2015 Yuletide Recs Post #1
I'm still reading my way through both collections, but here are some initial love-at-first-sight fics, with 25 recs in 23 fandoms. I've recc'd everything from drabbles to novellas. Look below for all the porn, gender-fuck, poetry, threesomes, horror, laughs, and joy that you might desire.
First - my gift! I didn't sign-up for Yuletide this year, but picked up some pinch-hits. I wrote some prompts, hoping against hope, and got this INCREDIBLE Orange is a the New Black story on Christmas morning.
1) Sweet and Sour (3258 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Orange is the New Black
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Cindy "Black Cindy" Hayes, Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren, Poussey Washington, Galina "Red" Reznikov, Piper Chapman, Janae Watson, Mei Chang (Orange is the New Black), Ginsberg (Orange is the New Black)
Additional Tags: Explicit Language, Bechdel Test Pass, Misses Clause Challenge, Female Friendship, Female Character of Color, Ensemble Cast, Post S3
Summary:
Now that she's Jewish, what will Cindy do on Christmas?
Bookmarker's Notes:
A lovely, bitter-sweet and perfectly in-character look at Black Cindy as she leaves behind the Christian traditions, and all of those childhood memories, and makes new traditions as part of her conversion to Judaism. Laugh out loud funny in parts, and unexpectedly moving in others. And, oh that prison recipe ....
Books - Vorkosiganverse, Kushiel's Legacy, Riddle-Master Trilogy, Dune, Dragonriders of Pern, and The Dispossessed
2) Vorkosigan's Viper. (1524 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Aral Vorkosigan/Ges Vorrutyer
Characters: Ges Vorrutyer, Aral Vorkosigan
Additional Tags: Yuletide 2015, Yuletide Treat, Alternate Universe - A/B/O, Mpreg, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Ambition, Marriage, Barrayaran Power Couples, Five Times, Alpha Aral Vorkosigan, Omega Ges Vorrutyer
Summary:
Five ways Ges shows his love.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Omegaverse Vorkosiganverse! It turns out that a Barrayar where Ges Vorrutyer can bear a Vorkosigan heir will be a very different Barrayar indeed.
3) The Hand that Takes (1638 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Rape/Non-Con
Relationships: Simon Illyan/Captain Negri, Simon Illyan/Byerly Vorrutyer
Characters: Simon Illyan, Byerly Vorrutyer
Additional Tags: Drugged Sex, Breathplay, Time Period: Reign of Gregor Vorbarra, Yuletide Treat, Yuleporn, Crueltide
Summary:
The training and operations of Byerly Vorrutyer, as told from the perspective of Captain Illyan
Bookmarker's Notes:
Drugs, sex, and torture all play their part in the proper conditioning of Imp Sec agents. Disturbing yet very hot.
4) The Iron Gates (10134 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Ekaterin Vorsoisson Vorkosigan/Miles Vorkosigan
Characters: Ekaterin Vorsoisson Vorkosigan, Miles Vorkosigan, Nicol (Vorkosigan Saga), Armsman Roic, Admiral Vorpatril, Security Captain Brun, Original Characters
Additional Tags: Book: Diplomatic Immunity
Summary:
Miles is dying, nobody is listening, and Ekaterin is doing her damndest.
"It's alright," she says to Nicol and to Roic beside her. "We'll find a way through this. Even if I have to dangle Miles like a marionette in front of the comconsoles myself.”
Bookmarker's Notes:
More than headcanon, this is a gripping and essential missing scene, focusing on Ekaterin. I am printing this out and taping it in the back of my copy of Diplomatic Immunity, so I never have to read Bujold's version without it again.
5) Like Petals from the Bough (3841 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Riddle-Master Trilogy - Patricia A. McKillip
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Morgon of Hed/Raederle of An
Characters: Raederle of An, Morgon of Hed, Nun (Riddle-Master Trilogy), minor OC characters - Character
Additional Tags: Grief, Loss, dealing with eternal life
Summary:
Raederle deals (or doesn't) with the fact that she is not dying.
Bookmarker's Notes:
A profoundly moving exploration of immortal life, death, and grief. The descriptions are exquisite. This is a story to savor.
