March Challenge - 15 Recs
Author: Clea2011
Fandoms: Merlin
H/C: Cursed, Abandonment Issues, Loss of Job/income
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14019258
Title: Arthur Enchanted
Author: Platonic Boner
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Gen
Word Count: 4958
Summary: Arthur is cursed to obey Merlin’s orders.
Obviously this has very little impact on their lives, since no servant would ever dare give orders to a prince.
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, I think the summary speaks for itself. This is a lovely fluffy fun fic.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/966840/chapters/1897327
Title: Come Alive
Author: Kianspo
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 60302
Summary: Arthur Pendragon, the youngest Detective Inspector in Camelot, whose job is rumoured to be cursed, stumbles over a series of crimes no one can explain. Merlin Emrys, a constantly broke student working at a shady nightclub to pay the bills, comes in as a sketch artist - one with an unusual gift. The shadow of magic, supposedly eradicated centuries ago, makes things so much more dangerous for everyone. It's hardly a good time to fall in love.
Why I’m Reccing This: This one has Arthur’s job cursed rather than any particular character. I don’t really want to say more than that as it might spoil the wonderful story. Anyway, it fits the prompt and is a fandom classic. Also there’s some gorgeous art. If you haven’t already read it then you definitely should.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/397397
Title: From this day on
Author: Lady Ragnell
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 19301
Summary: While on a hike, Merlin and Gwaine stumble upon the Lost City of Camelot, cursed to wake up every morning a century in the future, and Merlin decides it's his duty to break the spell--with help from a prince, an imprisoned seer, and quite a few others. A Brigadoon AU.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is a modern AU with magic. The curse is on Camelot, and modern-day Merlin is around to try to break the spell. Really imaginative piece, very well done.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/30040746
Title: Sing me something brave from your mouth
Author: tehfanglyfish
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 7715
Summary: When Arthur rescued an old woman from a village mob, he expected to be thanked, not cursed. Now he has seven days to hear seven uncomfortable truths or everyone he's ever known will forget him. Can Arthur make it in time? And will he find the courage to share an uncomfortable truth of his own?
Why I’m Reccing This: Tehfanglyfish always has good things for us to read. This one has some great character development for Arthur, is well-written as always, and of course fits the cursed prompt very well.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/362891/chapters/589296
Title: Gadarene
Author: Unpossible
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 76831
Summary: “You’re the Prince?” Merlin says, eyeing him. He hesitates, then adds, defiant, “The Mad Prince of Camelot.”
Arthur doesn’t move. There’s quiet for a long time, then he says it. “I am.”
“You don’t seem mad,” he says.
The smile wells up from somewhere deep, and very sad. “Well, Merlin,” he says, “give me time.”
Why I’m Reccing This: Well I can’t not include this absolute classic cursed Arthur fic! This is a long, satisfying read. Arthur appears to be prone to fits of madness and so Agravaine is acting as regent. Then Arthur rescues Merlin from a group of slaves brought to the castle and things move on from there. Love this fic, I’ve read it a few times.
Prompt: Abandonment Issues
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15940508/chapters/37170473
Title: Will you search through the lonely earth for me?
Author: Camelittle
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 54763
Summary: A modern-day retelling of the Arthurian legend of the sword in the stone.
A-level student Arthur Wildforest wouldn't mind being dyslexic if people didn't keep pushing him into writing essays. He dreams of being an artist, but his father, Hector, has other ideas. When Arthur sneaks onto a school art research trip to the local museum, he encounters Merlin- a curator with uncanny abilities. They quickly strike up an unlikely friendship, defying Hector's specific orders to the contrary. One day, while they are bumbling around the Somerset Levels with Merlin’s metal detector, they unearth a powerful artefact that overturns Arthur’s entire world view and catapults them both into the heart of a dangerous power struggle between warring magical factions.
Why I’m Reccing This: There are many good reasons to read this fab fic and admire the gorgeous art. However, from the prompt point of view, Merlin is orphaned and Arthur is adopted and they both have issues to some extent over this. Merlin isn’t abandoned but loses his beloved mother. Arthur’s situation is more complex but it would be spoilery to say more. It’s a great fic - give it a read.
Prompt: Abandonment Issues/Loss of income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15116384/chapters/35050130
Title: The long way home
Author: Polomonkey
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing/Characters: Arthur, Merlin, Uther
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 17933
Summary: If someone had asked Uther a week ago whether he’d be willing to take a homeless person in, he’d have laughed in their face. But fate seemed to have pushed Merlin into his life and the boy needed help. Help that Uther was capable of giving. What better reason was there?
