Merlin Recs - Paper Legends!

My flist is filled with PL recs right now, so I feel like this is basically just nodding along to what everyone else has already said.

Stars Above, Stones Below by destina Arthur/Merlin [NC-17] (46k)
Summary: After the disastrous end of his betrothal to Gwen and the regret of his offer to Princess Mithian, Arthur swears off finding a wife until he's ready to wed. When Merlin offers himself to Arthur as bedmate, Arthur suggests they hand-fast in secret for a single year of mutual pleasure without obligation. As their year together unfolds, and secrets and betrayals unravel around them, Arthur and Merlin learn there is no such thing as uncomplicated pleasure. Everything they thought they knew can change in the span of a single year.

This is a gorgeous canon fic. I love the point in time the author decides to diverge from canon. That point in S4 is so full of possibilities and this fic takes it all in a wonderful direction. The idea of handfasting as a way of voluntarily (and temporarily) bonding, still kept the tension high while still allowing for Arthur and Merlin to have lots of sex become closer on a different level. There are so few (mostly) canon-compliant long fics being written right now and this one is a brilliant read.

And gorgeous art for this fic by goss

The Dragon's Circle by finem Arthur/Merlin, Gwaine/Merlin [R] (62k)
Summary: Camelot University is both the safest and most dangerous place for Merlin to hide while he waits for his magic to mature. One term; it's all he has to last, and then he can take his rightful place in the magical community and get to the heart of why magic is fading in the world. One term of laying low, keeping to himself, and getting ready for what is to come. It's a solid plan...until Arthur Pendragon steps into the picture.

First, this is part one of a longer series. But in this 62k we are given plenty to enjoy and the ending was satisfying enough for me to want more, but not leave me with that itchy ‘I just read a WIP’ feel. I’ll be very happy, though, if the author does continue this series. I love this university AU. It’s fresh and different. The universe is completely fascinating. There should be a warning for bullying, imo. It certainly has plenty of that in the form of OTT hazing type stuff. Which is a squick for me (especially because it’s Arthur making it happen). But I was really happy to see that the ‘hazing’ was an essential part of what was happening in the fic and there was a reason for it and it wasn’t swept under the rug with Arthur shrugging it off with a ‘sorry for being a dick to you’. Arthur’s certainly dick, but by the end of the fic you understand him and respect him. [oh, note on pairings. The Merlin/Gwaine is a moment in the beginning, but it doesn't go anywhere. This is an M/A fic.]

Also check out the lovely art by reiya_wakayama

Lots more to come.