Title: Dragonholm
Fandom: Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Categories: Modern AU, romance, drama, hurt/comfort, light angst, fluff, first time
Length: Long (23,262 words)
Warnings: None

Author on LJ: camelittle
Author Website: Camelittle

Author's Summary:
Merlin's nervous enough about the ski instructor job; he really doesn't need the added stress of concealing the real purpose for his placement. He's a diligent sort of bloke, so he'll do his best. But he can't help thinking it'd all be a whole lot easier if he didn't have a rapidly escalating crush on his room mate.

Review:
There are so many things to love about this story. The interactions between Arthur and Merlin are so authentic - the snark, the banter, the playful (and sometimes not so playful) insults...and the heat and intensity between them is excellently done. There is some seriously gorgeous writing here, too. In one scene in particular, Arthur and Merlin are walking back to the chalet at night, and I was immediately taken in by the imagery. The author's words were so evocative, and painted such a clear and lovely picture of the setting that served as the perfect backdrop for the moment Arthur and Merlin shared under the stars. The relationship between Arthur and Merlin is well-paced and absolutely wonderful. There is immediate chemistry between them and just a little bit of angst because of Merlin's secret, but it doesn't stop them from growing closer and ultimately falling for one another.

I loved seeing a different take on Hunith than I've seen before, and the rest of the supporting cast was delightfully entertaining and in a couple of cases, menacing. I really enjoyed Morgana's role, as well -- her protectiveness of Arthur and the clever way she gatecrashed Merlin's dinner with his mother, for one, and the sweet sadness of her friendship with Gwen too.

The absolute best part of this for me was that it kept me guessing right until the very end. Throughout the story we see Merlin make reference to his secret purpose for being at Dragonholm, and when it was revealed it wasn't at all what I expected. It was the perfect ending to a really enjoyable read.

I highly recommend reading this delightful story, and don't forget to check out the gorgeous art by fuckyeah!

Dragonholm