EDITION #2509 - December 23, 2021
ANNOUNCEMENT:
MxA news is still looking for two new moderators! If you've been trying to get in touch via email, apologies, as we listed the wrong address. The correct email is mxanews@gmail.com You can also contact one of the current mods, matchboximpala, malu_3, or lawgoddess, via LiveJournal or message the mxa-news account on tumblr via the "ask" feature (non-anon). The primary responsibility is preparing a newsletter once a week, which involves copying and pasting information into a template. It generally takes two to three hours a week. Training is provided, but familiarity with the LiveJournal, tumblr, and/or AO3 platforms, as well as HTML, would be especially helpful.
Before commenting to the newsletter, please read the FAQ first.
mxa_news is now cross-posting on tumblr at mxa-news.tumblr.com. Follow us there!
Fanart
boogara-bassguitara: Merlin dear you need a therapist
Multimedia
Anonymous: [Podfic] i love you [always and forever] by OnceFutureEmrys
Fanfic: Complete
[M/A] merlin-holidays Anonymous: The Book of Love (PG-13) 28500
Arthur isn't interested in Jace Storm, the superstar actor who apparently just ran past his bookshop. Arthur is interested in books - and maybe the slightly strange man hiding in the self-help section.
In which Gwaine signs knickers, Morgana kicks arse, and Cenred is a cheating thieving scumbag. Business as usual.
[M/A] Polomonkey: Kitten* (NC-17) 1275
Arthur belongs to Merlin and he's always a good boy for him.
[M/A] Whoareyou0000: In the Footsteps of Kings (PG-13) 2933
A young man named Merlin, namesake of the great sorcerer, fulfills his lifelong quest to find Camelot's remains. What he didn't expect to find was the namesake of King Arthur, who got there first and claimed the castle for himself.
[M/A] Moonpaw04 and Starfin: I would wait for you* (PG-13) 32257
Merlin has been waiting for a long 1500 years when figures from his past starts to appear. At Hogwarts...of all places. Though a certain blonde king is missing but the clotpole never liked to wake up anyways. Merlin will just have to wake him.
[M/A] rageynerd: skinny love (G) 1323
Arthur asks Merlin to be his taste-tester of his Yule dinner-- because it could be poisoned, of course. He should have some mead, too, and rest his feet.
It takes Merlin way longer than it should to realize that they're practically on a date.
[M/A] EllaStorm: The Worst Job Imaginable (PG-13) 2483
Arthur gets himself in trouble, Merlin gets him out again. In general, it’s the worst job imaginable. Merlin, however, finds there are certain perks. Eventually.
[M/A] remaymber: i knew from the first note played (G) 1661
“That works, oh, that is brilliant. Merlin, right?” Merlin nodded and smiled at Arthur.
Arthur returned the smile, a brilliant, blinding smile that made Merlin’s hands shake. Arthur read further through the notes and chords Merlin had written while Merlin nervously kneaded his fingers. He’d done this so many times, written with artists or proposed his songs to them but unlike the others, Arthur had enthralled him the second he stepped into the studio.
Because really Merlin didn't have a type, at least not until now. Now, that might have changed from no type at all to blonde hair with blue eyes and a broad chest, facial features that should only be achievable with photoshop and a voice, so rough yet soft - Merlin wasn’t exaggerating in the slightest when he thought that this man had become his oxygen (even though he really was).
[M/A] Cithara: Glad Tidings* (PG-13) 5502
Arthur contemplates his son on the eve of his first Yule.
[M/A] Anonymous: and for you i would wait until the earth sinks beneath the sea (even if we never are to be) (PG-13) 5616
So Merlin does the only thing he can - he stays. Stays, and loves his golden prince from afar with a ferocity that scares him more than the flames ever could. Protects his soulmate with his magic, his body, his life - giving, giving, giving to the man who could never give Merlin his heart in return - to the man that was never Merlin’s to keep.
He tells himself that being his servant is enough. That loving Arthur from afar is enough. Will be enough.
After all, Merlin is nothing but a fantastic liar.
[M/A] stanzas: it’s the sound of your heart beating like a wardrum (PG-13) 1840
It all starts when Merlin wakes up in the middle of a lake. Because King Arthur is a bastard like that. But what Arthur doesn’t realize is how badly he’s miscalculated in the action of pissing off his Court Warlock, for this means war.
[M/A] a_written_dream: 12 Days of Christmas (PG-13) 26329
A collection of Christmas ficlets and drabbles, quickly written and poorly edited, for MFBC server's 12 Days of Tropemas prompts!
[M/A] Anonymous: aching (for you, for us, to have it all) (PG-13) 9650
Camelot is hosting a tournament, with guests from all over the five kingdoms.
Merlin just wants one tournament where he can enjoy the fights. Is that too much to ask?
