Merlin Recs

[marguerite_26]

Disclaimer on Merlin Holidays recs: I’m a mod, which means while the author is anon to you, they are not to me. If that’s a concern for you, feel free to scroll on past. A list of other reccers provided below. Also my reading order is not the same as the posting order. So while i plan to read every fic, I haven’t necessarily read all the fics posted so far even though I have read many that haven't been posted.

[ART]
Sketch Merlin X Arthur kisses by ~woshibbdou

Merlin 14 by *MisterKay

The Light of Dawn by amythystluna Merlin/Arthur [R]

Dance Down to Nothing by arithilim Merlin/Arthur [PG]


[FIC]
The Blessing by corilannam Merlin/unicorn, implied Merlin/Arthur [NC-17] (4k)
Summary: Set immediately after episode 1.11. The unicorn has come back to life, but it still wants something from Merlin.

This was written for Kinkspiration Round 1, so warning: bestiality (human/unicorn sexual activity). To which I say: \o/ BRING IT ON. And this delivers. Very naughty and wrong and so delicious.

Stranded by fluffssnowflake Arthur/Merlin [R] (5.6k)
Summary: When Merlin and Arthur find themselves in a tight spot, they get help from an unexpected source.

Well... i pretty much love everything about this fic and would have loved to read a 100k of it, but I think the author did an excellent job of making it work perfectly in 5k (I just need to keep re-reading it, is all). The premise is that an older Arthur from the future comes back to help out when he's needed, and not only does he eradicate the evil beasties, but he gives younger!Merlin hope and a glimpse of the future that is more precious that anything Excalibur can do.

The Very Important Quest by angstslashhope Arthur/Merlin [NC-17] (25k)
Summary: On a Very Important Quest, Arthur and Merlin share clothes, beds, bathwater and secrets.

First: there is a warning for gore here – which is due to animals eating other animals. That bit is easily skimable. I really loved the banter in this fic, the dynamic between Merlin and Arthur, the way they look after each other. Lovely quest fic.

Until Morning Light by myashke Arthur/Merlin [NC-17] (9k)
Summary: The citadel is coldest during Midwinter vigil, but warmth comes in many forms on that magical night.

This is a gentle, warm fic that made me smile the whole way through. I adore the atmosphere of the Midwinter vigil and ritual of it all, as well as the quiet friendship between both Merlin and Arthur.

On Pins and Needles (In the Company of Wolves) by coffeemugged Uther/Merlin [NC-17] (17k)
Summary: Sometimes, the fairy tale heroine isn't just a cutout victim waiting for her saviour, but the agent of her own fate. Merlin thinks so, anyway, as he tries his best to woo a beast of his own - his English Lit teacher - Mr Pendragon.

This fic comes with warnings for: D/s, student-teacher relationship, age disparity (Merlin is 16), BDSM.... which basically reads like all my favourite kinks. What I liked most about this fic was Merlin’s self-awareness. He knows he’s a sub, and knows he responds to Uther’s Dom characteristics and he loves to push the Dom in Uther to the forefront, even if he’s a bit clumsy at it. IDEK... but that just hits all my buttons.

Same River Twice by kianspo Arthur/Merlin [PG-13] (22k)
Summary: Modern royal AU. When Arthur, the Prince of Wales, was seventeen, he had made a mistake that is still haunting him. Eight years later, can he finally make it right?

This fic? HEARTS IN MY EYES the whole time. A fantastic, quick read that immediately became one of my favourite Royal AUs. A sweet, romantic, fun fic to read on a winter’s afternoon.

Reminder: List of Merlin Holidays Recs. If you are reccing for the fest, send me a link.