Well, a frequent theme is the jealousy in their professional relationship. Arthur may be jealous if Merlin seems to have a better understanding of the magical threats to the kingdom than he does. Meanwhile, Merlin could be jealous of Arthur's combat skills and the glory he gets from battles. Another aspect is the jealousy that arises from the loyalty they expect from others. If someone shows more loyalty to one over the other, it can create jealousy. For instance, if a knight is more loyal to Arthur than Merlin in a particular situation, Merlin might feel jealous, and the same goes for Arthur if a court mage is more devoted to Merlin.
One common theme is the jealousy over their respective friendships. For example, Arthur might be jealous if Merlin spends too much time with other knights. Another theme could be romantic jealousy. If there are love interests involved for either of them, it can lead to some intense jealous moments. Also, jealousy over power or status can play a part. If Merlin's magic gives him an edge in certain situations, Arthur might feel a twinge of jealousy, and vice versa.
One common theme is the struggle with unspoken love. Arthur's jealousy often arises from his love for Merlin that he can't or won't admit. It's a way of showing his possessiveness in a romantic sense without being fully aware of it himself.
One common theme is friendship. Their relationship is often at the heart of the stories, showing how they support and grow with each other. Another is loyalty. Arthur and Merlin are extremely loyal to each other in the original series, and this is often emphasized in fanfiction.
One common theme could be loyalty. Merlin is often extremely loyal to Arthur, and when he breaks a rule, Arthur's punishment might be a test of that loyalty. Another theme could be power dynamics. Since Arthur is the king and Merlin has magic which is often a secret, the punishment could be related to maintaining the balance of power in Camelot.
Another theme is the test of their relationship. The hotel can be a place full of challenges and temptations. It could be other people trying to come between them or some difficult situations that make them question their loyalty to each other. Like in some fanfictions, a powerful sorceress at the hotel tries to charm Arthur away from Merlin, but they overcome it and their relationship becomes stronger.
One common theme is loyalty. In these fanfictions, Merlin's loyalty to Arthur takes on a new, more intense dimension when there are romantic feelings involved. Another theme is sacrifice. Often, either Merlin or Arthur is willing to sacrifice a great deal for the other, which is a big part of their relationship in these stories.
The theme of secrecy also comes up a lot. Since their relationship in fanfiction is often not something that can be openly shown in the Camelot setting, they have to keep it a secret. This adds a layer of tension and drama to the stories. It also makes their relationship more precious as they have to hide it from the prying eyes of the court and the kingdom.
One common theme is the struggle against social norms. Arthur is a king and Merlin is his servant, so there's often the theme of them going against the class differences. Another theme is the discovery of true love. Arthur may not initially realize his feelings for Merlin, so it's about that journey of self - discovery.
The themes in Merlin and Arthur banter fanfiction are quite diverse. Friendship is a big one. Their banter is a sign of their close friendship, even if they don't always admit it openly. For instance, they can joke about how they would save each other's lives. Also, loyalty is there. When they banter, it's within the framework of their loyalty to each other. Arthur might say 'Merlin, you are the most annoying yet most loyal servant I have' and Merlin could reply 'My loyalty is only because I know you need me, sire.' It shows how their relationship is complex and multifaceted through the banter.
A frequent theme is loyalty. Merlin's loyalty to Arthur and vice versa is highlighted during their rides. For example, in some fanfictions, Merlin will risk his life to protect Arthur during a dangerous ride. Also, the theme of discovery is common. They could discover new places or magical elements while on their rides.
One common theme is loyalty. Arthur's protectiveness often stems from his deep loyalty to Merlin. He sees Merlin as more than just a servant but as a true friend, and this loyalty drives him to safeguard Merlin.