In some fanfictions, the use of 'A Thousand Years' by Merlin singing to Arthur is set in a modern - day Arthurian reincarnation scenario. Merlin is a singer in a small club, and Arthur, who has no memory of his past life, is drawn to Merlin's performance of the song. As the story progresses, they slowly start to remember their past connection.
It can deepen their bond. The song is full of love and longing, so when Merlin sings it to Arthur, it makes Arthur see Merlin in a new light. He may start to realize the depth of Merlin's feelings for him, whether it's platonic or something more.
The plot might involve Merlin singing 'Thousand Years' as a spell. He could be in a situation where Camelot is in great danger, like being attacked by a powerful dark magic. Singing this song, which is full of emotions of love and endurance, he could be converting the negative energy into positive. His voice could reach every corner of Camelot, protecting the people and the castle from the dark forces, and at the same time, it might also touch the hearts of the knights and Arthur, making them realize how much Merlin truly cares for Camelot.
The common people of Camelot would be delighted. They are used to seeing Merlin as the friendly servant, and now he is singing such a beautiful song. They would gather around him, their faces lit up with joy. For the magical creatures in the surrounding forests, they would be drawn to the magic in his voice. Some might come closer to Camelot than they usually do. Some might even try to communicate with Merlin, believing that he is a kindred spirit. This could cause some chaos as the people of Camelot might be afraid of these strange creatures approaching, but also lead to a new understanding between the two worlds.
One great storyline could be them growing up together secretly as brothers. They might face challenges like hiding their true relationship from Uther. Another could be that as brothers, they have a special bond that allows them to communicate without words, which helps them in battles and in dealing with court politics. A third idea is that they discover they are brothers through some magical revelation and then have to re - evaluate their entire relationship and how they fit into Camelot's future together.
There's a fanfic where Merlin and Arthur's first time is actually their first real conversation alone. They're in the castle gardens, and Arthur is feeling stressed about his duties. Merlin, using his wits and his kind heart, manages to make Arthur laugh and open up. It's a sweet moment that shows a different side of their relationship, away from the typical prince - servant dynamic.
Arthur might also try to impress Merlin by being more open - minded towards the common people. He could start making decisions that benefit the lower classes more visibly. For example, he might distribute food among the poor or build shelters. This would show Merlin that he is not just a king for the nobles but also cares about the well - being of all his subjects, which is something Merlin would likely appreciate as he has a kind heart.
One great Merlin and Arthur fanfiction is 'The Once and Future King' by [author's name]. It beautifully captures their complex relationship, adding depth to the characters. It shows Arthur's growth as a king with Merlin by his side in a very believable way.
The banter between Merlin and Arthur in fanfiction is really interesting. It can range from light - hearted jabs at each other's habits. Merlin might poke fun at Arthur's love for jousting and how he always gets a bit too competitive. Arthur could retort by mentioning Merlin's clumsy attempts at serving him. Their banter also reflects the underlying respect they have for each other despite their different social standings. It's like a friendly sparring that keeps their relationship dynamic.
The 'Redemption' trope is also seen in some fanfictions. Maybe Arthur has made some mistakes in the past, and Merlin helps him to redeem himself. Or vice versa. It's a way to explore the characters' growth and development. And then there's the 'Battle Against Evil' trope where they fight side by side against dark forces, which really showcases their bond and loyalty.
I really like 'The Sword in the Stone' as a fanfiction - like take on Merlin and Arthur. It shows Merlin as this wise and mysterious figure guiding Arthur on his journey to become king. There are also some great interactions between the two characters that show the deep bond they share. You can find it in many libraries or online bookstores.