weekly round-up 11
My good friend's singing in a recital tonight! But ugggh, it takes almost two hours to get that far uptown, and two hours back down. I just want to loll about at home =_=
Weekly Round-Up
Titles in bold are extra-recommended ♥
Time is Running Out by solanyxe (vid)
Summary: Arthur's mind is messed up, so don't expect to find many coherent thoughts in there. Instead you'll find his lust and lots and lots of Merlin. In short, Arthur is frantically trying to resolve his UST. Done to "Time is Running Out" by Muse.
Notes: I think by now you guys have figured out that song choice is a HUGE factor in whether or not I rec a vid :P I can't help it, I'm only human!! And luckily for this vid, I LOVE MUSE. That being said, there are other (better) reasons why this is here: this piece is wonderfully high-energy, with tons of blink-and-you'll-miss-it shots and montages. There's great, sexy footage that's creatively framed (ie Uther stroking Arthur's face when he's sick is NOT so sexy, but perceived-Merlin stroking Arthur's face most definitely is), which gives the whole thing a fresh take on the tried-and-true Arthur/Merlin UST.
Wasting Your Emotions by analyst_1 (vid)
Summary: When Arthur sees Gwen kissing Merlin he realises that if he's going to have Merlin all to himself, he's gonna have to watch out for the ladies and monitor Merlin's interaction with EVERYONE. Done to "Lay All Your Love On Me" by ABBA.
Notes: This vid is pure, simple fun to watch! There's a cohesive storyline here, and I like that the vidder sticks to the premise (jealous!Arthur <3) while all the footage and lyrics just build on it. Clean and well-done.
privileges of rank by seperis (NC-17, ~7k)
Summary: Merlin, after drinking himself silly, loses the key to his room and Gaius locks him out. He's got no choice but to crawl over to Arthur's...
Notes: Okay, so I didn't actually finish reading this. This will go into the category of "didn't ping my radar but got a ton of response", and hence I'm linking it here to be fair. Also, I like the discussion :) The reason why this didn't capture my interest is that while the storyline is cute, and the tone light and fun, the overwrought sentences buried a lot of the humor. Stuff like this:
"It's cold," Merlin explains, trying not to move so as to not touch any non-body-warmed space.
--and constant instances of it just became too much to sift through after awhile. Anyway, that's just me. Somebody tell me why you loved this, I'm keen to know!
job orientation by seperis (PG-13, ~2k)
Summary: In the not so distant future, Merlin builds a tower. That's not suspicious at all.
Notes: This story is so, so satisfying. I love how well-written it is--the dialogue and half-formed thoughts are so true to real life, the way they mimic people's conversations. The unsaid things are incredibly strong in here, and Arthur and Merlin are relaxed and at peace and it's just heart-warming to read. It'll put a smile on your face. ...and funny, I just noticed this is the same author who received the above review. At least I'm considering these stories as standalones, and not off author biases, right?? Bueller?
(Self-)Preservation by esohpe (PG, 3k)
Summary: It’s a gradual realisation. But a month after the attack, five days after the fever breaks and his mind is finally his own, Arthur realises Merlin is long gone.
Notes: Okay, I take back the comment about author biases. I have favorites. esohpe is one of them. Her writing is sublime. I can't even pinpoint why, but she constantly weaves these entrancing tales, and the pacing and dialogue and characterization--effortless. This story totally broke my heart, but in the good way that's all achy and bittersweet (and hopeful, if you squint!).
Sweet Dreams Fly by themegaloo (PG, 2k)
Summary: AU!Futurefic, wherein Merlin never ages and Arthur is born over and over again.
Notes: This is such a fascinating concept, it makes you want to reread it several times just to get the full effect. I love these types of epics where the characters are so destined to be together that they make it through multiple lifetimes. It's normally a difficult genre to get right--a requirement for success basically mandating that the story feel EPIC--but the writing is good enough to pull it off. Certainly a refreshing addition to the Merlin fandom.
The Path Was Invisible but Still I Jumped by bemycasualty (NC-17, 4k)
Summary: Secrets haunt Morgana's dreams. Merlin agrees to help, but fears the final price. In short, a Merlin-Tells-Arthur (about the magic) plot, with the added layer of Morgana's prodding.
Notes: Angsty, evocative, and I like Morgana in this as a crazy Seer, a la season finale. Rich language.
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off by solarcat05 (R, 1k)
Summary: In retrospect, Merlin's ridiculous concerns about being executed make a lot more sense. Sequel!fic.