6) The First Train to Brotherhood (2073 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Dispossessed - Ursula K. Le Guin
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Original Characters
Additional Tags: Anarchists, Conlangs, infrastructure, Anarres, first-generation utopia, actually I like these guys so much I may write more with them
Summary:
Brotherhood does not, technically, exist. It's no more than the end of a rail line in the new settlement of Anarres. But it has a name, and it has a place, and the first train arrives there tonight. In what language will the workers greet the new arrivals?
Bookmarker's Notes:
Outstanding world-building, with bonus linguistics and politics! The struggle to create a language together, that will alter their thought patterns and create the reality of the next generation, really intrigued me.
7) Naamah's Gift (1897 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Kushiel's Legacy - Jacqueline Carey
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Alcuin no Delaunay/Mierette no Orchis
Characters: Alcuin no Delaunay, Mierette no Orchis
Additional Tags: Missing Scene, POV First Person
Summary:
"From that assignation, Alcuin came home heavy-lidded and smiling. He may have been her gift, but Mierette no Orchis possessed the secret of bestowing joy in the act of worshiping Naamah. That is the canon of Orchis House, and that secret she shared with Alcuin."
Bookmarker's Notes:
Gorgeous rare-pair Kushiel's Legacy fic exploring the canonical assignation of Alcuin to Mierette no Orchis. Sensuous and joyous, yet bitter-sweet. It seems gauche to classify this as hooker-fic, but it is a wonderful subversion of the trope.
8) A Song for Ruatha (22923 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Dragonriders of Pern - Anne McCaffrey
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Characters: Menolly, Beauty (Dragonriders of Pern), Sebell, Robinton, Jaxom, Lytol, Ruth (Dragonriders of Pern), Tuck (Dragonriders of Pern), Mirrim (Dragonriders of Pern)
Additional Tags: Worldbuilding, Travel, Politics, Between Books, Canon Related, Harper (Pern), Musicians
Summary:
Journeymen journey, and Menolly must prove to herself and to Pern that she is worthy of wearing Harper Blue. Accompanied by Sebell, she undertakes her first journeywoman’s assignment to perform at a Ruathan Gather.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Exquisite, perfectly in-character Harper's Hall novella exploring the dark legacy of Fax and how Menolly's ability to write the right song, at the right time, might be just what Ruatha Hold needs.
9) Serendipity (25771 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Dune - All Media Types
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Relationships: Chani/Irulan Corrino
Characters: Irulan Corrino, Chani, Lady Jessica, Leto Atreides I
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, A certain amount of politicking, A certain amount of stabbing, Paul Atreides and the planet Dune will hardly be appearing in this fic
Summary:
Duke Leto survives his arrival on Arrakis, allies with the Fremen and forces a compromise with the Padishah Emperor.
Five years later, Irulan - still unmarried - is summoned from her near exile on Dune as Imperial Observer to testify before the High Council of the Landsraad. Naturally, not all is as it seems.
But the actions of the right woman in the right place at the right time can make all the difference.
Bookmarker's Notes:
A hinge-point, female-centered Dune AU with all of the deadly politics, knife-slashing action, sensuality, and world-building my little heart could desire!
TV - Key and Peele, Drunk Historians, Strange Empire
10) There is never a portal that cannot be opened with ingenuity and respect! (2918 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Inner City Wizard School (Key And Peele Sketch)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Parnabus Jackson, Lester Bigglesby, Tyrone (Inner City Wizard School), Jamar (Inner City Wizard School)
Additional Tags: Canon-Typical Violence, Canon-Typical Profanity
Summary:
What's an inner city witch to do when a Potions accident transforms her brother into a cat, and the school district doesn't have budget to turn him back? It's time for a little ingenuity.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Inner city wizarding schools, with budget cuts and students unintentionally turned into do-rag bedecked cats that the budget won't stretch to turning back. Based on the Key & Peele sketch. Brilliant!
11) Drunk Historians Through the Centuries (1055 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Drunk History, Ancient History RPF, Peloponnesian Wars (Thucydides), Mulan - All Media Types, Arthurian Mythology, 19th Century CE RPF
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Thucydides, Mulan, Lancelot, Arthur Pendragon, Robert Louis Stevenson
Additional Tags: Crack, Humor, offensive language, Drunkenness, history
Summary:
Thucydides, bard singers, and Robert Louis Stevenson are the featured speakers on Drunk History.
