I know I'm not the only one who felt uncomfortable with Merlin's powers to compel dragons against their will, particularly with the show centred on Merlin trying to achieve safety and freedom for magic users.
But what if that power goes both ways? Dragonlords may be able to command dragons, but dragons can steer the course of destiny and absolutely wreck the ship.
What if dragons can cause a person monumental levels of predestined pain and suffering, absolutely crush them with the narrative and make not just their hero's journey, but the realisation of their destiny pure unadulterated hell?
Dragonlords who abused their power technically end up achieving their goals, but it's at so great a personal cost that the dragonlords of old were like "yeah, no, we're not gonna fuck with that. How about we just be friends and respect each other?"
Of course, no one was around to warn our poor boy Merlin. My new HC is that his and Arthur's destiny looked so different to the one he expected, and that he suffered so much loss on the way, because he messed with Kilgharrah.
After the Quest
Elaine, the Lily Maid of Astolat by Sophie Gengembre Anderson
The Terror | 1963 | dir. Roger Corman
Merlin: I won't say "I told you so." Merlin, 0.2 seconds later: I told you so.
When encountering someone stuck in an Apology Loop, I do not uselessly ask, or worse, demand that they “stop apologizing.”
Rather, I have found it much more useful to affect a theatrical tone and formally “absolve” them. “Like a Renaissance pope, I absolve you, my child.” Usually the combination of having the absurdity of the situation highlit, combined with a touch of physiological release if I can get a laugh, is enough to soothe their nerves a bit and get them to break the loop. And who knows maybe they feel absolved I dunno I have an authoritative bearing
Angel Barrett
Words from On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
"the world" tarot card, 2023, inspired by excalibur (1981)
I'm a proud future owner of a Camlann tape 🙋🏼 I clicked so very fast when I got the notification. So excited for it to arrive🔥!
Yep, you read that right, you can now acquire Camlann's beautiful original soundtrack by @tincanaudio on cassette. It features some incredible art too - including a cover by @arianwells and graphic design and illustrations by Moira Daykin!
There are only 100 of these cassettes, and Amber will be hand-numbering each one. They really are unique.
All proceeds raised from the sales will go towards making season 2, which is a thing we are still trying to do and will only be able to do with your help.
Keep the fires burning.
She/Her | 31 | Herbal Tea EnthusiastInterested in: hurt/comfort, fairytale retellings and folkloreCurrently down an Arthurian rabbitholeLeMightyWorrier on Ao3
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