Architecture and Authority by LolaFeist (PG-13)
Two Merlin modern, magical, dystopian AUs today. The second:
Title: Architecture and Authority
Fandom: Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Categories: Modern magical AU, dystopian, pre-slash (slash in the sequel)
Length: Medium (2,270 words)
Warnings: Hate crime (magic-related), non-explicit violence
Author on LJ: lolafeist
Author Website:
LolaFeist
Summary: Arthur Pendragon takes a shortcut on his way home from work and interrupts a hate crime against a sorcerer.
Review:
In modern day Albion, sorcerers' lives are severely restricted, and not much is done about hate crimes against them. The way LolaFeist captures Merlin's fear and the sparking of his trapped magic is downright visceral. Then Arthur turns into the right alley at the right moment with a battered umbrella he wields like a sword.
There's great suspense here and a good dose of hurt/comfort. When Merlin offers the reassurance, "I can't hurt you," and tries to rattle off his sorcerer registration ID, it tugs at something in Arthur (and in me).
Architecture and Authority stands on its own, but there's also a fantastic sequel in which we get to see a much more powerful side of Merlin, an even braver Arthur (who has to work past some realistic fears about magic - thank you, LolaFeist), and the deepening relationship between the two.
AO3 Architecture and Authority and sequel, Welcome the Tide (R, no warnings)
LJ Architecture and Authority, Welcome the Tide