Sir Percival - Tumblr Posts

Percival has meme potential.

Let me show you...

Have a blast, people:

Merlin IS Magic. Surely this makes him more than a little different?

I have this Headcannon that because of all his various powers, Merlin is physically quite different to what is usually expected in medical science and Gaius is completely fascinated by absolutely hates it.

I’m talking things like one day he comes stumbling into their chambers with an arrow clean through the left side of his chest, wheezing but somehow Not Dead. It’s because like his dragon kin, Merlin’s heart is on the right side of his body. Gaius swears off everything Merlin related there and then. (He lasts about 30 minutes).

Or how under the concealment charm tied to his neckerchief, Merlin’s eyes are naturaly a blazing gold all the time, fuelled by the magic in his veins. Surprisingly, they also allow him to see quite well in the dark. ‘Like a cat’ Gaius remarks when he finds out about it.

His teeth are a little too pointy? Or at least his canines are. It’s Merlin’s most obvious ‘Medical Mystery’ trait but fortunately nothing that can’t be explained away easily enough. It does however add another point to the creature side of ‘Human vs Magical Being’ tally Gaius has been keeping in his head. For scientific purposes. Of course.

Merlin’s speed and agility are much greater than it has any right to be, even if you take into account the amount of physical labour he does for Arthur; The boy practically flys over the ground. Unfortunately the knights don’t realise this until they bet all their money he couldn’t beat Gwaine in a race.

He can talk to animals too! Mind-speak is easiest but his other method has Gaius tearing out the little hair he has left because his ward Should Not Be Able To Do That. To talk to animals, Merlin simply replicates THEIR language: be that neighing, breying or barking. Laws of Vocal Chords be damned, Merlin can do it.

To top it all off, the Knights aren’t wrong when they banter with Merlin about how little he weighs. Gaius is just glad it shields the boy from anyone thinking too hard about the definitely unnatural fact HE could even lift Merlin with one hand if he so pleased. They’re not sure if it’s an Emrys thing, a hollow-boned dragon thing or if there’s some pixie blood mixed in there but Merlin is secretly quite pleased when his creeping footsteps make much less sound than anyone else’s.

Gaius dreads the day he has to treat Merlin for an illness which isn’t immediately obvious because Dear Albion it could be ANYTHING.

BONUS: for anyone with magic, Merlin can be spotted from a mile away because he literally LEAKS it. Again, Gaius says this is Not Normal and no magic should be coming out of him if he’s not actively wanting it too but the druids spot his unique trait a mile away and it puts other magic users at ease when they’re around him. It’s like a giant warm blanket.

Merlin // Humans parallels

bonus:

,,I can't escape that.''

,,Everything that ever happened to me made me what I am now.''

What if they radio rebel'd uther? What would he do?? kill everyone in the whole kingdom????

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.

-

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

I didn’t believe you could fall in love over a matter of seconds but then I saw Percival running out of an alley with three little kids in his arm. 

A friend told me that Percival and Olivine look alike and-

To me, Merlin’s dynamic with all the knights (including Arthur) is “The only person who gets to torture my brother is me” but like it’s reciprocated

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OK

(long paragraphs incoming you've given me too much freedom here)

I totally think Elyan would be act like such a an insufferable older sibling, like, I don't know the age gap between him and Gwen but I like to imagine it at NO MORE THAN two years so they grew up close and I love them for it

He's a blacksmith (before knighthood) because family trade and all that but he was never fully connected with it, it was just something to help him earn a living.

He FOR SURE could have made a living traveling and gambling (sort of Gwaine adjacent, if you will) but he didn't because he wanted to stay central to where Gwen is, even when they were no contact.

His favorite color is green. He probably really likes sweets and his fatal flaw is his compassion (come on we all watched the episode with the druid spirit). If given the choice yes he absolutely would make a bet and you better believe he'd win. He's probably tried doing magic after the ban is lifted (because it will be lifted) and found that it's just not for him, but he won't shut up that he TRIED it like a middle aged mom talks about partying in her college years.

He makes his own clothes because Gwen showed him how and now he's better at sewing than she is (she doesn't mind, in fact, she's the one who wanted to continue the blacksmithing in the family anyway)

Percival knew Lancelot because he once bailed him out from another kingdom's dungeons because it definitely was his fault he was there anyway. He was probably an only child but grew up with other children so he didn't get to be insufferable.

He's got two moms. He just does I don't know how to explain it. His favorite plant is a tree, and he probably beefed with the squirrels that lived near his home growing up because they never nested in his preferred trees.

He's absolutely awful at lying and doesn't have a subtle bone in his body, his fatal flaw is his single mindedness. He's got a thought? Going to happen you can't stop it he's gone.

okay next question: what do you think percival and elyan are like? (To me they are the least unexplored knights in the show) What are your thoughts? What are their personality like? What do they do in their free time? What was their life before becoming a knight? How was their childhood and: if you were to rewrite them in canon how would you do it?

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＾)

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

Chapter 7 (part 1)

It was the day of the challenge. It was to be held at the edge of the village which looked out to a valley. As soon as the day dawned the challenge began. Elijah had chosen giants of men from his army. Elijah’s men may be strong but the knights were agile and quick. After some time Percival was wounded, and Gaius went up to Merlin.

