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southfarthing · 1 year

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a gift should not lie idle in hoard

Merlin didn’t think it could have possibly gone any better – until it becomes clear that the way Arthur sees magic is very different to the way Merlin does.

Arthur watches him carefully.

‘You’ve had it… this whole time.’

‘Yes,’ Merlin says, his voice little more than a whisper.

Arthur isn’t shouting, isn’t backing away, isn’t even upset. He has been in a fey mood these past weeks, seeing nothing but maps and battle tactics as Morgana moved into the open once more, her attacks on Camelot now more violent than ever.

‘You’ve kept your talents hidden, of course,’ Arthur says. ‘Not practised them where they are forbidden.’

It isn’t a question. It’s a statement, leaving no space for Merlin to correct him. No room for the acknowledgement of deceit to creep in from the shadows.

Merlin’s heart pounds in anticipation. This isn’t how he imagined any of this would go, and he tentatively dares to hope.

Arthur is pacing his chamber, the hand shakily running through his hair the only indication that the knowledge has unnerved him. He is thinking something through – Merlin has known him long enough to know when Arthur is debating something in his mind – and, with the way his stops are becoming more frequent, it seems he is reaching an answer.

He finally looks at Merlin.

‘What can you do with it?’

–

Merlin is brought into council meetings and secret training sessions with Arthur’s most trusted knights. He notes the doubt in the eyes of Arthur’s – Uther’s – advisors, and he sees the confusion in the smiles of the knights. But Arthur wants him taking part, and his hope grows, strengthens, takes root.

Arthur doesn’t talk much, but things are different. Merlin understands. As war gathers on the horizon, now is not the time for old jokes. Arthur doesn’t talk much with anyone, really. Only instructs, debates, and, often at Gwen’s prompting, listens.

It is only when they are alone that Arthur looks him full in the eye and says, ‘Show me more.’

Merlin shows him force and fire and light, and dark, too. It feels unreal, letting his magic rush from him into the still air in front of Arthur. He can’t help but smile.

Arthur nods slowly. ‘Will that stop her soldiers?’

Merlin falters. He knows the battle is imminent, but… This is his first time showing Arthur anything like this, and Arthur has said nothing about the wonder of the magic. Its warmth, its subtleties.

–

Arthur does not praise him or rebuke him. He is indifferent, Merlin realises.

Tensions in Camelot have never been higher, and the lives of many are at stake. Arthur sees only a means with which to match Morgana’s power and defeat her forces, and Merlin is the one who must now do it.

Again, Merlin understands. He only wishes it weren’t so.

He wishes that Arthur would look at least a little surprised when Merlin uproots trees and sets them gently back. Or that Arthur would smile at the merry fire catching despite the damp wood. Or even that Arthur would look hurt or say something about having been kept in the dark for so long.

But it never comes.

When Merlin asks what people will say when he inevitably displays his magic at the battlefield, Arthur purses his lips. Says he’ll think about it when he needs to.

–

The battle is over. Morgana is defeated, and her men are dead or fleeing or on their knees in surrender.

Merlin’s magic wilts as he stands there on the scorched grass, his body weak from the exertion. He has never done anything like this before, and he hopes he never has to again. Such death, such indiscriminate destruction… he never wants to pervert magic like this again.

If it ever blooms in him again – if it sees him as worthy of wielding such power – he will never use it for harm.

Ahead, Arthur gives him a curt nod. His sword is bloodied, and there are the rare beginnings of pride in his glance.

crossposted to ao3

#merlin #bbc merlin #merlin bbc #merlin fic #bbc merlin fic #merlin fanfic #merlin fanfiction #arthur pendragon #*merlin #mine #my fic #merlin: fic #title taken from aldarion and erendis!!!!!!!!#merthur #merthur fic

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morri-draws · 1 month

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Gwaine x Reader - 'The Threads That Bind Us' - Chapter 1

Story Summary:

You, a humble dressmaker from Camelot’s lower town, are commissioned to make a new gown for Queen Guinevere. Impressed by your skills, she offers you the position of Royal Clothier. During your time in the castle, you catch the eye of one of the knights of King Arthur’s inner circle, Sir Gwaine. What starts as a sweet courtship is turned upside down when misfortune strikes and you must deal with the aftermath, as well as an unwelcome visit from Gwaine’s unpleasant sister.

Rating: Mature

Tags: Female Reader/Gwaine, set between seasons 4 and 5, fluff, angst, hurt/comfort

Words: 3,245

Read on Ao3

The king and queen of Camelot sit at breakfast in the royal chambers, cherishing their morning together before they are required for their duties.

“Oh, that reminds me,” King Arthur says, fork in hand. “The royal clothier is retiring. He has served us for many years, but is getting too old to continue in the position. I shall look among those who serve the nobility for a worthy successor,”

“Why not look in the town?” Queen Guinevere takes a sip from her goblet. “There are many skilled people there. They should not be overlooked just because they have not yet made a name for themselves. We should give them a chance,”

The king smiles at his wife. “You’re right. The common people should have the opportunity to shine. Would you like to see to it, or shall I?”

Knowing that Arthur’s version of him ‘seeing to it’ would be to send out his manservant to do it for him, the queen decides against it.

“I shall go. I would like to see how our people in the city fair. I haven’t been to the lower town for some time,”

Having just reorganized the shelves where the fabrics are stored and displayed, you sweep the floor, gathering any dust and threads that may have fallen during your time tidying. Once a neat pile is formed, you return the broom into the back room and reach for a dustpan and brush, when you hear the familiar jingle of your doorbell, alerting you that someone has entered your shop.

Hastily brushing off your dress with your hands, you step into the small shop front, to see the finest lady who has ever entered your humble establishment. Not just any lady either, but the Queen of Camelot herself. You stare at her dumbfounded for a moment, before lowering into a deep curtsy.

“How may I be of service, my queen?”

“Please, there is no need for such formality,” The queen beckons for you to stand. “What is your name?”

You tell her.

The queen smiles. “Well, (Y/N), I would like you to make me a new gown,”

Her words strike you with utter disbelief, and you’re surely standing with mouth ajar, like a gaping fish.

“Is that something you could do?” The queen asks, jolting you out of your paralysed state.

“Of course my lady, it would be an honour to fashion a new gown for you. Although I am not sure if I stock any fabrics fine enough,”

“I shan’t know until I have seen what you have. Shall we take a look?” she gestures to the fabric shelf behind the counter.

