In some fanfictions, Arthur saves Merlin from a magical creature that has been sent specifically to target Merlin because of his powerful magic. For example, a dark wizard sends a shadow demon after Merlin, and Arthur, with his courage and swordsmanship, manages to slay the demon and save Merlin. This often leads to a deeper bond between them as they realize how much they mean to each other.
There are also fanfictions where Arthur saves Merlin from the political intrigue in Camelot. The court is full of people who might want to use Merlin's connection to Arthur against them. Arthur, being aware of this, takes steps to safeguard Merlin. He might arrange for Merlin to have a false identity or keep him out of certain dangerous court events.
One popular 'Merlin Saves Arthur' fanfiction might be 'The Saving Grace' where Merlin uses his magic in a really creative way to rescue Arthur from a powerful dark sorcerer. It's full of action and shows the deep bond between them.
These fanfictions often explore different scenarios that weren't shown in the original series. It gives fans a chance to see new adventures and how Merlin would handle difficult situations to save Arthur. For example, in some fanfics, Merlin has to make difficult choices between using his magic openly or secretly to save Arthur, which adds an extra layer of intrigue.
One interesting Arthur courts Merlin fanfiction could be one where Arthur discovers Merlin's magic in a very unique way, like during a battle when Merlin has to use his powers openly to save Arthur. This creates a whole new dynamic between them as Arthur has to grapple with his long - held beliefs about magic and his friendship with Merlin.
One common theme is loyalty. Arthur's loyalty to Merlin is what drives him to save Merlin in most of these fics. It shows that their relationship is not just about master - servant but also about true friendship.
One interesting plot can be found in 'Courting the Warlock'. Here, Arthur starts courting Merlin after realizing that Merlin's magic can be a great asset to Camelot. But as he courts Merlin, he truly falls in love, not just for the magic. This creates a complex dynamic as Merlin is initially suspicious of Arthur's motives. Also, in 'The Royal Courtship', the plot involves Arthur trying to court Merlin while also having to deal with political unrest in Camelot. He has to balance his love for Merlin with his responsibilities as a king - to - be, which makes for a very engaging story.
One great 'arthur saves merlin fanfic' could be 'The Rescue by the Lake'. In this fic, Arthur discovers Merlin in a perilous situation near the enchanted lake. He bravely battles the dark magic that has Merlin trapped and manages to free him. It's a really exciting read.
I'm not sure about the most popular ones specifically. But you can start by looking on major fanfiction platforms like Archive of Our Own. There might be stories where the author takes a creative turn and has Arthur in a situation that seems like cheating on Merlin in their own fictional take on the relationship, often exploring complex emotions and consequences.
One great fanfiction could be 'The Enchanted Bond' where female Merlin uses her magic in unique ways to protect Arthur. It has a really interesting take on their relationship and the challenges they face in a world that fears magic.
One great 'Arthur Protects Merlin' fanfiction is 'The Protector's Oath'. In this story, Arthur discovers a plot against Merlin and immediately takes steps to safeguard him. He assigns extra guards to Merlin without revealing the true reason, all while being his usual gruff but caring self.
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.