#fests: acbb

[merlinfic]

My Significant Bother 

Author: evaelisaa, Leandra

Rating: E

Setting: Modern AU

Word Count: 96,152

Summary: 

Merlin's job as PR junior on the royal account isn't as glamorous as people believe: Most nights, he's saving Arthur, Duke of York and black sheep of the family, from possibly committing monarchy-shattering shenanigans. When tragedy hits and Arthur is now second in line to the throne, the public doesn't react too favourably to the new Prince of Wales.

A solution has to be found and Merlin's contribution is key to the problem: Roped into posing as Arthur's fake boyfriend, he's supposed to make Arthur's popularity levels rise with his steadfast and relatable presence and elevate him from scandalous rake to romantic figure...

Comments: Oh my god what didn’t I love about this fic!!! The fake relationship was *chef’s kiss,* and the banter was fantastic—it felt so Merlin and Arthur that I just [screams]. Seriously, this fic is so so so good!!

[merlinfic]

This Old World in a New Age 

Author: 221B_Marauder, sushishin

Rating: M

Setting: Canon AU

Word Count: 46,428

Summary: 

There have been rumors of Prince Merlin’s powers throughout the five kingdoms since his birth. Uther is one who covets Merlin’s power for both Camelot and Arthur’s reign, going as far as inviting Merlin to Camelot when he presents as Omega.

When Merlin travels to Camelot on behalf of his father's kingdom, he finds an arrogant and unlikable Arthur yet inexplicably finds himself saving both Camelot and Arthur anyway before finally returning to Essetir. It is only when his younger brother Mordred supersedes him as heir presumptive due to presenting as an Alpha that Merlin returns to Camelot.

Once again, Merlin and Arthur work together to save Camelot and then to get through the consequences of their fathers' enemies seeking revenge.

Reader’s Comments: it’s an omegaverse, and has merlin as a dragonlord and royalty (which kinda brings in the arranged marriage trope)! definitely interesting to see how politics and prophecy play out in this one :)

Thanks to @221b-jily for sending in this rec!

[merlinfic]

Love is Brewing at the Lazy Daisy

Author: tehfanglyfish

Rating: E

Setting: Canon AU

Word Count: 51,281

Summary: 

It’s been five years since Arthur took the throne and Camelot is thriving, thanks to his hard work and willingness to listen to his best friend and closest advisor, Gwen. Dedicated to improving life for his people, Arthur gave up on romance years ago to focus on economic revitalization and building a lasting peace with the Druids.

But everything changes when a new shop opens next door to the Rising Sun, selling a strange drink from a distant land. Arthur soon finds himself regularly frequenting the Lazy Daisy, drawn to the coffee and the captivating shopkeeper, a man called Merlin who seems strangely familiar. Will he be the one to convince Arthur to let down his defenses and follow his heart?

Comments: Oh man, what didn’t I love about this fic! I absolutely adored Arthur throughout the fic and seeing him wanting to and trying to change things in Camelot was fantastic. His banter with Merlin at the coffee shop made me all *heart eyes emoji* and I was so pleased when they finally got together. And honestly, I just loved all the characters in this fic—Gwen especially! It’s a great fic!

[merlinfic]

Lay Your Head Down on the Shoulder of a Good Friend

Author: Skitz_phenom

Rating: E

Setting: Canon AU

Word Count: 97,589

Summary: 

With Camelot readying for the upcoming gathering of rulers of the Southern Kingdoms to discuss peace, Uther has tasked Arthur with an additional duty: befriend the Prince of Essetir and learn anything he can of King Balinor, and of magic, and of dragons, that might be of interest should the treaty not succeed.

That's easier said than done, as he and Prince Merlin don't exactly hit it off immediately. But, befriending Merlin and learning of magic and life in Essetir leads Arthur down the paths of discovering long held secrets surrounding his own birth, and his mother's ill health, and his father's hatred of all things magic.

Adding even more complications to the mix are rowdy knights, frustrating princesses, a possible traitor in their midst, and an overly-verbose dragon; not to mention the burgeoning and peculiar feelings for his fellow prince that Arthur struggles to put a name to.

Comments: Wow, wow, wow, did I LOVE this fic!!! I loved how the relationship between Merlin and Arthur grew (and I mean, the little scene where they realize they had met when they were little...I just—), and I really enjoyed seeing Arthur kinda come into his own and realize what is happening around him. The inclusion of Ygraine was fantastic as well, and honestly, overall this fic is just SO. GOOD.