Uther takes Merlin in off the streets and a new life begins for them both.
Why I’m Reccing This: This one has a nice Uther! Though he does remain in character - it’s quite a feat! From the prompt point of view, Merlin really is in a bad way when Uther finds him on the streets and gives him a home because Merlin has nothing. Merlin finds it hard to trust him after bad experiences in his previous home. It’s an angst-fest, great h/c in this one, do give it a read.
Prompt: Abandonment Issues
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1776268
Title: Waiting in the Dark
Author: Kriadydragon
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 8623
Summary: Merlin made a promise.
Why I’m Reccing This: The promise in question was to stay wherever Arthur put him, and unfortunately Arthur didn’t realise this when ordering Merlin temporarily to the darkest reaches of the dungeon. And then Merlin sort of gets forgotten about, hence fitting the prompt. Very angsty fic.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/762333
Title: Ears
Author: Retroelectric
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 2225
Summary: Merlin walks into a goblin trap and inadvertently develops cat ears and tail. Arthur laughs at him at first, but then finds it really hot.
Why I’m Reccing This: Merlin is cursed to have cat ears, which is cute in itself! Arthur finds it a bit more than just cute!
Prompt: Loss of Job/income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/167156
Title: Finding Home
Author: Riventhorn
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 7857
Summary: When Gaius retires a new physician takes over and quickly kicks Merlin out of his room and takes it for himself. Arthur finds Merlin sleeping in the stables...and it's winter.
Why I’m Reccing This: This fandom classic does fit the prompt as Merlin loses his job as Gaius’ assistant (although he retains his job with Arthur). Love this fic and can’t rec it enough. Great piece of hurt/comfort and Arthur is lovely once he realises something is wrong.
Prompt: Loss of Job or income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2566784
Title: Arthur and Merlin make a movie
Author: Winterstorrm
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 3363
Summary: Merlin gets fired and goes to Arthur Pendragon for legal representation; whereby boundaries are definitely overstepped.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is a fun (and hot!) fic. Merlin loses his job. By the end of the fic both Merlin and Arthur are extremely glad that he did.
Prompt: Loss of Job or income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29112645/chapters/71465391
Title: How to win a debate in thirteen easy steps
Author: Junkshopdisco
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Merlin/Morgana, Arthur/Gwen
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 61810
Summary: Time is running out for the United Albionists to field a candidate to stand for election against Morgause’s harsh regime. It falls to Merlin to find someone. Arthur Pendragon-a lawyer with an impressive streak of magical and worker’s rights victories against the government-seems to fit the bill. Only problem is, the last time Merlin saw him, Arthur had him fired for beating his sister Morgana in a debate.
Has Arthur changed enough to make him tolerable, and has Merlin changed enough to not only tolerate him, but propel him to victory?
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, it fits the loss of job prompt because Arthur had Merlin fired in the past (not just because Merlin had beaten Morgana in a debate though!) so Arthur’s not ideal as Gaius’ choice of potential candidate. Very well-written fic, though bittersweet ending.
Prompt: Loss of Job or income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1314367
Title: Soul Music
Author: Kriadydragon
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 11218
Summary: When Arthur Pendragon is assigned the famous pianist Merlin Emrys as a client, he thought for sure he'd be getting a spoiled diva, not a depressed, anxious mess. Modern AU.
Why I’m Reccing This: Merlin spends the fic terrified that he’s going to lose his job/income. Arthur takes care of him. It’s a great fic, tender and well-written. Well worth a read.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13974270/chapters/32172804
Title: Sometimes when I fall asleep (your eyes close)
Author: Schweet Heart
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 2000
Summary: Arthur’s manservant has been unconscious for days, the victim of a curse that had been meant for the king, but sometimes in his sleep he wanders into Arthur’s dreams, calling for his lost prince, and his voice lingers.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is really angsty for something so short. Schweet is always worth a read, very good. (It’s extra-angsty because we know that one day Merlin will lose Arthur)
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2193282/chapters/4803375
Title: The Frog Prince
Author: Clea2011
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 58133
Summary: A teenage Arthur is hit by a mutation spell intended for Uther. Unable to speak and hidden away by his father because of his appearance, Arthur is left lonely and isolated. A few years later Gaius takes on a new apprentice, someone who can understand Arthur and see through the enchantment. Someone with magic.
But breaking the spell was never going to be easy.
Why I’m Reccing This: Because I am a terrible person and have stuck one of my own fics in. But it fits the cursed prompt very well.