“What did you do? The swords were poisoned, Percival should have dropped dead by now." said Gaius. "Last night I had gone to their camp to change the swords. I removed the poison but they are forged of magic." replied Merlin. "Forged of magic?" questioned Gaius, dread settling in. "Weapons capable of killing the most powerful of sorcerers." answered Merlin.

The battle continued till eve but none had fallen. Injured but not dead. Darkness started creeping around the village but they continued the battle. In the clang of the swords something clicked and Merlin's head snapped up. He sensed something and put his entire focus on it. Another click. A bolt being fitting in a crossbow.  There was only one death today that would matter the most. Merlin knew what he had to do. He had known this is what they would try to do.  He knew, so he ran. 

The bolt was fired for one person, Arthur. Everyone heard the swoosh of the arrow but it never hit Arthur. Merlin wanted to call out to Arthur or Gaius but when he opened his mouth, "Gw...Gwaine!"  He called out to his friend. 

To hell with his injuries, Gwaine ran with the speed of wind and was immediately by his side.  "Merlin...keep your eyes open. Merlin! EYES OPEN!!" he said.  Percival reached and gently lifted him.  "Merlin!" he heard Arthur. 

"The challenge shall continue tomorrow." said Elijah starting to go away. "no!" said Merlin.  "Eh...boy? Why not?" sneered Elijah.  "Be...because if not dead one...man is dying." replied Merlin. The smile vanished from Elijah's face and Gaius stepped in. "You said it yourself, "One man from all". And he...he is..." 

Gwaine's anger took the best of him. He took out his sword, turned and plunged his sword in his opponent.  "Well, if you wanted someone who was in the challenge, there you go." 

Elijah started to raise his hand to signal attack when he heard Merlin in his head. "Elijah...don't do this. You just killed one of your own kind, how many more must die?"  Elijah lowered his hand immediately.  "My apologies, Your Majesty." he said and retreated with his troops apologizing to Merlin through their connection. 

Chapter 7 (part 2)

"Merlin you old fool!" Arthur said as Percival laid him down in one of the houses.  "What is my life compared to all of yours?" he said. Merlin knew he was gonna die. He was a powerful sorcerer, but the bolt was also forged of magic. It could easily kill him, but he had a few thing to say. Merlin used all the magic he had to keep awake. Gwaine and Arthur sat on either side of his bed while Gaius sat near the end of the bed. 

"Gaius...when I'm gone...." "You are going nowhere!" Said Gaius even though he knew it wasn't possible.  "Tell them....about Emrys. And all he has done." 

"Merlin, please. Merlin you are not dying. You can't die! You have to stay with me, with us! Please, Merlin..." said Gwaine. No one had imagined the day Gwaine would but here he was, silently crying beside his dying friend.

"Why Sir Gwaine? Isn't George enough?" asked Merlin, a small smile forming at his lips. "He isn't our friend, you are." said Elyan.  'Oh yes? Is that the reason you all behaved so harshly? Is that the reason you all were treating him so rudely?" questioned Gaius. "It was supposed to make him mad just for a few days. Until today.." started Percival. "It's his birthday tomorrow. We just wanted to surprise him." said Leon.

Merlin let out a small laugh. He, himself had forgotten his birthday. 

"Be the best knight in Camelot for me, Gwaine." he said and Gwaine nodded in response.  "I will take care of Hunith, rest assured." said Gaius.

"I'll make sure these idiots don't get themselves killed." said Elyan tear streaming down his face as he smiled. 

"Percival...take care of Gaius for me." said Merlin, trying not to wince. Percival clapped a hand on Merlin's shoulder and smiled at him.  

Arthur wanted to say a lot and he would have if he was not crying so much. Merlin was his first friend. The only person who had never seen him as 'Prince Arthur' but as just 'Arthur Pendragon'. He wanted to tell Merlin that he was his most trusted and loyal friend but...he couldn't. He just couldn't. But Arthur just sat there watching his one true friend taking ragged breaths that would soon lead to his last. But when he turned to look at him, Merlin smiled. It seemed as if he knew.  "Arthur....Guinevere" said Merlin and Arthur understood. 

Merlin took one last look at all of them and smiled again. His magic was slipping and he breathed his last words... "When the hour of the greatest need is upon, Walk along the Lake of Avalon Call out for me  and I shall be To try and be that friend indeed."

And as he did the room was filled with tiny balls of lights. Merlin's hand fell limp from Gwaine's.  "Merlin? Merlin!?" exclaimed Gwaine, breaking down beside him. The clang of Elyan and Arthur's sword said it all. Gaius collapsed to the ground and Leon silently mourned. 

"Happy Birthday..." whispered Percival. Even though Merlin wouldn't hear it now. He would never make a joke or give comical remarks. He would never come bustling in the room with that bright smile. He would never see the banquet they had prepared. He would never see the celebrations and the feast they had prepared. 

He would never see them and they wouldn't see Merlin again...

Just Merlin things…. This is my offering to the Merlin Fandom💛 Thank you!