“Of course,” You lead her to the display. “As you can see, it is mostly wool and linen. Any finer fabrics I have are in small lengths, for bodices and girdles and such,”

The queen peruses the fabrics, handling some between her fingers to inspect them. Her dark eyes look over the various bolts, before resting on one on the lower shelf.

“What about this?” She reaches for a silvery-purple velvet.

“Oh yes,” You say, bending down to slide out the bolt. “This was for a wedding gown for a merchant’s daughter. Unfortunately, the wedding was called off,”

“That is sad indeed,” The queen says. “Do you think you might use the fabric for something else?”

“Honestly, no. It has been sitting there for some time. You see, I usually don’t work with such fine fabrics. I just don’t get those sort of customers,”

“Well, then it seems fate has decided,” The queen smiles. “I would like my new gown to be made with it,”

“Yes, my lady,” You pick up the bolt and place it on a nearby table. “Do you have a particular style of gown and trimmings in mind? If not, I can draw up some ideas,”

“I think I would like you to surprise me,”

Her answer is unexpected, filling you with nervousness but also excitement. “Very well, my lady. I will just need to take your measurements, then I can get started right away,”

You show her to the back room and close the door once you’re both inside. Taking out a tape measure, your sewing journal and a quill and ink, you take the queen’s measurements, marking the numbers down in the journal. Once that is complete, you wish each other good day.

Once the queen of Camelot steps out of your shop, you exhale, releasing tension you didn’t realise you were holding. The whole encounter hardly feels like it even happened.

For the next two days, you work on the queen’s gown. First, you sketch a number of designs until you come up with one you’re pleased with. Then you draft the pattern, before sewing a calico mock-up of the gown. On the morning of the third day, the mock-up is ready for a test fitting, so you place it carefully in a wicker basket you usually use for shopping at the market, along with your case of dressmaking tools.

You trudge your way up the muddy streets of the lower city, legs aching from the incline, when you finally reach Camelot castle.

You pass through the portcullis and over the bridge, finding yourself in a large courtyard. You look around in wonder at the grand, snowy-white walls of the palace, never having seen a structure so ornate. Yes, you have of course seen a view of the turrets from a distance in the lower town, but it doesn’t compare to seeing it up-close.

Once you’ve taken in the sights, it occurs to you that you have no idea where to go. Turning on the spot, you attempt to identify entrances into the castle. Would it be most proper to find a servant’s entrance? Perhaps you should find someone who looks like a servant to help you. You’re about to single out someone in the courtyard when footsteps approach you from behind. You whirl around to see a man dressed in chainmail and a scarlet cloak: a knight of Camelot. You have seen them come and go through the lower town, both on foot and on horseback. You’d often watch them as they passed, wondering what sights they might see on their patrols and quests throughout the kingdom.

The knight has dark, shoulder length hair that waves at the ends, and facial hair, a length somewhere between stubble and a short beard.

“Do you need some help?” He asks. “You look a little lost,”

“I need to see the queen,” You reply.

“And what business might you have with the queen of Camelot?” He asks in a way not at all accusatory or suspicious, but as a general inquiry.

“The queen has tasked me with making a new gown for her. I have come to conduct a fitting,”

He nods, your reason accepted. “I can take you to her. Here,” He reaches for the handle of your basket and takes it from your grasp.

“There’s no need for you to carry that, sir. I can manage,” You move to take the basket back.

The knight pulls his arm away so you can’t reach it. “And there’s no need to call me sir. The name’s Gwaine,”

“A pleasure to meet you, Gwaine. I am (Y/N),”

“Well met,” He smiles. “Shall we go?” He inclines his head toward a staircase across the courtyard.

You follow your guide into the castle and up a narrow flight of stairs. As you pass through a corridor, he turns his head to you.

“I haven’t seen you around here before. Have you been in Camelot long?” He asks, maintaining his stride.

“A couple years,” You reply, keeping pace. “I still can’t believe the queen visited my shop to commission a gown,”

“That is quite the honour,” Gwaine says, turning a corner and leading you down another passage, before halting in front of a double door. “Here we are. Let’s see if she’s in,”

He knocks upon the door thrice.

“Enter,” a feminine voice says from within.

Gwaine opens the door and pokes his head inside. “(Y/N) to see you about a dress,”

He steps aside and gestures for you to enter.

“Good luck,” He smiles as he hands you your basket and heads back the way he came.

You step into the royal chambers, where the queen stands beside a rectangular table, two windows in the wall behind her flooding the room with light.

“Please come inside,” The queen says with a smile.

“Thank you my lady,” You come forward a few steps. “I have made a mock-up version of your gown, so that I may conduct a fitting. Then I can see if any adjustments need to be made before I start on the actual gown,”

“Of course. You may set your things down here,” She gestures to the table.

You place your basket down and retrieve the dress, a box of pins and a piece of chalk from within it. The queen shows you to the left of the room, where a double archway leads into a bedchamber. A large, four poster bed is positioned against the back wall. On the adjacent wall is a stained glass window with a writing desk in front. Against the wall opposite the bed is a full length mirror beside a wardrobe and a wooden privacy screen, which the queen steps behind.

“Do you need some assistance getting undressed, my lady?”

“Yes, thank you. Just with the back fastenings,”

She sweeps her curly, dark brown locks over her shoulder so you can access said fastenings. Once they are all undone, she does the rest, removing the gown so she is just in her shift. You help her into the mock-up gown and pin it closed at the back.

“Turn around please, my lady,”

The queen does as you say, and you inspect the fit of the gown. You place pins here and there, where adjustments need to be made, and make some markings with chalk. Once you are satisfied, you help her undress.

“If you have the time, my lady, I’d like to make these adjustments now, so we can try it on again in a few moments,”

“I have time,” She gestures to the table for you to sit down, while she opens the wardrobe and retrieves a crossover robe, which she slips on over her shift. She then joins you at the table, sitting at the other end to give you space to work.

“It still seems so strange having someone else make my clothes for me,” She says.

You glance up from your work.

“I used to be in your place now, making gowns for… well…” She trails off.

“Do you ever miss how things used to be?” You ask, as you weave your needle in and out of the fabric.

The queen looks to the side thoughtfully.