Fandoms: Merlin
H/C: Cursed, Abandonment Issues, Loss of Job/income
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14019258
Title: Arthur Enchanted
Author: Platonic Boner
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Gen
Word Count: 4958
Summary: Arthur is cursed to obey Merlin’s orders.
Obviously this has very little impact on their lives, since no servant would ever dare give orders to a prince.
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, I think the summary speaks for itself. This is a lovely fluffy fun fic.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/966840/chapters/1897327
Title: Come Alive
Author: Kianspo
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 60302
Summary: Arthur Pendragon, the youngest Detective Inspector in Camelot, whose job is rumoured to be cursed, stumbles over a series of crimes no one can explain. Merlin Emrys, a constantly broke student working at a shady nightclub to pay the bills, comes in as a sketch artist - one with an unusual gift. The shadow of magic, supposedly eradicated centuries ago, makes things so much more dangerous for everyone. It's hardly a good time to fall in love.
Why I’m Reccing This: This one has Arthur’s job cursed rather than any particular character. I don’t really want to say more than that as it might spoil the wonderful story. Anyway, it fits the prompt and is a fandom classic. Also there’s some gorgeous art. If you haven’t already read it then you definitely should.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/397397
Title: From this day on
Author: Lady Ragnell
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 19301
Summary: While on a hike, Merlin and Gwaine stumble upon the Lost City of Camelot, cursed to wake up every morning a century in the future, and Merlin decides it's his duty to break the spell--with help from a prince, an imprisoned seer, and quite a few others. A Brigadoon AU.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is a modern AU with magic. The curse is on Camelot, and modern-day Merlin is around to try to break the spell. Really imaginative piece, very well done.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/30040746
Title: Sing me something brave from your mouth
Author: tehfanglyfish
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 7715
Summary: When Arthur rescued an old woman from a village mob, he expected to be thanked, not cursed. Now he has seven days to hear seven uncomfortable truths or everyone he's ever known will forget him. Can Arthur make it in time? And will he find the courage to share an uncomfortable truth of his own?
Why I’m Reccing This: Tehfanglyfish always has good things for us to read. This one has some great character development for Arthur, is well-written as always, and of course fits the cursed prompt very well.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/362891/chapters/589296
Title: Gadarene
Author: Unpossible
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 76831
Summary: “You’re the Prince?” Merlin says, eyeing him. He hesitates, then adds, defiant, “The Mad Prince of Camelot.”
Arthur doesn’t move. There’s quiet for a long time, then he says it. “I am.”
“You don’t seem mad,” he says.
The smile wells up from somewhere deep, and very sad. “Well, Merlin,” he says, “give me time.”
Why I’m Reccing This: Well I can’t not include this absolute classic cursed Arthur fic! This is a long, satisfying read. Arthur appears to be prone to fits of madness and so Agravaine is acting as regent. Then Arthur rescues Merlin from a group of slaves brought to the castle and things move on from there. Love this fic, I’ve read it a few times.
Prompt: Abandonment Issues
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15940508/chapters/37170473
Title: Will you search through the lonely earth for me?
Author: Camelittle
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 54763
Summary: A modern-day retelling of the Arthurian legend of the sword in the stone.
A-level student Arthur Wildforest wouldn't mind being dyslexic if people didn't keep pushing him into writing essays. He dreams of being an artist, but his father, Hector, has other ideas. When Arthur sneaks onto a school art research trip to the local museum, he encounters Merlin- a curator with uncanny abilities. They quickly strike up an unlikely friendship, defying Hector's specific orders to the contrary. One day, while they are bumbling around the Somerset Levels with Merlin’s metal detector, they unearth a powerful artefact that overturns Arthur’s entire world view and catapults them both into the heart of a dangerous power struggle between warring magical factions.
Why I’m Reccing This: There are many good reasons to read this fab fic and admire the gorgeous art. However, from the prompt point of view, Merlin is orphaned and Arthur is adopted and they both have issues to some extent over this. Merlin isn’t abandoned but loses his beloved mother. Arthur’s situation is more complex but it would be spoilery to say more. It’s a great fic - give it a read.
Prompt: Abandonment Issues/Loss of income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15116384/chapters/35050130
Title: The long way home
Author: Polomonkey
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing/Characters: Arthur, Merlin, Uther
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 17933
Summary: If someone had asked Uther a week ago whether he’d be willing to take a homeless person in, he’d have laughed in their face. But fate seemed to have pushed Merlin into his life and the boy needed help. Help that Uther was capable of giving. What better reason was there?