Notes: Finally, a bit of humor on this week's rec list! This story is GLORIOUS. I'll let the quotes speak for themselves:
Merlin finally stands, wiping a shining stripe of fluid from the corner of his mouth and staring at Arthur with dark eyes.
or
Also, Merlin likes to cuddle, and Merlin knows the spot to lick on Arthur's neck that makes him shiver, and Merlin likes slow, lazy sex in the morning, and Merlin likes to be kissed.
Oh wait, I totally just pulled out the smutty and fluffy bits. I promise, the rest is utter hilarity.
RPS DOESN'T GET TO HAVE A TITLE by derryerre (NC-17, 16k)
Summary: HA HA HA you expect so much of me. BUT OK. Behold my RPF, in which Bradley thinks people should call him to hang out and do stuff. Bradley/Colin.
Notes: Ahahaha this story will make you pee your pants from giggling. I would've bolded the title but it needed a serious beta (the typos were glaring, some superfluous paragraphs), and then derryere said it probably will get one later on, so YAYS. At any rate, this is, as she puts it, THE RPS OF DOOM. It's massive and wonderful and the boys are so stooopid, just the way I like 'em!! On a more intelligent note, the structure is nicely planned, with the beginning and ends paralleling each other to make the whole thing feel really intact and complete. It hit every one of my buttons--there's jealousy and angst, there's great day-to-day details that completely enrich the story (Angel walking by eating cereal? So believable). And above all, there's boys being boys. HAPPY-MAKING. The end.
One Way or Another by analyst_1 (vid)
Summary: Possessive Arthur is back! Only this time he's a little bit more stalkerish. Done to "One Way or Another" by Blondie.
Notes: Let's finish this week's round-up with a lovely dose of CRACK. I won't say the video is particularly meaningful, or even polished at that, but it's PURE AND UTTER FUN. The footage is really, really creatively used to make Arthur look like a total STALKER NUTCASE, and that was enough to get it on here.
Finally, I just wanted to link back to a story I finished up this week after working on it for SIX MONTHS. How are people in this fandom so prolific!?? I want whatever they're having. And just to be clear, this is in NO WAY a recommendation, just a link:
an arse is an arse, of course, of course by aeroport_art (NC-17, 13k)
Summary: Arthur's having recurring dreams that involve fucking his manservant, and it's kind of throwing him off his game. Oh, and Merlin walks in on him having sex with a guy. Whoops.
Looking for previous recs? Check the tag. For FAQ and list of all bolded titles, check the primer.
Weekly Round-Up
Titles in bold are extra-recommended ♥
Time is Running Out by solanyxe (vid)
Summary: Arthur's mind is messed up, so don't expect to find many coherent thoughts in there. Instead you'll find his lust and lots and lots of Merlin. In short, Arthur is frantically trying to resolve his UST. Done to "Time is Running Out" by Muse.
Notes: I think by now you guys have figured out that song choice is a HUGE factor in whether or not I rec a vid :P I can't help it, I'm only human!! And luckily for this vid, I LOVE MUSE. That being said, there are other (better) reasons why this is here: this piece is wonderfully high-energy, with tons of blink-and-you'll-miss-it shots and montages. There's great, sexy footage that's creatively framed (ie Uther stroking Arthur's face when he's sick is NOT so sexy, but perceived-Merlin stroking Arthur's face most definitely is), which gives the whole thing a fresh take on the tried-and-true Arthur/Merlin UST.
Wasting Your Emotions by analyst_1 (vid)
Summary: When Arthur sees Gwen kissing Merlin he realises that if he's going to have Merlin all to himself, he's gonna have to watch out for the ladies and monitor Merlin's interaction with EVERYONE. Done to "Lay All Your Love On Me" by ABBA.
Notes: This vid is pure, simple fun to watch! There's a cohesive storyline here, and I like that the vidder sticks to the premise (jealous!Arthur <3) while all the footage and lyrics just build on it. Clean and well-done.
privileges of rank by seperis (NC-17, ~7k)
Summary: Merlin, after drinking himself silly, loses the key to his room and Gaius locks him out. He's got no choice but to crawl over to Arthur's...
Notes: Okay, so I didn't actually finish reading this. This will go into the category of "didn't ping my radar but got a ton of response", and hence I'm linking it here to be fair. Also, I like the discussion :) The reason why this didn't capture my interest is that while the storyline is cute, and the tone light and fun, the overwrought sentences buried a lot of the humor. Stuff like this:
"It's cold," Merlin explains, trying not to move so as to not touch any non-body-warmed space.
--and constant instances of it just became too much to sift through after awhile. Anyway, that's just me. Somebody tell me why you loved this, I'm keen to know!
job orientation by seperis (PG-13, ~2k)
Summary: In the not so distant future, Merlin builds a tower. That's not suspicious at all.
