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“Kneel,” Arthur said, voice calm and measured in the way it was during official ceremonies.
Merlin paled. He deflated. Shoulders hunched as if the weight of the world rested on them. Gone was the greater than life figure. It had been replaced by a terrified boy who had lived his whole life knowing he could be killed for who he was. He obeyed Arthur without hesitation. Didn’t attempt to flee or beg for his life.
Lancelot, however, revealed himself to be fiercely protective of his friend.“If you want to harm him, you’ll have to get past me first, Sire,” the knight said, coming to stand before Merlin.
Written for Merthur week day 2: Knight!Merlin + protective others
Series
- Part 2 of Merthur week 2023
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 1,517
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- 1/1
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- 23
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Ch1
Sir Merlin of Camelot
Ace_Teagirl
Summary:
“Kneel,” Arthur said, voice calm and measured in the way it was during official ceremonies.Merlin paled. He deflated. Shoulders hunched as if the weight of the world rested on them. Gone was the greater than life figure. It had been replaced by a terrified boy who had lived his whole life knowing he could be killed for who he was. He obeyed Arthur without hesitation. Didn’t attempt to flee or beg for his life.
Lancelot, however, revealed himself to be fiercely protective of his friend.“If you want to harm him, you’ll have to get past me first, Sire,” the knight said, coming to stand before Merlin.
Written for Merthur week day 2: Knight!Merlin + protective others
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Arthur rolled his eyes. “I have no intention of harming Merlin in any way. Who do you take me for?”Lancelot and Gwaine exchanged a glance before turning to look at Merlin. It was only when they received a nod from their friend that they stood down, letting Arthur come closer to his kneeling servant. This wasn’t the ideal setting for what Arthur had in mind, and he had the firm intention of giving Merlin a proper ceremony. But it felt right. The blade of his sword, still stained by dried blood, settled gently on Merlin’s right shoulder, and then on his left.
“Arise, Sir Merlin, knight of Camelot.” The words felt solemn despite the unconventional circumstances they were pronounced in. Perhaps they held even more weight because of it.
Merlin stood up, lips parted, blinking in disbelief. As soon as he was back on his feet, Arthur dragged him into a tight hug. Merlin flailed for a while, clearly taken aback by the unusual show of affection, before settling into Arthur’s arms. Truthfully, Arthur didn’t know either what had compelled him to do this. He had thought about hugging Merlin quite often, but he had never even imagined acting on these thoughts. Now, he wondered why he hadn’t done it before. Merlin fit just right into his arms. He was warm and solid against Arthur’s armoured chest.
“I thought you were going to… You could have said something, you prat,” Merlin mumbled against Arthur’s neck.
“It would have ruined the effect,” Arthur joked back, wishing to relieve some of the tension that had settled on their party.
“You’re a clotpole,” Merlin said, tugging at Arthur’s hair.
“And you’re a magical girl. Now shut up, Sir Merlin.”
At the mention of his magic, Merlin tensed up again, going stiff in Arthur’s arms. Arthur soothed him by rubbing slow circles on his back. Then, he surprised himself again when he pressed a light kiss on the side of Merlin’s head and whispered, “I’m proud of you.”
Merlin’s arms tightened around Arthur’s waist, burying his face in the young king’s shoulder. Arthur lifted his head and met his knight’s eyes, grinning triumphantly at them. Leon shook his head and directed the others to find their horses and gather the bandits’ corpses. They couldn’t just leave the forest ground strewn with dead bodies. Arthur was grateful for the moment of privacy he was afforded with Merlin.
“I meant it. I’m proud of you. I want to fight alongside you. I want you to be my equal, just like you always should have been.”
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A Comfortable Exile by Merlinfirstlastalways
Fandom Arthurian Mythology, Arthurian Mythology & Related Fandoms, Merlin (TV)
11 Sep 2025
- Words:
- 84,876
- Works:
- 4
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- 201
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For later
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!!!
subscription —
part 4 || february 6, 2026 -
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“Yes, an advisory position on my council,” Arthur says, he looks very proud of himself. “After all, when the Druids leave I’ll need someone to advise me on all things magic and I trust you.”
