Merlin rec
I'm trying to go along with Ella Bane's idea of doing some sort of Merlin rec as often as possible between now and the end of January. So here's my first one.
The 25th and 26th Times by Vensre.
Here
I love "Arthur Already Knows" stories, and this is more like "Arthur Sort of Knows But Would Rather Not."
The author's summary is: Arthur tries not to look too closely when he is defended by magic.
It's short, about 1400 words, and IMO a great little story.
It starts with a hunting trip. Arthur is in camp cleaning rabbits when bandits attack.
Excerpt:
"In the trees!" cried Kay, pointing out the trajectory, and five knights were already scrambling for their bows by the time Arthur ordered it.
Arthur cursed and elbowed Merlin, snapping, "Get in the tent. Now." And, "This is really not the time to test me," when Merlin made no move toward the relative safety of one of the tents. Arthur turned to him, perfectly willing to get gummy rabbit remnants all over Merlin's jacket if that's what it took to steer him inside, but the look on Merlin's face gave him pause. His skin was almost sickly pale, but his eyes were fierce and his jaw absolutely stubborn.
"Fine. Find a sword, then. Take my spare." Merlin obeyed him in that at least, moving quickly to Arthur's gear, then back again to his claimed position at Arthur's side even before the bowmen started firing, holding the sword low as Arthur had taught him in hopes of reducing the likeliness of self-inflicted stab wounds.
Worth reading if you haven't read it before.
Does anyone know if Vensre is still in the fandom? I really like her stuff.