Merlin Recs Post
In honor of
dreamwaffles finally watching Merlin, I decided to go through my bookmarks and put together a list of my very favoritest Merlin fics, a sort of introduction to the fandom, if you will (or even if you won't). I'm much too lazy to put these in any particular order or organize them by length or rating or what have you, so you're just going to have to put up with my half-assed summaries. Anyway, twenty-two Merlin fics, for whoever wants them:
Job Orientation by seperis
"I did not magic up this tower--as you so charmingly put it--just to upset you. It's always been here." More or less. Perhaps less than more. Established relationship, featuring oblivious!Merlin.
and it’s prequel, The Tale of the Sea Serpent
Arthur tips up his chin, looking into bright blue eyes, and wonders if it will ever hurt less to be this much in love, like burning up inside with no relief in sight.
Drastically Redefining Protocol by rageprufrock
Modern AU with Arthur as the Prince of Wales and Merlin as a sleep deprived med student, if that isn’t a tautology. If you only ever read one fic in this fandom, it should be this one.
August by rageprufrock
It’s Hunith’s birthday! This fic is basically just adorable. If you ever feel like the world is a dark and depressing place, read this fic for an instant mood adjustment.
Gossip Gaius by fatherbannanas
This drabble is complete and utter crack. Do not expect great things, but do expect to snort tea out your nose.
Astolat
‘Nuff said.
Room 20 by astolat
Because it’s not on her main fanfic page, for some reason.
The Sword and the Faith by novembersmith
Lovely, understated h/c. Short but sweet.
Emergency Rescue Plan Alpha by such_heights
“I’m waiting for the very good explanation you no doubt have prepared.”
“Oh.” Merlin frowned. “I - yes. I did have one.” He looked even more dazed than usual, then his eyes widened. “Danger! Big, fiery danger - I saved your life!” Merlin thinks he’s sneaky.
An Unnecessary Freezing of Water by shinetheway
Blizzard, thin ice, huddling for warmth. I’ve read at least five fics on this theme in the Merlin fandom alone, but this one’s my favorite.
Camelot’s Sweethearts by mariana_oconnor
Um. It’s a modern AU based on the movie America’s Sweethearts (which I have never seen, btw, so I’m not sure how similar they are). It’s really good, I promise.
The Prince’s Bride by 01100100
I’m… not sure what to say about this, really, except that it is, well, crack. Of the very finest caliber. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Fleet of Foot by enjambament
The King is made of light again. Vignettes moving backward in time. This one is just pretty.
A Dagger of the Mind by shinetheway
“He’s mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf, a horse’s health, a boy’s love, or a whore’s oath,” the Fool, King Lear
And In His Hands, A Weapon by laceymcbain
“The prince is ensorcelled, I fear,” Roderick gasped out as Merlin applied pressure to his side. “He attacked without warning.”
A Feeling We Don’t Know Yet by ladyflowdi
“You almost died, you great arse!” Merlin yells, and he’s perfectly aware that this is his inevitable breakdown, that he is going to lose it in front of Arthur and there’s not a damned thing he can do about it.
Give Me Miles and Mountains, and I’ll Ask For the Sea by hackthis
Merlin's wearing that omnipresent, infuriating neckerchief that keeps Merlin's chest hidden. If Arthur had his druthers he would rip it off and use it to tie Merlin -- uh. Moving onward. Arthur keeps getting… distracted.
Am prionnsa, an t-amadan agus na meirlich by aithris
Merlin and Arthur get captured by some bandits. Hijinks ensue.
Tintagel by seperis
I’ll say right off that this fic is very strange. But it’s strange in kind of a cool way, so it’s all good. Arthur returns to the place of his birth.
A Year and a Day by linaerys
The lady extended her hand. Arthur clasped it and bowed over it, lips hovering a fraction of an inch above her cool, delicate fingers. “I am Nyneve,” she continued. “Queen of the Fairy. You will feast with us tonight.”
There Are No Legible Signs by franticsga
"I'm getting you down, idiot," Arthur replied. "Just try not to giggle too girlishly if I tickle you." Apparently, swinging around several pounds of sharpened steel for a few hours makes one a little sore. Who knew.
Be Resigned by franticsga
Air Force AU, but they’re meteorologists (basically, weathermen) so there’s a disappointing lack of actual planes involved. HOWEVER, the fic makes up for it in sheer awesomness. WIP, about three chapters left I think.
So there you have it. All I have left to say is that, if anyone is reading this and thinking, "Shock! Horror! My very favoritest Merlin fic is not here!" then I would be an extremely happy penguin if you would comment with a link, and possibly a short description. Remember: the fandom gods smile on those who share good fics with others. Let's all pretend I didn't just pull that out of my butt.
