#bamf merlin is MY KING

[justaz]

need post magic reveal/ban repeal where magic is free and everyone grows in their knowledge of just what magic is and how it works etc, etc. merlin (isn't one for bragging about his powers) doesn't really mention much about his magic so people just assume he has enough to get by with like chores but not enough to catch the ire of uther EXCEPT for gauis, lancelot, and arthur bc gaius and lancelot have known about him for years and know what he's capable of and arthur sat merlin down and demanded all the stories so arthur knows he'd be a formidable opponent but he doesn't really get it yk? so he's like "yeah merlin has magic and he's capable of defending himself and camelot so he's probably on the more powerful end of the spectrum like every other sorcerer who is powerful"

and then i need merlin to be Different. like noticeably different. like idk a sorcerer is like trying out to be court sorcerer (bc merlin doesn't want another job dammit arthur give it morgana or someone-) and they perform this elaborate spell that captivates merlin and he starts asking all these questions and the sorcerer is like "yeah it's super difficult, it took me months to get it right and it takes years for some others-" and they cut themselves off bc merlin was just like "i wanna try" and does it perfectly first try. the sorcerer is seething.

camelot is hit with a heatwave and everyone is suffering and arthur is just like "morgana can you make it rain or something? it's too hot to breathe." and morgana is just like "no you idiot i can't just bend nature to my will. it doesn't like that." and merlin finally arrives with waterskins full of nice, cold, refreshing drink that the knights are frothing at the mouth to get. arthur complains again and morgana huffs and merlin is like "has he been like that this whole time?" and morgana nods with a groan and merlin laughs before going "i can try something" and leaves before anyone can say anything and arthur looks at morgana and is like "i thought you said nature doesn't like to be controlled?" and she's like "it doesn't" and then they all chase after merlin but he's chilling in the courtyard with his eyes closed, not even chanting, and then the sky starts to darken as black clouds roll in, the temperature plummets and then...snow begins to fall. in july. they all end up having a snowball fight.

a power hungry sorcerer comes along and is like "emrys....he's perfect....just what i need...teehee" and casts some spell over merlin and begins to siphon his magic and his power and merlin feels waves of his magic flood through the connection and into the sorcerer and like he's a mix of panic and concern bc yeah this mf is taking his magic but they're taking his magic. merlin tries to bargain or talk them down while the knights and arthur try to attack but the sorcerer keeps pushing them back and ignores merlin and is like "i want power, i want your power" blah blah blah monologue time and they swing another wave of magic out at the knights and knock many out while killing some and merlin is just like "ok no that's all folks thanks" and starts to push his own magic through the connection. the sorcerer has this wild gleam in their eyes and they feel more and more power fill them and it's like a high until it gets too much and they frantically try to sever the connection and their telling merlin to stop but merlin is just like "i thought you wanted my power? i'm giving it to you" and continues to flood the sorcerer with his magic until gold begins to trace their skin and they idk explode or smth and then all the magic flies back into merlin and he flexes his hands. unnamed knights 3, 6, 22, 53, and 55 still died so it's a tragedy.

a bunch of sorcerers are entertaining at a feast (kind of like the trickler) and they cast illusions all around the room that look real enough (unless you look too closely or touch it bc they are somewhat see through and your hand would pass right through them) and it's a fun and joyous night. later that week, the knights bring it up during their break while training and merlin is like "sure, what illusion should i cast?" and after some back and forth, he settles on the illusion of a dragon. it's around the size and age of aithusa bc that's all he has to go off of and it's gold since he took inspiration from the pendragon crest all around the area. it jumps around and flaps it's wings to get some air and it's all fine and dandy until elyan goes to poke his hand through it's ribs but meets physical scales and he jumps up into percival's arms. merlin looks closer and is like "oh. its real. whoops." and leon is like "whoops?? you make a real life dragon and all you have to say is whoops?" and merlin shrugs and is like "it was an accident" and leon about keels over from a heart attack "an accident? how do you accidentally-" the dragon is considered a gift from magic to camelot and helps further heal the wounds of uther's purge.

idk just like merlin being casually the most powerful sorcerer to walk the earth and unnerving people just by how little he seems to care about his shows of power but they're all like "well he's just doing all these small things that don't harm anyone and he doesn't even seem to realize just how powerful he is so what can ya do?" and they leave it be and make peace with merlin being Like That. and then camelot/arthur is attacked or smth idk and then everyone gets to see exactly how powerful and dangerous merlin is

[regulusrules]

Tags for BBC Merlin Fics

Since this post of general tags seems valuable, here is a specific one for my fellow Merlin readers and writers!

Can you guys believe that there are only 34K fics in our fandom that are tagged? When we have 62K+ fics!! There are so many hidden gems out there that honest to god changed my LIFE and deserve all the recognition in the world

So here is a guide for what are the most used/searchable tags in our fandom!

For Canon Era Fics

Merlin's Magic Revealed - Magic Reveal - Arthur knows about Merlin's magic - Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic - Episode Tag (for example: s01e04: The Poisoned Chalice) ((all episodes have a tag, and it's important to mark which setting are we in from the start)) - Merlin is Emrys - Merlin Needs a Hug - Protective Knights - Merlin dies - Everyone knows about Merlin's magic - Arthur-centric - Merlin-centric - Golden Age - Magic Ban Lifted - Merthur - Post-Camlann - (character's name) Lives - Arthur has magic - Merlin's Scars Revealed

For Reincarnation / Modern Fics

Arthur Pendragon Returns - Modern Setting - Modern Era - Alternate Universe - No Magic / Historical / War / University / High School / Reincarnation / Office / Authors / Royalty / Fantasy / Soulmates / Spies - Doctor Merlin - Businessman Arthur - Professor Merlin - Artist Merlin - CEO Arthur - Teacher Merlin - Actor Arthur - Musician Merlin - Lawyer Arthur - Writer Merlin

For Characters

(trait is followed by character's name. eg: Hurt Arthur)

Merlin: Hurt - BAMF - Immortal - Protective - Court Sorcerer - POV - Dragonlord - Pining - Oblivious - Powerful - Dark - Prince - Sick - Consort - Kidnapped - Caring - Top/Bottom - Royal - Tired - Sassy - Competent - King - Angry - Sad - Parent - Soft - Worried

Arthur Pendragon: Protective - King - POV - Pining - Prince - Caring - Hurt - Jealous - Soft - Worried - Oblivious - Confused - BAMF - Dark - Guilty - Smitten - Possessive - Angry - Top/Bottom - Parent - Insecure - Touch-Starved - Smart

Gwen: Awesome - Queen - POV - BAMF - Caring - Hurt - Protective

Morgana: Good - Evil - Redeemed - BAMF - Protective - POV - Awesome - Dark - Queen

Mordred: Good - Evil - Hurt - Protective - Kid

Gwaine: Protective - Hurt - POV - Pining - Awesome - Worried - Caring

Lancelot: Protective - Hurt - Supportive - Lives

Leon: Immortal - Long-Suffering - Protective

Elyan: Protective - Hurt - POV - Lives

Percival: Protective - Hurt

And remember to tag ANY triggering topic you will be writing about!

[imagine-dragonlords]

ImagineDragonlords Merlin AMV Masterlist

Here is a list of every Merlin fanvideo I've made since 2012. I've put *** next to my personal favourites. I will update this post as I create more.

Past Merlin Videos (from most recent to oldest)

Merlin & Arthur - Us.

Merlin - I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

Morgana Pendragon - Labour

Merlin & Arthur - Stargazing (with Gunny11)

Merlin & Arthur - Arthur Returns Modern AU (Maroon/The Alchemy) AKA my MASTERPIECE, my MAGNUM OPUS

BAMF!Merlin - Bring the Lion Out***

Merlin & Arthur - The Prophecy***

Merlin & Arthur - But Daddy Father I Love Him***

Merlin & Arthur - The Boy Is Mine

Merlin & Arthur - We Can't Be Friends***

BBC Merlin - So It Begins...

Merlin & Arthur - Rewrite the Stars

Merlin & Arthur - Greedy

Merlin & Arthur - Taylor Swift Mega-Mix Mash-Up***

Merlin & Arthur - Arcade (Loving You is a Losing Game)***

Merlin & Arthur - I Don't Wanna Live Forever***

Merlin & Arthur - Out of the Woods

Merlin & Arthur - Castles Crumbling

Merlin & Arthur - You'll Be In My Heart

Morgana Pendragon - Jaded

Merlin & Arthur (+Heartstopper AU) - Timeless***

Merlin & Arthur - Lover

Merlin & Arthur - May I Hold You

Merlin & Arthur - Exile***

Merlin & Arthur - Take Me To Church

Merlin & Arthur - The Great War***

Merlin & Arthur - Loving him was RED

Merlin & Arthur - Karma

Merlin & Arthur - Cruel Summer

Merlin & Arthur - A Thousand Years (HD 2022 version)

Merlin & Arthur - A Thousand Years (Original 2012 version)

Merlin & Arthur - This Love***

Merlin & Arthur - Two (Sleeping at Last)

Merlin & Arthur - Only Love Can Hurt Like This

Morgana Pendragon - My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light em Up)***

Merlin & Arthur - Angel with a Shotgun ***

Arthur Pendragon - King

Merlin & Arthur (Romeo + Juliet Trailer)

Merlin - Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

BBC Merlin - Demons

Merlin - And did those feet in ancient time...

