Rectober Week 1
banner by raitala
I planned to do four Merlin rec posts for Rectober, and by jingo, I'm going to jolly well get it done...
Long Fic
Gadarene by unpossible
I'm trying to rec lesser known fics but I had to kick this off with my favourite Merlin fic of all time. Beautifully written, perfectly characterised, stunningly plotted; I literally can't say enough good things. It's wonderful.
Dark
The Spoils of War by Clea2011
Short and perfectly realised fic about a Camelot where Merlin’s taken over, and is a very uneasy captor to a furious Arthur. The worldbuilding here is exquisite for a 2k fic.
Hurt/comfort
Unbreakable by eight_of_hearts
Gen fic in which Morgana enchants Arthur into an abusive bully, and Merlin bears the brunt of it. Lots of good whump and h/c.
Fluff
Skin Deep by PlaneJane
In which Merlin has dry skin and Arthur helps him out and I melt and die of cute every time I read it...
Humour
The One Where Merlin Is Terrible At Sex And Arthur Is Hopelessly In Love by Angelike
I’m sure we’ve all read this but treat yourself and read it again because hopeless virginal Merlin and pompous but good hearted Arthur are perfectly hilarious here.
Rarepair
Wishes on Dandelions by seasalticecream32
This is hot off the press and brilliant! Gwaine’s a werewolf and thinks Elyan’s way too nice and normal to be with him... but fate plays a hand. Really lovely and nicely told.
Femslash
Travel My Way, Take the Highway by sophinisba
Evocative and tender short fic about Morgana and Gwen travelling across America in the fifties to escape Uther and the law. Powerful and full of gorgeous images.
Smut
Round the Table Once More by qwerty
If you like Merlin in a cheerleading outfit (and why wouldn’t you?) and toppy, possessive Arthur, please enjoy this sexy little fic with a neat reincarnation twist.
AU
Mother by TheHatMeister
Sparsely constructed and full of beautifully restrained emotion, this is a short AU in which Merlin is created in a lab and longs to find a family.