“I’m sorry,” You say quickly. “That’s probably a silly question,”

“No, not at all,” The queen smiles reassuringly. “There are some things I miss about those days. As a servant, I could pass through the castle and go completely unnoticed. You can’t go anywhere like that as queen. Everyone’s eyes are on you at all times, like they’re waiting for you to slip up, make a mistake,”

You nod as you listen to her answer. “That must be difficult,”

“It can be,” She agrees. “But one thing I definitely don’t miss is hauling buckets of water up flights of stairs to fill my mistress’ bathtub,”

You laugh. “Indeed. Hopefully one day someone works out a better system,”

You finish off your stitch, snipping off the end with scissors.

“The adjustments are made, if you’d like to try it on again?”

You both return to the screen and you repeat the process from before, pinning the gown closed and having her turn around. You look over the garment, smoothing and tugging some areas, until you step back, satisfied.

You help the queen out of the mock-up gown and back into her regular gown, before you pack the mock-up and your sewing tools back into the basket.

“I will get to work with the velvet right away. It should be ready in a few days,”

“Wonderful,” The queen replies. “But please do not rush yourself. I have no deadline to meet,”

You give a small curtsy and leave the royal chambers, tracing your steps back to the courtyard, thankfully not getting lost on the way. Once you’re in familiar ground again, you make your way home in good time.

You spend the next few days working on the queen’s gown, your focus entirely on that task, since you don’t have any other work at the moment. Truth be told, your business hasn’t been doing so well, and you’ve been starting to think you might have to find more work. But this job for the queen should help to at least give you more time to figure something out.

Four days pass and the gown is finally finished. As you look over your creation, you believe it is your finest work yet. Once you’ve made yourself some lunch, you wrap the gown in paper, and carry the parcel up to the castle.

With no knight to guide you this time, you make your own way across the courtyard and up the steps, entering the castle to climb stairs and walk down corridors, until you make it to the royal chambers. You rap on the door and the queen greets you a moment later, beckoning you inside.

“It is finished, my lady,” You hold out the parcel in front of you. “Would you like to try it on?”

“I would love to,” The queen presses the palms of her hands together excitedly.

You follow her to the dressing screen and help her out of her current gown and into the new. Once it’s all fastened, she steps over to the large mirror by the wardrobe and gasps once she sees her reflection.

“(Y/N), this is absolutely beautiful,” She turns her body from side to side, looking at every angle, before shooting an ecstatic grin your way.

“If there is anything at all you would like changed or adjusted, just say the word,”

“Oh no, this is perfect,” She strides toward you, taking your hands in hers. “You are very skilled, (Y/N), you should be immensely proud of your work,”

Warmth flushes your cheeks at the compliment. “Thank you, my lady,”

“I won’t wear it today, since I’ve already been seen about the castle wearing something else. I don’t want to appear as a frivolous queen who changes her gown five times a day,” She grins. “I’ll wear it to the council meeting tomorrow, I think. If you can help me back into my other gown, I have something I want to discuss with you,”

You join the queen behind the screen again to help her undress. Once she’s back in her previous gown, she leads you to the table and you sit down together.

“Tell me, (Y/N), are you happy with your current situation in the lower town?”

Taken aback at the question, you’re unsure what to say.

“Please, be honest,” The queen says. “Is your shop doing well? Can you get by comfortably?”

You look down at your hands in your lap. “Truthfully, my lady, business is not so good,”

She gives you a sympathetic look. “I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable by asking you. I just wanted an idea what your situation was, before I made you any offer,”

“Offer?”

“I am very pleased with your work, (Y/N), and that is why I want to offer you the position of Royal Clothier,”

You stare, gobsmacked. “Me?”

“Yes, you,” She smiles. “I understand this is no small thing. If you accept, you would move into your own chambers in the castle. You would leave behind your current home and shop. However, as royal clothier, you will not need to rent your rooms as they come with the position. The chambers are fully furnished and well-lit, perfect for needlework,”

You listen intently, trying to absorb every word of what the queen is saying. No more worrying about making rent, no more hunching over your work in a dingy room, no more fretting about if and when the next job might come along.

“I know this is a lot to take in, so I don’t expect you to answer right away. You may have a few days to think it over,”

“I don’t need to think it over,” You blurt out. Of course you’re scared. It’s a huge change. But you can’t carry on how you are now. You know this has to be a step in the right direction, and not just a step forward, but a step up. “I accept the position,”

“That’s wonderful!” The queen grins. “Of course you must have a few days to pack up your belongings. Please let me know if you need any help, I can arrange for someone to assist you,”

“I don’t have much to move,” You admit. “I will be able to manage on my own. Thank you for your kindness my lady. I cannot express how much it means to me to be given this opportunity,”

The queen takes your hand in hers. “You deserve for your skill to be recognised, (Y/N). I am more than happy to help with that,”

Overcome from this kindness, you find it hard to keep your emotions in check.

“I can see that I’ve quite overwhelmed you,” The queen says, standing up. “I should let you get back home,”

You stand as well. “Thank you again, my lady. You can expect me in two days’ time. I won’t need any more,”

“Excellent,” She leads you to the door, and opens it partially, looking back at you. “Just one more thing, (Y/N). My name is Guinevere, but my friends call me Gwen, and I would like us to be friends,”

You smile. “So I should call you Gwen?” You confirm.

“Exactly. No need to call me my lady. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that,”

You make it back to the lower town at an alarming rate, your elated mood adding a spring in your step and speed to your gait.

Beginning your descent down the main street, a flash of scarlet ahead catches your eye. Four of Camelot’s knights on horseback are heading your way at a leisurely trot. You scan their faces, three of which you do not recognise, but the fourth you realise is the knight you met a few days ago, Sir Gwaine. Since the knights are riding, they are soon at your position in the street, three of the four passing by. Sir Gwaine slows his horse and comes to a halt, dismounting. He leads the horse by its reins and comes your way, greeting you with a smile.

“You look very pleased,” He says, stopping a few feet from you. “How goes your quest for the queen?”

You break into a smile. “She offered me the position of royal clothier, and I accepted,”

“Congratulations,” He grins, his delight seeming genuine. “I suppose I’ll be seeing you around, then?”

“Yes, I suppose you will. I will be living in the castle,”

“You’re moving up in the world,” He says, stroking his horse’s flank. “Anyway, I’d better get back. Duty calls. Until next time,” He gives a small wave and mounts his horse again.

