EDITION #2512 - December 26, 2021
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Fanart
maryluis: Merlin Advent Calendar 2021
magic-badger: A digital drawing of Merlin with horses
argido: Two loves I have, of comfort and despair | Which like two spirits do suggest me still
Fanfic: In Progress
[M/A] 2Write_1More: The Once and Future Queen* 1/? (PG-13) 1891
How would the legend differ if Merlin was a woman? Follow Lady Merlyn of Ealdor, ward to the King, as she tried her best to keep her magic a secret while using it to protect Camelot and all of its people.
[M/A] loser_angel: Revelations 1/2 (PG-13) 3370
Merlin and Arthur are being chased down when Arthur is injured. Merlin is forced to reveal his magic to save them.
"There’s a strange disconnect after such a pivotal moment. Merlin knows, logically, that everything will change now. That he doesn’t know which direction this could take, and there are many directions. He doesn’t have a clue how Arthur will react, if he’ll still have a home in Camelot. If he’ll still have a life. Merlin knows he’s just killed a dozen men with sorcery right in front of the King of Camelot. Right in front of Arthur. But he feels numb. The air vibrates around him with energy that’s still unsure of where to go. He’s afraid to move. Arthur seems frozen as well.
Any movement would disturb this moment but as long as they remain still, this moment won’t come to pass. They won’t have to be angry or hurt and scared. But Merlin swallows hard and the stillness is broken and he feels Arthur’s sharp intake of breath."
[M/A] PetrichorAndInk: Careful, That Looks Sharp 1/? (G) 1506
Merlin was once again going to be spending another Christmas alone, only visiting his neighbours for dinner.
Then continuing on alone once more.
But the fates have finally decided to be kind, it's a Christmas miracle.
[M/A] Starfin: Nothing lasts forever* 1/2 (PG-13) 1550
Merlin’s cheeks were stained with two rose-coloured spots below his cheekbones and his eyes sparkled in the starlight. His wild dark hair was full white snowflakes and he grinned at Arthur mischievously. Arthur thought that he had never been more beautiful than in that moment.
Nothing lasts forever except the moment when you see the love of your life die in front of you. During the months to come Arthur would replay that second a thousand times. He would play out different scenarios every time. If he had seen it earlier, been more alert, he could have warned Merlin. If he had been a few meters to the left he could have tackled Merlin and saved him. He could have run and thrown away the grenade instead of just standing there. He could have done a million things to prevent his death before that moment.
But that time, the only time that really mattered, there was just the snow-covered street bathed in moonlight and the two of them just looking at each other across the distance. Not a sound could be heard. It was like the world passed for a second before it became an inferno.
[M/A] queerofthedagger: It Was One Kingdom Once 1/7 (PG-13) 5904
“He cursed me. I’m coughing up flowers, Gaius-what other possible explanation is there?”
“Well, there is-”
“He was mad at me, it’s exactly something he would do. Infuriating, obnoxious, thrice-damned sorcerer that he is probably finds it funny to-”
________________________________________It is said that the sins of the father should not be cast upon the son. Unfortunately, a father's miscalculated bargain can still come back to haunt you-Arthur is twenty-one, has a kingdom to rule, and apparently, a magically binding marriage contract with the Prince of Escetir. Prince Merlin, who has magic, a dragon, great dislike for Arthur, and still no intention to back out of the contract.
The worst part is, to a degree, Arthur understands-as a sorcerer, he wouldn't trust Uther Pendragon's son either. So he simply has to convince Merlin that he can be trusted, and the contract can be broken while they secure peace between Camelot and Escetir. It's a good plan.
Right up until forces conspire against both their kingdoms, more secrets come to light, and Arthur starts coughing up flowers.
Fanfic: Complete
[M/A] merlin-holidays Anonymous: The Love Spoon (PG-13) 12200
Arthur decides to cheer up a homesick Merlin by making him a holiday gift. The significance of this specific gift, however, completely escapes him.
[Gen] ajsrandom: The Secret in the Cave (G) 1368
Sent on a quest, Arthur and Merlin deal with more than just a nasty sorceress.
[M/A] Anonymous: And None But Fools (NC-17) 43005
“Anyway, I was thinking, I’ve got loads of attractive friends, and not a single one I can actually sleep with. Gwaine: not into blokes. Percival: same problem. Gwen: with Lance. Lance: see Gwen. Morgana: I totally would, but you’d kill me.”
Arthur scowled at him. “What about me?”
“What about you?”
“You didn’t even list me!”
“Of course I didn’t list you, you tit, you’re my best mate; it would be weird.”
