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merthurficsfix · 10 months
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"Shadows are where great rulers are made, princeling. Secrecy is a natural ally to power."
A Song From Far Away by Mushroomtale and Polomonkey
When Arthur is captured by an enemy king intent on conquering Camelot, his future looks bleak. For Cenred commands not only a clutch of sorcerers but a fearsome dragon trained to do battle and wreak destruction.
Then Arthur meets Merlin, a fellow captive whose magic has been bound to Cenred's will. But can Merlin resist Cenred's control long enough to help Arthur save Camelot?
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If you like this one, you might also like:
Keep Your Secrets by New_Kate
Gadarene by Unpossible
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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Merlin continued to stare, possibly open-mouthed, at the King Arthur hallucination, which he was beginning to suspect might not be a hallucination at all.
Not in This Land Alone by torakowalski 
When Merlin Emrys gets a summer job at Buckingham Palace, he doesn't expect to even meet King Arthur, let alone become involved in protecting him from a plot to overthrow the monarchy.
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Modern magical AU. Cuter than it sounds (in spite of the terrorist plot to be uncovered) with lots of cute banter.  A “Modern Royalty AU” classic. 
If you like this one, you’ll also like:
The Prince’s Diaries by dearmydreamer
The Lonely King by Corilannam
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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Well at least I’m not a complete and utter clot- whoa, wait. You think I’m pretty?
We’ll Take Manhattan by lechatblanche
It is 1962, and Pendragon Publishing is looking at how to expand the readership of its fashion magazine 'Camelot'. The decision to bring in newer, younger photographers leads to Arthur Pendragon, the rebellious, innovative heir to the Pendragon empire being admitted back into the fold for one trial photoshoot, but only if he agrees to do things their way. Unfortunately for them, when Arthur claps eyes on Merlin - clumsy, nervous, doesnt-know-how-to-hold-still Merlin - he realises that he has found his Muse and that he will have to fight to keep him, even if it means pushing further than he has ever gone before.
In other words, this will be very much based on the story of photographer David Bailey and model Jean Shrimpton from the BBC's 'We'll Take Manhattan'.
Rec Notes: A well crafted and immersive occupation AU combined in the “historical” genre. Character driven deviation from the usual hate-at-first-sight methur set up.
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance.
Falconry Series by Versaphile
It's hard enough keeping Arthur and Camelot safe without anyone finding out about his magic. But when Merlin falls in love with Arthur, he has no idea that he has triggered a chain of events that will alter the course of destiny itself... or what it will cost them both for Arthur to know the truth.
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Art from @ConsultingMutts now @crxstalcas​​
Rec Notes: Gonna be completely honest here. I read this story at least five years ago and remember almost nothing about it. My memory is terrible and the second I finish a story I forget every detail except how it makes me feel until I’ve reread it like 4 or 5 times. What I do remember is that this series is the length of like 6 novels and I was engaged for every second of it, and I bookmarked it enthusiastically. 
Versaphile is a talented author and I’ve recced one of their other works before “Of Faith and Hope and Love”. If you are a fan of plot driven Canon era angst, this author and this series is a must. 
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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The Prince of Wales begins work Monday at Taliesen Architectural Partnership, a Cardiff-based firm where Prince Arthur has signed on for two years to finish his professional qualifications in architecture.
The Lonely King by Cori Lannam
The Prince of Wales at his school. Merlin was sure it was all just a very bad joke.
This is my favorite Modern Royalty AU I’ve read so far. I love the subplots of Arthur trying to hold down a regular job as prince and trying to figure out dating. The pacing is great especially with Merlin and Arthur’s relationship. A great slow burn, mutual pining situation. I laughed, I cried, I wished it could’ve been longer. 
If you liked this one, you might also like,
Not In This Land Alone by torkowalski
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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MerthurFicsFix Recommendation Masterlist on AO3
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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At least there was one thing to look forward to this year: his advanced class was going to be a lot of fun.