As it turns out, it is.
[M/A] King_of_camelxt_e: Alexithymia (Now show me baby that you love me) (PG-13) 1751
Someone was putting up mistletoe around the flat and it definitely wasn't Arthur.
[M/A] vintagelilacs: Not Some Blushing Prude* (NC-17) 18553 *NOW COMPLETE*
Arthur gets dared to purchase from a sex shop to prove he isn't some delicate, blushing prude, thank you very much, Morgana.
He finds he’d much rather take the sales associate home with him than any of the vast assortment of vibrators and dildos. Even if Merlin is the most insufferable person he's ever met.
[M/A] rageynerd: Where the Love Light Gleams (G) 1389
Merlin is home for the holidays, and he's brought Arthur, who is rather nervous to be meeting Hunith for the first time.
[M/A] astranix: for the sake of a fallible god (PG-13) 9446
Merlin does everything more gently that night-he undresses Arthur slowly, holds his armour more carefully, takes his boots off himself-as if Arthur is going to break any moment.
[M/A] MerthurAllure (Kirbymatsu): What Are You Waiting For (G) 353
Merlin is recovering from a breakup on Christmas Eve. Arthur helps.
[M/A] OnceFutureEmrys: The Leap (G) 1545
Merlin owns a coffee shop with the help of his best friend, Gwen. All seems to be going normal, when a rather handsome, blond-haired, blue-eyed man walks in and Merlin drops the drink he's holding.
[M/A] TyalanganD: Wrap Me Up in Softness* (NC-17) 1658
Merlin has a new idea on how to spice up his and Arthur's sex life. But he needs a little encouragement from Arthur.
[M/A] rageynerd: It's always darkest before the dawn (PG-13) 4407
When Merlin is attacked by the Dorocha, saving Arthur's life in the process, Arthur refuses to let him die. He's freezing to death, and they can't make it to Gaius in time, so he takes some advice Gaius gave him long ago.
He strips.
[M/A] Canon_Typical: By The Shore (G) 873
Merlin and Arthur finally make their trip to the sea. In the evening, they sit together by a fire.
[M/A] remaymber: for you, i would fall from grace (PG-13) 1828
It is in the middle of the night after a long day filled with endless discussions with his manservant that Arthur lies awake. He lies in his dark room, the fire long burnt out, but his thoughts won't calm down.
Arthur had really been trying to protect Merlin, just this once. But Merlin absolutely insisted on finding out what was going on and then on accompanying Arthur.
The defiance and loyalty Merlin shows over and over again cause a warm, comforting feeling in Arthur's stomach which is quickly chased away by a dry throat and a tingling sensation running up and down his spine whenever he thinks about his manservant for too long.
Arthur gets up at some point and lights up a candle. He takes a look in the mirror and can't find anything that has changed in his appearance while his emotions are a total mess.
[M/A] Imagined: say you'll still be by my side (PG-13) 28000
“Are you sure you can’t do a bit of magic?” Arthur asks. “I promise I won’t behead you for it.”
“Very reassuring,” Merlin says. “Truly, that’s an extreme act of mercy on your part, my Lord. It’s almost enough to convince me you aren’t a dollophead.”
“What use are you,” Arthur mutters.
Or:
The druids call Merlin Emrys. Arthur isn't sure why they think his hapless manservant is some sort of powerful sorcerer, but it's certainly a good way to improve Camelot's relationship with the druids. It's only a little bit of a lie, surely.
Except it turns out that it's not a lie at all.
[M/A] TheCourtSorcerer: a daydream of silence and peace (PG-13) 1194
When he pulled back, Merlin’s lips were stretched into the dopiest smile. His eyes glittering a mix of blue and gold as flowers bloomed slowly around them. Arthur felt the heat rise to his face. He wasn’t sure he would ever get used to the magical outbursts.
“You did it again,” he said, voice just above a whisper, as he looked around them.
Merlin’s eyes faded to pure blue and widened, face painted a red close to Arthur’s own family colour, as he looked around them.
“I’ve got to learn how to stop doing that”
[M/A] MerthurAllure (Kirbymatsu): Hold My Hand and Stay Forever (G) 598
When Merlin and Arthur decide to get married the druids want them to have a handfasting ceremony first.
[M/A] Aminte: Four-leaf clover (G) 2115
Like the cardinal directions, like seasons.
Like the basic alchemic elements.
Like the leaves of a four-leaf clover.
Their lives were connected.
[M/A] rageynerd: Tipping Point (PG-13) 3456
When Merlin, Arthur, and the knights get captured by the Highway Hitman, a criminal they were meant to apprehend and bring back to Camelot, it becomes very clear that he wants something nobody is willing to give. In the struggle that follows, Merlin's secret is revealed.
or, Arthur nearly gets tortured, and Merlin loses his shit.
