Title: Camelot
Fandom: Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Categories: Modern Magic AU, Romance, Fluff
Length: Medium (11,282 words)
Warnings: None

Author on LJ: mysecretashes
Author Website: dreamdustmama

Author's Summary:
When Merlin and Will are assigned to do the Birds of Prey show at Camelot Renaissance Faire, neither of them are very happy about it. And then Will gets to dress as a pirate and discovers steak-on-a-stick. Merlin just meets Arthur (and maybe does some magic, too).

Review:
Of course part of the appeal of fanfiction is the opportunity to see beloved characters transplanted to a variety of settings, but there's something really special and fun about seeing Arthur, Merlin et al. against the backdrop of a Renaissance Faire. While the author borrowed from a real Ren Fest for several of the shop names and acts, in other areas bits of Merlin lore are worked in seamlessly, whether it's from Edwin Muirden's "weird remedy shop specializing in beetle cures" or Cedric, who wears black feathers and cons fest-goers into buying fake jewels.

Arthur and Merlin's meet cute is reminiscent of their canon meeting, albeit without references to walking on one's knees or trips to the dungeon. But while the argument leaves Merlin with a poor impression of Arthur, sparks still fly and this Arthur wisely apologizes and makes a move on Merlin, starting a romance that runs the length of the Faire. The author does a great job of portraying the immediate chemistry and attraction between Arthur and Merlin, bringing them together in a way that is natural and very appealing. I loved the way the magic reveal was handled, and Morgana's role in it was a perfect fit and very in-character.

The friendship between Merlin, Will, and Freya is warm and funny, providing extra little moments of humor and fun in an already lighthearted and enjoyable story. From start to finish it's an engaging read that just might give you the urge to visit your local Ren Fest.

Camelot