Fellas Is It Gay If You Start Having A Feeling When Your Ex-manservant Holds Your Hand

Dragonlord reveal pt 2: The Darkest Hour Rewrite

Read chapter 1 here

Read it on AO3 here

Arthur could hear nothing but his own footsteps as he walked towards the rusty boat. He was faster than the others, but he knew they were catching up with him.

From above he heard a gruesome screeching sound. The wyverns had returned, and they seemed to dive down to attack the knights. They all still had their swords drawn, and so his feet automatically dropped into a defensive stance when suddenly a thunderous sound boomed across the isle.

“Leáfan" Merlin shouted into the sky, his voice much darker and stronger than anything Arthur had ever heard before. It sounded like thunder rumbling in his chest; powerful and strong. Arthur guessed it was a command — not so different from the ones he would use on his knights in battle. He had no idea what Merlin had said, but if he was a betting man, he would probably be correct in that Merlin ordered them to leave.

The wyverns bowed their head at Merlin before flying away, soon becoming nothing more than small black dots in the sky. They could be mistaken for birds, but Arthur knew better. They were fire breathing beasts that Merlin had simply asked to leave. And so they did.

It took every ounce of warrior training not to flinch at the sound of his best friend using magic.

Was it magic?

How would one describe what Merlin had just done, what he had admitted to. Merlin was a dragonlord. His own silly, gangly, loyal, foolish, Merlin had powers to rival a king. In fact, he probably could rival a king. With power to control beasts like that with nothing more than a simple word…the thought was terrifying. No wonder his father had killed all the dragons.

And Merlin’s entire family he reminded himself. Except Hunith, thank goodness Uther never touched her. But the warning from the Caelliach was ringing in his ear. Arthur was the son of the man responsible for Merlin’s family legacy’s end. Not only was he powerful. He was of noble blood. If Merlin told the truth earlier, then Balinor had been a duke, and his seat was now rightfully Merlin’s.

What a thought. Merlin, a duke. Just for a moment Arthur allowed himself to internally laugh at the idea of Merlin sitting in the uncomfortable council chairs. But as soon as the thought came, he banished it from his mind. The fleeting moment of joy was over.

“Let’s go” He commanded and started untying the ropes to the boat. Sir Percival had been in charge of securing it in place, and had done a great job at that, for Arthur struggled to untie the knots, and not just because his hands were shaking.

“Here, Sire” the man in question walked up to him and began helping him. Two sets of hands began working the rope. “Are you quite sure it’s done? That we can leave and the veil will remain closed?” Percival asked his king, voice carefully open.

Arthur found he had no answer. The silence surround them was excruciating, for no one dared speak. To tell the truth, he knew it in his heart that Merlin had closed the veil for good, but it was too raw to explain. So instead he gave a curt answer to quell the question on everyone’s mind.

“It is done. The Caelliach said that M… That the blood was accepted by the gods. We cannot afford to stay here any longer, we ought to return back to Camelot as soon as possible”

The knights started moving towards the boat. Percival and Leon got in first, yet the boat seemed to stay perfectly afloat under their heavy weight as if by magic. Arthur watched as the others carefully stepped into the small boat, until it was onto him and Merlin remaining on shore.

Merlin stood still, eyes fixed in the stone floor beneath his wet boots. “Am I coming with?” He whispered, not even dignifying Arthur by looking at him.

“What?” Arthur sputtered, “Just get in you idiot,” he grabbed for Merlin’s shoulder, but the dark-haired boy simply moved out of his way as if burned by Arthur’s touch. Merlin had never recoiled from Arthur before, and he found that it stung more than when he first heard Merlin call himself a dragonlord.

A king does not plead. But Arthur is not yet king, only Prince Regent. So he allowed Merlin to hear the desperation in his voice as he said “just get in”

“Say something” Merlin demanded after an hours ride. They had quickly found their way back to their horses and made way for Camelot. No one had spoken since Arthur begged Merlin to get in the boat.

“Say what exactly?” Arthur snarled. Now that the blasted island was far behind them, he allowed the fear to dissipate and instead welcomed the anger and hurt he had buried earlier. Arthur rode hard ahead, but threw his head back to look at Merlin who was riding next to Lancelot and Gwaine. Of course he was with them. It’s always them. “I’d rather think it’s you who should say something, Merlin”

“I’m not apologising for saving our lives, sire. And I’m not apologising for being born like this” Merlin jutted his chin out in that petulant little way of his. Gods he was annoying when he was right.