#gwaine #gwaine x reader #sir gwaine #merlin #bbc merlin #merlin bbc #reader insert #merlin fic #bbc merlin fic #my writing

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themundanemudperson · 3 months

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my fave merlin fanfic trope is when the knights + merlin are captured/confronted by someone who claims to be/serve emrys. then magic reveal but lighthearted. and also merlin is So Done

this is me asking for more of that trope. pls drop some fics with this trope!!

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queerofthedagger · 2 months

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sharpened teeth, tender blades

[Arthur/Gwaine/Merlin | Mature | 400w | ao3]

written for the @merlinmicrofic prompt 'hunger'

For as long as Arthur remembers, there has been a hunger, an insatiable need burning underneath his skin.

It’s a selfish, terrible sensation; what has a prince to desire, after all, that he cannot order into his chambers, that he cannot decree to be satisfied?

Arthur has learnt early that it is nothing so easily fulfilled.

His skin is itching, and he wants—he wants. Something more, something larger than life, someone that does not merely look at him to find a crown and gold-spun promises. He wants nails leaving marks upon his skin, teeth against his jugular, wants desperate hands and panting breaths. To feel, just once, that he is human, simply and irrevocably.

Merlin placates the worst of the thirst, when he finally, roughly, presses Arthur into soft sheets, mouth as insolent and sharp as ever. He takes Arthur apart methodically, unflinchingly, takes his pleasure with no care for all that Arthur is meant to be.

For a while, Arthur thinks that he could be happy like this. Content.

But Arthur is a prince and Merlin is a sorcerer, and between them, duty has woven a net so intricate, they cannot escape from it no matter how they thrash. It only draws closer, and Merlin’s hands still are salvation whenever Arthur needs it, but—

But. It isn’t enough, everything between them turning into war. Arthur feels worse about it than he ever did—a blackened pit of guilt and greed, swallowing him up, spitting him out, devouring itself because whatever he throws at it is never, never, never enough.

He knows it isn’t for Merlin either. They don’t talk about it, but they know. Some days, Arthur wonders if it’s the only thing that makes them cling to each other, still.

And then, eventually, there is Gwaine.

Gwaine, who slots into the gaping spaces between them like they were made for him. Who takes Arthur between himself and Merlin, hands uncompromising, words barbed and tender-fleshed. Who pours himself down Arthur’s throat, larger than life, cuts without mercy through all of Merlin’s walls.

Who is so cracked open with hunger that it burns, and for the first time, with bruises and teeth marks on his skin, Arthur learns the meaning of peace. To lick the blood off his lips, hold relief in his hands, and give all that he is; a triune beast that finally, finally, finally sustains itself.

#*mine #mona's writing #bbcm #arthur x gwaine x merlin #bbc merlin fic #merlin micro fic #i started this with the aim for it being merthur and then gwaine was like. bet #so here we are i guess #magic courage strength but make it a lil fucked up. as a treat <3

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nooowestayandgetcaught · 4 months

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In A Field Of Marigolds

read on AO3

~1k, Arthur Pendragon/Merlin, T-rating, S4 Canon AU

Summary: Letting go of Merlin means failure. Arthur refuses.

#merlin #bbc merlin #arthur pendragon #merthur #merlin fandom #merlin fanfic #arthur merlin #merlin arthur #bbc merlin fanfic #bbc merlin fic #bbc arthur #merthur fanfic #merlin x arthur #arthur x merlin

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minim236 · 3 months

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Love is a Battlefield

Camelot is falling and yet, Arthur has one thing on his mind.

Or the alternative royal wedding.

#bbc merlin #bbc merlin fic #arthur pendragon #guinevere pendragon #arthur x gwen #gwen x arthur #arwen #merlin #one shot #battle couple #fluff

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merlinoutofcontext · 24 days

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i wrote a post camlann fic where merlin and gwen fall in love. <3

tell me yet, dost thou not know my voice?

Rated: M

In the aftermath of it all, the only thing the two of them were left with was the other person. They were both so intimately familiar with the nauseating ache that was the human experience of love and loss that it came easily to them; the falling into one another.

#bbc merlin #merlin bbc #bbc merlin fic #merwen #mergwen #merlin x gwen

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regulusrules · 8 months

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I AM NOT CRYING FOR FINALLY POSTING A FIC I AM NOT CRYING I AM NOT I —

Summary:

“Do you fear me, Merlin?”

5 times Arthur asked Merlin that question throughout their years.

#i am #AAAAAHHHHHHHH #merlin #bbc merlin #merthur #ao3 #merlin fic #bbc merlin fic #arthur pendragon #king arthur #merlin bbc #merlin x arthur #bbcm #fic rec #LJ recs #regulusrules recs

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epsilonwolf1983 · 10 months

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Gwain: put your hand up if your single

*most put their hand up but Merlin’s stays down*

*Arthur explodes with jealousy*

Arthur: what?! Who?!?

*Merlin confused holding up his hand with his wedding ring and Arthur’s with the other*

#bbc merlin #merlin #arthur pendragon #incorrect merlin quotes #bbc merlin fic #merlin is so done #oblivious Arthur Pendragon

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thenerdyindividual · 8 months

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hey! im obsessed with arthurs welsh christmas, that fic altered my brain chemistry. im searching currently, but i was wondering if you could rec any more of your merthur fics that are similar? (I think i specifically enjoyed arthurs pov and the whole low stakes of it all, just them falling for eachother.) it was so lovely. thank you for your help and also for writing such an incredible story, should be a real hallmark movie tbh.

Omg this was such a nice ask to see! If you’re looking for similar things, right off the bat would be

A B&B Romance in Modern Wales

Arthur Pendragon works sixty hour weeks and is devoted to his family name, until one night Uther goes just a bit too far. Restless and confused, Arthur gets into his car and drives until he can't. It is the middle of the night in a small village in Wales, and a helpful officer directs him to a B&B for the night.

There he finds a kindly innkeeper, his very weird historian gremlin nephew, odd people, odd situations, and even odder - himself.

A slightly absurd and very gentle story about coming back to yourself, finding a true family, and realizing that historian gremlins are actually really hot and rather amazing, and perfect to fall in love with.

That’s the most similar to Welsh Christmas. Features small quirky town, low stakes, and falling in love.

There’s also

Then and Now

Merlin skips a year of school when he is seven and ends up in Year Four instead of Year Three. The older kids all pick on him and the worst is by far Arthur. A stolen book brings Arthur and Merlin together, and they become best friends. Sadly, nothing they do can stop Arthur from being sent away.