More Than Just a Pair of Sinking Ships by Robespierre
Arthur is a frustrated, unhappily married teacher. He used to love teaching, and he used to love Gwen, but now it feels as though happiness is an unreachable goal. Life finally starts to make sense again when he meets Merlin, a sixteen-year-old foreign exchange student.
As their student/teacher relationship strengthens, Arthur begins to have decidedly unprofessional thoughts about Merlin, forcing him to reexamine everything he believes in: his career, his marriage, and even his own sexuality.
Problematic fave. I don’t condone student/teacher relationships in real life, obviously, because of tricky power imbalance issues. But when you know the characters are perfect for each other, who can resist it in a story. With the forbidden romance, and the angsty pining, and the longing. It’s my bread and butter.
Plus the author did it really well. With the appropriate amount of guilt and handwringing and did I mention longing?
If you like this one, you might also like
Sew Right
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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This is what Camelot has become.
Gadarene by Unpossible
“You’re the Prince?” Merlin says, eyeing him. He hesitates, then adds, defiant, “The Mad Prince of Camelot.” Arthur doesn’t move. There’s quiet for a long time, then he says it. “I am.” “You don’t seem mad,” he says. The smile wells up from somewhere deep, and very sad. “Well, Merlin,” he says, “give me time.”
This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is a fantastically written dark epic. This is one of my favorite fics in the Merlin fandom because of the palpable tension between Merlin and Arthur from minute one. The story is relatively long but the pacing makes the story fly by. Despite being much heavier than canon, the story still feels like Merlin in terms of characterization and action. It just leans into the darker aspects that the family friendly tv show glossed over without just being whump for whump’s sake. The romance between them is delicately crafted too, and romantic even in the context of a slavery/hostage situation. 
This one goes in my top 10.
If you like this one, you might also like
Keep Your Secrets
A Song From Far Away
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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Well, you know what they say about men who wear big gauntlets.
Physician’s Hands by SassyWarlock
Arthur hears a rumor about the size of Merlin's... 'hands'. He seeks to confirm the validity of these rumors so he can put a stop to them. That's the only reason he wants to know. The ONLY reason.
I live for Arthur’s denial. It’s always hilarious and this fic is no exception. Funny and Sexy. My favorite combination besides angsty and romantic. 
If you like this one, you might also like
Sweeter Dreams
Sword, Stone, Servant, Sire
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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[Merlin] knew he had to get Arthur out of the woods and somewhere safe. Ealdor was the only thing that came to mind. Home and his mother; the only true safety Merlin knew.
Remember When We Never Faded by Giselleslash
Merlin and Arthur don't meet in Camelot: they meet near Ealdor. Merlin brings an unconscious Arthur home from battle, but when Arthur wakes, he's forgotten who he is. The closer they become, the more Merlin believes in the world their shared destiny could create.
A canon era alternate first meeting amnesia fic. A great idea that was really well done. Plus, I can never get enough canon era stories that read like a romantic comedy. 
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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"I've decided that you're not a sorcerer," he said. "Thanks," said Merlin sarcastically. "Maybe you could convince them, too." "No, really, it's only logical. Sorcerers are evil, cowardly and self-serving. If you were one, you'd have agreed to work for these bandits long ago. You wouldn't still be locked in here, treated like this."
Keep Your Secrets by New_Kate
Arthur Pendragon is captured by the bandits. While he waits to be ransomed, he slowly gets to know Merlin, the prisoner being held in the next cell.
Merlin and Arthur fall in love while they’re being tortured. The transition from mistrust to alliance is so seamless. Part of me wishes there was a sequel, a little comfort for all the hurt, but at the same time, it’s so perfect as a standalone.
Related Reading: Touch My Skin To Keep Me Whole
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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How. Does. It. Feel.
Le Droit de Seigneur by lolo313
The peaceful calm of Camelot is shattered when Merlin happens upon Gwen--Queen-to-Be--and Lancelot, together. But no one, especially not Merlin, expected Arthur to react like...this.