[onceandfuturelesbian]

merthur fanfic prompt cause pls i need someone to write this cause it combines some of my favourite prompts

arthur accidentally travels to the future, like ten years or so, and ofc sees himself married to merlin, merlin having magic and being court sorcerer and as if that’s not enough, merlin can fight with weapons almost better than arthur

arthur’s sneaking around the castle even though he should be hiding until he can go home, and he’s spying on a council meeting cause ‘wtf merlin and arthur are holding hands in front of everyone and merlin is a powerhouse in council’

the meeting is interrupted by some group of bandits or smthn and instead of using magic to fight, merlin whips out a sword or daggers or smthn and takes out almost half of the group without breaking a sweat

arthur is GAY

aka the prompts: arthur travels to future in canon where he’s king, married merthur, bamf!merlin, merlin can use a sword, magic reveal, getting together

[marcskywalker]

merthur au/prompts I can't stop thinking about (@ fic writers)

arthur being magic positive and hiding it from merlin. I spoke more about it here and @neupulman wrote this amazing fic based on it but omg this idea lives in my head RENT FUCKING FREE and I'd love as many fics written on it as possible

merlin being cursed (or wtv) and temporarily loses his magic. He grows insanely controlling of arthur cause he feels like he can no longer protect arthur from danger if he doesn't have magic and is constantly trying is order him around. no, you're not allowed to go there, no you can't say that, no you're not allowed to accept food from him. and arthur is just ?????? tf is wrong with my best friend?? but doesn't read much into it because it's merlin and merlin's always been a little weird and bossy. merlin keeps getting into so much more trouble (cause again, his usual way of staying out of trouble is magic) so arthur's put in position to protect him more often and both of them are ???????? "why THE FUCK ARE you putting yourself in danger for me??" and "WHY ARE YOU getting into so much trouble??" until they figure out that "oh you're in love with me and can't bare to see any harm come to me" and "oh you have magic and someone already hurt you by taking it away"

Arthur meeting Merlin's family for the first time and being accepted. Idk how clear I can make this but I hate Arthur's family and how is he is treated by them (except you ygraine, you're dead and lovely) so ya someone give that boy loving affirmations

One of them is brainwashed/mind controlled/possessed and beats the shit out of the other person who refuses to fight back. I LOVE this trope. It slaps all the time. Look at destiel. Look at stucky. ALL THE TIME

another au that I've spoke about before AND I'LL SPEAK ABOUT IT AGAIN: I took that scene where Arthur says "I'll give up my crown just see her smile again" or something like that about morgana, and ran with it. There is only so many assassination attempts a brother can go through before he wilts and does another to have his sister back. In Arthur's case: he willingly hands over the throne for a chance at having a chance at his pesty, loving, older sister (I AM A YOUNGER BROTHER ARTHUR TRUTHER) look at him with something other than endless hate. what I Love about this prompt is that it could go so so many different ways. @mobycotton was lovely enough to write this amazing fic for me that I LOVED. In my head, Arthur is really shaken up by another one of Morgana's attempts at killing him. He doesn't know what's saved him and at this point he wishes whatever it is would stop. He goes down a spiral thinking of his family; the mother that he killed, the father that he let down, the uncle he betrayed and the sister he never deserved. What good could he be for Camelot when he wasn't even good enough for his flesh and blood. So he announces his truce; gives it over to morgana and leaves Camelot and everyone he knows behind. The knights and merlin have to eventually hunt him down and convince him otherwise (and he meets random people along the way who are stans of King Arthur just like me and he gets some sort of self esteem back)

Protective BAMF merlin. Basically merlin overhears someone talking shit about his prince and starts a fist fight. Arthur finds out

Mid s1 merthur where Arthur knows he's in love with Merlin and he shoves it DEEP inside, sticks to pining after his manservant like the pathetic (lovingly) puppy he is. All Merlin knows is that, for whatever reason, he would rather eat his own feet than let anything happen to Arthur. Which is why when brave, stupid arthur walks towards a stranger light source in the forest; he follows without hesitation, only to see...... arthur and himself snogging against a tree? Basically a pining, repressed prince Arthur and Merlin I don't know what this weird feeling in my tummy when I see him is Emrys accidentally walks through a portal into an alternatively universe where they know how to communicate well and have been disgustingly in love. The four of them have to work together to get Arthur and Merlin back where they belong.

Merlin makes a deal with his king cenred: for protection of his village, he will infiltrate Camelot's castle and bring them down. He just wishes someone had told him that prince charming of Camelot would make him fall in love with his pouty lips and gooey eyes. I don't know if yáll have noticed this but Arthur pouts A LOT. I can't take him seriously smh

[evadne01]

Merlin Bingo ~ 6x6 card

Just to have my first card fill all together! (I will make at the end of the round one post just for the adopted prompts!)

under the cut all the submission!

m1, the fisher king: Past enemy and current pains

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gwaine & Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Original Male Character(s) Additional Tags: Merlin (TV) Season/Series 04, Protective Knights (Merlin), Protective Gaius (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Past Abuse, some kind of, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Gwaine (Merlin), Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), POV Gwaine (Merlin), Good Friend Gwaine (Merlin), Gwaine needs more appreciation, The Fisher King legends, Holy Grail

m2 - Arthur: For Merlin

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: Major Character Death Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin) Additional Tags: Angst, Mentioned Lancelot (Merlin), Mentioned Gwaine (Merlin), Mentioned Gaius (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Inspired by The Departed (2006), The Author Regrets Nothing, The Author Regrets Everything

m3, animal shelter AU: We left you alone for five days!

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan Relationships: Percy Jackson & Merlin (Merlin), Jason Grace & Merlin (Merlin), Jason Grace & Percy Jackson, Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Jason Grace, Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percy Jackson Additional Tags: Animal Shelter, Percy Jackson Adopts Animals, This is a serious problem, BAMF Percy Jackson, Powerful Percy Jackson, Dramatic Percy Jackson, Protective Jason Grace, Protective Lancelot (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Immortal Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Amused Merlin (Merlin), Tired Jason Grace, Jason Grace is So Done, Tired Lancelot (Merlin), Lancelot Is So Done (Merlin), Jason Grace & Thalia Grace & Nico di Angelo & Hazel Levesque have a competition: be Percy's favourite cousin

m4, party: My most loyal friend

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Elyan & Gwaine & Lancelot & Merlin & Arthur Pendragon & Percival (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Geoffrey of Monmouth (Merlin) Additional Tags: Fix It, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Friend Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Loyal Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Gets a Evening Off (Merlin), I'm not surprised it isn't a tag, Rewarded Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Has a New Job (Merlin), Post-Season/Series 04, Lancelot Lives (Merlin), Isolde Lives (Merlin), Hopeful Ending

m5, transgender character: Fake nobles and revelations

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationship: Knights of the Round Table & Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Comfort, Some Humor, Transgender Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Protective Leon (Merlin), POV Leon (Merlin), Protective Percival (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin), Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Protective Elyan (Merlin), Everyone Loves Merlin (Merlin)

m6, opera or ballet AU: The most loyal of them all

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M, Gen Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan Relationships: Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Jason Grace/Piper McLean, Jason Grace & Thalia Grace, Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Thalia Grace (Percy Jackson), Morgana (Merlin), Nico di Angelo, Mordred (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Piper McLean, Jason Grace, Lancelot (Merlin) Additional Tags: References to Episode: s04e09 Lancelot du Lac (Merlin), Protective Leon (Merlin), Angry Leon (Merlin), Hurt Morgana (Merlin), Hurt Thalia Grace (Percy Jackson), Guilty Thalia Grace (Percy Jackson), Guilty Nico di Angelo, Guilty Mordred (Merlin), Jason Grace Needs a Hug, Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Supportive Lancelot (Merlin), Hurt Lancelot (Merlin), Hurt Jason Grace, I don't know how to tag the reborn souls, opera

y1, coworkers: Fatal Unions ~ Chapter 1: Merlin

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Other Relationship Tags to Be Added Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Other Character Tags to Be Added Additional Tags: Spy Merlin (Merlin), Spy Lancelot (Merlin), Spy Gwaine (Merlin), Spy Gwen (Merlin), CEO Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Police investigation, Mentioned previous characters deaths, Marriage, Hurt/Comfort, Humor, Angst, Other Additional Tags to Be Added

y2, soulbonds: A broken bond ~ Chapter 1: Breaking the chains

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M, Multi Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Knights/Merlin (Merlin), Other Relationship Tags to Be Added Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Other Character Tags to Be Added Additional Tags: Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Angst, Soulmate-Identifying Marks, Romantic Soulmates, Rejection, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Gwen (Merlin), Guilty Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Other Additional Tags to Be Added

y3, zombies: The Druid

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan Relationships: Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Thalia Grace & Merlin (Merlin), Nico di Angelo & Thalia Grace, Mordred & Morgana (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred & Morgana (Merlin), Nico di Angelo & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Mordred (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Thalia Grace (Percy Jackson), Nico di Angelo Additional Tags: Redeemed Morgana (Merlin), Reborn Morgana (Merlin), Protective Thalia Grace (Percy Jackson), Good Friend Thalia Grace (Percy Jackson), Thalia Grace & Percy Jackson Friendship, POV Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Guilty Merlin (Merlin), Good Mordred (Merlin), Redeemed Mordred (Merlin), Reborn Mordred (Merlin), Guilty Mordred (Merlin), Nico di Angelo Needs a Hug, Hurt Nico di Angelo

y4, ghost au: You were supposed to be dead

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: reator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin & Will (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Will (Merlin) Additional Tags: Fix It, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Reborn Will (Merlin), Canon Divergence - Episode: s04e01-02 The Darkest Hour (Merlin), Lancelot Lives (Merlin), Will Re-Lives (Merlin), Tired Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Sassy Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Will Friendship (Merlin), Humor, Childhood Friends

y5, Bayard: Thank you

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Bayard of Mercia (Merlin) Additional Tags: Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Leon (Merlin), Protective Elyan (Merlin), Protective Percival (Merlin), Protective Gwen (Merlin), Protective Morgana (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence

