go be gay for that poor dead intern

~

“God, he was so slimy. Did you see the way he was looking at me? Like I was a meal. He’s practically old enough to be my Grandfather,” Morgana shudders, holding her hair up so that Gwen can undo her lacings.

Gwen giggles, pulling one of the strings so that it tightens, instead of loosening. “Sorry,” she mumbles, and her thumb brushes warm over the skin she has exposed. Her breath hitches at the contact.

“Ahh, but you know it’s what Uther wants,”Morgana continues, unaware. “Me, married off to some horrible old friend of his, somebody else’s problem.”

“I would never let that happen,” Gwen says, fervently.

“I believe you, Gwen, but I don’t know how you could stop it.”

“I’d find a way,” she says, mouth set determinedly. “Or I’d go with you.”

“You would?” Morgana asks, turning to face her. She looks surprised, her still painted lips parted, slightly.

Gwen’s hands twist, discomfited. “Of course I would. You’re— you’re my— I couldn’t ask for a better mistress.”

“Gwen,” Morgana says kindly, her green eyes shining, “I hope that is not all I am to you. Not after all this time.”

“Of course not. Only I— I would never want to speak out of turn, or offend you. Never.”

“You could never. You’re my friend, Gwen. My best friend. I hope that you feel the same way.”

“I do.”

Morgana smiles, genial. “So when I am married off and sent to some distant place, I will bring you with me. I would miss you too much if I did not.”

“That won’t be for a long time,” Gwen reminds her.

“It better not be,” Morgana says, resolute. She turns, moving her hair out of the way again so Gwen can continue her work, “because you promised me that you would help me embarrass Arthur, and I don’t think he’s been sufficiently flummoxed yet. I wouldn’t want to leave Camelot if he still had his ego. Think of all the people who would suffer.”

Bonus same text post because Shanks is truly the most divorced man in the world

BBC Merlin (2008-2012)