[merlinfic]

Merlin Writer Month 2018

Week Two: Rare Gems Week!

Clouds On The Horizon by Diana_Prallon

M | 49,975 | Canon AU | Merlin/Arthur | Summary: The Golden Age has arrived.

It's been three years since King Arthur Pendragon legalised magic once again in Camelot. Side by side, magical and non-magical folk have worked to rebuilt the land that was torn in the war against magic just as the King and his sister try to heal the rift between themselves. In times of peace, Albions prospers.

Prosperity, however, brings a new threat to the land, one that Camelot cannot face without the aid of its allies. Meanwhile, Arthur and Merlin have to figure out how to live with each other now that there are no more secrets between them.

Comment: Wow wow wow, THIS. FIC. The angst wrecked me, and the back and forth of the timeline was so well done. It makes me wish that series five would have went like this!

Sail Thou Forth (The Untold Want Remix) by fifty_fifty

E | 37,070 | Historical AU | Merlin/Arthur | Summary: Trapped in a marriage of convenience, Merlin Emrys doesn't believe in love at first sight - or true love at all, for that matter.

That is, until he meets Arthur Pendragon, an extraordinary man whose courage inspires him to begin the career that he has always longed for, and in whose arms Merlin begins to hope for better things.

But society isn't kind to men like them, and both must overcome tremendous obstacles before they will be free to live the life they've been dreaming of.

Comment: Okay, so I’ve recced this fic before, but this fic still deserves so much more love. It’s one of my favorites!

Touch by autumdragon

T | 2,596 | Modern AU | Merlin/Arthur | Summary: It's not black. Not really. It's more shades of blacks: constant silhouettes floating in and out of his vision. It's all he's ever known. Black. But then he meets Merlin. And he sees colour for the first time.

Comment: This fic is simply wonderful. I loved how achingly beautiful everything was described through Arthur’s POV, and how everything changed when he met Merlin. I don’t have words. It’s lovely!

[merlinfic]

Here We Go Again

Author: daroh

Rating: E

Setting: Modern AU

Word Count: 42,198

Summary: 

Merlin’s determined to find the best ex of his life; Arthur, the best sex. Arthur proposes a neighbourly arrangement to get them both what they want. What could possibly go wrong?

Comments: This fic is absolutely delightful! I couldn’t wait for Merlin to realize that Arthur actually liked him (and lemme just say it’s worth the wait for when they do finally get together!). The fic has a great mix of fluff and humor and it honestly made me want to watch the movie it’s based on. It’s a wonderful fic!

[merlinfic]

The Golden Path 

Author: blacktail_chorus

Rating: M

Setting: Canon AU

Word Count: 58,516

Summary: 

While Morgana is on the run after revealing herself as a sorceress, Arthur embarks on a quest for a blade rumored to be able to destroy the source of all magic–with Merlin, of course, in tow. On the road, a rash decision with unexpected consequences forces Arthur to confront a lifetime of prejudice against magic and decide how far he will go to make things right.

Comments: I absolutely loved this fic! I enjoyed the use of daemons in this and it was interesting to see what kind of animal each person had. (Side note: personally, I only have a vague notion of the “His Dark Materials” books but you definitely don’t need to have the full knowledge of it to understand what’s happening.) I loved that this fic had good!Morgana and her role throughout the fic was great. The angst of the reveal and what happens to Merlin was heartbreaking, but I loved how everything was resolved. And goodness, watching Arthur grow and learn and become King Arthur was just fantastic.

[merlinfic]

Evil Overlord, Inc.

Author: Footloose

Rating: M

Setting: Modern Magical AU

Word Count: 137,922

Summary: 

Merlin is a recent graduate with a double doctorate in metaphysics and physics. Arthur is a low-level paper pusher with a desk in the sub-basement of MI5. They live in a world with ridiculous laws and restrictions against anyone who might be supernatural in any way, shape, or design.

Merlin has huge debts looming over this head, a few quid left in his bank account, and no job prospects. Arthur is pushing thirty, in a dead-end job with no chances of promotion to fieldwork agent, and is thoroughly bored with his life.

One ill-advised Craigslist advert, five pushy mates, one nosy all-knowing sister, and a hacked email account later, Merlin and Arthur take the world by storm.

(Or, more precisely, they take over the world.)

Comments: Oh lord, this fic is fantastic! The world building is so so good and I always love a good modern au where magic is prominently involved. The chemistry and build of the Merlin/Arthur relationship was great as well, and I loved just how badass the two of them were. Seriously, it’s a great fic!