Arthur moved Llamrei to the side and gestures for Leon and Elyan to lead on. The knights did as he commanded because they, unlike Merlin, actually listen to his orders. He waited until Merlin’s horse, whom the idiot had named Apple, came trotting towards him. Lancelot seemed to understand his wishes, and moved away give the two of them some room.

Gwaine remained stalwart by Merlin’s side, not knowing whose orders to follow. Eventually, he gave into Merlin’s pleading eyes and with a huff of dissatisfaction rode over to Lancelot.

It was only a pretence of privacy. All of the knights could and would hear their conversation, but at least Arthur could pretend he was alone with Merlin as they spoke.

“I won’t lie and say I’m happy about this. Well, I am happy that the veil is closed and that Camelot is safe again, but.” He paused to gather his thoughts. How does one put into words the feelings he was currently experiencing. Betrayal, anger, hurt, and grief on Merlin’s behalf.

“It’s not just this secret that bothers me Merlin. It’s the fact that you kept it a secret. Why did you never tell me? Did you not trust me enough with this? I thought we were friends”

Arthur hated the thought of Merlin grieving his father alone. He himself had leaned on Merlin so much during those first weeks of his father’s sickness. He still does. Merlin was like a rock to him, always there, steady and strong. But now it had crumbled into dust.

He was angry, furious, and confused, but most of all, he was hurt. He needed Merlin by his side, he needed that constant support and encouragement. He thought they were equals; that they never lied to each other. Turns out he was wrong.

And the worst part of it all was that he couldn’t entirely blame Merlin either. His manservant had no choice but to keep this part of himself secret. The risk was too great should anyone find out. And Arthur is not yet king, if Uther orders him executed his word will stand, despite his sickness.

“It was never my choice, Arthur. I was born to be a dragonlord. Upon my father’s death, I would inherit his powers just like Sir Leon would inherit his father's estate. Even if I had never met Balinor, I would still inherit his powers. But unlike Sir Leon who will one day become a Duke upon his father's death, my lot In life cannot be traded or taken away. Uther may die tomorrow and another knight may challenge you to the throne. That is not how my powers work"

Merlin was rambling now, in his usual way, where the words kept coming out of his mouth like water from a waterfall. Unable to stop until it runs dry.

“These powers exist within me, I cannot just ignore them, or pretend it’s not there. Dragonspeak is not something I studied or practiced, it just appeared within me when we faced Killgarrah that night. These powers make me part dragon, part man. Killgarrah and I share blood; he is my kin and in some obscure unfathemable way, my uncle. And I cannot ignore that."

Merlin looked resigned to his fate as if it was a heavy burden to bear. Arthur could not keep his eyes off Merlin as he spoke. He indeed had no knowledge of a dragonlord's powers, and it was just as fascinating as it was frightening to hear what changes had happened to his friend in a matter of seconds after Balinors death. To only know your father for a day and a half before he dies in front of you, leaving an unknown and broken legacy in his wake...Arthur grieved for Merlin.

The knights in front of them kept quiet, but he could tell they were all speaking to each other through their eyes. They too looked stricken with grief. It was clear that they were all listening to Merlin, whose voice hitched when he began explaining more.

“Imagine that you were the only knight left in Albion. The only one, all the others had been executed and you’d been made to watch. You escape and wander the land for twenty years thinking you’re the last of your kind, the only one still following the knight's code and serving your king."

Merlin allowed the knights a moment to think and really imagine such a life. It sounded horrible, Sir Leon looked uncomfortable and Arthur felt it even more so. Life as a lone knight. It was unbearable.

“But then suddenly, you hear whispers of another knight. If you can find him you will no longer be alone, you can share your experience and life with him. Someone just like you, someone who can understand. But it turns out you only get one day with him before you’re killed, and you die knowing that he will now be alone forever”.

Merlin looked resolute not to cry, but his eyes were red and tears were pooling near the waterline. Still, his jaw was held firm and his hands tight around the reins. “That was my father’s life for the last twenty years. He was awaiting execution when he escaped Camelot. And then later, he had to flee Ealdor after only a few months because Uther heard rumors of him staying there. Your father risked war with Essetir by sending his knights over the border just to kill him."

It was heartbreaking to hear and Arthur was about to speak when Merlin opened his mouth one last time. "So my mum was alone and Balinor never knew he had a son. Nor I a father."

It became silent again after that. No one spoke, and Arthur decided it was time they made camp for the night. It would still be another two-day ride before they reached Camelot, but at least, they could all sleep knowing that their kingdom and lives were safe. Merlin made quick work on the bedrolls and cooking gear. Once done with his work he looked over to the fire the knights were in charge of building.