It’s a nice sentiment, it always makes Merlin feel warm when he brings up their bond and their trust. It just also seems a little silly.
“I can advise you without some silly title and council seat,” she goes back to cleaning a pair of his training trousers with the scrub brush in her hand. “I’ve been doing it this long.”
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Leather Means Assassin by Katasstrobee for Isthisusernameavailableornot
Fandoms: Merlin (TV)
21 Apr 2025
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Summary
By some magical accident, an older Merlin steps into Camelot, 10 years ago. Only now, he's buff and good with a sword, looks good in armour, is a fucking assassin, and claims to be Arthur's husband.
Or
"The crest on it means you're a member of the royal family." said Leon, red-faced and about to burst a vein or two, making them all jump.
"Something like that." Merlin grinned.
"What?" Arthur choked out.
"Oh we're married. Did I forget to mention?" Merlin asked with an innocent tilt of his head
Or
"Relax, darling. I've been begging His Royal Prat-ness for a vacation for ages. I'm starting to think you actually want to see me on my hands and knees."
Arthur dropped his sword with a clang, felt the need to lie down for a while. Merlin laughed and took a hold of his bicep. "Come." He said. "I'm dying to see everyone."
And Arthur let himself be man-handled and dragged along like a boy toy. Because this was his life now.
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Older merlin time travless back for a say shocking evryone by how hot he is
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In which Merlin wakes up and chooses violence, and decides not to rethink that choice.
Or: Merlin realizes that, if he's going to keep Arthur safe and keep his magic a secret, he will have to get a little bit physical. Arthur has to rethink everything in existence when he's suddenly forced to confront the fact that Merlin can fight, and is in fact, bloody dangerous
Or: The author randomly thought "Murder Twink Merlin" while re-watching the show, and decided it was his mission in life to make that a tag.
Series
- Part 1 of Murder Twink! Merlin
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 13,802
- Chapters:
- 9/9
- Comments:
- 637
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- 9,327
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- 2,019
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When Hunith arrives in Camelot with news of an attack, Merlin knows what he has to do. He is perfectly capable of driving away the likes of Kanen’s men by himself; he has been defending Ealdor since he was ten years old.
However, he has no idea of the lengths Arthur will go to to protect his poor, misguided manservant - such as adopting a disguise and following him home.
A Canon Era AU of S1 E10 The Moment of Truth
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 15,461
- Chapters:
- 7/?
- Collections:
- 1
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- 74
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- 259
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- 55
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- 3,150
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“Galiad, fifth son of Chrockland, former Knight of Camelot, for your grievous crimes against the crown, I hereby sentence you to execution, death by beheading–”
Galiad fell to his knees, ears ringing. He never should have tried to kill the King. It had been a stupid, reckless decision, and he could not believe he’d been so easily bribed into it.
He had let his ego get the better of him, and now, here he was, on his knees in the throne room, fighting back tears, trying not to throw up all over the stone floor, begging for his life to be spared.
And here’s the real kicker; he wasn’t even on trial for the attempted murder of his King. His Majesty didn’t know about that.
No, Galiad was on trial for the crime he’d committed against King Arthur’s manservant.
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Bookmark Notes:
Crafty merlin cries ti get a traitor killed
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When a noble visits Camelot with her servant-turned-lover, Merlin thinks he and Arthur may actually have a chance. But when Arthur uses the visit as inspiration to instead court Gwen, Merlin develops a tickle in his throat. Then a cough. Then flower petals.
