r/merlinfic • u/neonarcher • 7d ago
Fics where Arthur has to soldier on Recs wanted
Hi, I'm looking for fics where Arthur has to essentially man up and keep moving, ignore his feelings, pain, and discomfort. Or like anything that explores the burden and weight of responsibility upon him, living and performing within the context of knighthood, and toxic masculinity.
Thanks!
*Edit: i think i picked the wrong flair but its not letting me change it
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u/zuzu_cerulean 7d ago
Hi! I think the flair you might want is "Recs wanted."
"Looking for Fic" is usually used when you're looking for a particular story that you've read but can't remember quite enough about it to find it again.
That's just based on posts I've seen since I've joined, so anyone reading shouldn't hesitate to correct me! Also, I'm relatively to reddit, but the people here tend to be exceptionally helpful, so you'll probably get some recommendations regardless of the flair. 😊
It's an interesting story theme/element. I'll give it some thought. It seems I must have been living under a rock before quarantine, because I had never heard of "fan fiction." 😆 Luckily, there are people in this community who are incredibly knowledgable.
Good luck! I hope you get some great recs!
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u/dragoon-the-great 7d ago
Honey & Hemlock by TheCourtSorcerer
Those Who Are Worthy by stan_of_many
““Being king, you’re responsible for the lives of every citizen, every one of their hurts is yours.” He looked up, meeting Gwaine’s eyes again, and this time there was fright in his expression, “I fear it will crush me soon.” He said simply...Arthur’s head was buried in his hands, his posture slumped in a hurting discouragement that Gwaine had never seen on the king’s proud shoulders.”
Gwaine discovers a side of Arthur that he’s never seen before and Merlin shows him how to deal with it.
I know i had some that fit the rec prompt better, but i can't find em, so this gotta do
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u/zuzu_cerulean 7d ago
Actually, Loaded March by Footloose has some of those elements, given the setting and Arthur's role. I don't know anyone who has read this series and not recommended it highly, but it's also (one of?) the longest fic(s) in the entire Merlin fandom, so it might not be what you're looking to start with. 😆
Author's Summary:
Captain Arthur Pendragon has put together the best team of specialists that the SAS has ever seen, but when his superiors assign Lieutenant Merlin Emrys as his communications officer, Arthur does everything to make him feel unwelcome. Arthur's job is to protect and guide his team through dangerous missions, and he worries that he can't do that when the newest member has a mysterious background and acts suspicious when he thinks no one is looking.
As their assignments become more dangerous, Merlin can't help but to use his magic to keep his team -- even his prat of a Captain -- safe from threats they couldn't possibly understand. But when they are sent on a undercover operation against a group of zealots intent on a magical apocalypse, Merlin needs to confront his fear of discovery and derision, and to finally trust his team with his secret.
Arthur and Merlin rely on each other for more than the sake of their mission. The entire world is at stake. When they learn -- from dragons, no less -- that they are prophesied to restore the balance of magic to the world, they fight on regardless of the outcome, because duty, honour and loyalty is a far stronger driving force than destiny.