped lividly, clearly unable to see that the others were shaking their heads, aware that this was a bad fight to pick. “He’s a cowardly lying scoundrel who doesn’t in the least deserve the station of—”

“Actually,” Merlin announced casually, walking right in front of the ranting knight, “That was me.”

“Merlin!” Elyan called in a whisper. Leon wanted to groan – didn’t Merlin know better than to interfere in a fight where he was permanently at a disadvantage, being common-born? – before actually registering the words.

“What?” Sir Vaughnes asked, sounding as befuddled as Leon felt.

“I forged the seal,” Merlin clarified, shrugging. “I was the one who convinced him to take it because he was my friend and he saved my life, and he is entirely deserving of being a knight.”

Lancelot blushed. “Wait – no, that wasn’t – it was me—”

“Shut up, Lance,” Merlin said cheerfully. “Don’t go taking credit for my stuff.”

For some reason, that did shut him up. Leon wondered why, but was too disoriented to think too much about it. Pieces fit together. He had thought about it – Lancelot was too honourable to come up with a scheme like that, but he’d shrugged it off as an act of desperation. Merlin, though. Insubordinate, cheerful, cheeky, cunning, loyal Merlin. It suited him. Of course he would do it for Lancelot.

“You!” Sir Vaughnes said furiously. “How dare you lie to the Prince Regent! How dare you commit such deceit! How can you live in the citadel day-in and day-out after having done something like this?”

Merlin hummed obnoxiously, only stopping when Sir Vaughnes stopped talking, breathing heavily. “Oh, sorry,” he said innocently. “Were you saying something? I just heard some nonsense being spouted by a noble-born--” And he swore so badly even Gwaine looked impressed.

Sir Vaughnes exploded in incandescent rage. “You goddamn serving boy,” he hissed, and grabbed Merlin by the front of his shirt and fisted his hand and drove it into Merlin’s face.

So hard was the punch that blood spilled out instantly, shining like copper in the light.

“Merlin!” Gwaine screamed immediately. “Vaughnes, GET AWAY FROM HIM!” Lancelot looked furious and ready to jump Sir Vaughnes.

Merlin wasn’t paying any attention. “Terrible – punch,” he choked out. “Not getting enough practice these days? No poor idiots erroring near you?”

Sir Vaughnes growled. “SHUT UP, YOU FILTHY LOW-BORN—”

“Peasant, I know,” Merlin smirked. “I mean, I’d rather be a pig than you, so that insult isn’t really much.” Then he made a show of skeptically running his eyes over the man’s body. “Actually, I’m sorry. The pig doesn’t deserve to be compared to you. At least it shows a modicum of—”

He didn’t get to finish. Sir Vaughnes screamed and pressed at Merlin’s throat, ignoring both Gwaine and Lancelot pulling at and shoving him.

It was a mad tumble of bodies everyone was overwhelmed by, until:

“ARTHUR!” Merlin howled, still dangling from Sir Vaughnes’ hand.

There was rapid movement. Sir Vaughnes dropped Merlin, moving backwards, and at the same time, the door was shoved open. “Merlin, how many times have I told you not to call me like that—” Arthur stopped the moment he saw the scene. “What--?”

He was instantly beside Merlin, eyes taking in the bruises at the throat, and the blood still flowing rapidly from the nose. He took in other details as well: the others’ stunned expressions, and the way Sir Vaughnes was holding his hand. His expression tightened.

“Sir Vaughnes,” he said icily. “Care to tell me why your hand is injured at the same time my manservant’s nose is broken?”

“Your Highness, he was provoking us, and he admitted to a crime—”

“And is his punishment your call to make?” Arthur interrupted sharply. “Are you not a knight in comparison to his low servant status? No excuses. Do you have an explanation, or not?”

Sir Vaughnes looked around, and clearly saw that none of the others was about to defend him. Pursing his lips angrily, he looked at the floor. “No, sire.”

“Our job as knights is to protect the innocent,” Arthur said, and in that moment, Leon could see the type of king he would become: someone regal, someone kind, someone honorable. “Chivalry and kindness are keystones of the Knights’ Code. How can you attack someone you are meant to guard, a defenseless servant?”

Merlin made a face at ‘defenseless’ but otherwise he was staring at Arthur with that look of deep devotion and adoration he reserved only for him. Leon had seen it once, at the Castle of Ancient Kings, and seeing it again caused a shiver down his spine.

