Merlin, 3 recs, multiple pairings (AU recs)

[angelqueen04.livejournal.com]

Fandom Category: Merlin
Pairing: girl!Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Fic Title: Less Than One Blow
Author: lady_ragnell
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/304867
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Genre: Alternate Universe, genderbending
WIP?: No

Why This Must Be Read: Perhaps one of my favorite genderbending Merlin fics ever. lady_ragnell recreates the first series of the show with a born-a-girl!Merlin, and one that finds a way to inspire Arthur Pendragon to become a better, greater man despite the difference in their circumstances. From start to finish, the story will make you smile. Such a sweet fic.

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Fandom Category: Merlin
Pairing: Guinevere "Gwen"/Uther Pendragon
Fic Title: Hold On to What You Have
Author: Thursday_Next
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/260099
Rating/Warning(s): R | semi-explicit sexual situations, homophobia
Genre: Alternate Universe, modern setting AU
WIP?: No

Why This Must Be Read: This is the epitome of a "WTF" pairing, but in this story, it just works. Gwen and Uther's relationship develops slowly, and both of them bring their own issues to it. The story charts their growth over a period of time, as they both learn and change in ways that they wouldn't have considered had they not met each other. It's beautiful, and definitely worth your time.

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Fandom Category: Merlin
Pairing: Elena/Arthur Pendragon
Fic Title: Bruised Feet Don't Take You to the Altar
Author: faynia
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/244455
Rating/Warning(s): PG-13
Genre: Alternate Universe, modern-ish setting
WIP?: No

Why This Must Be Read: There are no words to describe how adorable this story is. faynia translated the characters from the show to this modern-ish setting so perfectly, especially the characters of Elena and Arthur. We only knew Elena briefly on the show, but she is brought into this fic and grows from her initial character into a more complete person. Arthur is as emotionally constipated as ever, but watching him grow from that is loads of fun as well. Watching these two start out with an 'arrangement' and then seeing it morph into something much more special is so sweet.