Y6, Cedric: Protecting the youngest

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Camelot Citizens & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Camelot Servants & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Gwen (Merlin), Mary the Cook (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Cedric (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin) Additional Tags: Episode: s02e01 The Curse of Cornelius Sigan (Merlin), Protective Gwen (Merlin), Protective Morgana (Merlin), Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha Morgana (Merlin), Omega Merlin (Merlin), Awesome Gwen (Merlin), POV Gwen (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Omega Gwen (Merlin), Protective Servants (Merlin)

t1, Elyan: The blacksmith's son

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan Relationships: Nico di Angelo & Jason Grace & Thalia Grace & Percy Jackson & Hazel Levesque, Nico di Angelo/Will Solace, Will Solace & Merlin (Merlin), Will Solace & Leon (Merlin), Percy Jackson & Will Solace, Jason Grace & Will Solace, Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Elyan & Merlin (Merlin), Elyan & Leon (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Leon (Merlin) Characters: Nico di Angelo, Thalia Grace (Percy Jackson), Jason Grace, Percy Jackson, Will Solace, Elyan (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin) Additional Tags: Dramatic Percy Jackson, Percy Jackson is a Little Shit, Camp Half-Blood (Percy Jackson), BAMF Percy Jackson, Established Nico di Angelo/Will Solace, Guilty Thalia Grace (Percy Jackson), Guilty Morgana (Merlin), Long-Suffering Leon (Merlin), Protective Leon (Merlin), Good Friend Leon (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Amused Merlin (Merlin), Everyone Loves Percy Jackson, Will Solace is a Mess, Will Solace Needs a Hug, Will Solace is a Good Friend, Elyan is a Good Friend (Merlin), Protective Elyan (Merlin), Everyone knows about the cousins competition

t2, hugs: You're just special

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan Relationship: Percy Jackson & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Percy Jackson, Merlin (Merlin) Additional Tags: Dealing with friends' death, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Canonical Character Death, Past Character Death, Talking about past deaths, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Mentioned Bianca di Angelo, Mentioned Zoë Nightshade (Percy Jackson), Mentioned Michael Yew , Mentioned Charles Beckendorf, Mentioned Silena Beauregard, Mentioned Luke Castellan, Mentioned Ethan Nakamura , Mentioned Arthur Pendragon, Self-Esteem Issues, Survivor Guilt, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Guilty Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Merlin Gets a Hug (Merlin), Powerful Merlin (Merlin), God Merlin (Merlin), Powerful Percy Jackson, Mentioned of poison control, Guilty Percy Jackson, Protective Percy Jackson, Percy Jackson Needs a Hug, Percy Jackson Gets a Hug, The Author thinks these two are amazing and they deserve a break

t3, 1920s: Love is in the air (or maybe, it's just jazz)

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Gwen (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin) Additional Tags: Romance, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), Gwaine Flirts (Merlin), Awesome Gwaine (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Pining Merlin (Merlin), Bartender Merlin (Merlin), Singer Gwen (Merlin)Alternate Universe - 1920s, Jazz Age

t4, Cornelius Sigan: In the shadows of the sorcerer ~ Chapter 1: Unfamiliar emotions

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Kilgharrah & Merlin (Merlin), Other Relationship Tags to Be Added Characters: Gaius (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Other Character Tags to Be Added Additional Tags: Episode: s02e01 The Curse of Cornelius Sigan (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fix-It, POV Merlin (Merlin), Emotions, Protective Gaius (Merlin), Awesome Gaius (Merlin), Powerful Merlin (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Other Additional Tags to Be Added

t5, bodyswap: Guilt and Redemption ~ Chapter 1: Punishment and new life

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gwaine & Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Lancelot & Percival (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Percival (Merlin), Balinor/Hunith (Merlin), Balinor & Merlin (Merlin), Hunith & Merlin (Merlin), Balinor & Hunith & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Nimueh (Merlin), Other Relationship Tags to Be Added Characters: Balinor (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Nimueh (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Original Characters, Other Character Tags to Be Added Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Role Reversal, Prince Merlin (Merlin), Knight Gwaine (Merlin), Knight Lancelot (Merlin), Knight Percival (Merlin), King Balinor (Merlin), Queen Hunith (Merlin), Court Politics, Uther Pendragon Dies (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Other Additional Tags to Be Added

t6 - Imprisonment: The screams of the innocents

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Cedric (Merlin) Additional Tags: Silence of the Lambs References, FBI Agent Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon is a Cannibal, Tension, Feelings, Bonding, Smart Merlin (Merlin), Smart Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Loyal Merlin (Merlin), Alternative Universe - FBI, Alternate Universe - No Powers

h1, forced to face a fear: Where are you ~ Please, don't leave me

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin) Additional Tags: King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Scared Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Guilty Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon's bigger fear is to lose Merlin, Episode: s04e07 The Secret Sharer (Merlin), Agravaine Being an Asshole (Merlin) (I mean he doesn't do anything in this fic but he is), Deleted Scenes, Deleted Scene: Arthur looks for Merlin everywhere when he thinks Merlin left him, Arthur Pendragon has Abandonment Issues (Merlin)

h2, sloth: Remember that time?

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan Relationships: Percy Jackson & Merlin (Merlin), Nico di Angelo & Percy Jackson, Hades & Percy Jackson Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Percy Jackson, Hades (Percy Jackson), Nico di Angelo Additional Tags: Good Parent Hades (Percy Jackson), Protective Hades (Percy Jackson), Good Uncle Hades (Percy Jackson), Hades is So Done (Percy Jackson), Amused Persephone (Percy Jackson), Tired Nico di Angelo, Nico di Angelo & Percy Jackson Friendship, Sassy Percy Jackson, Smart Percy Jackson, Loyal Percy Jackson, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Powerful Merlin (Merlin), Percy Jackson & Merlin Friendship, Inferi Politics, ancient laws, Percy Jackson is a Little Shit

h3, pen pal au: Letters from a friend ~ Chapter 1: First Letter ~ Edwin's attempt

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationship: Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Lancelot (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin) Additional Tags: Pen Pals, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Supportive Lancelot (Merlin), Good Friend Lancelot (Merlin), POV Lancelot (Merlin), Sweet Lancelot (Merlin), Good Friend Merlin (Merlin), Friendship, Developing Friendships, Letters, Reference to Episode: s01e06 A Remedy to Cure All Ills (Merlin), Other Additional Tags to Be Added

h4, Secret Handshake: How can you not be attracted to me?

ating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M, M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Gwen (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Camelot Servants (Merlin) Additional Tags: Humor, inspired by a tumblr post, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Possessive Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Bisexual Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Likes Gwaine (Merlin), Arthur Doesn't Like that, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), Satisfied Gwaine (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin Friendship (Merlin), Awesome Gwen (Merlin)

h5 - tension: King and king

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin) Additional Tags: Fluff, Love Confessions, Idiots in Love, Friendship/Love, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Everyone Loves Merlin (Merlin), King Merlin (Merlin)

h6 - accidents: Discovering new sides of ourselves.

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin) Additional Tags: Kidnapping, Attempted Kidnapping, Kidnapped Merlin (Merlin), Tired Merlin (Merlin), Agravaine Being an Asshole (Merlin), Amnesia, BAMF Merlin (Merlin)

s1, tavern or bar: I'm about to blow ~your mind~

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin) Additional Tags: Crack Treated Seriously, Merlin has a very strong imagination, Upset Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Traumatized Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius's Eyebrows of Doom (Merlin), Stressed Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Smitten Merlin (Merlin), Smitten Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Shy Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Pining Merlin (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin has a dirty mind, Dirty mind, Arthur Pendragon Loves Merlin (Merlin), Awkward Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Chaotic Merlin (Merlin), Confused Merlin (Merlin), Cursed Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Embarrassed Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Experienced Merlin (Merlin), Gaius is So Done (Merlin), Protective Gaius (Merlin), Parent Gaius (Merlin), Physician Gaius (Merlin), BAMF Gaius (Merlin)

s2, captivity: Drylic and scamu

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), implied Lancelot/Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Lancelot (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin) Additional Tags: Deleted Scenes, Deleted Scenes: Lancelot and Merlin talk about Merlin's magic, Episode: s04e01-02 The Darkest Hour (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Powerful Merlin (Merlin), Tired Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Scared Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon Friendship (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Caring Lancelot (Merlin), Supportive Lancelot (Merlin), Good Friend Lancelot (Merlin), Lancelot Loves Merlin (Merlin), Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship

s3, body image issues: The fear of losing a friend can often be greater than the fear itself.

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Found Family, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Scared Merlin (Merlin), Wise Merlin (Merlin), Smart Merlin (Merlin), Good Friend Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Merlin Gets a Hug (Merlin), Supportive Merlin (Merlin), Supportive Freya (Merlin), even if she isn't in the fic she is amazing, Supportive Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Friend Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence (this is the end I want for the canon)

s4, hideway: The knight and the king

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin) Additional Tags: Episode: s04e06 A Servant of Two Masters (Merlin), Deleted Scenes, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Pining Gwaine (Merlin), Good Friend Gwaine (Merlin), Worried Gwaine (Merlin), Caring Gwaine (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kidnapped Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst

s5, robots AU: It wasn't your fault ~ it was my choice

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan Relationships: Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Jason Grace & Merlin Characters: Jason Grace, Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin) Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Forgiveness, Survivor Guilt, Guilt, Guilty Merlin (Merlin), Merlin has Survivor Guilt (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Supportive Lancelot (Merlin), Good Friend Lancelot (Merlin), Supportive Jason Grace, Good Friend Jason Grace, Roombas, Magic and Technology, Magical Accidents, Leon is So Done (Merlin), Lancelot Is So Done (Merlin), Jason Grace is So Done, Jason Grace is Lancelot reborn

s6, toothache: Clover and Confessions

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin) Additional Tags: Adventure, Fluff, Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Comfort fic, Healing herbs, Domestic Fluff, Fluff and Humor, Family Fluff, Found Family, Confessions, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), Feel-good, Flustered Characters - meaning Arthur, Pining, Slow Burn, meaning the 5 season we get, Friendship Turns to Romance, Canon Era, cuteness, Romance, Humor

!1, on the run: Desperate Attempt

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Agravaine & Morgana (Merlin) Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin) Additional Tags: Angst, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kidnapped Merlin (Merlin), Again, Agravaine Being an Asshole (Merlin), POV Agravaine (Merlin), Agravaine is Obsessed with Morgana (Merlin), Agravaine Blames Arthur for Ygraine's Death (Merlin)

!2, college AU: There was an idea ~ Chapter 1: Looking for someone….