“My apologies, sire,” Sir Vaughnes said lowly. He certainly didn’t seem truly ashamed, which caused anger in Leon. He just wanted to be let off.

Arthur clearly saw this. He didn’t show it, which was good, but Leon knew him well enough to tell the anger and disgust in his eyes. “Go to your chambers. I shall decide what to do with you later.”

“But my lord—”

“Now. Do not test my patience anymore.”

Casting an angry glance at Merlin, Sir Vaughnes left the armoury. Barely moments after he was gone. Arthur turned to Merlin. “What on earth did you go and do that for?”

Merlin shrugged, wiping blood off his nose with his hand. “It was convenient.”

“Convenient! You know I was planning on handling him. You didn’t have to provoke him. Look at what he did to you, Merlin.” The Prince Regent was clearly concerned, but he played it off. “A delicate butterfly like you. How are you not crying?”

“Clearly, I am less delicate than you think, clotpole—”

“Excuse me, sire?” Sir Galahad asked, eyebrows furrowed. “You were planning on handling him?”

Arthur glanced at Merlin. “… Someone brought to my attention that Sir Vaughnes abuses his position with regards to physical abuse to the staff and other common born people.”

No one had any doubts regarding the identity of the mysterious someone.

“I was working on a plan to oust him from his position, but then. . .” Arthur glared at Merlin.

“Look, I had to help his squire with a broken arm yesterday, and then he insulted Lancelot. I couldn’t just stand and take that.”

“But you can take the beating he gave you?” Gwaine asked amusedly, still standing next to the manservant, clearly ready to handle any other threats to him.

Merlin grinned carelessly. “Yep!”

Arthur rolled his eyes. “Very well, if he insulted Lancelot. . .” There was an insinuation there Leon couldn’t read.

Leon felt he had to at least try to defend one of his knights. “The broken arm could’ve been because he mishandled something or fell off his horse.”

Merlin shook his head. “Wrong kind of break. The one he had was from sheer brute force, and I’ve seen that in too many people not to know it.”

There was an implication there that caused Leon’s stomach to sink. Too many people. . .

Arthur grimaced. “I’m working on it,” he said quietly, fragilely.

Merlin’s whole demeanour softened. “I know you are,” he reassured him.

“And get to Gaius before all the blood drips out of you and onto my armoury,” Arthur continued, walls back up.

Merlin rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say, sire.”

He marched off. “I’m going with him,” Lancelot and Gwaine said simultaneously, already halfway across the room.

“Like they’re actually asking permission,” Arthur snorted, and Elyan, Percival, Leon and Sir Galahad all laughed.

“Sire?” Sir Bors asked tentatively. “Are you truly planning on stripping Sir Vaughnes’ knighthood? And what plans do you have for, uh. . .” He trailed off, clearly unsure what to label the situation as. Leon wondered with narrowed eyes what Sir Bors would think of anything Arthur did to reduce the plight of the common people.

“Not stripping it,” Arthur said briskly. “I’m planning on sending him to the outpost of Archenland. It’s a harsh posting, and I have people there who will report to me his every word. If he doesn’t improve, I will have him discharged with dishonour. If he does improve, he may try for the citadel again, though that will depend on others’ judgement, rather than mine.”

Leon was impressed. It was a good punishment. And since he was certain Merlin and Gwen would be the ‘others’ in question, it was fair to the servants Sir Vaughnes had apparently abused as well. Leon thought about how quickly he’d flown off-the-handle with Merlin, of how he’d spent years in comradery with the man, and felt sick to the stomach.

“As for my plans. . .” At this, Arthur visibly hesitated. “Well, they’re still in the preliminary processes. Though I hope you all will support me in them.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” Sir Galahad said instantly. Other mumbled their agreement, Elyan, Percival and Gwaine being the loudest and fiercest.

Leon had to swallow the lump in his throat. He remembered conceding fights to Arthur, the spoiled prince he’d had to tutor and despaired over one day having to follow. He looked at the man in front of him, his king, whom he would gladly and proudly be loyal to for the rest of his life.

And the people the two of them were closest to, whom he admired so much and could trust more than anyone.

“Always, Arthur,” he said honestly, and Arthur smiled.