Elyan struggled with the wet flint, smacking it against his blade, but no sparks came. The logs too remained unwilling to catch on fire. With cold fingers, Merlin reached over and gently took the flint and knife from Elyan. He didn't speak, but his eyes glowed gold and suddenly a small flame emerged among the logs. The small flame grew quickly into a steady fire, warming their camp.

Sir Leon looked completely baffled as he muttered "You spoke no incantation. There was no spell". Privately, Arthur agreed in his confusion. He had seen sorcerers conjure flames before, and it had always been a powerful and dangerous thing. Merlin's tiny flame seemed nothing like that.

"I don't need one. Controlling fire comes just as naturally to me as swordwork does to you. It's something I could do blindfolded." It was obvious he was somewhat proud of this ability, just like any knight would be of their control over a sword. Of course, the idiot would not allow Arthur a moment to think before he said something he had never wanted to hear.

"Before you bind me to the stake, you should probably know that one of the powers of dragon nobility is being immune to fire." Merlin carelessly put his hand inside the flames and picked up a hot, red stone. "It's how I'm able to get your bathwater so hot" He offered a sad smile to his Prince as he put the rock down and withdrew his perfectly fine hand from the flames.

Arthur felt anger like never before. His voice rose louder than he had intended “Do you really think I would execute you?”

Arthur didn’t know how to exist without Merlin by his side. Who was Arthur without Merlin? They were Merlin and Arthur, Arthur and Merlin. They came as a pair. He’s heard several of his knights and staff joke that you rarely see one without the other, and if you do — something is terribly wrong.

And right now something was terribly wrong.

Merlin, a dragonlord. Merlin, who could create flames without even uttering a spell. His Merlin. His Merlin was bound to be corrupted by the magic that lived in his veins.

But then he remembered Balinors behavior. Sure, the man was rude and standoffish, but be had not caused them any harm — in fact, he had saved Arthur’s life despite knowing whose son he was. Was that the behavior of an evil man? And if the dragon-abilities are inherent, he must’ve been a dragonlord for well over thirty years at that point, so why was he not corrupted yet?

Perhaps Merlin’s dragon abilities were not as corruptive as magic, he thought. Hope begun to bloom in his chest as he realised his Merlin might be saved from the same magical madness that consumed Morgana.

Merlin sighed again, and Arthur hated it. Merlin was always so fierce, so happy and full of life. “Many have been burnt for less. Just a whisper of the word sorcery and your father ordered the gallows built. If he finds out whose son I am, he will have me executed in his stead”

It was true, but Arthur would never let that happen.

"I am not my father. And I will not see my best friend die"

Is it just me, or is it weird, vaggie has long hair?

Vaggie long hair being down all the time is a bit strange? I mean, she is the protector of the hotel. Shouldn't she have her hair up or at least have a hairdo where her hair can be out of her face?

Like, don't get me wrong, I have long hair, but I always keep it up because, first, my hair gets in my face, and It really annoying trying to take your hair out of your face every 5 minutes.

Second, the number one rule in fighting is to never leave your hair down. Why? Because the person you are fighting can grab your hair and pull. The same goes for jewelry.

____

In episode 7, vaggie confessed that she didn't know how to fight with long hair.

I totally understand why vaggie has trouble fighting with long hair. Since she used to short hair, but vaggie character (at least for me) is shown to always be on edge, shown to think the worst, and only really trust charlie.

So it is a bit weird because why vaggie hasn't been practicing fighting with her long hair?

I mean, again, she is the protector of the hotel, and it hell, anything can happen!

Also, another question: How long has vaggie had long hair? I mean, once her hair grew out, she didn't think to practice adjusting to her new hairstyle?

____

Final takes:

Anyway, I do appreciate that in the final episode, they do put vaggie hair up in a ponytail. So that was nice

But I feel like some of the dialog should have been thought though a bit more before going in the all clear.

My review of episode 3 is coming soon, so stay tuned for that!

Honestly, people always talk about Lucifer depression. But for me, personally, after his introduction episode, his depression is suddenly gone.

It's heavily implied he has been in a depressed state for at least 7 years. So, for it to suddenly disappear after he started talking to charlie it quite strange.

(I mean, I guess it because he became happier? But I don't know)

Not to mention his depression is also treated as a funny joke by a lot of fans

So, I just want to add before I end this post that even though the character is fictional, depression is not.

Depression can have a significant impact on a person's life, affecting their mood, sleep, appetite, and overall well-being. It's important to remember that depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Vassago character is just another character that wasn't really needed:

● his character doesn't add anything to the plot, story, or any of the characters as a whole

● Plus, the only character that is shown to really know vassago is andrealphus

Andrealphus and vassago argument sounded they knew each other and now hate each other

While..