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: M/M Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Freya & Merlin & Will (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Freya (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Nimueh (Merlin) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - College/University, Student Merlin (Merlin), Student Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Couple therapy, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Freya is So Done (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Panicked Bisexual Merlin (Merlin), Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Other Additional Tags to Be Added

!3, cat merlin: A lovely kitten

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/F, Multi Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table/Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin) Additional Tags: Humor, Fluff, Fluff and Humor, Fluff and Crack, Cat Merlin (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Powerful Merlin (Merlin), Everyone Loves Merlin (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Redeemed Morgana (Merlin), POV Morgana (Merlin), Awesome Morgana (Merlin), Awesome Gwen (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Pining Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin)

!4, medication: You see? Stupid wounds

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Additional Tags: Fluff, Comfort, Friendship, Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Smart Merlin (Merlin), Insightful Merlin (Merlin), Insightful Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) (Why I am not surprised this isn't a tag?)

!5, Fear of being left behind: How it should have gone

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Gwen (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin) Additional Tags: References to Ancient Celtic Religions & Lore, Merlin Leaves Camelot (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Time Travel, Time Travel Fix-It, Protective Gwen (Merlin), Awesome Gwen (Merlin), Jealous Gwaine (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Magic Revealed, POV Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin Friendship (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin Friendship (Merlin), Happy Ending, Hopeful Ending, Good Friend Gwen (Merlin), Good Friend Merlin (Merlin), Good Friend Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

!6, epistolary: Forged Allegiance

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Category: Gen Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Lancelot (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin) Additional Tags: Deleted Scenes, Episode: s03e12-13 The Coming of Arthur (Merlin), Good Friend Lancelot (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Supportive Lancelot (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Good Friend Merlin (Merlin), Hopeful Merlin (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Friend Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin Friendship (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon Friendship (Merlin)

[merlinbingo]

Aaaand another month trundles on by.

In July, 16 of you created 44 fantabulous fills. Three people chose not to have their fills listed here, and of the remaining 41 we have 39 fics, one artwork, and one podfic!

In terms of ships, we have all the usual contenders making an appearance. Merlin/Arthur comes top with 17 fills, while gen is a close second with 15. After that, we've got Merlin/Gwaine with four, and then one each for Merlin/Lancelot, Arthur/Gwen, Merlin/Arthur/Knights, and (our very first crossover ship!) Merlin/Percy Jackson!

As for the fills themselves, you'll find them below the cut, sorted by ship and then rating. Remember to check the warnings, avoid anything that might upset you, and leave a whole load of love for our wonderful creators!

No ships/gen

Why would I lie when I can tell you the truth? ~ Chapter 2: Merlin starts to doubt Arthur's memory ~ and he misses Lancelot by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Merlin is a Little Shit (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Crack Treated Seriously, Humor Summary: Merlin is amused by Arthur's bad humour. He shouldn't be, he knows, but he is. Well, it isn't his fault if Arthur is a blind ass

When an immortal knight confronts an immortal heroes' trainer: or Counseling for Parents of Rascals by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Immortal Leon (Merlin), Protective Leon (Merlin), POV Leon (Merlin), Awesome Leon (Merlin), BAMF Leon (Merlin) Summary: Leon calls out Chiron's mistakes

I see my reflection in your eyes by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Percy Jackson Needs a Hug Summary: Merlin and Percy discuss about their lives.

It's movie night! by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Movie Night, Slice of Life, Some Humor, Jokes, Family Feels Summary: The new reborn souls, Percy, Merlin and Leon have a movie night!

The Seneschal of the King ~ Chapter 2: The king's choice by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Seneschal Merlin (Merlin), Smart Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Friend Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Summary: Merlin yells at Arthur and Arthur explains his choice

Storm House by cynthia1314 Rating: General audiences Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: Bookshop AU, forced proximity platonic edition TM, Enemies to Friends Summary: Arthur ran into Merlin's bookshop on a stormy day. Merlin realised Arthur wasn't just a posh git. Just the usual.

Living up their expectations by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Episode: s04e04 Aithusa (Merlin), Deleted Scenes, Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin)Merlin, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Summary: Merlin and Arthur talk about thei desire and need to make their fathers proud

making friends (and maybe enemies) by eachpeachpearplum Rating: General audiences Warnings: No archive warnings apply, minor threat of violence Major tags: Fluff, first meeting, friendships, insecurity, canon compliant Summary: Percival never intended to get involved. He was there for a drink, and that was it. (Or: Percival makes a friend)

bi arthur by kairennart Rating: General audiences Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: digital art, digital painting Summary:

Boiling Point by VikingSong Rating: Teen Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: Steampunk AU, enemies to friends, jailbreak, humor, banter Summary: Merlin’s posh cellmate cleared his throat. “What are you, uh, what are you in for?” “Oh, treason,” Merlin said glibly, turning back from examining the complicated cell lock to face him. “You?” The corners of the man’s mouth twisted up into a bitter half-smile. “Something like that.” Or: Forced Proximity Tropes - Platonic Edition(TM), featuring a steampunk jailbreak

Immortality shared ~ Chapter 1: A name, a burden, a curse by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: Teen Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Angst, Implied/Referenced Suicide attempt, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Depressed Merlin (Merlin) Summary: Merlin knew his immortality was a burden. And, somehow, something changes

Emrys and the three Queens ~ Chapter 1: The Sorcerer and The Queen by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: Teen Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Morgana Knows about Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana Friendship (Merlin) Summary: Arthur overhear Merlin's conversation with Agravaine. Things change.

Arthur/Gwen

[Podfic] Queen of Swords by cynthia1314 Rating: General audiences Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: Married Gwen/Arthur, Fluff Summary: Arthur realizes his wife has been practicing and is instantly starstruck by this new common passion.

Merlin/Arthur/Knights

Do you like my accent? by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: Teen Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Summary:

Elyan/Leon

I’ll never tell by Salamandair Rating: Mature Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: Pining, not actually unrequited love, introspection, pre-slash, canon divergence Summary: Elyan is watching the new knight train, but he’s really only watching one person on the field.

Merlin/Lancelot

Maybe the next time by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Time Loop, Merlin is So Done (Merlin), Merlin is a Little Shit (Merlin), Supportive Lancelot (Merlin), Aliens Ship Lancelot/Merlin Summary: Merlin was really starting to hate that shirt. Usually, he only wore the red shirt on special occasions. Like the first day of a new season, or when it was someone dear's birthday, or when Gaius took him to do something for the first time. Now, after wearing the red shirt thirteen times in a row, he hated it.

Merlin/Percy Jackson

“Hey, it’s me. It’s just me.” by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Beach Holidays, Pining Merlin (Merlin), Oblivious Percy Jackson, Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), First Kiss Summary: Merlin and Percy spend some time alone

Merlin/Gwaine

wandered out in the world for years (the king and the knight remix) by eachpeachpearplum Rating: General audiences Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: Episode tag, deleted scene, remix, fluff and angst, established relationship Summary: Gwaine doesn't like Arthur. Respects him, sure. Admires his fighting prowess, yeah. Envies his freedom and pities his lack of it in equal parts. He'll follow him into battle and mostly follow orders as he does so, because chances are Arthur’s on the right side of a fight, and even if he isn't he's got Merlin to push him until he is. But he's more than capable of all that without actually liking the man. Or: Arthur and Gwaine search for Merlin during the deleted scene from A Servant of Two Masters.

Never alone again by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Summary: Gwaine realised that Merlin was hiding something. And in a panic, Merlin denied it and hid behind more lies. How could their relationship be based on lies?

No. I have magic. by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Summary: A magic reveal with a twist.

I like when you protect me by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: Teen Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Omega Merlin, Alpha Gwaine, Protective Gwaine (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin) Summary: Well, Merlin had been warned. Indirectly, from the protective glances of the Knights. Directly, from Morgana and Gwen's comments. Now, he could only try to limit the damage.

Merlin/Arthur

Fatal Unions ~ Chapter 2: Arthur by HadrianPeverellBlack Rating: General audiences Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Mentioned previous characters deaths, Good Friend Leon (Merlin), Supportive Leon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Summary: Arthur's pov of his marriage

This Song and Dance (The 'Balancing Act' Remix) by queerofthedagger Rating: Teen Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: Circus AU, First Kiss, Developing Relationship, Grief/Mourning Summary: Between circus shows and late nights, Merlin and Arthur figure themselves out, one step at a time.

The Mawkish Crown Prince of Camelot by jcardonacardona Rating: Teen Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Summary: After an arduous battle against yet another creature of magic, being pampered, bathed, and massaged with tender care by your lover (and manservant/secret sorcerer), is the least the Crown Prince of Camelot deserves—says Arthur Pendragon, Crown Prince of Camelot.