Morgana pressures Arthur to hit on a guy in the pub. He does it to shut her up, but it turns out Emrys is actually a lot of fun to be around. One date turns into many. Arthur has never been happier.

Seems like fate had something else in store for Arthur and Merlin after all.

It’s a shorter fic, but you get childhood cuteness and then grown up flirtation and dating.

The Ethics of Sleeping with a Hot Stranger

In which Merlin meets Arthur at a club and goes home with him, only to find out that Arthur's occupation is less than undesirable. Good thing he has supportive friends who won't at all roast him for his poor life choices.

Merlin finds out Arthur is a cop and has a small crisis about it. But it ends in fluff and explanation of Arthur’s poor choice in career.

The Boy I Love, He Got Wavy Black Hair

Merlin heads out early one morning to help Lancelot in his classroom. When he meets Arthur at his office for lunch, his hair is different. Arthur is not a fan.

This one is a bit different since it’s established relationship, but Merlin catches lice. Much Arthur dramatics and teasing ensue.

Lastly, if you’re willing to go outside of straight up modern au, there is

You Hear Him Howling Outside Your Kitchen Door

Merlin thought a type-a student trying to break into his office to replace a section of an essay would be the strangest thing to happen to him, but then a man shows up on his doorstep naked and seemingly drunk. Giving that man a helping hand opens up the door to a strange hidden part of society in London. There is a group of lads who all live together and take way too much enjoyment in playing football together, but there is something more to them than meets the eye. Merlin just hopes it won't affect his growing relationship with their unofficial ringleader Arthur Pendragon.

It’s an urban fantasy au where all the knights are werewolves. It’s still got that fluffy falling for each other low stakes romcom vibe, but there also happens to be werewolves.

I hope these give you something to start with @isuckatbeinghappyallthetime! Thank you so much for reading my fics and for asking for more! That means so much to me!

#bbc merlin #merlin #merlin fic rec #bbc merlin fic #bbc merlin fanfic #merthur fanfic #merthur fic #merthur #my fics #merlin/arthur #merlin x arthur

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make-me-imagine · 1 year

Text

Love and Loss

Plot: Years after the love of your life disappears, you find your way to Camelot to start over. Just when you think things might turn out alright, you see a ghost from your past. Gwaine, the love you thought you had lost forever.

Pairing: Sir Gwaine x Gn!Reader

Prompts: “Leaving you was the hardest thing I ever had to do did."+ “Don't look at me like that." "Like what?" "Like you still love me.” - I could not find a way to put in the third prompt, sorry! Requested By: Anonymous

Warnings: Angst, sad. Themes of Abandonment, family death, loneliness. Mentions of violence, death, being assaulted.

A/N: Though it sounds super angsty, which it is, it does have a somewhat happy/hopeful ending, and could have a part two if desired.

Words: 3.6k

Entering the gates into Camelot, you felt your chest fill with anticipation, excitement and anxiety. This was the beginning of a new start for you, and you had no idea how it would go.

It took a lot to convince yourself to accept Gwen's offer of a place at the palace. You weren't sure if that was what you wanted. But as your village grew smaller and smaller, and you had no one left there, you decided it was time to start again, even if it would be hard.

Spotting Gwen waiting for you near the market stalls, you grinned and waved your hand in the air.

You had met Gwen when you were a lot younger, when you and your father had come into Camelot for a fair. The two of you had become fast friends and often wrote letters to one another over the years.

When she saw you, she quickly made her was towards you wrapping you in a hug as soon as she reached you.

"Oh, I'm so glad you made it safely, how was your journey?"

"Long, but not too hard luckily. I managed to befriend a few travelers who brought me a great distance on their carriage."

"Oh good! Well, come on, I have so much to show you, the market and palace has changed quite a lot since you last visited."

"I've heard much. King Arthur, certainly seems to be making a difference all across the kingdom."

After she showed you around the market, you stopped outside the palace walls to discuss the options for jobs you could take.

Stopping mid sentence as you heard a familiar voice, you looked around, your eyes stopping on a passing group of knights.

As one of the men laughed, and turned to look back at another knight, you felt your heart drop and your breath catch it your throat.

Gwen, seeing your sudden change in demeanor, followed your gaze.

"Gwaine?" You muttered, shock and uncertainty obvious in your tone.

"Do you know Gwaine?" Gwen asked.

You turned to look at her, and she could see the obvious shock on your face. You nodded your head lightly as you looked back here he had just been, seeing he was gone, again.

"He- we- we were.."

Gwen frowned before she gently grabbed your arm "Wait, is Gwaine the one you told me about? The man who disappeared?"

You nodded again, feeling overwhelming emotions course through you.

Gwen, able to see this, gently tugged your arm "Come on."

Ushering you to her cottage where she was allowing you to stay for some time, she gave you a few moments to gather your thoughts as she sat beside you. You had told her briefly what had happened a few years previous, but you never told her Gwaine's name, or exactly what had happened.

Taking a deep breath, you looked over at her as she waited patiently across from you.

"Around five years ago, a man came into our village. He was injured after a skirmish with some bandits in the forest. Gwaine. My father allowed him into our home, and we helped him recover. During that time, to repay us for our kindness, he helped us around the house, helping my father fix the roof, work his job when he was sick. Eventually, me and Gwaine fell in love. Oh Gwen I loved him so much. But I was always afraid he would feel the need to leave again. Nothing ever seemed to keep him in place, he was a traveler, he love adventure. A quiet village life was not appealing to him, I knew that. After some time, he reassured me he would not leave me. That he loved me. He even told me that he would marry me one day." You looked down at your hands "And I believed him. I truly did, and I do think he did love me. But...he was never the type to settle."

You stood up and walked over to the window, trying to repress the tears that were forming in your eyes.

"One day, after about a year and a half of being in the village, he left to go to a nearby town to get supplies. But he never returned. I waited every day for him to come back. But he never did. So I waited for a letter, but never received one. I decided he must have been killed. Because the idea that he chose to leave me, hurt too much. But now....he's here, and he's a knight nonetheless." You let out a soft almost scornful laugh. "Now I know, I was not enough to make him stay."

Gwen rose and walked over to you, gently placing her hands on your arm "I'm so sorry Y/n. I had no idea. I mean...Gwaine has mentioned a great love in the past, but...I suppose he was too ashamed to say anything else."

"How long has he been here?"

Gwen thought for a moment "Nearly two years I think."

You nodded "I mourned him Gwen. Every day."