Later….

Arthur: Wait, what crime did you confess to?

Merlin: Making Lancelot sneak into the knights. So, basically, you know, treason, identity fraud, coercion and forgery.

Arthur *rolls his eyes*: Of course you did. You know, Merlin, I’ve known you for years and you still surprise me -  it shouldn’t really, but you still do - with how idiotic – loyal too, of course, but still, immensely stupid – you can be.

Merlin: And it still surprises me how much of an ass – an incredible Prince Regent and eventually King, of course, but still a dollophead – you can be. Anything new to add, my lord?

A Thought: Merlin learning how to carve wood after Balinor leaves him the little dragon carving in “The Last Dragonlord.”

It takes a while before he can look at the tiny wooden figure without it just hurting, but after weeks and months, the ache eases into something almost bearable.

One night, he’s lying in bed with the little dragon balanced on his chest (he’s named it Charlie) and has the thought to maybe try it for himself. The first few times he tries, he can’t even start because thinking of his father makes his eyes sting too much to see, but he gets past it. His first few attempts are…not so good, but lucky for him, there is literally never a shortage of wood to be found in this castle, so he has plenty of supplies to try again.

The first carving he make that actually comes out mostly right is a dragon, of course. He calls it Thatcher, and it goes on his windowsill next to Charlie. Then he makes a teeny-tiny baby dragon, calls it Kite, and puts it between Thatcher and Charlie to make a family, see?

Once he gets better, he starts colouring them a little, using bits of whatever he can find to act as a stain, even nicking the occasional bit of paint. And he starts giving them to people, too.

Gaius gets a stern-faced owl, complete with little feathery eyebrows. “Because you’re so wise, see?” Merlin gets a full dose of the Eyebrow then, but the owl goes on the mantelpiece and stays there.

The next person to get one is Gwen, a cat with a crooked tail and a little notch taken out of one ear. She almost cries when he gives it to her because she had told Merlin about her childhood pet so long ago, she hadn’t thought he would ever remember. It looks just like Buttons, too. He even remembered the missing whiskers on one side.

Leon gets a lion for his nameday. Not a roaring, ferocious lion, but one that is stretched out for a nap with its head on its paws, and it even looks like it’s smiling a little, too. There’s little markings to suggest its mane is curly, too. “You’ve still got the better hair, though,” Merlin teases. Leon doesn’t say anything, but after that, he counts Merlin as his friend, not just a companion.

When Lancelot finally returns to Camelot, he gets a gryphon, of course, exacting down to its hooked beak and tufted tail, eagle wings spread and crouched as if ready to pounce. Merlin doesn’t say anything when he gives it to him, only smiles and hugs him tight. Whenever Lancelot looks at it, he remembers blue fire and murmurs, “Bregdan anweald gafeluc.”

Elyan gets a hart with majestic antlers, carved from pale wood that’s almost white, somehow stately and elegant in stillness. It makes him smile every time he sees it; no one else believes him when he tells the story of the time he saw a white hart in the Darkling Wood, always say that he’s making it up. The hart goes on a shelf next to a cat with a crooked tail and a notched ear.

Gwaine’s carving is a fox, made from reddish-brown wood, and Merlin has somehow made it look fluid even though it doesn’t move, sleek and playful and mischievous and cleverer than anyone thinks. Gwaine isn’t a man to get attached to material things, but he never goes anywhere without it and even tucks it in the bottom of his saddlebags when they go on patrol.

Percival’s is the only one that has more than one piece. It’s actually three: a bear and two cubs, made to fit together so they look like they’re embracing. Merlin doesn’t say why, but Percival understands anyways, and for the first time, he can think about his family without it hurting so much.

Arthur notices that the others have each been given these little gifts, he’s heard them talking about it whenever another one has been given, and he can’t help but feel a little hurt at his lack of such a gift. Even though it bothers him, he never asks, because princes don’t ask for things, and he isn’t going to order Merlin to give him something when his manservant obviously makes them with such careful affection and gives them with equal thought. So he says nothing of it and lets it be, ignoring how it makes him ache.

It isn’t until months, years, later that Merlin finally comes to him one night, head bowed and feet shuffling, turning something small over in his hands, and it takes him almost ten minutes before he can step forward and set it on the desk. Arthur says nothing, knowing the importance of stillness and silence, and picks it up with care.