My Heart Stumbles On Things I Don't Know by bebravedearheart Rating: Mature Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Gift Giving, Ygraine's Sigil, Angst, Hopeful Ending Summary: “Sometimes you do puzzle me,” the prince said with the hint of a smile in his voice. It was almost their usual teasing, and Merlin felt steadier though his stomach still flipped and his heart still beat too quickly. “We’ll defeat the dorocha. We will. Together.” Merlin made the pronouncement to steady Arthur too, truly believing it. He knew Arthur often did not believe in himself—despite having proven himself many times over, he still doubted his own abilities, and Merlin often decided he would not stand for it. Arthur gives Merlin his mother's sigil. Merlin understands what that means.

Into the Inward Places of Our Souls by thesongistheriver Rating: Explicit Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: established relationship, fluff and smut, domestic fluff, top merlin, bottom arthur Summary: In the chaos of concert prep and play rehearsals, the boys lose track of the dates ... and then they make up for up.

No Magic Required by SauraUnderscore Rating: Explicit Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: Canon Compliant; Cursed Arthur; Magical Healing Sex; Bottom Arthur; Summary: Arthur Pendragon and his stupid hobby of touching cursed magical artefacts and getting himself bloody cursed in the process. Merlin’s not prophesied to help raise the Once and Future King, no. He’s doomed to fall in love with a prat of a prince too silly to fucking listen. That’s it. That’s the story. Oh, well; there’s also the magical healing sex, too.

Treat Me Warmly by tansyuduri Rating: Explicit Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: Hurt/Confort, magic reveal, snuggling for warmth, getting together, cannon au Summary: Arthur and Merlin have been pining for each other for a while now. Trapped in a remote hunting cabin by a storm, Merlin and Arthur's hidden feelings for each other are finally revealed. Now Merlin must push past his fear and reveal his magic to the man he loves. How will Arthur react? And what if the storm is more than it seems?

A Time to Fall in Love ("A Time to Mourn, and a Time to Dance" Remix) by TrebleMaker07 Rating: Explicit Warnings: Choose not to use archive warnings Major tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Drunk Arthur Pendragon, Masturbation, Hallucinations, Missing Scene Summary: After a night of drinking with Morgana, Arthur goes home to wind down.

Our Stars Still Shine Together: Chapter 17 by tansyuduri Rating: Explicit Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: temporary character death, Merthur, Arthur bring Arthur, Immortality, The godess Summary: As the find the last badguy the unthinkable happens

Make It Flow (Everything In the Afterglow) by thesongistheriver Rating: Explicit Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: Alternate Universe - Bookstore, Getting to Know Each Other, Bookstore owner Merlin, Lawyer Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Baker Gwen Summary: Merlin had thought he'd escaped small-town life for good once he'd finally left for the big city. Then he inherits his great-uncle's bookstore. Still, it might be a good thing. Even if he has to move home, and put up with a posh, irritating city lawyer named Arthur Pendragon, for it.

Chivalry Fell On Its Sword by BeBraveDearHeart Rating: Explicit Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: plot what plot/porn without plot, dildos, rimming Summary: Gwaine lounged in his chair. “Whose cock did you suck for a night off then?” “Nobody’s. That’s sort of the point. The prince’s laundry is horrendous and I keep walking in to him—” he made an unmistakable gesture to demonstrate. “You’re sure he’s not timing that on purpose?” Leon asked lightly, as if it was the most reasonable of assumptions. “That’s what I said this morning. He didn’t take that well.” “Oh dear.” “I said you’d give him a hand,” Merlin told Gwaine. “He didn’t like that either. Sorry mate.” “Prick,” Gwaine laughed. Leon smiled in agreement but, as ever, stepped in as the voice of reason. “You’d be tetchy too, if you wanted to be touched but couldn’t have it.” Prince Arthur must keep his virtue until his wedding night, though it leaves him frustrated and unsatisfied. Merlin, well-versed in the art of loopholes, offers him help.

The Claiming of Viscount Pendragon by ravenwilds Rating: Explicit Warnings: No archive warnings apply Major tags: Victorian AU, PWP, Smut with feelings, bathing/washing Summary: In which Merlin decides to help himself to the Viscount's bath and they are both surprised by the consequences ... Well not that surprised, given their record to date ...

[queerofthedagger]

Got any Merlin fic recs? Any pairing will do!

Yesss absolutely do I have recs!! Imma list you a couple of my all-time favourite fics, but you can also check my fic rec tag, or my ao3 bookmark recs for merlin for more (or send me another ask, I should do more recs anyway tbqh!)

For all listed authors I can say with certainty that all their fics are absolute bangers so that's also a good place to look for more. I tried to keep the recs on the shorter side, but if you (or anyone really) wants more recs, feel free to hit me up with more specifics too!! (It might just take me a while sometimes…) Hope there's something in here for you <3

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World Enough and Time by alicephantomwise [Merthur | 18k | E | ccntuaw]

Tags: Modern AU | Spies & Assassins | Violence | Angst with a Happy Ending | Pining Arthur | Not Actually Unrequited Love | World Travel

Summary:

Arthur had had it all figured out. And then Merlin shot him in Beijing.

Notes: This is my all-time favourite Merlin fic, which is saying something because I'm usually more of a canon-era girlie. It rewired my entire brain chemistry though and I don't think there is any piece of literature that I've re-read as many times as this goddamn fic. Just. jesus fucking christ

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The King and His Sorcerer by alicephantomwise [Merthur | 1,5k | G/A | MCD]

Tags: Canon Era | Angst | Prose | Epistolary | Ambigous/Hopeful Ending

Summary:

But lest you forget, this is not a fairytale.

Notes: Same author. I would pay all my money, my first born, and probably half my family for them to return to fandom, I'm not joking. Just something about their writing that completely eviscerates me.

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Onfidan by astolat [Merthur | 15k | M | no warnings]

Tags: Canon Era | Magic Revealed | Battle Couple | Monsters and Mythical Beings | Merlin's magic loves Arthur

Summary:

Arthur didn't speak to him for a week after he found out.

Notes: Look, if anyone ever was a classic for a reason, it's astolat, no contest. All her fics are absolute bangers, obviously, but I have just such a soft spot for Merlin & Arthur hunting monsters and fighting side by side, and this one simply delivers on all fronts no matter how often you read it.

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Tintagel by seperis [Merthur, Ygraine/Nimueh | 20k | E | ccntuaw]

Tags: mental coercion | magic reveal

Summary:

They would pay any price that was asked, Nimueh whispered at the end, trembling with exhaustion, desperate, pleading, anything, anything at all. Just give her this child. Give her the son he stole from her.

Notes: This fic is single-handedly responsible for all of my absolute unwellness over Ygraine, and if you've been here for a while you know that that's a lot. Seperis is generally an absolute gem of an author though, and I can't rec all of their stuff enough!!

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Winning the Battle by @prattery [Merthur | 5,5k | T+ | no warnings]

Tags: Canon Era | Arthur Pendragon Lives | Post-Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day | Arthur knows about merlin's magic | angst with a happy ending

Summary:

This husk of a man wears Merlin’s face and has Merlin’s magic, but he’s not Merlin. Merlin’s gone. Albion has claimed him as the price for Arthur’s victory at the battlefield.

Notes: This fic fundamentally changed me as a person, like, woah. I don't know what to say about this except, I love angst, from the bottom of my heart, but I've had the sequel on my tbr for over a year and I am, hands-down, terrified of it. It has a happy ending!! But christ, the angst. Her writing in general is an absolute gift which is not at all why I jumped at the first chance to bother her about it lmao, so like, recs for all of her stuff - 100/10 would recommend, just bring some tissues.

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this graveyard of forgotten love by @atlantablack [Morgwen | M | 11,8k | ccntuaw]

Tags: The Dark Tower AU | BAMF Gwen | Unhealthy Relationships | Gwen has Magic | Unreliable Narrator | Angst with a Hopeful Ending

Summary:

Gwen has never fully managed to shake her love for the lady who had once sworn to keep her safe. Now locked in a tower by that same lady, she must face a truth she's long kept buried (even from herself). An exploration of grief, anger, and the inability to let go of someone you once loved (even when you should).

Notes: If you want some stellar morgwen angst, atlanta's fics are the way to go; she single-handedly dragged me into the pairing, and I've been stuck here ever since, much to her joy and regret, so !! Also morgwen aside, if you like your Gwen with some goddamn agency, she got you <3

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Deluge by Suaine [Merthur | 50k | M | no warnings]

Tags: Canon Era | Post-Season 1 | Magic Revealed | Arthur knows about Merlin's magic | Quests & Curses | Coup

Summary:

In the aftermath of Merlin's battle against Nimueh, the rain seems a minor complication, perhaps even a cleansing influence. When the rain doesn't stop, Camelot is pushed to the brink once more. This time, Arthur may be in over his head. Contains: a lot of wet boys in emotional scenes, Arthur knowing more than he lets on, Merlin being an idiot, both of them being a bit stupidly heroic, telepathic chess, rain (lots of), war, making out against a tree, coincidental druids, co-opted history, co-opted myths, magic, coming of age (metaphorically), and more magically annoying yet surprisingly un-floody water than you can shake a stick at.

Notes: This is such an insanely good, insanely underrated fic! The vibe of it is just really specific in a way I can't really explain, the plot is super unique and intriguing, and the writing is an absolute gem. Also I'm just a sucker for a good characterization of Arthur and ohhh boy does this one deliver.

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Tiercel by waldorph [Merthur | 6k | Mature | ccntuaw]

Tags: Canon Era | Magic Revealed | First Time | Myth & Legends

Summary:

Arthur is constantly at war.

Notes: This is one of the most stunning pieces of writing I've come across in A While honestly, and I love love love how it kind of makes the show feel like a legend - I don't know if that makes sense tbh, but like, I think it does once you read it. Just, absolutely insane story-telling tbh.