“But it wouldn’t be weird for you to sleep with your best mate’s sister, who is a murderous harpy? She’d probably poison you.”
“Yeah, but she’s really hot.” Merlin dropped a tidily rolled pair of socks into the luggage.
“And I’m not?” Arthur demanded.
In which Merlin will not consider Arthur for a friends with benefits scenario, and Arthur is fine with it. Perfectly fine. And in which they go on holiday together, and Merlin changes his mind. It's not an astronomically stupid idea at all.
[M/A] PinkGold: To Forgive Yourself (You Need Courage) (PG-13) 5868
They were only setting up camp, or better, he was. Alone. Because apparently knights of Camelot were too above crouching down to set a handful of bedrolls on the uneven, humid, cold ground.
Honestly, Merlin wasn't sure why he even bothered anymore. Maybe old habits die hard. The King sure didn't seem excited about it. Not that anything Merlin did recently got him excited anymore.
"Merlin, tone it down." Arthur said, exasperation clear in his voice.
"Tone what down, sire?"
"Your…" Arthur gesticulated aggressively with his hands, "magic."
[M/A] Anonymous: since we're alone, you can show me your heart (PG-13) 7124
Going on a month long road trip though Europe with Arthur is probably a terrible idea. Only, Merlin has never been able to say no to Arthur.
[M/A] TheCourtSorcerer: 25 Days to Christmas (PG-13) 7045
One-shot prompts for the next 25 days. I hope everyone enjoys the story.
[M/A] TyalanganD: Do I know you? (R) 1917
“Do I know you?” Arthur asks, slowly closing the distance between himself and the lanky country bumpkin that dared to interrupt his fun.
"Do I know you?" he asks in every era, every place, every circumstance.
And sooner or later, he does.
[M/A] sugar_loaf: the light in your love for me (PG-13) 3926
Two years after Merlin realised he was gay, hopelessly in love with his best friend, and that he couldn't live with himself if he didn't do something about it, he and Arthur couldn't be happier together. It's Christmas, and they're in love. What more could he want?
[M/A] follow_your_fire: Unraveled* (NC-17) 8463
“Are you telling me you broke up, because you can’t keep it down?”
Arthur scowls into his pint, giving Gwaine an unimpressed look.
Gwaine grimaces. “Sorry, that came out wrong. You broke up, because she didn’t like that you’re a little more...vocal when showing your appreciation?”
Now, that sounds even worse. Why has he told Gwaine anything again?
***
In which Arthur is too loud during sex, and his lovers hate it. Cue Merlin, who's determined to take Arthur apart.
[M/A] TheCourtSorcerer: deference* (NC-17) 4219
He commanded his knights, and held responsibility for their lives. He could focus not on himself, if he cared truly for the well-being of his lands. He had an unfairly large amount of control over his subjects, and he must not abuse it.
To sit on the throne was a great responsibility.
And sometimes, he who sat upon it wished for nothing more than to step down for one day. To give up control, and breathe-finally, breathe. To feel the weight and stress lifted off his shoulders as he relinquished control unto another.
[M/A] SnufflesThePig: Atlas shrugs (NR) 319
“I still need to clean up here.”
“You could use your magic.”
Merlin goes still with the wind.
“What?”
[M/A] illiterateowl: holding back and letting go* (NC-17) 2936
“I wanted to see how you were doing after the earlier… incident.” Arthur began, slipping through the door and shutting it behind him. He lingered a moment to twist the lock in place behind his back before approaching Merlin’s desk. “Morgana really told you off, hmm?”
Merlin rubbed a tired hand over his bearded chin, and Arthur longed to follow the movement with his tongue. “God, you heard that? She tore me to pieces, Arthur. It’s all I’ve been thinking about - I can’t even focus on this bloody paperwork.”
Arthur smirked. A perfect in. “Maybe you need something else to focus on. Something to…take your mind off it all.”
Or,
Arthur seizes the chance to tempt Merlin into finally giving in and letting go.
[M/A] Labyrinth_Layabouts: Wanna Talk About It? (G) 887
A one-shot, hurt and comfort where Merlin needs love, and Arthur's right there.
[M/A] Augurey_Ray: Christmas (baby please come home) (G) 12152
It's nearing Christmas and Arthur is overworking himself. Merlin just wants him to come home so they can spend the holidays as a family.
[M/A] archaeologist_d: If Wishes were.... (G) 1487
Merlin makes a wish list, casting a spell on it, hoping against hope that it would bring Arthur back from the dead.
mxa_news is now cross-posting on tumblr at mxa-news.tumblr.com. Follow us there!
