#ballinor

Merlin was so stressed this episode, he have tears in his eyes most of the time and Arthur kept interrupting him trying to tell this man that he's his son omg 💀. But I love how Ballinor soften up to Merlin even before he found out his he's son (Merlin just have that charm with anyone I swear).

BUT WHEN HE FOUND OUT???? HE WAS SO SOFT AND TENDER OMG. HIS EYES, THEY MELTED WITH AFFECTION. He spoke softer, he try his best to make Merlin feels comfortable, he's so jaded and rough round the edges but he's just so unbelievably soft with Merlin I CANNOT. The "goodnight son" And Merlin STUPIDLY HAPPY SMILE AND HIS SMALL "Goodnight father, " OH I AM SO SICK.

I find it interesting that this is the second time (as far as I remember, the first one with Freya) in season 2 that Merlin fantasize leaving Camelot. He WISHED Ballinor would've taken Hunith when he ran away, he WANTED to grow up with his father even if it meant away from Camelot and I feel like its a good contrast, where Merlin is still trying to find his footing and where he belongs and his yearning to find something more than destiny in the earlier season compared to the later seasons. "We could've been... Happy" THIS BOY IS SO SIMPLE HE JUST WANT HIS FAMILY GODDAMN.

Ballinor carving that dragon statue for him 😭😭. He really ask no question, he be like, im a father now. I'mma take responsibility.

Merlin is so happy and his smile is literally the purest omg. THEY WERE SO HAPPY FOR A SECOND THERE. I feel like Ballinor finally found a new reason to love and survive and Merlin find a new kin, a father.

Of course it didn't last long. GIRL HE CAN'T EVEN MOURN OPENLY. *scream into a void*.

I just have a newfound love for Ballinor. I always know he's awesome but upon rewatching he's just the best father ever. HE DESERVES MORE. I WANT MORE FIC OF WHAT MERLIN LITTLE FAMILY COULD BE.