Gwen sighed "What will you do?"

"I don't know" You shook your head "Maybe I should not stay here."

"You mustn't let him chase you away Y/n. You need a new place to start over, where else would you go?"

You turned and looked at her "I don't know. But...I'm afraid."

She pulled you into a hug "I know. But perhaps this could give you your answers, and you can move on, stop mourning." Pulling away, she met your gaze "Please stay. For a week at least, and if after that you still want to leave, I will support your decision."

You thought for a moment, uncertainty still coursing through you. You really did have no where else to go.

Letting out a shaky breath, you nodded "Alright. I'll stay, for now."

She smiled softly "Good."

"What do I do if I run into him though?" You asked with a sightly panicked expression.

She shrugged her head slightly "Slap him?"

You let out a laugh and shook your head "I would be lying if I said he wouldn't deserve it."

Looking out the window again, you feared what would happen when you saw him again. What would be his answer to your long asked question. 'Why did you leave me?'

--- ---- --- ---

Over the next few days, you managed to avoid seeing Gwaine all together. You were not ready to face him. So when the knights left on a short scouting quest, you felt relieved you would not have to peer around every corner, at least for a short time.

You and Gwen walked through the market picking up supplies for dinner. Looking through some vegetables in a basket on the ground, you froze in place when you heard a familiar voice call out.

"Hello Gwen, how are you today?"

Gwen, looked down at you with an alarmed look before looking over at Gwaine as he approached.

"Gwaine! I thought you were on the scouting trip with the other knights?"

"Oh I got the easiest part, I'm already done." You could practically hear the grin in his voice as he spoke.

Standing, but with your back still towards him, you felt your hands beginning to shake as nervousness washed over you.

As Gwen spared you a brief look, Gwaine looked over her shoulder. He felt his heart jump a bit as he recalled the similarity to someone he had once known.

"Who's your friend?" He asked with an uncertain voice as he stared a the back of your head.

'Oh, um-" Gwen stuttered as she looked back to you.

You clenched the basket in your hands tighter as you let out a shaky breath. Slowly turning around you spoke, your voice soft, yet full of obvious emotion.

"You used to know my name."

As you turned and Gwaine's eyes fell on your once familiar gaze, he felt his heart clench in his chest. Your eyes were still the beautiful shade he would recall at night when he thought of you. Your voice still sent chills through him. You were still you.

"Y/n." He muttered softly, mouth agape.

"Ah, so you do still know it." You said softly, yet scornfully as you looked briefly down at your feet.

Looking back up at him, you met his eyes with an attempt at a cold gaze, but the tears that threatened to build caused a shine to glaze over your eyes, revealing your true emotions.

"Nice to see you're still alive."

Gwaine frowned slightly at this comment before recalling that he gave you no word of his whereabouts after he left. A familiar guilt rocked through him, causing him to take a deep breath in.

"Y/n." He repeated, a bit louder this time.

Clearing your throat, you turned and handed money to the clerk at the stall. Looking back at Gwen you forced a smile "I think that should do us for dinner then."

Gwen nodded, looking from you to Gwaine nervously, as she watched you begin to leave.

"Y/n, wait!" Gwaine quickly stepped past Gwen and grabbed your hand, stopping you.

As you felt his hand in yours, you felt your heart swell, but you yanked your hand away, turning towards him with a bold gaze.

"You don't get to demand me to wait after what you put me through."

Gwaine faltered, his voice was low "Y/n. Leaving you was the hardest thing I ever did."

"And yet you seemed to do it so easily." You said scornfully.

You saw him flinched a bit at your words but you would not allow yourself to feel guilt

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, you cut him off "I thought you died."

Your voice came out softly than you meant, and you saw his eyes widen slightly.

"I convinced myself that was the only thing that would stop you from coming back home. But now I see I was wrong. You chose to leave and never come back. And now your a knight? Something you swore you'd never be?" You scoffed as you stepped back from him "What else did you lie to me about?"

Gwaine began to follow after you as you turned away to leave, but Gwen grabbed his arm. Looking back at her, she shook her head "Not now Gwaine, give them some time."

"How long have they been here?"

"A few days. Y/n saw you in the courtyard the day they arrived, it's been a lot to process."

Gwaine looked back to see you disappeared at the end of the road. Guilt sat heavily in his chest, he needed to talk to you again, to explain. There was no good excuse, he knew that, but he needed you to now how much he regretted what he did. He needed you to know how much he still loved you.

--- --- ---

Gwaine's eyes searched through the trees as he looked for you. He managed to find out you had gone out to gather herbs, and he was determined to speak with you.

Finally spotting you through the trees, he made his way over to you. His steps were hurried, so he was not able to sneak up on you.

Turning at the sound of footsteps, you saw Gwaine falter for a moment as you looked at him. Your heart jolted in your chest, but you looked away from him, quickly picking the herbs you were after.

Finally reaching you, he stood behind you for a moment before he finally spoke "Y/n, I wish to speak with you."

You remained silent as you continued to walk to gather other herbs. Gwaine let out a sigh but followed you.

"Y/n please., I want to explain." He begged as he followed you. Reaching out, he grabbed your arms and forced you to turn and look at him.

You met his eyes and or a moment he saw your gaze soften, before it was quickly replaced with hurt.

"Please Y/n." He said again, his voice soft as he stared into your eyes.

Your heart was hammering in your chest as he looked at you. His familiar gaze, even wracked with guilt made you heart beat fast. The way he stared at you, as though he still cared for you like he used to made your heart ache.

"Don't look at me like that." You muttered out, almost in a whisper.

"Like what?"

"Like you still love me."

Gwaine felt his heart ache at this, your face so full of hurt, and doubt, all of it he caused. He frowned as he shook his head lightly "I do still love you."

You closed your eyes tightly as you pulled away from his grip "Then why did you leave me?"

Gwaine hesitated for a moment before he sighed "For no good reason. I just...after I left the village, I felt the desire to keep going, to keep moving again, and I just...didn't stop. But that doesn't mean I did not love you."

You let out a soft huff of air. "If you loved me you would have come back." You voice began to grow in anger.

"I did come back."

You frowned "What?"

"I did come back. After a month, but I- I saw you, outside the cottage, with your father, laughing. And I thought, that maybe I didn't hurt you as much as I thought I did. And I thought that maybe it would best if I didn't barge back in again."