It’s his mother’s seal, replicated with such exacting perfection that were it not for the grain of the wood, he wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the two side-by-side. Until he turns it over, that is. Because the other side bears another seal: a triskele, like unto what the Druids mark themselves with, except this one is formed not of coiled spirals, but three snarling dragon heads.

“My father’s seal, sigil of his house, my house,” Merlin says softly, so low it could’ve been imagined.

For a long time, there’s silence in the chamber, broken only by the muffled crack and pop of the fire, the faintest sound of their breathing. Arthur sweeps his thumb over one dragon-head, tracing the sharp sweep of its horn with his thumbnail, then holds it out to Merlin. “Put this somewhere Aithusa won’t chew on it, will you?” he says softly, curling his fingers around the other man’s hand, strong and warm and familiar, smooth-carved wood pressed between their palms. “And come to bed.”

Merlin is... a badass??

The King’s poor manservant is sent on some wild goose chase, and it makes his bad mood and pounding headache even worse. Little does he know, it’s about to get a hell of a lot more complicated…

TW: I mean… blood, almost-basically-torture? (But not on any of the good guys)

Part 2   Part 3(final part)

Merlin was marginally annoyed.

But that’s nothing new. So he just keeps going, urging his steed—a war horse that had taken a shine to him—to go faster, her hooves thundering along the dirt pathway that weaves between the trees. He knows where he’s going, it’s an unfortunately regularly visited place for him; a small abandoned fort that sits on a section of high ground, a few miles off from the Valley of Fallen Kings. Every criminal imaginable has inhabited it at some point, but Uther had always refused to do anything about it, and it had been pushed to the way side after Arthur had been crowned. 

As of right now, it had been taken over by some sort of bandit group who had somehow managed to snatch Arthur from his bed in the night. Merlin had no proof of his claims other than The King’s chambers hanging empty all morning (Merlin had originally thought that Arthur had snuck off early to train or something. He began to worry when he never reappeared for lunch), and his golden magic pulling him in the right direction. Hence him being alone. And grumpy.

Keep reading

Arthur thinks Merlin was raped (but he wasn't)

This is kind of a prequel to this post, click here if you want more context -> LINK

Tagging @cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu , @odinjm , @hssmaureader , @daniella0 , @stressed-but-chill , @smileytrinity

When Arthur finds Merlin in the woods after being lost for 3 weeks, he feels so much joy. He doesn't remember feeling so much joy in his life. Merlin is dirty, his clothes riped and with dry blood, but alive. And that’s all he cares right now.

Arthur: (more than happy and relieved) Merlin! I thought we lost you (goes to him to give him a hug, thinking) That I lost you.

Merlin: (Backs away quickly before Arthur can hug him, wide eye and terrified)

Arthur: (confused) Merlin?

Gwain: Merls, it's us, relax (extends a hand)

Merlin: (shakes his head, frantic, and goes limping to hide behind a tree)

Lancelot: (worried) Merlin... (aproaches carefully) Merlin, it's okay. You're safe know (extends his hand, gently, with a reassuring smile).

Merlin: (shakes his head again and tries to say something but he can't, so he whimpers quietly)

Lancelot: No touching, alright. (Lifts his hands in surrender) No one is going to touch you.

Arthur: (approaches as carefully as Lancelot did) Do you recognise us? (Thinking, begging) Please, say you do.

Merlin: (Nods and tries to speak again, but closes his mouth, frustrated)

Arthur: (realises, heartbroken) You can't speak.

Arthur and the knights can only imagine the horrors Merlin endured. It's obvious he was tortured but they didn't know how much of his new behaviour is result of physical damage or trauma. For example, is Merlin too traumatized to speak or is he physically unable? Did his tortures cut his tonge? Damaged his vocal chords? And what the hell have they done to Merlin to make him so afraid of human touch?

With a lot of reassuring and patience, they manage to bring Merlin back to Camelot. It was difficult not to touch him when he kept limping and falling. And Merlin refused to use a horse for some reason, no matter how much they insisted, so they had to get a cart to transport him. When they finally arrive, they bring him to Gaius immediately so the physician can check him, but Merlin doesn't let him touch him either and he locks himself in his room. It takes days for Gaius to have a formal diagnosis for the prince.