Bookmarker's Notes:
LOL funny, from the highly objective former Athenian general to the drunken bard with a unique take on Mulan's fighting style.
12) The Antidote (2173 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Strange Empire (TV)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Rebecca Blithely/Kat Loving/Isabelle Slotter
Characters: Rebecca Blithely, Kat Loving, Isabelle Slotter
Additional Tags: Sex Pollen, Threesome - F/F/F, Dubious Consent, Epistolary, Rebecca POV, Voyeurism
Summary:
Rebecca conceives of an experiment, the results of which are unexpected but not at all unwelcome.
Bookmarker's Notes:
I admit it, it was the promise of f/f/f threesome sex pollen that made me click - but Rebecca's unique perspective and voice, perfectly captured here, is what made me love this fic. Very hot without being truly explicit.
Myths and Fairy Tales - Greek&Roman, Australian, 12 Dancing Princesses, Little Red Riding Hood, Kalevala
13) Our, My The City (4882 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Greek and Roman Mythology, Australian Mythology, Hellenistic Religion & Lore
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Αθήνα | Athena (Hellenistic Religion & Lore), Ngalyod
Additional Tags: Yuletide Treat, Yuletide 2015, Agender Character, fluid gender character, modern, Unsafe Sex
Summary:
Athena had been born from Zeus' head, and yet he had never understood who had sprung from his skull. So xie left Olympus on a Monday. Opened a cafe named after hospitality on a Tuesday.
For Nygalyod, it was always now. Also, time for a cup of coffee.
Bookmarker's Notes:
A charming tale of ancient deities living in the modern world, this tale plays with gender and sexuality in unique ways.
14) Coming Home (2099 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 12 Dancing Princesses (Fairy Tale)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Additional Tags: Fairy Tale Retellings, POV First Person
Summary:
A retelling of sorts.
Bookmarker's Notes:
A wonderful retelling that straddles the line between the distant magic of a fairy tale and a more grim, down-to-earth realism.
15) Inheritance (100 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Rotkäppchen | Little Red Riding Hood (Fairy Tale)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Characters: Little Red Riding Hood
Additional Tags: Wolves, yumadrin, Drabble, Dark
Bookmarker's Notes:
Text and subtext intertwine in this dark retelling of Little Red's tale.
16) Sing the Song of Future Power (571 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Kalevala - Elias Lönnrot
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Aino/Louhi's Daughter
Characters: Aino (Kalevala), Louhi, Louhi's Daughter, Joukahainen, Väinämöinen
Additional Tags: Poetry, Kalevala meter, Epic Poetry, Trochaic quadrameter, Magic, Revenge
Summary:
Louhi takes on Aino as her pupil.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Aino strikes back in this f/f retelling of the epic Finnish poem. Gorgeous meter and imagery!
Movies - Tomorrowland, Cruel Intentions
17) This Soft World (22100 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Tomorrowland (2015)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Athena & Frank Walker, Athena & David Nix
Characters: Athena (Tomorrowland), Frank Walker (Tomorrowland), David Nix (Tomorrowland)
Additional Tags: Friendship, Loyalty, Androids, Developing Autonomy
Summary:
Athena has always been clear about her purpose in life and no amount of reprogramming will change that. It's what Frank likes most about her.
It's what David Nix likes the least.
Bookmarker's Notes:
This Tomorrowland novella is set before the start of the movie. It explores some quite dark subject matter, looking at how Athena was created and controlled by Nix, but also includes moments of love, loyalty, and pure joy.
18) Look, Don't Touch (Touch, Don't Taste) (4805 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Cruel Intentions (1999)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Kathryn Merteuil/Sebastian Valmont, Annette Hargrove/Kathryn Merteuil, Kathryn Merteuil/Annette Hargrove/Sebastian Valmont
Characters: Kathryn Merteuil, Annette Hargrove, Sebastian Valmont
Additional Tags: Manipulation, Pseudo-Incest, Massage, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Threesome - F/F/M, Under-negotiated Kink
Summary:
Kathryn and Sebastian make a bet to see who gets into Annette's pants first. It doesn't go quite as planned.