When stolas is like, "the only way I know how...song."

Vassago loudly start saying, "Yes, Yes cantalo baby!"

Stolas looked at him as, "okayyyyyyy weird, but whatever."

If stolas was his friend or knew him, he would've been like, "Oh hey, vassago!" Or something like that

● as mentioned earlier, he contributed nothing to the trial/plot even though he was hyped up to be an important pivitol plot character for months

Only for him to say barely anything and only thing meaningful he did was saying that stolas was needed since this was his trial in way

But then nobody listened, and stolas ended up coming to basically just to save blitz life

After their first time

Arthur: we're lovers now!

Arthur: hell yes, now I can shower Merlin in presents and no one will find it weird!!!!

Merlin: if you so much as give me new expensive boots, I will kill you

Arthur: Lands!!! TITLES!!!

Merlin: *realises how much work that is* I've never regretted getting laid as much as I do right now

Arthur: ✨knighthood✨

Arthur & co getting transported to the time before magic was outlawed and preparing for a dark and scary world of bloodshed and horror only to find a world that shines and gleams with happy, smiling faces and magic flying free. Sorcerers are a natural part of daily life and are no different than the average citizen. Arthur is a bit stumped and Merlin is overjoyed, practically bursting with joy as he takes in the world around him. He keeps running off to perform magic openly but Arthur worries about him getting hurt bc he doesn’t trust this world so Merlin has to keep sneaking away but Arthur just keeps chasing after him and Merlin keeps running away and Arthur…eventually buys a child safety harness (cough a leash cough) to keep Merlin with him. Lancelot helps him break out. Arthur puts them both on a leash- I mean, child safety harness. Gwaine busts them out bc hes a slut for casual treason and pissing off Arthur

More for this AU

another of my conference posts!

All Viv characters are majority mean-spirited.

Yes, there are expectations like Charlie and Millie. But the majority of both show all the characters shown are mean, hateful, or say inappropriate things towards other characters.

These characters never get called out on their behavior.

And it might be funny to laugh at the joke, but once you step back and realize if you were in Moxxie place, getting fat shame in your workplace by your boss daughter and the boss himself. It wouldn't be funny anymore.

Not to mention, it been shown time and time again that Blitz follows Moxxie and Millie back to their apartment. And either watches them outside or break into their apartment.

So, even at home where Moxxie is supposed to feel safe, he still puts in the position where he has to probably make sure Blitz isn't anywhere.

Hazbin Hotel, all the characters in the main group (expect Charlie and Sir pentious) are so mean-spirited that if they existed in real life, I just know nobody would actually try to stay in the same room as them then maybe a couple of minutes.

Honestly, I genuinely believe all the characters in their respective shows are all like the family members that dislike each other, but would still meet every Saturday for family dinner, then to just get in fight with another family member.

Typical trope of the woman being better at archery than the man but the woman is Merlin and the man is Arthur (and the Knights).

It’s probably a bet or Gwaine trying to flirt with Merlin, or maybe Leon worries about his safety to the point he makes him, but one of the Knights offer to teach Merlin to shoot. They figure he’ll be safe as you normally need some distance to shoot and doesn’t require too much strength. (in the instance of Knights, they tend to not realise that a bow string is very taught and hard to pull if you want to shoot well as they are already sturdy in muscle.)

Gwaine goes to hold onto Merlin’s me show him a proper form but Merlin just scoffs and shoos him away.

Arthur finds it hilarious that Merlin is so confident as he thinks it will be funny to watch him embarrass himself, until he watched Merlin pull the bow with more ease than even the most trained archer.

Cue them watching Merlin shoot every target with as close to perfection as one can get (without controlling the wind).

Putting the bow down and blushing despite his prideful grin, Merlin just shrugs at them as if he didn’t just blow all their minds, “We had survive somehow in the village.”

Gwaine cackles with glee while Leon debates for illy picking up Arthur’s jaw.

We all know the "everyone loves Merlin" and "everyone ships merthur" trope almost always work together...

Now imagine... The people love Merlin but don't think Prince Arthur, or Prince pratt, as they call him behind his back since Merlin started it, deserves him.

They do notice that Arthur is fond of Merlin... But to have the prince seduce their favorite servant? Have him hold his power over the poor manservant with twice the jobs he should normally have?

Hell no.

Give me protective Camelot. Give me Camelot citizens who constantly try to cockblock Arthur on purpose.

Also, jealous Arthur, as a treat.