Gaius: (reports painfully) He was starved, beaten, cut, whiped and burned several times for what I could see.

Arthur: For what you could see?

Gaius: He wouldn't let me see all the wounds (sighs). He was also immobilized with chains by the wrists, ankles and neck. He must have struggled a lot because the marks of the chains are actually worse than the torture itself.

Arthur: (his heart aching for Merlin and burning in fury for the bastards who did this, composes himself just enough to ask again) His voice... did they...did they cut his-

Gaius: No, sire. He's physically able to talk He's just too traumatized to do it. It might take a while for him to talk again.

Arthur: (sighs releaved, but still fill with sorrow) Why? Why would they do this to him? Merlin never hurt anyone, who would want to- (stops when he sees Gaius apprehensive expression) You know something.

Gaius: (hesitantly) Merlin can't speak but he can still write, sire. He... he managed to write me some things.

Arthur: (raises his voice, angry) And you tell me this now?! What did he write?

Gaius: ...

Arthur: (demands) Gaius, I order you to tell me.

Gaius: (sighs) Apparently the bandits that captured him wanted... information sire. To know all the weak spots of the castle... and everything related to you.

Arthur: (open his eyes wide, horrified and devastated, and sinks in a nearby chair) No...

Gaius: He didn't say a thing, sire. You don't have anything to wo-

Arthur: (explodes) I know he didn't! That idiot! He should have told them everything! I wouldn't have blamed him, but of course he didn't. I whish he had (breaks down and cries) This is all my fault.

Gaius: (comforting him, a hand on Arthur's shoulder) This is no one's fault but theirs. You can't prevent every conspiration, attack or attemp murder directed at you. You're the king. It's expected.

Arthur: I should have protected him better, found him sooner. I should-

Gaius: Dwelling on what if scenarios won't help you. And it definitely won't help Merlin. What he needs now is for you to be there for him, be strong for him

So Arthur does just that. When Merlin keeps locking himself in his room and refuses to leave, Arthur visits him at the door and slide pieces of paper through the door crack so Merlin can write the words he can't speak and they can have a small talk at least once a day. Arthur can hear things being thrown and broken constantly and, the first days, Merlin doesn't even pick up the paper. When Merlin finally does, the paper is returned with a short messages along the lines of "Go away", "Leave me alone" to which Arthur reponds firmly he won't, he never will, every single time. Then Merlin's messages turn longer little by little and Arthur's one sided conversations with the door are over.

The day Merlin finally leaves his room and resumes his duties is a blessing as much as it is a curse. Arthur is glad and greatful at Merlin's progress, but seeing him doing his chores silently, just noding or shaking his head when asked something, and without sharing a single smile is painful. Merlin still doesn't let anyone touch him, which everyone respects, but is specially difficult for Arthur since, he realises, he used to manhandle his manservant a lot. They still comunicate through papers when necessary, but is just not the same.

A particular day Merlin almost falls down the stairs and Arthur, forgetting his manservant boundaries for a second, catches him in reflex.

Merlin: (separates from Arthur in full panic mode, screaming) NO!

Arthur: I'm so sorry, Merlin! I didn't mean-wait (open his eyes wide in surprise) You talked?

Merlin: (unsure, repeats) No? (brings a hand to his mouth in surprise and repeats, fearful) No? (his hand goes to his neck, nervous, as if expecting something bad to happen, but then he smiles brightly and shouts, very excited) No!😃 NO!😄

Arthur: (laughs in excitment, so happy he might cry) Your voice is back! You can talk again! (about to go for a hug)

Merlin: (lifts his hands, warnly) No!😠

Arthur: (lifts his hands too, quickly) Right, sorry. (They both lower their hands at the same time) Ahm... Is 'no' the only word you can say?

Merlin: (shrugs)

Arthur: Come one, try something else.

Merlin: (hesitanly) Ar...thur?

Arthur: See? You can talk.

Merlin: (smiles softly, and says fondly) Arthur. (tries to say something more elaborated, but in the end only manages to say again) Arthur. (Purses his lips, frustrated)

Arthur: (smiles at him fondly) One word at a time, don't force yourself. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's good to hear your annoying voice again. (thinking) And hearing you saying my name and smiling. How much I missed that smile.

