Shadowless Dreams

—The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller

MERLIN, 1.01 x 5.13 Arthur Pendragon First and last line (sort of)

I think Arthur knew, at the end. That he loved Merlin. I think he spent years denying it, to himself more than anyone. And I think he never accepted it because he knew Merlin better than anyone even without the magic. He knew there was something missing. And how can you love someone like that when you know there’s a piece of them you haven’t figured out HOW to love?

And then he found out Merlin was a sorcerer. And I think it clicked in his head, then, that “oh. That was it. That was the piece that was missing, and I do love you. I love you anyway.” And I think he thought about saying it, right then, but knew he was going to die and didn’t want to do that to Merlin. So instead, he said “hold me” and swore to whatever heavens would listen that he’d find a way to tell him someday.

5.13 ⋄ The Diamond of the Day

“Beyond even the grieving and mourning process, certain trees and plants were respected as powerful spirits in times past, and with their historical connection to the Underworld, had the power to help the dying pass over the veil, and arrive safely at their destination in the Other realm.”

-‘Funerary Trees, Folklore and Practices in Grief and Mourning’ from The Witch’s Cabinet: Plant Lore, Sorcery and Folk Tradition by Corinne Boyer

“And when God takes you back we'll say Hallelujah, you're home”

Merlin 5x13 Diamond of the Day Part 2

i still don’t think i’m over the implications of this scene