Title: Gladiator
Author:
clea2011Artist:
lfb72Pairings/Characters: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 115k
Warnings: Graphic violence, attempted rape/non-con.
Disclaimer: We don't own the characters, the BBC do
Author's notes:
First of all please heed the warnings on this fic. Let me know if I am missing any warning tags.
There are many people to whom thanks are due:
Firstly to my amazing, wonderful, patient artist
LFB72, without whom there would be no story. I was dubious as to whether I could get it written as I was suffering from writers block earlier in the year. At the beginning of the summer she created the gorgeous header for the story, which I've had stuck up above my computer ever since. Obviously that needed to be seen by the world so here we are! She has done the most beautiful art for this fic. Go look at it and leave it lots of love!
Secondly, to my two amazing betas, Tari_Sue and Camelittle, who took on this massive thing when it was somewhere around 68k and have been working on it daily. You two are utter stars.
Finally to the mods who have been supremely patient with me and my failure to hit deadlines, and who very kindly held amnesty week open just a little longer (I think it might have turned into amnesty fortnight and I'm really sorry about that). I had no idea this would get so very long.
And also all the folks in chatzy who have been so supportive on this long, long ride! Thank you! <3
Artist's notes:
This is for the wonderful Clea. I had such a great time collaborating with her last year that when the opportunity to work with her came up again I lay myself prostrate at her feet. Clea is not only a fantastic writer but a good friend and I have been fortunate enough to meet up with her a couple of times. She has worked so hard on this fic and her poor fingers will be stumps by now so please give her all the love and attention her work deserves.
Many thanks to my art beta,
Merlinsdeheune who offered her expert opinion on the early sketches, my good friend
merlocked18 and the wonderful
Tari_sue who helped with the gif.
Finally, many thanks to the mods for organising the fest.
Summary:
When Cenred and his army of sorcerers conquer Camelot, Arthur loses everything. His home, his kingdom, his father, his sister… all are taken from him and he's forced to fight for his life for public entertainment. Thrown in with strangers, Arthur makes new friends and dangerous enemies. He knows he’s probably living on borrowed time but one man and a baby dragon just might make a difference - if he can survive his next fight.
Story link:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/21296327Art link:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/21189392