I went searching for a juicy fic with infidelity and lots of angst on all sides, because I have just a tiny sadistic streak, but I never wanted this. The writing caught my attention right away. It was very atmospheric, settled you in effortlessly into a bright sunny day in camelot, and I knew right away I'd be reading more from this author. This story is shorter than most of the ones I usually go for but it was just as memorable. Basically if I'd have known what I was getting myself into, I would scrolled past it faster than I could blink. I would've been wrong because it's great. Even at the end, when I was left gaping I couldn't even hate the author for it. The characterization was too good, the emotions were too real, but seriously. Not cool.
Note to Self: Always read the author's notes
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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hi! I've been looking for a fic and I can't find it. it's merthur, it's from a looooong time ago, it used to be on LiveJournal I believe, it was 50k+ and it was released in really long chapters, all I remember is that it was pretty angsty and it finished around Christmas (I remember being at my grandma's when the final chapter came out and crying in the bathroom while reading it on Christmas Eve or smth) I know it's super not specific but it's all I remember! can you help? :(
I wish I knew, but I was never really involved in Livejournal. If anyone else out there has an idea of what this could be, let us know!
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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hi!! i'm looking for a fic i read awhile ago that i can't stop thinking about and i was wondering if you knew it?? it's about arthur being basically "the bachelor" and he has girls and boys at the castle trying to win his heart and him and merlin become good friends but merlin is also part of like an undercover magic thing?? and arthur finds out?? do you know it?? thanks so much!!
The only Bachelor AU I know of is
Tulips Are Better, Dragons Are Best by SweetieJelly
But there’s also The Heart’s Search by Rotrude
I haven’t read it, but it might be the one you’re looking for. It’s based on a novel, similar premise to The Bachelor where a bunch of people are competing for Arthur’s hand in marriage. It has a dystopian setting so if there could be an undercover magic resistance, and I think it takes place in a castle.
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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Merlin stared at [Owain] for a moment. “I’m not fired?” “Fired? The first person Pendragon couldn’t bully into doing what he wanted? You, my friend, have earned yourself a fixed spot for the football games. I expect you to show up for the rest of the season.”
Three Lions on a Shirt by bunnysworld
While working on his thesis, Merlin never would have guessed how much working as a steward would change his life forever. After a chance appointment guarding the home team's locker room, he's about to find out.  
There he meets the Riders, a rag tag team of men, and their star player Arthur Pendragon. With childhood dreams of playing for England, Arthur refuses to let anything get in the way, even love.
Pining. So much Pining. It took a long time for the pay off in this one, but it was worth it.
If you like this one, you might also like
Champagne From a Paper Cup
There Are No Gays In Football
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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Hi! I'm a little desperate to find a fic that I can't remember the name of--i'm hoping you might recognize it? Merlin goes to university to study magic at the best magic school in Britain, Arthur is the crown prince and goes to that university too but knows nothing about magic. Arthur also flies planes with the Royal air force and kilgarrah lives in a magic portal that can show up anywhere, including on Arthur's plane Excalibur? And Kilgarrah likes electronics. I hope that's enough to make sense
This sounds like the fandom classic The Student Prince by FayJay
I can’t think of any other modern royalty fics where Arthur is a pilot. I hope this is it.
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merthurficsfix · 2 years
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In moments like these [Arthur] could pretend that they were uncomplicated: that there were no discernable differences between kings and servants. And maybe it truly wasn’t, when the servant was sitting cross-legged on the king’s bed with his sinful, red mouth curling around slurred words.
The Coming of Spring by Ingberry
Kings, even new ones, were not supposed to long for their menservants. They shouldn't let their eyes linger on their wrists, the plump of their lips, or the shape of their thighs. Arthur knew this, but he still wanted. There was nothing about Merlin he didn't want.
Sweet and Sexy. High-Quality Porn with feelings
If you like this one, you might also like
Sword, Stone, Servant Sire by the_arc5
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