One interesting story could be about Merlin sharing his magic secrets with a newfound friend in the fanfiction. This might lead to them going on adventures together, using magic in unique ways to solve problems.
In some 'merlin the secret sharer fanfiction', there could be a story where Merlin reveals his secrets to an enemy in order to gain their trust and ultimately turn them to his side. This would involve a lot of drama and character development as the enemy grapples with this new knowledge.
Perhaps there are stories where Merlin's secret sharing has unintended consequences. For example, the knowledge he shares spreads too far and causes chaos in Camelot. This could then be about how Merlin has to work to fix the situation, showing his growth and resourcefulness as a character.
Obviously, Merlin is a main character. He is the one with the secrets to share. Arthur might also be involved as he is often at the center of Merlin's world in the original series, and the secrets could be related to Arthur's fate or the future of Camelot.
One main theme could be the exploration of the self. In 'The Secret Sharer', the protagonist's encounter with his double makes him question his own identity and moral boundaries. Another theme might be isolation. The characters often seem to be alone in their experiences, whether on a ship at sea or in other settings.
A great Merlin stories fanfiction idea is one where Merlin has to go back in time to correct something that went wrong in Camelot's history. This could involve him having to face his younger self and convince his past self to make different choices, all while trying not to disrupt the timeline too much.
In 'The Secret Sharer', the captain is a main character. He is the one who has the encounter with Leggatt, the secret sharer. There are also the crew members on the ship, who play important roles in the overall atmosphere of the story.
In 'the secret sharer story', the main theme seems to be about self - discovery through an unusual connection. The fact that the protagonist shares a secret with this other person who is in a rather strange situation makes him reflect on himself. He has to deal with the implications of this shared secret, which forces him to look at his own values, his own sense of right and wrong, and his place in the world. It's like a journey into his own soul while being involved with this secret sharer.
There are some that depict Merlin as a street magician in modern London. He uses his real magic in his shows, but people think it's just clever illusions. He meets Arthur, who is a skeptic at first but then becomes intrigued by Merlin's seemingly unexplainable tricks.
One interesting proactive Merlin fanfiction could be where Merlin uses his magic more openly to change the political landscape in Camelot. For example, he might secretly influence laws that are unfair to the common people. Another could be about Merlin taking proactive steps to train Arthur in magic, defying the ban in Camelot. This would add a whole new dynamic to their relationship as Merlin tries to make Arthur see the value of magic in a different way.
One interesting Merlin and Arthur fanfiction could be where Merlin reveals his magic to Arthur in a very unexpected and comical way. For example, during a royal banquet, when a knight accidentally drops a sword that's about to impale Arthur, Merlin freezes time and casually walks over to pick up the sword, then unfreezes time and acts like nothing happened. Arthur is left completely bewildered until Merlin finally confesses his powers.
In a footloose Merlin fanfiction, perhaps Merlin and Arthur are both in a land where dancing is forbidden. Merlin, being the more rebellious of the two in this regard, decides to secretly teach Arthur some dance moves. As they practice in a hidden corner of the castle, they form a closer bond, and Merlin uses his magic to make sure they don't get caught. This could be a fun and light - hearted fanfiction exploring their relationship in a new context.
Well, in some Merlin death fanfiction, Merlin might die in a battle against an ancient evil. His death could lead to a series of events where Camelot starts to crumble without his magic and wisdom. However, his legacy lives on through the people he has inspired. There are also stories where Merlin's death is foretold in a prophecy, and he spends his last days trying to prepare Camelot for the future without him.