Beltane is a time for celebrating new life and new births, but Merlin will be lucky to survive until the festival, since the only cure for Hanahaki is to have one’s love returned…and Arthur doesn’t love him.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 18,757
- Chapters:
- 1/1
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- 7
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- 295
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- 7,755
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When Hunith falls ill, Merlin returns to Ealdor expecting quiet farm work and his mother's terrible herbal tea. He did not expect:
1. Arthur inviting himself along ("supervising servant productivity")
2. The knights, Morgana, and Gwen inventing increasingly ridiculous excuses to join
3. His own childhood nickname ("Emrys") resurfacing at the worst possible momentBetween delivering foals, terrifying local bullies, and spinning firelit tales that suspiciously glow, Merlin's carefully constructed "clumsy servant" persona starts crumbling. And Arthur—well. Arthur's too busy having a quiet existential crisis over why his manservant looks right with village children hanging off his arms and sunlight in his stupid hair.
Featuring: Gwaine as protective chaos incarnate, Hunith's knowing smiles, and at least three knights realizing they've been outclassed by a man who talks to livestock.
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Bookmark Notes:
Ch6
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Never Knew What We Had (Until He Was Gone) by Merlinfirstlastalways
Fandoms: Merlin (TV)
29 Jun 2024
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Summary
Arthur was at his wits' end when he caught Merlin walking out of the tavern, which led him to make a horrible mistake, one that proved to be the last straw for Merlin, who decided there was nothing else to do but publically quit his job and leave Camelot in a huff.
Arthur never realized how much Merlin did for him-- or for Guinevere-- until he was gone; neither he nor his wife realized just how integral Merlin was to Camelot... and to their marriage.
*Story is complete apart from final editing and will be posted in full over the next few days. Currently clocking in at about 20k. Explicit in the fifth chapter.*
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 25,932
- Chapters:
- 6/6
- Comments:
- 178
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- 1,675
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- 409
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- 19,603
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Really liked
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Summary
Merlin is an amazing and loyal friend. He is also a good servant.
Arthur just need to realise he is more than that.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 5,088
- Chapters:
- 1/1
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- 1
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- 24
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- 1,194
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- 176
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Ahourt happy ending canon au fluffy cute
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When Arthur decides that he should humor his Council and at least make an effort in finding a bride, he enlists the help of Morgana. Her solution? A list of questions about Arthur's favorite things: if one of his possible matches could answer them, well, that would mean he had a chance at happiness with them, right?
At first, Arthur thinks it's a ridiculous idea.
Then he discovers that Merlin, who has no idea what the questions are for, somehow knows all the answers
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In which Merlin gets a new pair of boots, and Arthur regrets everything
Series
- Part 1 of A Land Of Myth
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Next time Merlin said he needed to be elsewhere, Arthur vowed to listen to him. If he had, maybe there wouldn't be a foreign king with a mutilated hand in the council chambers.
Series
- Part 2 of The Life and Times of Merlin Emrys
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 4,390
- Chapters:
- 1/1
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- 9
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- 237
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- 6,583
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Merlin opens his mouth to argue, then closes it. It’s not like Arthur will let him off if he tells him his leg’s injured anyway, not surrounded by his father’s knights. “Yes, Arthur,” he mutters.
Merlin gets injured on a hunt and nobody notices. Until somebody does.
Series
- Part 3 of Febuwhump 2022
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 3,603
- Chapters:
- 3/3
- Collections:
- 1
- Comments:
- 47
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- 2,288
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- 321
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- 18,609
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Summary
Arthur overhears a conversation between Merlin and one of the visiting Lords in his castle.
Includes lost socks, sneaking through corridors and Merlin secretly running Arthur's kingdom from the laundry room.
Part of the Smart!Merlin series.
Series
- Part 2 of The Smart!Merlin Series
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 2,005
- Chapters:
- 1/1
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- 1
- Comments:
- 30
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- 1,586
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- 170
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Ch1
The Laundry Court
mollrach13
Summary:
Arthur overhears a conversation between Merlin and one of the visiting Lords in his castle.Includes lost socks, sneaking through corridors and Merlin secretly running Arthur's kingdom from the laundry room.
Part of the Smart!Merlin series.