Bookmarker's Notes:
"Well, we’re not related by blood," Sebastian non-replies with a cheeky grin.
"You could watch, if you like," he says to Annette, voice pitched low.
Guh. Sometimes you just want a dirtybadwrong threesome, and this delivers.
RPF - NPR, Football, 19 Century Paleontologist
19) This American Life episode 141: A Whole New World. (Transcript) (6334 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: National Public Radio RPF, Captain America (Movies), Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling, Chronicles of Narnia - C. S. Lewis
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Ira Glass, Sarah Koenig, Steve Rogers, Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Susan Pevensie
Additional Tags: Crossover
Summary:
From WBEZ Chicago, it's This American Life. I'm Ira Glass. Today on our radio program, we have three stories of people stepping from one world, the only world they’ve ever known, into an entirely new world. What happens when you open that door? What do you do with what you find, and -- when you look back -- how do you understand what you’ve left behind? Stay with us.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Perfect Ira Glass voice as he interviews a number of fictional characters who stepped from one world into another. Hits you right in the feels, and never with a cheap shot. This is quality angst and joy!
20) {T}raumdeuter (1572 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Manuel Neuer Coke Zero Commercials, Football RPF
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Manuel Neuer | Girlfriend (Manuel Neuer Coke Zero commercials)
Additional Tags: Magical Realism, #Yulechat Challenge 2015, Yuleporn
Summary:
Sometimes Thomas Müller's "space interpretation" makes more interesting things happen than just goals.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Because when Manuel Neuer is magically transformed into a hot chick, of course the first thing s/he's gonna do is ... check out the new equipment.
21) The Ballad Of Cope And Marsh (747 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 19th Century Paleontology RPF
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Major Character Death
Relationships: Edward Drinker Cope / Othniel Charles Marsh
Characters: Edward Drinker Cope, Othniel Charles Marsh
Additional Tags: Poetry, Ballads, Frenemies, Skull Theft, Paleontology, Elasmosaurs, Facial Hair
Summary:
The tale of the frustrated desires and mighty facial hair of Cope and Marsh in ballad form. Earlier drafts of this included the line 'precious cranial porridge'. You have been warned.
Bookmarker's Notes:
A tragic tale of the unsung love-hate relationship between two fossil-hunting rivals, their mighty facial hair, and the legacy they left behind.
Music - Hadestown, The Pina Colada Song
22) We can all be on our way (100 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Hadestown (Musical)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Hermes (Hadestown), Orpheus (Hadestown)
Additional Tags: Drabble, Coda, Lost Love, Found something else
Summary:
Hermes and Orpheus, after the end.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Hermes finds Orpheus after his failure. Open-ended and hopeful drabble.
23) Getting Caught in the Acid Rain (721 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Escape | The Pina Colada Song - Rupert Holmes (Song)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Narrator/Lady
Characters: Narrator, Lady
Additional Tags: Yuletide Treat, Post-Apocalypse, Arguing, Alcohol, Murder Gangs, Unhealthy Relationships
Summary:
They had been together for roughly ten years now. They had been arguing for roughly nine years, and three hundred and sixty four days.
Bookmarker's Notes:
These two are obviously made for each other, and the apocalypse hasn't changed anything but the topics they bicker about. Hilarious!
Other Media - Baldur's Gate, TLF Travel Alerts
24) Investiture (1240 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Baldur's Gate
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Mazzy Fentan
Summary:
In which Mazzy Fentan makes a choice, and is rewarded accordingly.
Bookmarker's Notes:
One sword, a small voice in the back of her head whispers, could hardly make a difference now.
Anyone who has played Baldur's Gate knows and loves Mazzy Fentan. Read this story to remember why. <3
25) Let Customers Off the Train First Please (2305 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: @TLFTravelalerts
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Summary:
Public transportation can be a pain, especially when you're in a hurry. But worry not, you'll get to your destination sooner or later. We just ask you to keep in mind that TLF can't be held responsible if you end up wishing you never had. Next time, you might want to consider #boats.