MxA news is still looking for two new moderators! If you've been trying to get in touch via email, apologies, as we listed the wrong address. The correct email is mxanews@gmail.com You can also contact one of the current mods, matchboximpala, malu_3, or lawgoddess, via LiveJournal or message the mxa-news account on tumblr via the "ask" feature (non-anon). The primary responsibility is preparing a newsletter once a week, which involves copying and pasting information into a template. It generally takes two to three hours a week. Training is provided, but familiarity with the LiveJournal, tumblr, and/or AO3 platforms, as well as HTML, would be especially helpful.
Before commenting to the newsletter, please read the FAQ first.
mxa_news is now cross-posting on tumblr at mxa-news.tumblr.com. Follow us there!
Fanart
boogara-bassguitara: Merlin dear you need a therapist
Multimedia
Anonymous: [Podfic] i love you [always and forever] by OnceFutureEmrys
Fanfic: Complete
[M/A] merlin-holidays Anonymous: The Book of Love (PG-13) 28500
Arthur isn't interested in Jace Storm, the superstar actor who apparently just ran past his bookshop. Arthur is interested in books - and maybe the slightly strange man hiding in the self-help section.
In which Gwaine signs knickers, Morgana kicks arse, and Cenred is a cheating thieving scumbag. Business as usual.
[M/A] Polomonkey: Kitten* (NC-17) 1275
Arthur belongs to Merlin and he's always a good boy for him.
[M/A] Whoareyou0000: In the Footsteps of Kings (PG-13) 2933
A young man named Merlin, namesake of the great sorcerer, fulfills his lifelong quest to find Camelot's remains. What he didn't expect to find was the namesake of King Arthur, who got there first and claimed the castle for himself.
[M/A] Moonpaw04 and Starfin: I would wait for you* (PG-13) 32257
Merlin has been waiting for a long 1500 years when figures from his past starts to appear. At Hogwarts...of all places. Though a certain blonde king is missing but the clotpole never liked to wake up anyways. Merlin will just have to wake him.
[M/A] rageynerd: skinny love (G) 1323
Arthur asks Merlin to be his taste-tester of his Yule dinner-- because it could be poisoned, of course. He should have some mead, too, and rest his feet.
It takes Merlin way longer than it should to realize that they're practically on a date.
[M/A] EllaStorm: The Worst Job Imaginable (PG-13) 2483
Arthur gets himself in trouble, Merlin gets him out again. In general, it’s the worst job imaginable. Merlin, however, finds there are certain perks. Eventually.
[M/A] remaymber: i knew from the first note played (G) 1661
“That works, oh, that is brilliant. Merlin, right?” Merlin nodded and smiled at Arthur.
Arthur returned the smile, a brilliant, blinding smile that made Merlin’s hands shake. Arthur read further through the notes and chords Merlin had written while Merlin nervously kneaded his fingers. He’d done this so many times, written with artists or proposed his songs to them but unlike the others, Arthur had enthralled him the second he stepped into the studio.
Because really Merlin didn't have a type, at least not until now. Now, that might have changed from no type at all to blonde hair with blue eyes and a broad chest, facial features that should only be achievable with photoshop and a voice, so rough yet soft - Merlin wasn’t exaggerating in the slightest when he thought that this man had become his oxygen (even though he really was).
[M/A] Cithara: Glad Tidings* (PG-13) 5502
Arthur contemplates his son on the eve of his first Yule.
[M/A] Anonymous: and for you i would wait until the earth sinks beneath the sea (even if we never are to be) (PG-13) 5616
So Merlin does the only thing he can - he stays. Stays, and loves his golden prince from afar with a ferocity that scares him more than the flames ever could. Protects his soulmate with his magic, his body, his life - giving, giving, giving to the man who could never give Merlin his heart in return - to the man that was never Merlin’s to keep.
He tells himself that being his servant is enough. That loving Arthur from afar is enough. Will be enough.
After all, Merlin is nothing but a fantastic liar.
[M/A] stanzas: it’s the sound of your heart beating like a wardrum (PG-13) 1840
It all starts when Merlin wakes up in the middle of a lake. Because King Arthur is a bastard like that. But what Arthur doesn’t realize is how badly he’s miscalculated in the action of pissing off his Court Warlock, for this means war.
[M/A] a_written_dream: 12 Days of Christmas (PG-13) 26329
A collection of Christmas ficlets and drabbles, quickly written and poorly edited, for MFBC server's 12 Days of Tropemas prompts!
[M/A] Anonymous: aching (for you, for us, to have it all) (PG-13) 9650
Camelot is hosting a tournament, with guests from all over the five kingdoms.
Merlin just wants one tournament where he can enjoy the fights. Is that too much to ask?
As it turns out, it is.