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“Of course. Of course,” Gaheris nods and is quick to fall into step with Merlin who has already started walking away. “Well. I heard tell that when the new lords want to have their petition heard on court they run it by you first.”“That isn’t exactly how it works here Gaheris,” Merlin says with a chuckle. Arthur quickly ducks his head back as the pair pass his hiding place.
“Really? Lord Ywain and Lamorak tell me differently.”
“The new lords seem to have taken it upon themselves to bring me their missives before they present them to court. To what end I am not sure. But still you come.” Merlin sighs dramatically.
The pair come to a standstill further down the corridor.
“Will you not hear me then?” Gaheris asks, a little plaintively for Arthur’s tastes. He sticks his head out from the tapestry in time to see Merlin’s shoulders slump.
“Fine,” his servant huffs. “Come with me.”
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“Well,” Merlin huffs bringing Gaheris back to the present. “I’m about to start on the king’s small clothes so unless you want to stick around for that-”“No! No. Thank you Merlin,” Gaheris says hurriedly.
Merlin smiles and takes the laden basket from the Lord’s hands and carries it to a nearby table with a lot more ease than Gaheris had.
Now that his arms are empty Gaheris fiddles with his sleeves for a moment.
“It seems I was steered right. Your advice… it gives me something to consider. Thank you… And thank you ladies.”
The youngest of the trio sends the lord an innocent smile from beneath her lashes.
“You ever need any stubborn stains working out my lord you know where to find us.”
The young lord stumbles out of the room and Arthur ducks quickly back behind his tapestry.
As soon as he is out of earshot Merlin starts chuckling and the girls join in.
“Oh Merlin you are a cad,” the auburn haired girl says as her chuckles peter out.
“Why do you put all the new Lords through that? They only want your advice.”
Arthur hears Merlin snort. “If they are desperate enough to come to a servant for advice for council they deserve a swift shock… plus it’s fun.”
A cacophony of giggles follows that with Merlin’s deep chuckle reverberating below. Arthur looks down at the forgotten red sock in his hand and decides that it can wait until later.
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Summary
Most people imagine magic reveals involve prophecy and drama.
The Knights of the Round Table discover Merlin’s magic through a series of increasingly suspicious “accidents,” and immediately choose to never speak of it again.
Not because they’re noble—
but because they’ve seen what the forest does when Merlin is annoyed.
inspired by this post
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I had been lost to you, sunlight And flew like a moth to you, sunlight, oh, sunlight by RaveenaRiley
Fandoms: Merlin (TV)
20 Jul 2025
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Summary
When Merlin realizes that some bald fucker was, in fact, imprisoning Aithusa, he is understandably feeling very guilty for having failed to properly take care of his hatchling. He’s also feeling very, very angry. And of the two of them, he decides the anger is better to focus on right now—after all, he can always wallow in self-pity later—and gets up to prepare for a prison break.
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Ch 3
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Now that Arthur has realized just how much his manservant cares for him, he's determined to woo him, marry him, and live happily ever after.
If only it were that simple.
~A direct sequel to A Few Of My Favorite Things~
Alternate title: five times Arthur tried to woo Merlin, and the time he finally got it right
Series
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 17,851
- Chapters:
- 6/6
- Comments:
- 201
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- 2,381
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- 285
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- 27,060
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Out of the Woods: The Tale of the White Bratchet by Merlinfirstlastalways
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Arthurian Mythology & Related Fandoms
19 Feb 2024
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Summary
In which many strange creatures begin to show up in the woods outside of Camelot, and Merlin finds several more reasons to hate hunting.
Starts up after Arthur becomes Prince Regent, but before the events of 4x01.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Gaius,” Merlin started to ask, a bit hesitantly, when he finally reached the tower, late that evening. “What all do you know about faeries?”
Gaius dropped a half-finished potion, turned several fascinating shades of red and pink before moving on to near-purple, and yelled at Merlin for being irreparably foolish for quite a long while before Merlin was able to get a word in edgewise and was allowed to tell him anything more about the afternoon.
Series
- Part 1 of Out of the Woods, or, Faeries in Camelot