Bookmarker's Notes:
The descriptions in this piece create a subtle horror that builds and builds. *shivers* Do NOT read if you need to take the Underground anytime soon!
First - my gift! I didn't sign-up for Yuletide this year, but picked up some pinch-hits. I wrote some prompts, hoping against hope, and got this INCREDIBLE Orange is a the New Black story on Christmas morning.
1) Sweet and Sour (3258 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Orange is the New Black
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Cindy "Black Cindy" Hayes, Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren, Poussey Washington, Galina "Red" Reznikov, Piper Chapman, Janae Watson, Mei Chang (Orange is the New Black), Ginsberg (Orange is the New Black)
Additional Tags: Explicit Language, Bechdel Test Pass, Misses Clause Challenge, Female Friendship, Female Character of Color, Ensemble Cast, Post S3
Summary:
Now that she's Jewish, what will Cindy do on Christmas?
Bookmarker's Notes:
A lovely, bitter-sweet and perfectly in-character look at Black Cindy as she leaves behind the Christian traditions, and all of those childhood memories, and makes new traditions as part of her conversion to Judaism. Laugh out loud funny in parts, and unexpectedly moving in others. And, oh that prison recipe ....
Books - Vorkosiganverse, Kushiel's Legacy, Riddle-Master Trilogy, Dune, Dragonriders of Pern, and The Dispossessed
2) Vorkosigan's Viper. (1524 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Aral Vorkosigan/Ges Vorrutyer
Characters: Ges Vorrutyer, Aral Vorkosigan
Additional Tags: Yuletide 2015, Yuletide Treat, Alternate Universe - A/B/O, Mpreg, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Ambition, Marriage, Barrayaran Power Couples, Five Times, Alpha Aral Vorkosigan, Omega Ges Vorrutyer
Summary:
Five ways Ges shows his love.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Omegaverse Vorkosiganverse! It turns out that a Barrayar where Ges Vorrutyer can bear a Vorkosigan heir will be a very different Barrayar indeed.
3) The Hand that Takes (1638 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Rape/Non-Con
Relationships: Simon Illyan/Captain Negri, Simon Illyan/Byerly Vorrutyer
Characters: Simon Illyan, Byerly Vorrutyer
Additional Tags: Drugged Sex, Breathplay, Time Period: Reign of Gregor Vorbarra, Yuletide Treat, Yuleporn, Crueltide
Summary:
The training and operations of Byerly Vorrutyer, as told from the perspective of Captain Illyan
Bookmarker's Notes:
Drugs, sex, and torture all play their part in the proper conditioning of Imp Sec agents. Disturbing yet very hot.
4) The Iron Gates (10134 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Ekaterin Vorsoisson Vorkosigan/Miles Vorkosigan
Characters: Ekaterin Vorsoisson Vorkosigan, Miles Vorkosigan, Nicol (Vorkosigan Saga), Armsman Roic, Admiral Vorpatril, Security Captain Brun, Original Characters
Additional Tags: Book: Diplomatic Immunity
Summary:
Miles is dying, nobody is listening, and Ekaterin is doing her damndest.
"It's alright," she says to Nicol and to Roic beside her. "We'll find a way through this. Even if I have to dangle Miles like a marionette in front of the comconsoles myself.”
Bookmarker's Notes:
More than headcanon, this is a gripping and essential missing scene, focusing on Ekaterin. I am printing this out and taping it in the back of my copy of Diplomatic Immunity, so I never have to read Bujold's version without it again.
5) Like Petals from the Bough (3841 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Riddle-Master Trilogy - Patricia A. McKillip
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Morgon of Hed/Raederle of An
Characters: Raederle of An, Morgon of Hed, Nun (Riddle-Master Trilogy), minor OC characters - Character
Additional Tags: Grief, Loss, dealing with eternal life
Summary:
Raederle deals (or doesn't) with the fact that she is not dying.
Bookmarker's Notes:
A profoundly moving exploration of immortal life, death, and grief. The descriptions are exquisite. This is a story to savor.