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Right Back Where I Began by giselleslash [Merthur | 4k | M | Underage (both characters)]

Tags: Childhood Friends | Friends with Benefits | Oblivious!Merlin | Pining!Arthur | Merlin/Others | Arthur/Others | Fluff

Summary:

Arthur and Merlin are friends, and each others go to for the in between times, but maybe they were together all along.

Notes: The only other modern au on this list, but SO deserved - I love tropes that get flipped a bit, so oblivious!Merlin is already a win in my book, but then there's just... I don't want to give away too much, but there is something so damn special about the resolution of this fic, it makes me want to cry every single time. Like. god. the love, it's all about the unconditional love, at the end of the day! mwah!!!

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Good to Eat a Thousand Years by ghosttopiary [Merthur | 2,5k | M | ccntuaw]

Tags: Canon Era | Tenderness | Getting Together | Vignette

Summary:

He kisses his lover on the nape of his neck and thinks this is why men go to war. A shameful thought.

Notes: This is also pretty short, but on god this fic does something to me every time I read it, the vibe of it is just so specific and absolutely breath-taking.

[crystel48]

More fic recommendations!!!! Merlin edition. Specifically Merthur. Let's get into it. (BTW, these are all from ao3 and completed)

1. Next to You (It's the Rule) by LunaMyLove 62k words. Rated Teen.

This fic is wonderful. Basically, the whole fic is about Merlin being treated like the queen by everyone, without him realizing that he has basically become the queen. It is mostly fluffy, low angst. Really cute.

2. Complementarity, Entanglement and the Uncertainty of Destiny —or— A Feminist Mage in King Arthur's Court by Jenrose and Procoffeinated

117k words. Rated Mature.

This fic is really good. If you're gonna read this fic, you have to be in the mood to think because some of the jumps between timeliness can be a bit confusing. I highly recommend this fic. It is very much a post-season 5 fix it. Everything in the show is canon, but there is time travel, and we get a theoretical season 6 universe. HEA. Plus super powerful, BAMF Merlin.

3. As Good as You Can Be by kitfornow

105k words. Not rated.

This fic is great and really well written. It is fully from Arthur's POV and it is basically about Arthur realizing that what his father has been making him do in the name of magic being evil is wrong. Plus Merlin magic reveal. Plus Arthur loving Merlin's gold eyes trope.

Keep in mind Arthur is Asexual in this fic, so there isn't any smut or sexual content. (Rec 3.5. This fic does have a counterpart from Merlin's perspective. It can be read without reading the original fic. It is currently at about 96k and being updated regularly. But it is not completed. It is called But What Does Good Really Mean? )

*I will be making a part two in the near future. I have been updating this post regularly, but I didn't want it sitting in my drafts.*

[jenroses]

It's been ten long years

And if somehow you decided you needed to retraumatize yourself by rewatching the Merlin finale, I gently offer you a denouement to read or reread to heal your soul.

Written in 2016, this remains my most read work on AO3, a time-travel fixit that starts with Merlin in the far future and ends with everyone alive and happy. It's a low conflict romp where Merlin fixes everything and is completely out of fucks to give. A level 80 wizard in a level 3 adventure, as it were, but with emotional depth and catharsis.

Complementarity, Entanglement and the Uncertainty of Destiny —or— A Feminist Mage in King Arthur's Court

Merlin was once told that Arthur would rise again at the hour of Camelot's greatest need. But a thousand years pass, with no Arthur. When the last war comes, and the world dies, and Arthur still doesn't return, Merlin suddenly realises that the hour of Camelot's greatest need… was a thousand years ago. Sometimes he's a bit slow on the uptake. Fortunately, he's figured out how to go back.

What would YOU do if you had 2000 years of experience in the body of a 17 year old, and absolutely nothing left to lose?

Published: 2016-08-22 Words: 117055 Chapters: 41/41 Comments: 1135 Kudos:4917 Bookmarks:1833 Hits:146054

Time Travel Fix-It, Canon Era, Canon Compliant, Slow Burn, First Time, Post Series, Basically The Merlin Series 6 We All Needed, Merlin's Magic Revealed, BAMF Merlin (Merlin)

[clotpolesonly]

tagged by @heavensenthale!!! <3

Rules:

give us the links to your wonderful words with the most hits, most kudos, most comments, most bookmarks, most words, and least words.

most hits: Metamorphose | T | 33.7k | Merthur | canon divergence | mpreg | magic reveal | fix-it |

most kudos: Happiness is Effortless | G | 5.2k | Sterek | Human AU | fake dating | bad first dates (but not theirs) | fluff |

most comments: To Be A King | T | 127.4k | Merlin gen | canon divergence/AU | King Merlin | magical kingdom | magic reveal | BAMF Merlin |

most bookmarks: I'll Dissolve When The Rain Pours In, When The Nightmares Take Me | T | 38.7k | Stackson | canon divergence/AU | soulmates | post-nogitsune/post-kanima | dissociation | panic attacks | bed-sharing |

most words: To Be A King | T | 127.4k | Merlin gen | canon divergence/AU | King Merlin | magical kingdom | magic reveal | BAMF Merlin |

least words: A Little Night Music, Just For Me | G | 327 | Laurydia | human AU | established relationship | singer Lydia | fluff |

note: i had to choose 2nd place for most bookmarks because it would've been Metamorphose again, BUT I'll Dissolve does take the top spot for subscriptions, so it deserved to be on the list anyway 😂 these particular stats have been very stable for years at this point, lol, so i know what my cream of the crop is.

tagging: @adamprrishcycle @nyxelestia @adrianfridge

[jakeonao3]

my beloved

merthur, 1.2 words, rated T

They had been in that cell for about a day, when a guy – probably their captor – opened the door to their cell and, looking at Arthur he said, “Arthur Pendragon. I’ve heard you’re very fond of the boy you call your servant.” He grinned maniacally and continued, “Today we will see how much that’s true.”

tags under the cut

Additional Tags: Implied/Referenced Torture, Blood, Blood and Injury, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Temporary Character Death, because y'know, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Love Confessions, Self-Worth Issues, from merlin's part, Selfless Merlin, How is that not a tag, Scars, Scar reveal, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Scars (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin is Emrys (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), but like emotionally, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, description of violence, not graphic tho, let me know if you think i should change the warnings, First Kiss, Getting Together

[regulusrules]

Ranking the best 10 Merlin episodes + a fic rec based on each one:

(absolutely not based on how gay they were) ((no order for the eps; they're all chef's kiss)) (((last two fics have a hold on me that levels the show itself; worth scrolling for)))

1. The Poisoned Chalice

Look. There is something just absolutely entrancing about introducing this episode in the first five of the entire show. Like, this hands-on was the sole reason everyone fell for those two idiots. It beautifully captured how the saving each other thing is reciprocal, because the first three episodes you just have to watch Merlin run around saving Arthur, never the reverse. Producing it early on in the show was the decision that, in my opinion, held everyone in their chokehold for eternity.

Fic rec: you are my favorite mistake (it can only be fate) by @multifandom-jess.

2. The Death Song of Uther Pendragon

I could go on and on for how this episode singlehandedly carried s5 on its shoulder. Like, okay I unfortunately love s5 with all my fucking heart, but this episode was perfect. Ghosts? Check. Banter? Check. POETRY?? Check check. A slap to Uther's face? Oh how beautifully checked.

It's so easy to recall how Arthur truly loved his father, but in this episode, the turmoil you see in his eyes from the actions of his father and how he resorts to saving the ones he loves (Merlin) over his father, is just too beautiful to be overlooked. Ever since Arthur became king, we see him struggle from his father's legacy. But in this episode, he begins to detach both consciously and subconsciously from him. Whether it's in his decision to save the old sorceress in the beginning, or to shun Uther's ghost, both the literal and the figurative, from his life any longer. This was one of the episodes that captured the true essence of King Arthur.

+1: the innuendos of this episode were 🤌. They knew what they were doing, you can't convince me otherwise. (are you threatening me with a spoon? / I'm teaching him some poetry.. he can't get enough of it! / what was that? h-horseplay. why don't I show you?)

Fic rec: My heart is readily yours by @regulusrules. (absolutely love how after all this introspection, i decided to throw it all away and made uther stab merlin in the fucking heart instead. but still it was my honourable attempt to shit on the finale and give them the happy ending everyone deserved).

3. The Sword in the Stone pt. 2

OKAY. This episode! Aside from how badass Merlin was in both pt.1&2, but here, especially in the part where us audience were impatiently waiting for the revival of the sword in the stone, there could've been nothing more perfect. Just like their adaptation of the round table scene, this was perfect in its own way for how different it was. They didn't make it so that people will finally find a king; they made it so that the people believe in their king. And more than that, for Arthur to believe in himself. With the estrangement and losing his crown, the writers gave him the best way to re-establish his inner glory. And Merlin being this guide; what more perfect culmination to their relationship?

You have to believe, Arthur.

Iconic.

Fic rec: Couldn't choose between Only Friend by @captain-ozone, and Fathom Me Out by @supercalvin. Brilliance ahead in both of them, I tell you.

4. The Eye of the Phoenix

Magic. Gwaine. Quests. Need I say more to explain that this was the show's holy trinity?

Fic rec: From Past to Present by flowersheep. (Prince Merlin. Archer Merlin. Perfection my friends).

5. A Servant of Two Masters

Look look; if there's an honourary wall of opinions for all the people who've watched Merlin, I DARE you to find just one who disliked this episode. Like, the series was so full of BS sometimes, but this episode was above all. The level of brilliance in this episode; showing Dark!Merlin, who's at the same time hilariously funny, and seeing him BAMF his way with Morgana, even when he's chained and tortured.. oh dear holy Lord. His "do me a favour, could you? let Arthur know." was able to steal all breath from my lungs the first time I saw it (and until now).