[M/A] King_of_camelxt_e: Alexithymia (Now show me baby that you love me) (PG-13) 1751
Someone was putting up mistletoe around the flat and it definitely wasn't Arthur.
[M/A] vintagelilacs: Not Some Blushing Prude* (NC-17) 18553 *NOW COMPLETE*
Arthur gets dared to purchase from a sex shop to prove he isn't some delicate, blushing prude, thank you very much, Morgana.
He finds he’d much rather take the sales associate home with him than any of the vast assortment of vibrators and dildos. Even if Merlin is the most insufferable person he's ever met.
[M/A] rageynerd: Where the Love Light Gleams (G) 1389
Merlin is home for the holidays, and he's brought Arthur, who is rather nervous to be meeting Hunith for the first time.
[M/A] astranix: for the sake of a fallible god (PG-13) 9446
Merlin does everything more gently that night-he undresses Arthur slowly, holds his armour more carefully, takes his boots off himself-as if Arthur is going to break any moment.
[M/A] MerthurAllure (Kirbymatsu): What Are You Waiting For (G) 353
Merlin is recovering from a breakup on Christmas Eve. Arthur helps.
[M/A] OnceFutureEmrys: The Leap (G) 1545
Merlin owns a coffee shop with the help of his best friend, Gwen. All seems to be going normal, when a rather handsome, blond-haired, blue-eyed man walks in and Merlin drops the drink he's holding.
[M/A] TyalanganD: Wrap Me Up in Softness* (NC-17) 1658
Merlin has a new idea on how to spice up his and Arthur's sex life. But he needs a little encouragement from Arthur.
[M/A] rageynerd: It's always darkest before the dawn (PG-13) 4407
When Merlin is attacked by the Dorocha, saving Arthur's life in the process, Arthur refuses to let him die. He's freezing to death, and they can't make it to Gaius in time, so he takes some advice Gaius gave him long ago.
He strips.
[M/A] Canon_Typical: By The Shore (G) 873
Merlin and Arthur finally make their trip to the sea. In the evening, they sit together by a fire.
[M/A] remaymber: for you, i would fall from grace (PG-13) 1828
It is in the middle of the night after a long day filled with endless discussions with his manservant that Arthur lies awake. He lies in his dark room, the fire long burnt out, but his thoughts won't calm down.
Arthur had really been trying to protect Merlin, just this once. But Merlin absolutely insisted on finding out what was going on and then on accompanying Arthur.
The defiance and loyalty Merlin shows over and over again cause a warm, comforting feeling in Arthur's stomach which is quickly chased away by a dry throat and a tingling sensation running up and down his spine whenever he thinks about his manservant for too long.
Arthur gets up at some point and lights up a candle. He takes a look in the mirror and can't find anything that has changed in his appearance while his emotions are a total mess.
[M/A] Imagined: say you'll still be by my side (PG-13) 28000
“Are you sure you can’t do a bit of magic?” Arthur asks. “I promise I won’t behead you for it.”
“Very reassuring,” Merlin says. “Truly, that’s an extreme act of mercy on your part, my Lord. It’s almost enough to convince me you aren’t a dollophead.”
“What use are you,” Arthur mutters.
Or:
The druids call Merlin Emrys. Arthur isn't sure why they think his hapless manservant is some sort of powerful sorcerer, but it's certainly a good way to improve Camelot's relationship with the druids. It's only a little bit of a lie, surely.
Except it turns out that it's not a lie at all.
[M/A] TheCourtSorcerer: a daydream of silence and peace (PG-13) 1194
When he pulled back, Merlin’s lips were stretched into the dopiest smile. His eyes glittering a mix of blue and gold as flowers bloomed slowly around them. Arthur felt the heat rise to his face. He wasn’t sure he would ever get used to the magical outbursts.
“You did it again,” he said, voice just above a whisper, as he looked around them.
Merlin’s eyes faded to pure blue and widened, face painted a red close to Arthur’s own family colour, as he looked around them.
“I’ve got to learn how to stop doing that”
[M/A] MerthurAllure (Kirbymatsu): Hold My Hand and Stay Forever (G) 598
When Merlin and Arthur decide to get married the druids want them to have a handfasting ceremony first.
[M/A] Aminte: Four-leaf clover (G) 2115
Like the cardinal directions, like seasons.
Like the basic alchemic elements.
Like the leaves of a four-leaf clover.
Their lives were connected.
[M/A] rageynerd: Tipping Point (PG-13) 3456
When Merlin, Arthur, and the knights get captured by the Highway Hitman, a criminal they were meant to apprehend and bring back to Camelot, it becomes very clear that he wants something nobody is willing to give. In the struggle that follows, Merlin's secret is revealed.
or, Arthur nearly gets tortured, and Merlin loses his shit.