You shook your head "My father makes one joke to cheer me up after I thought the love of my life either abandoned me or died, and you thought that I meant I was better off? Gwaine, I was devastated. I waited outside the cottage for you for months. Every day for weeks, I walked down to the river to look for you, hoping that I might see you come over the hill with a grin on your face. Every day you didn't come back broke my heart more and more!"

Gwaine's own eyes were burning with the threat of tears as you spoke to him. He could see the pain he caused in your eyes like it was a fresh wound.

"You don't know what it was like, being alone after that." You let out a soft whimper as you spoke.

"But you had your father to help y-"

"He's dead." You cut him off. "He died four months after you disappeared, I've been alone ever since."

You saw the realization and pain cross over his face. He stepped back as he looked down at his feet. He and you father got along great, you new it would hurt him to learn he died.

"I was alone, and I needed you." You added on once more, as tears streamed down your face.

Gwaine met yours eyes against and his heart broke. Stepping forward, he grabbed you and pulled you into his chest, wrapping his arms around you.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." He muttered into your shoulder.

For a moment, you allowed him to hold you, allowing yourself the one thing you wanted for so long. Before you pulled away from him.

He watched as you stepped back, giving him one last look before you walked away. He watched you go, and even though everything in him was screaming to chase after you, he didn't.

--- --- ---

Adrenaline rushed through you as you rushed through the crowds, everyone was running in different directions trying to get somewhere safe.

Making your way down the street towards Gwen's home, your eyes landed on one of the soldiers who had attacked Camelot. One of the knights of an enemy kingdom, hoping to catch King Arthur off guard.

At the same time that your eyes landed on him, his met yours. You saw a smirk cross his face. Looking around, you realized you were the only one around now, everyone else had fled.

Looking to the ground, you saw a deceased soldier. Quickly grabbing his sword, you spun back towards the enemy soldier who was stalking towards you. You kept your blade out in threat as you backed away.

Your breath was heavy as your hands shook, you were not a soldier, you were not a knight, why was he coming after you?

A voice whispered in the back of your mind that made your skin crawl 'He just wants to kill'

Suddenly lunging at you, you blocked his attack, but stumbled back. Quickly, he knocked the sword from your grasp and hit you in the face before grabbed you. Pulling your arm back, you punched him in the face as hard as you could before stomping on his foot, trying your best to get away from him. You yelled out as you struggled in his grip.

As Gwaine rushed through the streets to locate anymore of the enemy soldiers. His eyes were drawn at the sound of a yell.

Looking down the road, he felt his heart drop and stomach twist as he saw one of the soldiers grappling with you. He began running towards you, watching as you hit, and fought against the man. His blood boiled as the soldier yanked at you violently.

As the man lifted his sword, preparing to strike you down, you clenched your eyes shut. Hearing a clank of metal before the man groaned and let you go. You stumbled back, opening your eyes.

You saw Gwaine step in front of you as he began to fight the man. You felt relief and worry wash over you as you pressed yourself against the wall, and watched as Gwaine fought to protect you.

After a few minutes of fighting, Gwaine dealt a deadly blow. You flinched and looked away.

"Y/n?"

Hearing Gwaines voice, you looked back up to see him slowly approaching you.

"Are you alright?"

Coming back to your senses, you nodded "Yes, I'm alright."

Gwaine sighed as he came up to you, gently taking your hand in his. Looking around, he gently tugged on your hand "Come on, let's get you somewhere safe."

Following his lead, you looked down at your intertwined hands, feeling a once familiar spark of intimacy and safety.

Finding your way back to Gwen's home, he ushered you inside, looking around, you spoke with a worried tone "Where's Gwen?"

"I saw her in the palace, she's alright."

You let out a sigh of relief as you sat down in a chair, lowering your head in relief and exhaustion. Seeing Gwaine kneel down in front of you, you slowly looked up at him.

He had a frown on his face as he slowly reached up, taking your face in his hand. He gently caressed is thumb over the mark left on your face from the soldier.

You saw guilt, and anger wash over his face before he met your eyes. As your eyes locked, you felt a familiar warmth build in your chest, reminding you of the day you and Gwaine had first kissed.

You had been injured when thrown from a horse, and Gwaine came to help you. You had mud on your face and he brushed it away. Your eyes locked, and before you really knew it, you were kissing. It was he beginning of your relationship, of your great love.

Gwaine was surely thinking the same thing, as his eyes gently fell to your lips.

Seeing this, you felt nervous, and reminded yourself of what your relationship with him now was.

Looking down a your feet, you spoke softly "Should you not go back? Surely others need help."

Gwaine let you a soft breath "Most of the soldiers were captured or killed, the one who hurt you was one of the last. I'm not going to leave you."

Seeing the way your eyes shot to him momentarily, he felt his chest clench.

He gently caressed your chin "I wont. Not again."

Placing his hand in yours, you let out a soft breath and shook your head before you looked back up at him.

"You can't just charm me back into your good graces Gwaine."

A soft, almost sad smile crossed his face "I know."

"I wont force you to come back to me. I understand that I hurt you. And I deserve all the anger in the world for what I did. I just need you to know that I do still love you, I never stopped. And I will always be here if you need me. We can both make Camelot our home. And eventually, if you want to, we can start again. Because I will be right here, waiting."

"I-" You started, before letting out a sigh "I do still love you Gwaine, no matter how much you hurt me, I could never stop."

You saw hope fall over his face and you softly shook your head.

"But I am not ready to forgive you, not yet. We are both different people now, it would not be the same."

Gwaine's face fell a bit, but he nodded in understanding. "I understand. But believe me Y/n, I wont give up. We are back in each others lives for a reason. Whether it is fate, a second chance, or just coincidence, I will do whatever I need to do to make sure I don't lose you again. And I will wait however long it takes."

As he slowly began to stand, he tilted your head up, before pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. You close you eyes briefly at the action.

When you opened them again, he was staring down softly into your eyes "Stay in here, to be safe. I will come back to check on you shortly, I need to make sure the attack is over."

Nodding wordlessly, you watched him go. And as he left, you did not doubt he would come back. And the previous anger you felt for him had faded. You could not forgive him yet, but you knew you would.

And you couldn't help but wonder what would happen after you did.

xx End xx

Could possibly do a second part to this at some point if people want it.