And don't get me started on the Protective!Arthur we got. Caring for Merlin, screaming for him when the rocks fell between them, silencing Agravaine immediately when he told him he's sorry for losing such a loyal servant because bullshit if he doesn't reign down hell before he loses Merlin. And ofc, Courage and Strength on their way to find Magic, which just filled my heart with an 'aaahhh!' moment, because we didn't get enough Gwaine-Arthur-Merlin shenanigans. And at last, the Hug™. Fucking screamed let me tell you.

It is an episode that truly showed everything; from comic elements to fluff and angst and everything. The only thing it lacked was, as always, giving Arthur the space to know. Because ffs what would they have lost if they made Arthur understand that Merlin's under Morgana's control? It wouldn't have exposed shit. It would've just been a plus to us to see Arthur caring for Merlin even more. They tried so hard that it completely backfired sometimes.

Fic rec: Still I Surface in Morning Light by @queerofthedagger. (I swear to you, anything written by this author, I readily throw whatever in hand to read it).

6. The Dragon's Call

Let thy gif caption speak.

No but really, that first episode was the stuff of legends. I could list down tens of tropes they did in just that episode alone. Honestly, no "family" show I've ever seen had started this powerfully. Just the music alone, the beauty of beginnings, not the CGI, was truly so gripping. Also bonus points for just Colin Morgan's sass abilities. None can compare.

Fic rec: This Time Around... series (incomplete) by Oneiric (lkdaswani). (this is a time travel AU, but the way the writer rewrote this episode was one of the best deviations I've read for an episode I already find near faultless).

7. The Sins of the Father

I might be subjecting myself to true wrath with my upcoming statement, but here we go:

S2 sucked.

From the beginning of the season, Arthur's shift in characterization from the honourable lovable prat of s1 to a letting Merlin act as a horse stool got me going wtf? It was like they deliberately ruined everything in their relationship and started out fresh just to force the Arthurian narrative of Arwen. And it's fine by me, truly, even if I'll never ship them, but they could've developed Arthur's character SO MUCH in that season beyond comic relief and romantic rendezvous.

Anyway so that I don't stray so much from the topic; this episode was, by fair comparison, the best in the entire season. By now it's pretty obvious that I gravitate towards all the episodes that give Arthur a semblance of agency. Him going against Uther and his maniac murderous agenda was the start of actually seeing King Arthur in front of us. Also, him listening to Merlin when he was on the verge of committing patricide was one of the things that gave me hope in how there's still hope in them. Even if they ruined it with making Merlin lie to Arthur, but the writers practically ruined every good episode with this.

+1: Morgause's intro was badass.

Fic rec: The Sins of the Father (and how to right them) by @cupcakezys. (what we deserved. to see arthur with agency, with an ability to decide for his future without being lied and deceived to).

8. Diamond of the Fucking Day

No matter how much I hate this episode, I can't, in good conscience, deny its hold on my heart. As I wrote before, there could've been no better magic reveal than this. And for all of my bitterness over their decision to kill Arthur, I sanely admit how it was a decision that insured the immortality of this fandom. It's been ten years since that episode aired, and I bet my ass off that it will still feel the same even after countless more decades.

Fic rec: literally the entirety of the fandom's fix-it fics. We all started from there, didn't we? Choosing only one would be so undervaluing to all the brilliance I've seen. However, my tags filter for it usually include: fix-it, angst with a happy ending, court sorcerer merlin, shitting on bbc writers 101, canon era, not canon compliant, everybody lives especially king arthur you mfs.

Update: I subconsciously took all these tags and wrote them in a fic

9. The Wicked Day

Throw me from the highest tower there is because every time I remember this scene, I just want to fade into the light. The sheer level of love and understanding shimmering between those two. Sometimes I marvel at the choice of bringing Colin and Bradley together, because no two could have achieved such chemistry, platonic or not, as those two did. This whole episode of showing Arthur's grief, and Merlin's desperation to heal it, was truly unforgettable. I try not to linger on its ending, Arthur denouncing magic for the millionth of time, but other than that it was a gem served to us on a silver platter.

Also seeing Uther finally die was a plus.

Fic rec: As much as I'd love to recommend my own fic for this, but honestly, whenever I get the chance, I will always take it to scream and wail about one of my absolute favourite fics of all time, which really isn't given ANY of the goddamn credit or attention or kudos it deserves. Beauty in the Ashes of Our Lives by Fulgance. I swear to you, you will never read something as beautifully heartbreaking as this. This fic resides in my mind rent-free. Basically any work by Fulgance is amazing, but this fic— oh God, my heart cannot take it sometimes.

10. Arthur's Bane pt. 1

Fuck, that episode was a masterpiece. You know, if it was all in my hands, I would've magic revealed at this particular episode. It was just.. the perfect opportunity. King Arthur in his glory, beginning of the season, enough time for Arthur to fully understand the depth of what Merlin did for him. Also, the range Arthur was given starting from here; God it's what we deserved. I always blame the writers for being inconsistent with his characterization (s2 and all), but they beautifully crafted it in the end, and it was their perfect chance to even explore the whole extent if only they made the magic reveal earlier.

Fic rec: Our broken pieces by @aramblingjay. Okay so this fic rec isn't necessarily linked at all to the episode, but I can't, in good conscience, recommend fics and not include it. Technically context wise it fits s5, for in it you see Arthur in his grandeur as king. This shall be my only exception because it's the only fic that was able to make me cry. Truly, I never shed tears, but in this, my heart stuttered. The fact that it is so unnoticed makes my blood boil because of how much praise it deserves. I can never recommend it enough.

To conclude, BBC Merlin has a powerful hold on everyone because of the fact that they knew how to eternalise it. It is significantly unique in its interpretation of legendary figures. I think I watched nearly all adaptations of King Arthur throughout the years, but even with how great some really are, to me none compare with this sword-swishing, banter-driven, CGI-messing, emotionally-killing 2008 show.

Honorary mentions:

| The Labyrinth of Gedref | Gwaine | Le Morte D'Arthur | Lancelot | The Coming of Arthur | The Moment of Truth | The Hunter's Heart | His Father's Son | The Darkest Hour |

[More fic recs]

[myer-lin]

Somewhere between the sand and the stardust Cithara

@Squiggle ✲*⋆(˘ω˘❁): Lay Your Head Down on The Shoulder of a Good Friend by Skitz_phenom is my FAVOURITE prince Merlin fic 👌🏽

To Be A King clotpolesonly

Princess diaries au one?

@Foxontherum: Of Sorcerers and Nonchanters by Electric_Dream is a really good WIP it’s a role reversal (so Prince Merlin and servant Arther where not having-

@some guy: oh an specifically 'It was one kingdom once' queerofthedagger i love this one sm m

Over the glowing hills

— end of recs from that tiktok—

Canon divergence: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8erE7K6/ As Good As You Can Be kitfornow I wanna read this :) ace arthur

180 here lol

@evy💫: all i need is you by ambrosious on ao3 (rec from below, it was so good!) and die if you don’t by justiceformerthur on ao3 (rated explicit)

ArtemisPendragon: The Fallen and Decimatikn desolation desecration devastation declaration

@DeadlyLulabee: Okay idk if it's the vibes you're going for or if you've read it BUT have you tried THE RULES by Slayer_of_Destiny ?

@Wimzzys: Next to You(It's the Rule)by LunaMyLove i think is the one your talking about SOMEONE SAID it’s funny : https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8er7QL1/

@Birb: (We Can Burn) Brighter Than the Sun by

Batsutousai has eventual noble Merlin

Somethjng entirely other (a being foretold)

@things i learn in therapy: Dark is The Night by DeansBrokenHeart/MerlinsBrokenHeart https://archiveofourown.org/works/33790630?view_full_work=true

^ ultra slow burn

Bamf merlin:

READ :

Speak (With) Your Mind

[onceandfuturelesbian]

another fic prompt cause i’m unhinged

in a closed council meeting w no servants (merlin as court sorcerer and next to arthur), arthur starts talking about how he thinks they shouldn’t called servants “servants” because he thinks it’s offensive/derogatory etc. and proposes they call them assistants because that’s what they do; assist.

“with all due respect, my lord,” merlin’s hard stare focused on the king, “that’s bullshit.”

“excuse me?” arthur, shocked by merlin’s comment, but more so by his language. he’d never heard merlin curse in their ten years of knowing each other.

“maybe you’ve forgotten, but i was a servant. your servant.”

“… yes, i’m aware.”

“servants do everything for their masters and more. we are below every other person living in this castle, we have to do whatever anyone tells us to do. we don’t assist. assistance implies we help with a task you are already working on. servitude means we do what we are told, no questions asked, no objections-“

“present company excluded,” merlin hears arthur mutter under his breath and fixes his glare back to his king.

“with only help offered by the occasional kind servant who has no urgent chores. which is very, very rare. we do the work for everyone in the castle, almost never sleep more than a few hours, before waking earlier than everyone else and do it all over again. we sleep even less if we have two jobs and also take care of secret, magical threats to the kingdom and its king.

“so no. we do not assist. we are not assistants. we serve. as servants.”

merlin catches his breath as he glanced around the table, everyone’s expressions ranging from annoyed to shocked to guilty and contemplative.

arthur absorbs every single detail that merlin had revealed. he felt impossibly guilty that not only did merlin do so much for him with no recognition and no rest, but that merlin had spoken as if he was still a servant. did he still feel that way? did people still treat him that way?

“so,” arthur begins quietly, resolving to speak to merlin about that later, “what would you suggest we do instead?”

merlin considers his question for a moment, finally calm after reliving his struggles of the last decade.