Fanart
maryluis: Merlin Advent Calendar 2021
magic-badger: A digital drawing of Merlin with horses
argido: Two loves I have, of comfort and despair | Which like two spirits do suggest me still
Fanfic: In Progress
[M/A] 2Write_1More: The Once and Future Queen* 1/? (PG-13) 1891
How would the legend differ if Merlin was a woman? Follow Lady Merlyn of Ealdor, ward to the King, as she tried her best to keep her magic a secret while using it to protect Camelot and all of its people.
[M/A] loser_angel: Revelations 1/2 (PG-13) 3370
Merlin and Arthur are being chased down when Arthur is injured. Merlin is forced to reveal his magic to save them.
"There’s a strange disconnect after such a pivotal moment. Merlin knows, logically, that everything will change now. That he doesn’t know which direction this could take, and there are many directions. He doesn’t have a clue how Arthur will react, if he’ll still have a home in Camelot. If he’ll still have a life. Merlin knows he’s just killed a dozen men with sorcery right in front of the King of Camelot. Right in front of Arthur. But he feels numb. The air vibrates around him with energy that’s still unsure of where to go. He’s afraid to move. Arthur seems frozen as well.
Any movement would disturb this moment but as long as they remain still, this moment won’t come to pass. They won’t have to be angry or hurt and scared. But Merlin swallows hard and the stillness is broken and he feels Arthur’s sharp intake of breath."
[M/A] PetrichorAndInk: Careful, That Looks Sharp 1/? (G) 1506
Merlin was once again going to be spending another Christmas alone, only visiting his neighbours for dinner.
Then continuing on alone once more.
But the fates have finally decided to be kind, it's a Christmas miracle.
[M/A] Starfin: Nothing lasts forever* 1/2 (PG-13) 1550
Merlin’s cheeks were stained with two rose-coloured spots below his cheekbones and his eyes sparkled in the starlight. His wild dark hair was full white snowflakes and he grinned at Arthur mischievously. Arthur thought that he had never been more beautiful than in that moment.
Nothing lasts forever except the moment when you see the love of your life die in front of you. During the months to come Arthur would replay that second a thousand times. He would play out different scenarios every time. If he had seen it earlier, been more alert, he could have warned Merlin. If he had been a few meters to the left he could have tackled Merlin and saved him. He could have run and thrown away the grenade instead of just standing there. He could have done a million things to prevent his death before that moment.
But that time, the only time that really mattered, there was just the snow-covered street bathed in moonlight and the two of them just looking at each other across the distance. Not a sound could be heard. It was like the world passed for a second before it became an inferno.
[M/A] queerofthedagger: It Was One Kingdom Once 1/7 (PG-13) 5904
“He cursed me. I’m coughing up flowers, Gaius-what other possible explanation is there?”
“Well, there is-”
“He was mad at me, it’s exactly something he would do. Infuriating, obnoxious, thrice-damned sorcerer that he is probably finds it funny to-”
________________________________________It is said that the sins of the father should not be cast upon the son. Unfortunately, a father's miscalculated bargain can still come back to haunt you-Arthur is twenty-one, has a kingdom to rule, and apparently, a magically binding marriage contract with the Prince of Escetir. Prince Merlin, who has magic, a dragon, great dislike for Arthur, and still no intention to back out of the contract.
The worst part is, to a degree, Arthur understands-as a sorcerer, he wouldn't trust Uther Pendragon's son either. So he simply has to convince Merlin that he can be trusted, and the contract can be broken while they secure peace between Camelot and Escetir. It's a good plan.
Right up until forces conspire against both their kingdoms, more secrets come to light, and Arthur starts coughing up flowers.
Fanfic: Complete
[M/A] merlin-holidays Anonymous: The Love Spoon (PG-13) 12200
Arthur decides to cheer up a homesick Merlin by making him a holiday gift. The significance of this specific gift, however, completely escapes him.
[Gen] ajsrandom: The Secret in the Cave (G) 1368
Sent on a quest, Arthur and Merlin deal with more than just a nasty sorceress.
[M/A] Anonymous: And None But Fools (NC-17) 43005
“Anyway, I was thinking, I’ve got loads of attractive friends, and not a single one I can actually sleep with. Gwaine: not into blokes. Percival: same problem. Gwen: with Lance. Lance: see Gwen. Morgana: I totally would, but you’d kill me.”
Arthur scowled at him. “What about me?”
“What about you?”
“You didn’t even list me!”