6) The First Train to Brotherhood (2073 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Dispossessed - Ursula K. Le Guin
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Original Characters
Additional Tags: Anarchists, Conlangs, infrastructure, Anarres, first-generation utopia, actually I like these guys so much I may write more with them
Summary:
Brotherhood does not, technically, exist. It's no more than the end of a rail line in the new settlement of Anarres. But it has a name, and it has a place, and the first train arrives there tonight. In what language will the workers greet the new arrivals?
Bookmarker's Notes:
Outstanding world-building, with bonus linguistics and politics! The struggle to create a language together, that will alter their thought patterns and create the reality of the next generation, really intrigued me.
7) Naamah's Gift (1897 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Kushiel's Legacy - Jacqueline Carey
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Alcuin no Delaunay/Mierette no Orchis
Characters: Alcuin no Delaunay, Mierette no Orchis
Additional Tags: Missing Scene, POV First Person
Summary:
"From that assignation, Alcuin came home heavy-lidded and smiling. He may have been her gift, but Mierette no Orchis possessed the secret of bestowing joy in the act of worshiping Naamah. That is the canon of Orchis House, and that secret she shared with Alcuin."
Bookmarker's Notes:
Gorgeous rare-pair Kushiel's Legacy fic exploring the canonical assignation of Alcuin to Mierette no Orchis. Sensuous and joyous, yet bitter-sweet. It seems gauche to classify this as hooker-fic, but it is a wonderful subversion of the trope.
8) A Song for Ruatha (22923 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Dragonriders of Pern - Anne McCaffrey
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Characters: Menolly, Beauty (Dragonriders of Pern), Sebell, Robinton, Jaxom, Lytol, Ruth (Dragonriders of Pern), Tuck (Dragonriders of Pern), Mirrim (Dragonriders of Pern)
Additional Tags: Worldbuilding, Travel, Politics, Between Books, Canon Related, Harper (Pern), Musicians
Summary:
Journeymen journey, and Menolly must prove to herself and to Pern that she is worthy of wearing Harper Blue. Accompanied by Sebell, she undertakes her first journeywoman’s assignment to perform at a Ruathan Gather.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Exquisite, perfectly in-character Harper's Hall novella exploring the dark legacy of Fax and how Menolly's ability to write the right song, at the right time, might be just what Ruatha Hold needs.
9) Serendipity (25771 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Dune - All Media Types
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Relationships: Chani/Irulan Corrino
Characters: Irulan Corrino, Chani, Lady Jessica, Leto Atreides I
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, A certain amount of politicking, A certain amount of stabbing, Paul Atreides and the planet Dune will hardly be appearing in this fic
Summary:
Duke Leto survives his arrival on Arrakis, allies with the Fremen and forces a compromise with the Padishah Emperor.
Five years later, Irulan - still unmarried - is summoned from her near exile on Dune as Imperial Observer to testify before the High Council of the Landsraad. Naturally, not all is as it seems.
But the actions of the right woman in the right place at the right time can make all the difference.
Bookmarker's Notes:
A hinge-point, female-centered Dune AU with all of the deadly politics, knife-slashing action, sensuality, and world-building my little heart could desire!
TV - Key and Peele, Drunk Historians, Strange Empire
10) There is never a portal that cannot be opened with ingenuity and respect! (2918 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Inner City Wizard School (Key And Peele Sketch)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Parnabus Jackson, Lester Bigglesby, Tyrone (Inner City Wizard School), Jamar (Inner City Wizard School)
Additional Tags: Canon-Typical Violence, Canon-Typical Profanity
Summary:
What's an inner city witch to do when a Potions accident transforms her brother into a cat, and the school district doesn't have budget to turn him back? It's time for a little ingenuity.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Inner city wizarding schools, with budget cuts and students unintentionally turned into do-rag bedecked cats that the budget won't stretch to turning back. Based on the Key & Peele sketch. Brilliant!
11) Drunk Historians Through the Centuries (1055 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Drunk History, Ancient History RPF, Peloponnesian Wars (Thucydides), Mulan - All Media Types, Arthurian Mythology, 19th Century CE RPF
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Thucydides, Mulan, Lancelot, Arthur Pendragon, Robert Louis Stevenson
Additional Tags: Crack, Humor, offensive language, Drunkenness, history
Summary:
Thucydides, bard singers, and Robert Louis Stevenson are the featured speakers on Drunk History.
