Last one...

Title: Three Tasks
Author: Syllic
Fandom: Merlin
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Categories: Harlequin, Humor, Fluff
Length: Long
Warnings: none unless you count extreme silliness
Author on LJ: syllic 

Author’s Summary: Arthur is the Royal Arbiter for Suitable Suitors' Disputes. He (and his trusty companion, the golden-dragon-tasselled hat) alone can determine who is fit to woo royal servants and other assorted courtiers in Uther's court.

Review:
The premise is utter crack (but in the very best way): Arthur is in charge of deciding who may court someone in Camelot when there is more than one suitor vying for the same person’s affections. This involves assigning three tasks, judging the competitors, and of course, wearing the official Arbiter’s robes that Arthur will never admit to liking as much as he does (they're lilac!).

I'm sure you can see where this is going from a mile away. Basically, Merlin, in his cluelessness, manages to become the object of four, yes, four suitors’ affections – and Arthur must arbitrate. Could you ask for a better recipe for a Harlequin set-up?

Now you may not believe me, but despite the absurdly crack-y set-up, the story is actually not as crack-y as it first appears. The premise is, true, but the execution is surprisingly thoughtful and sweet, and Arthur in particular is downright adorable.

Funny, fluffy (even Uther manages to not be a bastard), and just gosh-darned sweet. It’s how I like my Harlequin best.

Three Tasks