After that, Merlin is able to give short answers. First from 1 to 3 words and later one sentence or two. He's also more expressive now with his features, not as much as he was before, but he makes small frowns and gives small smiles from time to time. Arthur craves those moments. Even if Merlin's face contorts in fury because Arthur tried to exclude him from going on trips with him to protect him, or because Arthur doesn't do things like throwing things at him anymore because he believes Merlin's made of cristal. Arthur can’t help feeling happy because Merlin's face is finally wearing some emotion.

Then comes the day Arthur sees Merlin having a nightmare.

Arthur finds Merlin fallen asleep in his bed. Before Arthur would have get mad, but he knows through Gaius that Merlin hasn’t been sleeping well so he lets him. He starts checking his informs when suddenly he hears Merlin crying for help. Arthur runs to him inmediatly.

Merlin: (begs in his sleep, moving and crying desperatly) No! Anything but that, please.

Arthur: (tries to wake him up without touching him) Merlin, it's just a nightmare. Wake up.

Merlin: (doesn’t wake up and cries more painfully) Please! Hurts too much! Please! Stop!

Arthur: Merlin-

Merlin: Arthur! Arthur, I'm here! Please! Arthur!

Arthur: (shouts) Merlin!

Merlin: (wakes up abruptly and checks desperatly his wrists and neck)

Arthur: (comforting him) You are safe. You are in Camelot. You are safe.

Merlin: (wipes his tears and looks around) I fell asleep in your bed. I'm sorry.

Arthur: (smiles) It’s okay. (Wants to put a comforting hand on his shoulder but restrains himself) You were having a nightmare.

Merlin: I... I don't want to talk about it.

Arthur: Alright. But if you ever want to. Just know that I'm here to listen.

Merlin: (Nods in understanding and sighs) I'll get back to work. (Stands up)

Arthur: (complains, but not really) As you should. Those chores aren’t going to make theirselfs, you know?

Merlin: (smiles a little, cause he knows what Arthur is doing) Right away, sire. (Leaves)

After that, Arthur asks Gaius if he knows what Merlin's dream are about exactly, because it seemed there was a especific type of torture Merlin dreaded the most, but while Gaius seems to know, he refuses to tell him, even when he commands him. "It's not my place to tell" It's all physician says. It bugs Arthur the rest of the day. It's not until Arthur leads a trial of a rape victim that devasting realisation hits him.

That girl, that poor girl acts just like Merlin. Not letting anyone touch her, barely speaking. There are marks on her wrists of ropes the inmobilized her while she was... Just like Merlin's chains. "He must have struggled a lot because the marks of the chains are actually worse than the torture itself" Gaius had said. Merlin's nightmares. Merlin limping when they found him in the wood. Merlin not wanting to ride on a horse.

Arthur's world crushes all over again. His Merlin, his best friend was raped. Arthur can see his knights came to the same conclusion, because of the devasted expression they have when he meets them in private.

Elyan: (still in denial) It can't be... not Merlin.

Leon: It does make sense though. If none other torture seemed to work...

Percival: And Merlin has always had... very delicate features for a man.

Gwaine: Those sick bastards!

Lancelot: (no quiet believing this theory yet because he knows Merlin has magic to defend himself, but he can't share that so he just stays silent) ...

Arthur: (with deadly and serious expression) As soon as we find them, we'll make them pay. For now I want you to keep taking turns in watching over Merlin.

All knights: Yes, sire!

By month 3, Merlin talks almost as frequently as he did before, maybe with less jokes and smiles, but he's getting there. Arthur is glad some of their usual banter is back.

Merlin: (asks, shyly) Arthur? Could you... it's just I want to try something, but... you don't have to if-

Arthur: (throwing whatever he's doing inmediatly) Of course, anything. Just ask.

Merlin: (blushes a little) Could you... give me your hand?

Arthur: (his heart stops with emotion for a moment, but composes himself) Sure (he extends his hand)

Merlin: (slowly but surely joins their palms and smiles. After a moment, he says relieved to himself) Nothing happened.

Arthur: (joyful at feeling Merlin's touch again, but his heart breaking at Merlin's words) Of course nothing happened. I would never hurt you, Merlin.

Merlin: (smiles a little) I know. (Lets go of Arthur’s hand)

Arthur: (missing his touch already) If you need to... you can ask me to help you again, you know? With the whole touching thing.

