They could start by having more heart - to - heart conversations. For example, Arthur could share his insecurities about being a king and Merlin could talk about his fears regarding his magic. This would deepen their bond.
The idea of Arthur and Merlin as brothers gives more room for emotional exploration. We can see their sibling rivalry in a different light, not just as king and servant. Their brotherly banter, protectiveness towards each other, and shared dreams make for a very engaging read. Also, it often includes more backstory about their family, which enriches the whole Arthurian world that fans are already familiar with.
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.
Well, start with a strong premise. If they are brothers, what does that mean for Camelot? How does it change the power dynamics? You should also explore their emotions deeply. As brothers, they might have feelings of protectiveness, jealousy, or rivalry. For example, Arthur might be jealous of Merlin's magic at times, but still love him as a brother. Use descriptive language to bring out their relationship. Describe how they look at each other, how they talk to each other when they are alone or in public. Another important aspect is to include some twists and turns. Maybe they think they are full brothers, but then find out they are only half - brothers, which throws their relationship into chaos. And always keep in mind the setting of Camelot. It should be an integral part of the story and influence their brotherly relationship in different ways.
A popular one is 'Merlin's Brotherly Love for Arthur'. This story explores Merlin's perspective of being Arthur's brother. It shows how Merlin uses his magic not just to protect Camelot but also to look out for his brother in a more personal and emotional way. There are some really heart - warming scenes that highlight their special connection.
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.
One idea could be that they discover a long - lost magic artifact together that has the power to unite all the kingdoms in peace. Another could be that they face a common enemy who is threatening Camelot and they have to combine their skills, Arthur's leadership and combat abilities and Merlin's magic, in a new and unexpected way.
One interesting plotline could be their journey to discover their true family history. Since they are brothers in this fanfiction, there might be secrets about their parents or heritage that they uncover together. Another could be them facing challenges as brothers, like one getting into trouble and the other having to save him. For example, Arthur might get captured and Merlin uses his magic to rescue him, strengthening their bond as brothers in the process.
Well, if they are brothers in fanfiction, it might make their relationship more equal in some ways. They could be more open and trusting with each other from the start. Instead of the king - servant dynamic, they might share secrets more freely and support each other without the formal barriers. They could also have a more playful relationship, like real brothers do, teasing each other and having inside jokes.
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.