Bookmarker's Notes:
LOL funny, from the highly objective former Athenian general to the drunken bard with a unique take on Mulan's fighting style.
12) The Antidote (2173 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Strange Empire (TV)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Rebecca Blithely/Kat Loving/Isabelle Slotter
Characters: Rebecca Blithely, Kat Loving, Isabelle Slotter
Additional Tags: Sex Pollen, Threesome - F/F/F, Dubious Consent, Epistolary, Rebecca POV, Voyeurism
Summary:
Rebecca conceives of an experiment, the results of which are unexpected but not at all unwelcome.
Bookmarker's Notes:
I admit it, it was the promise of f/f/f threesome sex pollen that made me click - but Rebecca's unique perspective and voice, perfectly captured here, is what made me love this fic. Very hot without being truly explicit.
Myths and Fairy Tales - Greek&Roman, Australian, 12 Dancing Princesses, Little Red Riding Hood, Kalevala
13) Our, My The City (4882 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Greek and Roman Mythology, Australian Mythology, Hellenistic Religion & Lore
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Αθήνα | Athena (Hellenistic Religion & Lore), Ngalyod
Additional Tags: Yuletide Treat, Yuletide 2015, Agender Character, fluid gender character, modern, Unsafe Sex
Summary:
Athena had been born from Zeus' head, and yet he had never understood who had sprung from his skull. So xie left Olympus on a Monday. Opened a cafe named after hospitality on a Tuesday.
For Nygalyod, it was always now. Also, time for a cup of coffee.
Bookmarker's Notes:
A charming tale of ancient deities living in the modern world, this tale plays with gender and sexuality in unique ways.
14) Coming Home (2099 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 12 Dancing Princesses (Fairy Tale)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Additional Tags: Fairy Tale Retellings, POV First Person
Summary:
A retelling of sorts.
Bookmarker's Notes:
A wonderful retelling that straddles the line between the distant magic of a fairy tale and a more grim, down-to-earth realism.
15) Inheritance (100 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Rotkäppchen | Little Red Riding Hood (Fairy Tale)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Characters: Little Red Riding Hood
Additional Tags: Wolves, yumadrin, Drabble, Dark
Bookmarker's Notes:
Text and subtext intertwine in this dark retelling of Little Red's tale.
16) Sing the Song of Future Power (571 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Kalevala - Elias Lönnrot
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Aino/Louhi's Daughter
Characters: Aino (Kalevala), Louhi, Louhi's Daughter, Joukahainen, Väinämöinen
Additional Tags: Poetry, Kalevala meter, Epic Poetry, Trochaic quadrameter, Magic, Revenge
Summary:
Louhi takes on Aino as her pupil.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Aino strikes back in this f/f retelling of the epic Finnish poem. Gorgeous meter and imagery!
Movies - Tomorrowland, Cruel Intentions
17) This Soft World (22100 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Tomorrowland (2015)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Athena & Frank Walker, Athena & David Nix
Characters: Athena (Tomorrowland), Frank Walker (Tomorrowland), David Nix (Tomorrowland)
Additional Tags: Friendship, Loyalty, Androids, Developing Autonomy
Summary:
Athena has always been clear about her purpose in life and no amount of reprogramming will change that. It's what Frank likes most about her.
It's what David Nix likes the least.
Bookmarker's Notes:
This Tomorrowland novella is set before the start of the movie. It explores some quite dark subject matter, looking at how Athena was created and controlled by Nix, but also includes moments of love, loyalty, and pure joy.
18) Look, Don't Touch (Touch, Don't Taste) (4805 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Cruel Intentions (1999)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Kathryn Merteuil/Sebastian Valmont, Annette Hargrove/Kathryn Merteuil, Kathryn Merteuil/Annette Hargrove/Sebastian Valmont
Characters: Kathryn Merteuil, Annette Hargrove, Sebastian Valmont
Additional Tags: Manipulation, Pseudo-Incest, Massage, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Threesome - F/F/M, Under-negotiated Kink
Summary:
Kathryn and Sebastian make a bet to see who gets into Annette's pants first. It doesn't go quite as planned.