General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @caswinchester2000, @imaginesfire, @onuen, @rexit-mo, @witchygagirl, @alexxavicry

BBC Merlin/Gwaine Taglist: @flourishandblotts-inc, @spuffyfan394, @dominos-palast, @ambitionspassionscoffee, @locke-writes, @morgaussy, @starship-argo, @a-lumos-in-the-nox, @that-marvel-simp, @phoenix1389, @multifandomfix

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many-gay-magpies · 2 years

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Magpie, can you rec me merthur fics? Your top 10?

yes ofc i can!! a lot of these are just some ive read more recently but here u go :> top 10 merlin fics, in no particular order (despite what the numbered list may suggest)!

garden or graveyard by shanastoryteller | this one is SOOO GOOD. it's in the longer oneshot category (11k words roughly) and it takes place in an au where arthur also has magic (albeit to a lesser degree than merlin). it's very sweet and heartwarming, while also delving some into the culture of magic in camelot and a magic-having arthur's upbringing within that culture, and the magic reveal scene is one of my favorites i've ever read.

arthur enchanted by platonic_boner | another oneshot (smaller this time, around 5k), very funny and sweet! arthur gets enchanted to obey merlin's orders, which is obviously no problem at all, as a servant would NEVER dare order around their king... lol. this is an "arthur already knows about the magic" fic and i just really love the dynamics throughout!

our lips are sealed by eat_crow | an even SHORTER oneshot at only 1.9k-- it's truth spell time baby!! arthur and merlin get imprisoned by a sorceress and get doused with a truth spell that caused them to reveal, among other things, merlin's magic and their love for each other. despite the seriousness that comes with magic reveals a lot of the time, it very quickly becomes more silly and light-hearted just bh virtue of what else the truth spell reveals (i won't spoil much hfjgbng)

dower the stars by rorounihime | this is a longer, multi-chapter fic (8 chapters and around 40k) that i read a while ago, but remember being super good (ive actually been meaning to re-read it sometime soon). it's one of those fics where the description makes you think it'll be king of funny and lighthearted, but then the fic itself kind of rips your heart in two-- set in an alternate future magic-legalized camelot, where a great druid prophecy/event of sorts states that merlin will find his "other half" (presumably another magic user) with whom he will be all-powerful, and arthur angsts internally while watching merlin court and GET courted by all these other magic users. very nice build up and a very satisfying release/ending from what i can remember; i'm always a fan of fics where character represses their feelings for the sake of character b's happiness, so this one was right up my alley.

you have to chase it by arthurandhisswordbros | let's throw in a modern/reincarnation au for some spice! 8 chapters and 41k words. it's a social media au of a sort, and normally i'm not one for social media aus, but there is just something so... incredibly special about this one. arthur reincarnates and, five years after finding his "place" in the modern world, discovers twitter, where someone appears to be impersonating the legendary wizard merlin... wonder who that could be? the fic is very sweet, funny, and sad/emotional in parts; it's honestly one of my favorite takes on a modern/reincarnation au ive ever read and i find myself going back to it again and again. the character dynamics are just splendid, and watching arthur's progression from just SURVIVING in the modern world to actually LIVING in it was beautiful. 10/10 would recommend

the weight of words by waldorph | a good portion of this already short (4k or so i think) fic is sex, but the arthur characterization is SOSOSO good i love it so much. this is an especially notable instance of me loving it when bbcm fanfic writers take his character and run with it to the point that it's hardly even canon arthur anymore (but still somehow manages to be a beautiful interpretation/spin on his canon self?? idk man i love it a lot.) just gonna copy the author's description for this: "Arthur knows how to use words just as well as Merlin, and he knows about the magic."

linger on your pale blue eyes by supercalvin | longer oneshot; 18k or so. this one is so good-- it's basically an examination into how arthur views himself as a prince and how his body is viewed by himself and others (read: touch-starved arthur, which always slaps), coupled with some very soft and sweet merthur. the magic reveal in this is so low-key, which is something i like a lot in an abundance of fics where the reveal happens in a big, angsty dramatic flare (which are good in their own right, but can get tiring after a time). loved the arthur characterization in this one!

the gold of you that can't be seen by fleetling | another shorter oneshot (4.5k), and a soulmate au! you can see every color except for the color of your soulmate's eyes until you meet them, and arthur can't see gold. i love this one a lot because it shows the progression of arthur's worldview as he ages (from believing that magic is evil like his father taught him, to working towards or considering legalizing it after his opinions have changed a great deal) very well. includes a few heart-wrenching scenes with young arthur and uther, and a very light-hearted magic reveal!

how to love a living thing by polomonkey | the WHUMP. the ANGST. the HURT/COMFORT. this baby is 17k words of it and it is BEAUTIFUL. i'm just gonna copy the author's summary here because it gives you a pretty good idea of what the fic is about: "Guilt ridden and lonely after his confrontation with Nimueh, Merlin slowly begins to isolate himself from Arthur. When two knights take it upon themselves to teach him his place, Merlin finds himself with nowhere to turn. Will he be able to reach out to his prince before it's too late?" forewarning, there is some minor SA and a variety of mild-to-severe violence/abuse in this, but if that's not something that bothers you too bad then i definitely encourage you to give it a read!

strike of lightning by helloearthlings | another good soulmate au to top off the list-- this is one where you have a tattoo on your back that represents your soulmate, and if the tattoo moves, it means your soulmate has magic. arthur's soulmark is a raging thunderstorm, and uther orders him to kill his soulmate the second he meets them. very good and sweet, would definitely recommend if you enjoy/are partial to soulmate aus

(and an edit, because i literally just read this fic after answering this ask and im feeling VERY insane about it)

and with my opened mouth i join the singing light by intothefirewego | bro oh my god. i cannot even BEGIN to explain this fic my mind is still reeling. it stole all my marbles theyre dead gone decimated. nonetheless i will attempt anyways: basically, this is a (mind-blowingly beautiful holy SHIT) magic reveal fic, among other things, wherein merlin is injured in an attack from a sorceress while he, the knights, and arthur are riding back from a venture to an illness-ridden village; merlin nearly dies and arthur bargains with the sorceress that did it to save his life. but its also soso much more than that and i cant begin to explain ANY OF IT without giving major spoilers but basically its just really beautiful and well-written and you should absolutely go read it if you're not squeamish around graphic descriptions of blood (because there is a lot of that). wonderful unpacking of arthur and merlin's characters and their relationship with each other; 10/10 so beautiful i started crying

#asks #anon 📝#bbc merlin #fic recs #bbc merlin fic #merthur

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