Uther takes Merlin in off the streets and a new life begins for them both.
Why I’m Reccing This: This one has a nice Uther! Though he does remain in character - it’s quite a feat! From the prompt point of view, Merlin really is in a bad way when Uther finds him on the streets and gives him a home because Merlin has nothing. Merlin finds it hard to trust him after bad experiences in his previous home. It’s an angst-fest, great h/c in this one, do give it a read.
Prompt: Abandonment Issues
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1776268
Title: Waiting in the Dark
Author: Kriadydragon
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 8623
Summary: Merlin made a promise.
Why I’m Reccing This: The promise in question was to stay wherever Arthur put him, and unfortunately Arthur didn’t realise this when ordering Merlin temporarily to the darkest reaches of the dungeon. And then Merlin sort of gets forgotten about, hence fitting the prompt. Very angsty fic.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/762333
Title: Ears
Author: Retroelectric
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 2225
Summary: Merlin walks into a goblin trap and inadvertently develops cat ears and tail. Arthur laughs at him at first, but then finds it really hot.
Why I’m Reccing This: Merlin is cursed to have cat ears, which is cute in itself! Arthur finds it a bit more than just cute!
Prompt: Loss of Job/income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/167156
Title: Finding Home
Author: Riventhorn
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 7857
Summary: When Gaius retires a new physician takes over and quickly kicks Merlin out of his room and takes it for himself. Arthur finds Merlin sleeping in the stables...and it's winter.
Why I’m Reccing This: This fandom classic does fit the prompt as Merlin loses his job as Gaius’ assistant (although he retains his job with Arthur). Love this fic and can’t rec it enough. Great piece of hurt/comfort and Arthur is lovely once he realises something is wrong.
Prompt: Loss of Job or income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2566784
Title: Arthur and Merlin make a movie
Author: Winterstorrm
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 3363
Summary: Merlin gets fired and goes to Arthur Pendragon for legal representation; whereby boundaries are definitely overstepped.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is a fun (and hot!) fic. Merlin loses his job. By the end of the fic both Merlin and Arthur are extremely glad that he did.
Prompt: Loss of Job or income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29112645/chapters/71465391
Title: How to win a debate in thirteen easy steps
Author: Junkshopdisco
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Merlin/Morgana, Arthur/Gwen
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 61810
Summary: Time is running out for the United Albionists to field a candidate to stand for election against Morgause’s harsh regime. It falls to Merlin to find someone. Arthur Pendragon-a lawyer with an impressive streak of magical and worker’s rights victories against the government-seems to fit the bill. Only problem is, the last time Merlin saw him, Arthur had him fired for beating his sister Morgana in a debate.
Has Arthur changed enough to make him tolerable, and has Merlin changed enough to not only tolerate him, but propel him to victory?
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, it fits the loss of job prompt because Arthur had Merlin fired in the past (not just because Merlin had beaten Morgana in a debate though!) so Arthur’s not ideal as Gaius’ choice of potential candidate. Very well-written fic, though bittersweet ending.
Prompt: Loss of Job or income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1314367
Title: Soul Music
Author: Kriadydragon
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 11218
Summary: When Arthur Pendragon is assigned the famous pianist Merlin Emrys as a client, he thought for sure he'd be getting a spoiled diva, not a depressed, anxious mess. Modern AU.
Why I’m Reccing This: Merlin spends the fic terrified that he’s going to lose his job/income. Arthur takes care of him. It’s a great fic, tender and well-written. Well worth a read.
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13974270/chapters/32172804
Title: Sometimes when I fall asleep (your eyes close)
Author: Schweet Heart
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 2000
Summary: Arthur’s manservant has been unconscious for days, the victim of a curse that had been meant for the king, but sometimes in his sleep he wanders into Arthur’s dreams, calling for his lost prince, and his voice lingers.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is really angsty for something so short. Schweet is always worth a read, very good. (It’s extra-angsty because we know that one day Merlin will lose Arthur)
Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2193282/chapters/4803375
Title: The Frog Prince
Author: Clea2011
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 58133
Summary: A teenage Arthur is hit by a mutation spell intended for Uther. Unable to speak and hidden away by his father because of his appearance, Arthur is left lonely and isolated. A few years later Gaius takes on a new apprentice, someone who can understand Arthur and see through the enchantment. Someone with magic.
But breaking the spell was never going to be easy.
Why I’m Reccing This: Because I am a terrible person and have stuck one of my own fics in. But it fits the cursed prompt very well.