Bookmarker's Notes:
"Well, we’re not related by blood," Sebastian non-replies with a cheeky grin.
"You could watch, if you like," he says to Annette, voice pitched low.
Guh. Sometimes you just want a dirtybadwrong threesome, and this delivers.
RPF - NPR, Football, 19 Century Paleontologist
19) This American Life episode 141: A Whole New World. (Transcript) (6334 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: National Public Radio RPF, Captain America (Movies), Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling, Chronicles of Narnia - C. S. Lewis
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Ira Glass, Sarah Koenig, Steve Rogers, Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Susan Pevensie
Additional Tags: Crossover
Summary:
From WBEZ Chicago, it's This American Life. I'm Ira Glass. Today on our radio program, we have three stories of people stepping from one world, the only world they’ve ever known, into an entirely new world. What happens when you open that door? What do you do with what you find, and -- when you look back -- how do you understand what you’ve left behind? Stay with us.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Perfect Ira Glass voice as he interviews a number of fictional characters who stepped from one world into another. Hits you right in the feels, and never with a cheap shot. This is quality angst and joy!
20) {T}raumdeuter (1572 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Manuel Neuer Coke Zero Commercials, Football RPF
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Manuel Neuer | Girlfriend (Manuel Neuer Coke Zero commercials)
Additional Tags: Magical Realism, #Yulechat Challenge 2015, Yuleporn
Summary:
Sometimes Thomas Müller's "space interpretation" makes more interesting things happen than just goals.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Because when Manuel Neuer is magically transformed into a hot chick, of course the first thing s/he's gonna do is ... check out the new equipment.
21) The Ballad Of Cope And Marsh (747 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 19th Century Paleontology RPF
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Major Character Death
Relationships: Edward Drinker Cope / Othniel Charles Marsh
Characters: Edward Drinker Cope, Othniel Charles Marsh
Additional Tags: Poetry, Ballads, Frenemies, Skull Theft, Paleontology, Elasmosaurs, Facial Hair
Summary:
The tale of the frustrated desires and mighty facial hair of Cope and Marsh in ballad form. Earlier drafts of this included the line 'precious cranial porridge'. You have been warned.
Bookmarker's Notes:
A tragic tale of the unsung love-hate relationship between two fossil-hunting rivals, their mighty facial hair, and the legacy they left behind.
Music - Hadestown, The Pina Colada Song
22) We can all be on our way (100 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Hadestown (Musical)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Hermes (Hadestown), Orpheus (Hadestown)
Additional Tags: Drabble, Coda, Lost Love, Found something else
Summary:
Hermes and Orpheus, after the end.
Bookmarker's Notes:
Hermes finds Orpheus after his failure. Open-ended and hopeful drabble.
23) Getting Caught in the Acid Rain (721 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Escape | The Pina Colada Song - Rupert Holmes (Song)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Narrator/Lady
Characters: Narrator, Lady
Additional Tags: Yuletide Treat, Post-Apocalypse, Arguing, Alcohol, Murder Gangs, Unhealthy Relationships
Summary:
They had been together for roughly ten years now. They had been arguing for roughly nine years, and three hundred and sixty four days.
Bookmarker's Notes:
These two are obviously made for each other, and the apocalypse hasn't changed anything but the topics they bicker about. Hilarious!
Other Media - Baldur's Gate, TLF Travel Alerts
24) Investiture (1240 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Baldur's Gate
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Mazzy Fentan
Summary:
In which Mazzy Fentan makes a choice, and is rewarded accordingly.
Bookmarker's Notes:
One sword, a small voice in the back of her head whispers, could hardly make a difference now.
Anyone who has played Baldur's Gate knows and loves Mazzy Fentan. Read this story to remember why. <3
25) Let Customers Off the Train First Please (2305 words) by Anonymous
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: @TLFTravelalerts
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Summary:
Public transportation can be a pain, especially when you're in a hurry. But worry not, you'll get to your destination sooner or later. We just ask you to keep in mind that TLF can't be held responsible if you end up wishing you never had. Next time, you might want to consider #boats.
Bookmarker's Notes:
The descriptions in this piece create a subtle horror that builds and builds. *shivers* Do NOT read if you need to take the Underground anytime soon!