One common theme is loyalty tested. In many Merlin - Arthur hurt fanfictions, situations are created where Arthur's position as king or Merlin's role as his servant put their loyalty to each other on the line. Another theme could be sacrifice. For example, Merlin might have to sacrifice his magic or his safety to protect Arthur, or vice versa. Also, the theme of friendship in the face of danger is prevalent. They might be hurt physically or emotionally due to battles or political intrigue, but their friendship endures.
The theme of betrayal often pops up. It could be a perceived betrayal where one thinks the other has let them down in a dangerous situation, leading to hurt feelings. Also, the theme of self - discovery while dealing with the hurt. For instance, Arthur might discover a new side of himself when Merlin is hurt and he has to step up, or Merlin might learn more about his limits and capabilities when facing Arthur's pain.
One common theme is loyalty. Arthur's protectiveness shows his loyalty to Merlin as his friend and servant. Another theme could be guilt. If Merlin is hurt because of Arthur in some way, Arthur feels guilty and that drives his protectiveness. For example, if Merlin takes an arrow meant for Arthur.
One popular theme is loyalty. Merlin's unwavering loyalty to Arthur is often explored in a more romantic or deeply bonded way in fanfiction. Another theme is the power dynamic between them, like how Merlin's magic can both protect and complicate their relationship. Also, the idea of destiny plays a big role. Since they are so intertwined in the Arthurian legend, fanfiction might explore how their being mates is fated and how they fulfill their destinies together.
Well, a lot of merlin x arthur fanfiction focuses on the power dynamic between them. Since Arthur is a king and Merlin his servant, exploring how that changes when their relationship becomes more than just master - servant is a big theme. And of course, there are themes around protecting each other. Merlin always protects Arthur with his magic secretly, and in fanfics, this can be elaborated on more, like in situations where Arthur is aware of Merlin's efforts.
The theme of betrayal is often seen. Maybe Merlin is wrongly accused of betraying Arthur due to his use of dark magic for a good cause. Or Arthur might be seen as betraying his own ideals under the influence of some dark power. It adds a lot of drama and tension to the fanfiction. Also, the exploration of a post - apocalyptic Camelot where Arthur and Merlin have to fight against dark forces to rebuild their world is a cool theme. It gives a whole new dimension to their characters and relationship.
One possible fanfiction could be that Merlin gets injured during a battle while trying to protect Arthur. Arthur then becomes extremely protective, refusing to let anyone else tend to Merlin's wounds. He stays by Merlin's side, worried sick, and vows to be more careful in the future to prevent Merlin from getting hurt again.
Some fanfictions focus on the theme of alternate universes. In these, the Merlin - Arthur kiss can happen in a completely different setting. For instance, they could be in a modern - day world where they meet in a different way than in the original story. Or perhaps they are in a world where magic is accepted openly, and their relationship develops more freely. This allows for creative interpretations of their relationship and the significance of their kiss.
One popular theme is unrequited love. Arthur might want Merlin but be unable to express it due to his status or other obligations. Another theme could be the discovery of Merlin's magic and how that affects Arthur's feelings towards him.
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 emotional pain. Maybe Arthur has been betrayed by someone close to him, and the fanfiction explores his journey of dealing with that hurt. For example, if a friend he trusted turned out to be a traitor.
A lot of popular ones have a good balance between angst and fluff. There's the heart - breaking moments where their relationship is tested, maybe by Arthur's doubts about Merlin's magic or the political situation in Camelot. But then there are also the really sweet, loving moments that make readers go 'aww'. And they usually have a well - thought - out plot that ties in with the original story's themes, like loyalty, friendship, and love in the face of adversity.