“Of course I didn’t list you, you tit, you’re my best mate; it would be weird.”
“But it wouldn’t be weird for you to sleep with your best mate’s sister, who is a murderous harpy? She’d probably poison you.”
“Yeah, but she’s really hot.” Merlin dropped a tidily rolled pair of socks into the luggage.
“And I’m not?” Arthur demanded.
In which Merlin will not consider Arthur for a friends with benefits scenario, and Arthur is fine with it. Perfectly fine. And in which they go on holiday together, and Merlin changes his mind. It's not an astronomically stupid idea at all.
[M/A] PinkGold: To Forgive Yourself (You Need Courage) (PG-13) 5868
They were only setting up camp, or better, he was. Alone. Because apparently knights of Camelot were too above crouching down to set a handful of bedrolls on the uneven, humid, cold ground.
Honestly, Merlin wasn't sure why he even bothered anymore. Maybe old habits die hard. The King sure didn't seem excited about it. Not that anything Merlin did recently got him excited anymore.
"Merlin, tone it down." Arthur said, exasperation clear in his voice.
"Tone what down, sire?"
"Your…" Arthur gesticulated aggressively with his hands, "magic."
[M/A] Anonymous: since we're alone, you can show me your heart (PG-13) 7124
Going on a month long road trip though Europe with Arthur is probably a terrible idea. Only, Merlin has never been able to say no to Arthur.
[M/A] TheCourtSorcerer: 25 Days to Christmas (PG-13) 7045
One-shot prompts for the next 25 days. I hope everyone enjoys the story.
[M/A] TyalanganD: Do I know you? (R) 1917
“Do I know you?” Arthur asks, slowly closing the distance between himself and the lanky country bumpkin that dared to interrupt his fun.
"Do I know you?" he asks in every era, every place, every circumstance.
And sooner or later, he does.
[M/A] sugar_loaf: the light in your love for me (PG-13) 3926
Two years after Merlin realised he was gay, hopelessly in love with his best friend, and that he couldn't live with himself if he didn't do something about it, he and Arthur couldn't be happier together. It's Christmas, and they're in love. What more could he want?
[M/A] follow_your_fire: Unraveled* (NC-17) 8463
“Are you telling me you broke up, because you can’t keep it down?”
Arthur scowls into his pint, giving Gwaine an unimpressed look.
Gwaine grimaces. “Sorry, that came out wrong. You broke up, because she didn’t like that you’re a little more...vocal when showing your appreciation?”
Now, that sounds even worse. Why has he told Gwaine anything again?
***
In which Arthur is too loud during sex, and his lovers hate it. Cue Merlin, who's determined to take Arthur apart.
[M/A] TheCourtSorcerer: deference* (NC-17) 4219
He commanded his knights, and held responsibility for their lives. He could focus not on himself, if he cared truly for the well-being of his lands. He had an unfairly large amount of control over his subjects, and he must not abuse it.
To sit on the throne was a great responsibility.
And sometimes, he who sat upon it wished for nothing more than to step down for one day. To give up control, and breathe-finally, breathe. To feel the weight and stress lifted off his shoulders as he relinquished control unto another.
[M/A] SnufflesThePig: Atlas shrugs (NR) 319
“I still need to clean up here.”
“You could use your magic.”
Merlin goes still with the wind.
“What?”
[M/A] illiterateowl: holding back and letting go* (NC-17) 2936
“I wanted to see how you were doing after the earlier… incident.” Arthur began, slipping through the door and shutting it behind him. He lingered a moment to twist the lock in place behind his back before approaching Merlin’s desk. “Morgana really told you off, hmm?”
Merlin rubbed a tired hand over his bearded chin, and Arthur longed to follow the movement with his tongue. “God, you heard that? She tore me to pieces, Arthur. It’s all I’ve been thinking about - I can’t even focus on this bloody paperwork.”
Arthur smirked. A perfect in. “Maybe you need something else to focus on. Something to…take your mind off it all.”
Or,
Arthur seizes the chance to tempt Merlin into finally giving in and letting go.
[M/A] Labyrinth_Layabouts: Wanna Talk About It? (G) 887
A one-shot, hurt and comfort where Merlin needs love, and Arthur's right there.
[M/A] Augurey_Ray: Christmas (baby please come home) (G) 12152
It's nearing Christmas and Arthur is overworking himself. Merlin just wants him to come home so they can spend the holidays as a family.
[M/A] archaeologist_d: If Wishes were.... (G) 1487
Merlin makes a wish list, casting a spell on it, hoping against hope that it would bring Arthur back from the dead.