EDITION #2516 - January 2, 2022
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!
News/Resources
a-shot-of-brad: Bradley and friends celebrate New Year in LA
a-shot-of-brad: Bradley and friends celebrate New Year in LA (video)
Challenges/Fests
aftercamlann: After Camlann Schedule - 2022
merthur-glomp: Merthur Glompfest 2022 Sign Ups!
winterknights: WINTERKNIGHTS 2021 - Anonymous Masterlist
merlinbingo: Sign-ups for round two are now open!
merlinbingo: January Flash Bingo!
Fanart
clotpole-art: Happy birthday Colin!
argido: Untitled - Merlin
desertdwellingforestcreature: Still not over them
lindamarieanson-art: First art piece of 2022, yay!
merlocked18: Happy Birthday Colin Morgan.
sofitai28: As an apology for the last post, enjoy a Merthur kiss
Fanfic: In Progress
[M/A] MockTyrn: Happy Christmas, Arthur 1/3 (G) 4060
Arthur weaved between the crowds, who were all too slow and had no sense of the emergency Arthur found himself in. No, they were all too busy admiring the snow that was only working to obstruct Arthur’s view.
He was halfway through one of those ramshackle Christmas villages that popped up to bait tourists with cheap gifts when something managed to stop him in his tracks.
“Hey! Oi, you! Prince Prat! Blondie!”
Prince Prat? Blondie?! Just who the hell did this guy think he was?
Or: Arthur isn't good at giving presents to his family and friends. Lucky for him, an incredibly rude old man and his "grandson" are willing to help him out.
[M/A] Camelots_Daffodil: Sometimes, All You Need is a Push (or a Shove) OR The Servant Switch 1/4 (G) 2761
Merlin spends quality time with Morgana, and Gwen with Arthur.
Morgana is hopelessly in love with Gwen, and Gwen doesn’t realise. Arthur is hopelessly in love with Merlin, and Merlin doesn’t realise. Maybe all it takes for a happy ending is an outsider’s point of view.
OR: Set in season 2, Morgana knows about Merlin’s magic and while she’s living with the druids he’s been sneaking out to train with her. They do some sparring, and more than enough gossiping. While Merlin’s out with her, Gwen is left to take care of the prince. Lucky her. Or rather, lucky Arthur, since maybe Gwen is the kick up the backside he needs to tell Merlin exactly how he feels, and maybe Merlin’s the exact same for Morgana.
[M/A] Bohemia: Night Eternal 1/? (R) 1990
On the way to investigate a mysterious disappearance, Arthur is drawn into a dangerous quest. With Merlin's life at stake, Arthur and his most trusted knights must face their deepest fears to stop Camelot from falling under eternal darkness.
[M/A] Farieshades: Say you don't know me or recognize my face 4/? (PG-13) 20114
Merlin grieved and grieved. Years passed him by and his faith faltered. Instead of looking forwards, he began to look back.
He began to search for a way home. To a time long since vanished from memory.
And he did it. He got home. But, it's not like before. No two souls the same can exist in the same moment. He's not even born yet. What can he change to change the outcome so far from him?
Fanfic: Complete
[M/A] merlin-holidays Anonymous: Towards A Brighter New Year (G) 1412
Morgana has Arthur at the tip of her blade, but she's frozen between her affection for Arthur, and the hatred that has grown from her fear and jealously.
[M/A] merlin-holidays Anonymous: Excerpts From the Camelot Daily Gossip (PG) 3524
Merlin arrives in Camelot. Arthur notices. A story told through newspaper excerpts.
[M/A] OnceFutureEmrys: Finally Home (G) 2136
“I do wonder why you sometimes stay,” Arthur said after a beat, almost to himself as he turned to look at him. “You absolutely hate it here and yet you keep coming back every day.”
Merlin turned to his side, studying Arthur’s features. Arthur blushed, confused by the sudden attention, as his heart fluttered against his chest. Softly, Merlin answered with, “Yes, I wonder that sometimes too.”
OR:
After the loneliest year of his life, Arthur's happy to be finally away from work, even if that means he'll be alone on Christmas Eve. But with the help of his best friend, Merlin, his day might actually turn around.
[M/A] AliceTheBrave: The Truth Always Comes to Light (NR) 12192
“What did you do now Merlin?”
“Got cursed.”
Merlin slumped into the room and fell onto the bench of the table across from Gaius, laying his head dramatically on a book of something or other Arthur didn’t bother to look too closely at.
“Cursed.” Gaius echoed, unimpressed.
“Cursed.” Merlin sighed back, like some kind of weepy maiden.
“He can’t lie,” Arthur supplied, walking further into the room and standing behind Merlin, pushing his head off the book roughly. Merlin squawked and glared at him before shaking his head and turning back to Gaius.
"It gets worse."
[M/A] ArienElensar: A Bittersweet Fate (G) 1153
They love this lifetime as if they have just learned to breath, and they have.
[M/A] astranix: let me tell you a story about love (PG-13) 6969
Gwaine has certainly heard of miracles before. He's even scoffed at them. But that's only because he hasn't ever seen them happening before his eyes.
[M/A] whenwordsmakesense: Red and Gold (G) 154
Arthur wakes on his fourteenth birthday with memories still playing beyond his eyes.
