A lesser - known but very well - written one is 'Goodbye, Merlin'. This fanfiction takes a different approach. It shows how the people of Camelot remember Merlin through flashbacks while he is on his deathbed. It's a unique take on the whole concept of Merlin dying.
There's also 'Merlin's Final Days'. In this fanfic, it shows Merlin's selfless acts even as he is dying. He uses his last bit of magic to protect Camelot one last time. It's a really touching story that focuses on his sacrifice.
In a rather emotional fanfic, female Merlin is struck down by a curse. This curse was meant for Arthur but she takes it upon herself to save him. She slowly withers away as the curse drains her life force. Throughout her dying process, she has visions of a better Camelot that could have been. Her death makes Arthur realize the true value of Merlin and he vows to make Camelot a more inclusive place for magic in her memory.
One common theme is sacrifice. Female Merlin often sacrifices herself for the greater good, like protecting Camelot or Arthur. It shows her selfless nature. For example, she might take on a powerful enemy alone to save the kingdom.
One great fanfiction could be where Percival uses his strength to shield Merlin from a group of bandits. He stands tall, his sword at the ready, while Merlin casts spells from behind him to aid in the fight.
Well, when it comes to fanfiction involving Merlin, Nimueh and lemon, it really depends on what you're looking for. If you want a more romantic take, you might find some where the relationship between Merlin and Nimueh has a citrusy or 'lemon' - like freshness to it, perhaps in how they interact or the way their story unfolds. But you need to dig through different fanfiction platforms to discover such gems.
The theme of legacy is also prevalent. Even in death, Merlin leaves behind a powerful legacy. His magic, his teachings, and his influence on Camelot continue to be felt long after he's gone. This can be seen in how the characters remember him and strive to uphold what he stood for.
I'm not sure about a specific one that stands out above all others. But if you search on major fanfiction platforms using the keywords'merlin', 'cat ears', you're likely to find a bunch. You can also look at the reviews and ratings to find the ones that are well - liked. Some fics might also include other magical creatures or elements related to Merlin's cat ears, like how they might give him special powers in certain situations.
One great fanfiction with this theme is 'The Protector's Bond'. In it, Arthur shows his protectiveness in various dangerous situations they encounter. It beautifully captures their relationship and Arthur's determination to keep Merlin safe.
One great Merlin and Arthur pregnant fanfiction is 'The Unlikely Miracle'. It's really interesting as it explores how the Camelot court reacts to such an unexpected situation. The author does a wonderful job of staying true to the characters' personalities from the original series.
One great Merlin reincarnation fanfiction is 'The Return of Merlin'. It has an interesting plot where Merlin is reincarnated in a modern world but still has his magic. The story does a great job of exploring how he adapts to this new environment while trying to keep his powers a secret.
One great 'Merlin Lost Prince' fanfiction is 'The Lost Heir of Camelot'. It really delves into the idea of Merlin having a hidden royal lineage. The story has some amazing plot twists and character developments. It shows how Merlin's newfound identity affects his relationships with Arthur and the other characters in Camelot.