당신은 오직 하나의 선물을 가질 수 있습니다, 나는 하나의 시계내 마음을 위해 만든 최면 // 너는 정말 나쁘다 #💭

so, so, so many. also yeah a lot of fic i read was on ffn, but there are also quite a few authors that i was pleased to find crossposting on ao3. 

A Tale of Red and Gold by JabberwockyJinxes

It had been a month since the last body showed up, and Arthur was inclined to think that the killer had gotten scared and stopped.

thoughts: this was on ffn! it remains to this day one of my favorite pieces of merlin whump and fic in general. there’s a scene in it that absolutely haunts me from when i first read it. gripping and well-written. 

By the King's Hand by DollopheadedMerlin

Uther discovers the ultimate weapon against magic and, mad from the loss of Morgana, turns against his own beliefs in order to restore order. Merlin begins to act strangely and Arthur has the heart to finally ask what is wrong but something is keeping the boy from confessing his own woe. As things unravel, Arthur must rethink all that he thought he knew about his father, magic, and the world he lives in.

thoughts: this is just plain fun. 

Whispering Your Name by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle

The Dorocha. They are the voices of the dead, my child. And, like the dead, they are numberless.

Or

A different take of the dorocha. Instead of them being faceless screams that attack you, they are actually figures of the dead. Merlin doesn't quite realize how much death affected him until him and the knights go to close the veil.

thoughts: more emotional whump! i absolutely adore this concept. it’s so intriguing and fitting, and it delivers.

Run Ragged by LadyWallace

It's time for another tournament in Camelot but when Arthur offers Merlin's services to a knight whose servant got an unfortunate injury, Merlin finds the man intolerable and demanding. Will he be able to make it through the tournament serving two masters? Hurt/comfort, gen

thoughts: i feel like this is a classic premise but it can’t go wrong. 

Open Eyes by N16

After Merlin experiences abuse at the hands of a visiting lord, Arthur decides his manservant needs to learn how to defend himself. But Merlin is unimpressed with Arthur's solution, and Arthur is forced to confront some unpleasant truths about what happens right under his nose. How can he protect a kingdom when he can't even protect those inside his castle? One-shot.

note: a couple months ago i recced N16′s fics, and i stand by this. read all of them. ALL of them. EVERY one. N16 is one of my favorite current merlin authors, and i find all of their works very satisfying. 

The Masks that Most Suit Us by Emachinescat

After Uther's death and a mishap on the training field, Merlin chooses to suffer in silence in an effort to allow Arthur to grieve unburdened. But everyone has their breaking point – even the newly crowned king of Camelot. Written for Febuwhump on Tumblr. Day 13: hiding injury

thoughts: Emachinescat is one of the authors i immediately think of when i think “Merlin.” you probably know them. here’s a fic that’s a little closer to home. 

falling backwards, falling backwards by onceandfuturewarlock

Merlin doesn't duck the chair in the tavern brawl, but due to delayed response, he doesn't realize how severe his concussion is.

thoughts: love this fic. it completely feels so merlin, and the friendship in this is excellent stuff. 

Breathe by kriadydragon

Merlin saves the day - yet again - when he manages to get an injured Arthur and knights to safety. But Merlin's troubles are far from over when an investigation into what had happened to the king and knights leaves him in a bad way, and now it's Arthur and Gwaine's turn to be there for him.

Planets_Merlin

[…]“Go to sleep,” Arthur told him softly.

“Yes, my lord,” Merlin said.  And then he slid his fingers between Arthur’s, to clasp his hand.

Arthur pressed his forehead into the back of Merlin’s neck, covering Merlin’s fingers with his own, before lowering their hands to rest upon the cot.

It took some time before Merlin’s breathing calmed. Longer still before he fell asleep.

Arthur knew it did, because he spent the entire time paying attention to how it felt to have Merlin pressed so closely against his body.[…]

                  - And like the cycle of the year, we begin again, @katherynefromphilly

I was born to serve you, Arthur.

Did Merlin get the horn of Cathbhadh?

Did he meet Arthur in Stonehenge?