Notes: This story is so, so satisfying. I love how well-written it is--the dialogue and half-formed thoughts are so true to real life, the way they mimic people's conversations. The unsaid things are incredibly strong in here, and Arthur and Merlin are relaxed and at peace and it's just heart-warming to read. It'll put a smile on your face. ...and funny, I just noticed this is the same author who received the above review. At least I'm considering these stories as standalones, and not off author biases, right?? Bueller?
(Self-)Preservation by esohpe (PG, 3k)
Summary: It’s a gradual realisation. But a month after the attack, five days after the fever breaks and his mind is finally his own, Arthur realises Merlin is long gone.
Notes: Okay, I take back the comment about author biases. I have favorites. esohpe is one of them. Her writing is sublime. I can't even pinpoint why, but she constantly weaves these entrancing tales, and the pacing and dialogue and characterization--effortless. This story totally broke my heart, but in the good way that's all achy and bittersweet (and hopeful, if you squint!).
Sweet Dreams Fly by themegaloo (PG, 2k)
Summary: AU!Futurefic, wherein Merlin never ages and Arthur is born over and over again.
Notes: This is such a fascinating concept, it makes you want to reread it several times just to get the full effect. I love these types of epics where the characters are so destined to be together that they make it through multiple lifetimes. It's normally a difficult genre to get right--a requirement for success basically mandating that the story feel EPIC--but the writing is good enough to pull it off. Certainly a refreshing addition to the Merlin fandom.
The Path Was Invisible but Still I Jumped by bemycasualty (NC-17, 4k)
Summary: Secrets haunt Morgana's dreams. Merlin agrees to help, but fears the final price. In short, a Merlin-Tells-Arthur (about the magic) plot, with the added layer of Morgana's prodding.
Notes: Angsty, evocative, and I like Morgana in this as a crazy Seer, a la season finale. Rich language.
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off by solarcat05 (R, 1k)
Summary: In retrospect, Merlin's ridiculous concerns about being executed make a lot more sense. Sequel!fic.
Notes: Finally, a bit of humor on this week's rec list! This story is GLORIOUS. I'll let the quotes speak for themselves:
Merlin finally stands, wiping a shining stripe of fluid from the corner of his mouth and staring at Arthur with dark eyes.
or
Also, Merlin likes to cuddle, and Merlin knows the spot to lick on Arthur's neck that makes him shiver, and Merlin likes slow, lazy sex in the morning, and Merlin likes to be kissed.
Oh wait, I totally just pulled out the smutty and fluffy bits. I promise, the rest is utter hilarity.
RPS DOESN'T GET TO HAVE A TITLE by derryerre (NC-17, 16k)
Summary: HA HA HA you expect so much of me. BUT OK. Behold my RPF, in which Bradley thinks people should call him to hang out and do stuff. Bradley/Colin.
Notes: Ahahaha this story will make you pee your pants from giggling. I would've bolded the title but it needed a serious beta (the typos were glaring, some superfluous paragraphs), and then derryere said it probably will get one later on, so YAYS. At any rate, this is, as she puts it, THE RPS OF DOOM. It's massive and wonderful and the boys are so stooopid, just the way I like 'em!! On a more intelligent note, the structure is nicely planned, with the beginning and ends paralleling each other to make the whole thing feel really intact and complete. It hit every one of my buttons--there's jealousy and angst, there's great day-to-day details that completely enrich the story (Angel walking by eating cereal? So believable). And above all, there's boys being boys. HAPPY-MAKING. The end.
One Way or Another by analyst_1 (vid)
Summary: Possessive Arthur is back! Only this time he's a little bit more stalkerish. Done to "One Way or Another" by Blondie.
Notes: Let's finish this week's round-up with a lovely dose of CRACK. I won't say the video is particularly meaningful, or even polished at that, but it's PURE AND UTTER FUN. The footage is really, really creatively used to make Arthur look like a total STALKER NUTCASE, and that was enough to get it on here.
Finally, I just wanted to link back to a story I finished up this week after working on it for SIX MONTHS. How are people in this fandom so prolific!?? I want whatever they're having. And just to be clear, this is in NO WAY a recommendation, just a link:
an arse is an arse, of course, of course by aeroport_art (NC-17, 13k)
Summary: Arthur's having recurring dreams that involve fucking his manservant, and it's kind of throwing him off his game. Oh, and Merlin walks in on him having sex with a guy. Whoops.
Looking for previous recs? Check the tag. For FAQ and list of all bolded titles, check the primer.