“make their lives easier,” merlin catches the confused faces of the council members. “hire more servants so you can give everyone days off without shortages and the chores won’t be spread so thin, increase wages slightly, the crown can afford it without tax increase,” at this, merlin makes sure he looks arthur and all the stuck-up noblemen in the eye.

“but most importantly,” merlin ensures he has everyone’s attention so his voice is truly heard. “be kind and protect them. servants do everything the nobles cannot, this castle would not stand without them. servants cannot protect themselves from visiting noblemen and women whose views are different from camelots. our servants happiness and safety should always be a priority.”

finally, merlin meets arthur’s gaze once again. he expects shock or maybe even anger, but all he sees is pride and adoration.

“it seems we all have a lot to think about,” arthur speaks like a king and merlin is enchanted (ironic). “council is dismissed.”

later, arthur asks merlin about his time as a servant, why he spoke as if he still was one, how people treated him now, etc

and if a few months later, the servants in the castle were happier than ever, well, everyone else was happier because of it.

—

aka merlin gets to be a bamf and school nobles on class issues while arthur is in awe

[bellamyblakru]

“I have you, it’s okay.” + Merthur 💛 also omg I'm so glad you want to get into writing I can't wait to read it!

thank you so much🥺, you guys have been too kind😭😭 im so excited!! i really love writing, but i learned from that first one that it’s exhausting 😂 gah i love merthur, lets do this (also, the knights are all alive bc i love them//shade lancelot did happen but merlin brought him back for good good) ALSO, this drabble really ran for more than i was actually going for lmfao im sorry its so long

Merlin didn’t know how he wanted Arthur to find out about his magic. Most of Merlin’s recurring nightmares consist of the possibility that Arthur will react the wrong way. After all these years, Merlin dying on the pyre wouldn’t be the worst situation. What Merlin truly dreaded the most was the inevitable betrayal that he would see in Arthur’s eyes, the look he gets when someone he loves hurts him in the most personal way. The look where Arthur thinks he is the problem, not those betraying him. Agravaine, Morgana, Gwen, and even shade-Lancelot made Arthur vulnerable enough for him to love them just to be stabbed in the back one way or another because of it. Arthur blames himself when his people turn their backs on him, and Merlin refuses to get that look from Arthur.

 Killing Merlin, as horrible as it sounds, would probably be kinder. Merlin cares more for Arthur than words could describe. It wasn’t because of prophecy, or because Arthur was a good person and an even better King, it was because Merlin loves Arthur. It is as simple as that. Merlin loves the way Arthur smirks when bantering, the way he smiles when he is helping someone in need, the way he fights for his people, the way he never gives up hope no matter what happens or who they face, the way his eyes light up when sparring with his knights. Imagining Arthur shutting him out, away from his light, was a staggering enough thought that kept Merlin quiet.

At first, it was because of Uther. Merlin wouldn’t make Arthur pick between them, even if Merlin always thought that Arthur would always pick Uther. Then it was Morgana, then it was every little excuse that allowed Merlin to push back the truth further behind his happy facade. Arthur expressed his hatred of magic enough to let Merlin understand that he wouldn’t be accepted...even if Merlin was magic itself. 

There has never been a person more devoted to another human than Merlin to Arthur. Without one, there was no other. The castle knew this, as did the knights. Gwaine and Lancelot would tease him relentlessly about his love for Arthur, but even they did not know the half of his dedication to the Once and Future King. 

Merlin is the most powerful warlock to ever walk to earth, and he was terrified to tell his best friend his two deepest secrets. The warlock part, of course, and the part where Merlin’s entire existence was to serve, protect, and love Arthur to his dying breath. Merlin believes that Arthur might have an inkling that Merlin is truly in love with him, but Arthur never let too much show between them if he does know. Servant and King. The one born because of magic and the one born made of magic. Two sides, one coin (if the large reptile had a say in this). They were like the sun and the moon, destined to rotate but not touch. Arthur was Merlin’s sun, his light, his hopes, his destiny. 

Today was hunting day for Arthur, which meant Merlin pretended to grumble the whole morning about spending time with the knights and the king simply so he could see Arthur’s eyes light up with that playful glow. The Knights of the Roundtable were with them today, to Merlin’s delight. Gwaine and Lancelot were finally getting closer to each other through Merlin, and he couldn’t be more enthusiastic about it. They were the closest to brothers he ever had, and he was so grateful to have them in his life. Lancelot was welcomed back after the whole scandal since Morgana was outed, but Gwen decided to permanently end things with Arthur. Merlin was upset they weren’t together anymore, but Arthur did not seem too distraught about the news. Arthur probably sees the way Lancelot looks at Gwen and figured he couldn’t compete with that love, which made Merlin’s heart clench painfully.

Merlin was riding beside Arthur when the unimaginable happened. The forest was quiet in the way that made Merlin’s magic crawl, but no one seemed concerned with his fears. Merlin knew better. Right before the army ambushed, Merlin simply looked at Arthur. Arthur looked like he was bathing in sunlight, with a golden halo and his sparking sword hanging by his side, laughing at something Gwaine was talking about. Merlin’s life was Arthur’s well-being, and if it meant Arthur hated him for the rest of his life, then so be it.

The minute they entered the clearing, the laughter died. The knights reacted immediately with their King leading the way, swinging off their horses and preparing for battle. The army wasn’t too big, but it was Morgana’s—meaning magic users of different degrees everywhere. Her army did not look impressive, but the true power was in the hidden fact that each one of her soldiers wielded some magic. Merlin could feel it in the air. He could almost taste the potential power these people had, and he knew today was the day he has been dreading since he realized his love for Arthur.

Today was the day of Merlin’s betrayal—but it was the only choice. Arthur’s safety goes beyond what Merlin wanted..it always would, no matter how this ended.

Merlin didn’t waste any more time. He spelled the knights and his king to the ground with one look, saw the shocked expressions on different faces (he didn’t dare look at Arthur yet), but he did not let himself ponder them for too long. He thought up a shield then, putting those he loved in a bright, golden bubble of protection. Knowing they were safe allowed Merlin to relax for a second before turning his attention to the problem coming at him. He counted thirty sorcerers, with Morgana leading the charge. He took a second to truly look at Morgana. Her hair was matted, her clothing ripped, her eyes were darkened by the nightmares she is no doubt plagued with. He felt such pity and sorrow at that moment, a feeling so intense that time itself stopped around him. 

He walked up to Morgana, whose eyes were frozen gold with fury. He saw Aithusa in the back, and allowed time to continue for her alone. He spoke quietly to her, telling her how he is sorry for letting her stray so far and how he wasn’t there for her when she needed him the most. Aithusa, although weary, came closer to Merlin and let him pet her nose. Through the connection, she could see why Merlin wasn’t there for her, or more precisely, who Merlin had to protect above everyone and everything else. Aithusa, by command of Merlin, left then to Kilgharrah who would see to her recovery. Feeling better that his kin would be seen to after this, he focused his attention back to Morgana.

He then unfroze her. She, unexpectedly freed, fell to the ground. She was petrified, Merlin could tell. Her destiny, her doom. He was who she feared at night, who kept her awake after the nightmares, the one who poisoned her for the love of Camelot. Morgana was many things, but a coward is not one of them. She stood her ground, as regally as one can manage after falling, and looked Merlin in the eyes. What she wasn’t expecting was the pain she saw, for her. She started, not understanding his emotion. Quickly, too quickly for anyone to comprehend, Merlin grabbed both sides of her face and chanted with such sadness and despair. He pleaded to the earth’s magic to take her powers, and to use them for good, to help those in need. The earth responded kindly to his request, and it did what was asked of it. Morgana quickly fell asleep in Merlin’s arms, while Merlin was slowly crying over his lost, hurting friend. 

Time unfroze. The army halted, seeing Morgana’s magic flowing into the earth, and decided that a retreat would be more beneficial than attacking Emrys. Merlin could feel the magic leave Morgana, leaving behind a broken girl who’s heart has been hurt too many times to be fair. She deserves another chance, Merlin pleaded once more, and with that thought, the earth healed her enough to be able to live without her powers. She will live, the ground whispered to Merlin, and he tried to choke back a sob. Arthur could have another chance with his sister, and Gwen could finally have her best friend back—if Morgana wished, of course. Gwaine came behind Merlin and slowly peeled her away from him. Merlin staggered up, never using that much raw power before in his life, and started swaying. 

“I have you, it’s okay,” Merlin thought he heard Arthur quaver to him. Strong arms picked him up, and although Merlin was slowly fading, he swore he saw an angel lift him up, crying about how much Merlin meant to him. He passed out before he could make sense of it.

What isn’t said here is the simple fact that Arthur loves Merlin. Arthur loves the way Merlin smiles when he knows he is being sassy, the way his nose crinkles when he disagrees with something Arthur has said, the way Merlin’s eyes look when he says something abnormally wise to Arthur. Arthur is who he is because Merlin believes in him and magic isn’t going to throw it away. Arthur may not understand what just happened, but it wasn’t destructive, or cruel, or evil. It was pure, beautiful magic that only aimed to save the people around it—and wasn’t that who Merlin was at the end of the day? The magic felt like home, like love, so like Merlin that Arthur’s breath caught in his throat. 

He didn’t feel betrayed, surprisingly. He was hurt that Merlin couldn’t trust something so vital, so beautiful about himself because Arthur’s father was a tyrant and drilled something so wrong into Arthur’s mind. But never again will Arthur be swayed by his father’s ghost. Merlin saved him, probably more times than he could count as he continues looking back on their adventures. 

Arthur loves Merlin as much as Merlin loves Arthur, so he knows that no matter what happens after today, that fact will never change.