Merlin: (surprised) Really?

Arthur: (nods) Whenever you want.

Merlin: (smiles a little) Thank you.

And Arthur finds himself craving those moments too. He always waits for Merlin to initiate the touch. Arthur doesn't risk doing it, fearing he could scare Merlin. So he waits. First Merlin just asks to join their hands from time to time. Then, one blessful day, Merlin tell him is okay to touch his arm or his shoulder like Arthur used to do. Arthur does it gently though, enjoying and appreciating it as he never did before. Arthur feels sense of achievement when Merlin stops tensing at his touch completly, at easy with him again.

Gwaine: (while training, sighs) I miss Merlin's hugs.

Lancelot: (sad) Me too. He's making a great progress with thouch though. And he smiles more.

Percival: Remember when he asked me if I could carry him in my back?

Elyan: And you said "I could carry you with a single finger!" And then you picked him up (All the knights except for Arthur, laugh)

Arthur: (suddenly very sternly) stop chatting and get back to training.

Gwaine: Relax, princess. We were just talking about all the times Merlin-

Arthur: (raises his voice, mad) I said get back to training!

Leon: (worried) Are you alright, sire?

Arthur: (harshly) I'm fine.

Gwaine: (realising) Wait... you've never hugged Merlin before?

Arthur: ...

Gwaine: (laughing) Oh, gods! That's what it is. You're jealous!

Lancelot: (warns) Gwaine.

Gwaine: What? Is not my fault mister I'm-too-great-to-show-affection didn't get to hug Merlin before.

Leon: (seeing Arthur's increasinly furious face, warns too) Gwaine, stop.

Gwaine: And he doesn't get to be mad at us just because he'll never get to hug him now.

Arthur: (shouts and launches himself at Gwaine and they start fighting)

The rest of the knights: (try to stop them but is useless).

Arthur: (about to throw the finale punch)

Merlin: (enters the training ground and aproaches, confused) Arthur? Gwaine? What's happening?

Arthur: (gets distracted at Merlin's appearance)

Gwaine: (takes advantage and makes Arthur trip)

Arthur: (Ends with his face in a puddle of mud)

Gwaine:... 😨

Elyan:... 😧

Lancelot:...😓

Percival: ...😰

Leon: ...🤦‍♂️

Merlin: (burst out laughing) OMG! Your face! I can't! 🤣😂

All the knights, specially Arthur: (stunned but mostly mesmerised cause Merlin hasn’t laugh, properly laugh since they found him in the woods and they have missed his beautiful laugh so damn much)

Merlin: (wipes his tears of hapiness) Sorry. I'm done now.

Arthur: (Thinking, almost in panic) No, you aren't! (Turns to Gwaine and orders) Gwaine, give me your face.

Gwaine: What-

Arthur: (smashes mud in his face)

Merlin: (starts laughing again, but not as hard as before)

Lancelot: (understanding what Arthur is doing, thinks) Is not enough. (Makes a ball of mud and throws it at Elyan's face)

Elyan: Hey! 😠

Lancelot: (pointing at Merlin) Look!

Merlin: (is laughing harder)

Percival: (shouts) Mud fight! (And everyone starts throwing mud at each other)

Merlin: (still laughing) What are you doing, you idiots! Now I'll have to wash all your armors!

Arthur: Don't be dull, Merlin! Join us!

Merlin: (giggles) You're worst than children, I swear. (shakes his head but joins the fight)

Arthur's finally got his Merlin back and he'll never lose him again.

Merlin: ARE YOU-

Gwaine: Fucking

Merlin: KIDDING ME?! YOU-

Gwaine: Fucking

Merlin: IDIOT!

Arthur: *looks between Merlin and Gwaine*

Arthur: No. Just no. *walks away*

Merlin: *follows, yelling about Arthur being reckless*

Lancelot: ... What was that?

Gwaine: Princess banned Merlin from swearing, so I'm helping him out.

Leon: Shouldn't you be the one banned from swearing?

Gwaine: Yeah, but princess lost all hope in curing me of that a long time ago. He just wanted Merlin’s rants to be less intimidating.

Merlin, in the distance: Were you born without any self preservation or did you lose it somewhere in that big empty space between your ears?!

Leon: …

Lancelot: I wish him luck. Hell hath no fury like a scorned Merlin.