[M/A] Demi5vd666Aker: Trying to woo Arthur because of an enchantment (R) 5614
Morgana puts an enchantment on Merlin in the hope that he'll see Gwen and falls in love with her. (Consequently ruining any changes of Arthur and her getting married). Merlin doesn't see Gwen but Arthur, and he tries to woo him, and no one seems to mind.
[M/A] TyalanganD: Our Lullaby (R) 3403
After Merlin tries out a telepathy spell on Arthur, Arthur starts having weird dreams.
Merlin's dreams.
[M/A] curlsinthewind: cannot cease for the fear of silent lies (G) 2508
“Whenever you are ready, I will be there to listen.”
[M/A] Excited_Insomniac: A Helping Hand (PG-13) 1896
Gwaine and Percival take matters into their own hands when Arthur and Merlin fail (and fail and fail and fail) to act on their very obvious chemistry.
[M/A] arthurpendragondiedavirgin: Messy Tunic (R) 1807
Merlin walks into Arthur's chambers after being absent from almost getting killed once again and sees that Arthur has made an error while trying to dress in Merlin's absence. Merlin tries to fix his tunic which leads to other things.
[M/A] recklessDreamer: Of Found Sons and Happy Ends (PG-13) 11706
How was your journey here?" Balinor asked.
“It would have been pleasant if a certain servant had stopped prattling on during the entirety of it.“ Arthur gave the black haired boy a pointed look, but the servant just shrugged and turned to Balinor.
„Don‘t mind him. He woke up at the wrong side of the bed today, which wasn‘t my fault, may I add. I‘m Merlin.“
And then he stuck out his hand, oblivious to the way Arthur‘s mouth dropped open
Or, during the Great Purge, Balinor can convince Uther not to kill all dragons. Instead, Uther magically imprisons him and the remaining dragons at the Dragon's Keep. Now, almost twenty years later, prince Arthur regualary comes to check on him. Things change, when he brings a certain manservant with him.
[M/A] justspn: Long Meetings Make for a Grumpy King (NR) 1922
Arthur could not fake wellness for the whole duration of the meeting, as it turned out. Had the meeting ended when he expected it to, he would've been fine, but it had run over by two hours and it didn't seem anywhere close to wrapping up. His throat was so sore he didn't dare swallow, and he tried not to speak other than when it was absolutely necessary. He could feel Merlin's worried gaze burning a hole in the side of his skull but ignored it, keeping his attention on the council before him. The potion Gaius brought him had helped for the first bit of the meeting but its effects had worn off some time ago.
[M/A] folieadeuxtheblackparade: merlin except they're all gen z, gay and in a group chat (PG-13) 772
read the title
[M/A] Shrewsburyfcfan07: Camelot Vs Kraniya (NR) 756
As Camelot are winning Kraniya Town 1-0 thanks to Gwaine's magnificent goal, Arthur gets injured and the two teams get into an argument. And things can only go from bad to worse for the Camelot team as Gwaine, their top scorer gets sent off...
[M/A+] I_ran_out_of_books: Beware The River* (NC-17) 10483
In classic Arthur fashion he gets in trouble as soon as Merlin is not watching over him. This time he encounters a magical creature who tries to lure him into the river with the visage of someone Arthur cannot resist.
Will Merlin make it in time before the creature takes possession of Arthur's body and soul? How far is he willing to go to save his friend?
[M/A] huniths-muse (sopaltenbass): Death's Gift (G) 818
I cannot die.
It isn't as though I haven't tried. I would have sacrificed myself a thousand times over for my clotpole of a King, though he was too noble to allow it. In the years since Arthur died, I've tried many times to end my own suffering and join him.
But that, it seems, is not my destiny. I am fated to wander, fated to watch, fated to witness, fated to wait.
[M/A] ficamarinian: Secrets (G) 345
A short drabble in which Merlin and Lancelot discuss the former’s feelings for the prince.
[M/A] OceanandaMoonShadow: Rain (PG-13) 3229
1500 years after Camlann, Merlin takes a walk along the banks of Lake Avalon and something magical happens.
mxa_news is now cross-posting on tumblr at mxa-news.tumblr.com. Follow us there!
News/Resources
a-shot-of-brad: Bradley and friends celebrate New Year in LA
a-shot-of-brad: Bradley and friends celebrate New Year in LA (video)
Challenges/Fests
aftercamlann: After Camlann Schedule - 2022
merthur-glomp: Merthur Glompfest 2022 Sign Ups!
winterknights: WINTERKNIGHTS 2021 - Anonymous Masterlist
merlinbingo: Sign-ups for round two are now open!
merlinbingo: January Flash Bingo!
Fanart
clotpole-art: Happy birthday Colin!
argido: Untitled - Merlin
desertdwellingforestcreature: Still not over them
lindamarieanson-art: First art piece of 2022, yay!
merlocked18: Happy Birthday Colin Morgan.
sofitai28: As an apology for the last post, enjoy a Merthur kiss
Fanfic: In Progress
[M/A] MockTyrn: Happy Christmas, Arthur 1/3 (G) 4060
Arthur weaved between the crowds, who were all too slow and had no sense of the emergency Arthur found himself in. No, they were all too busy admiring the snow that was only working to obstruct Arthur’s view.
He was halfway through one of those ramshackle Christmas villages that popped up to bait tourists with cheap gifts when something managed to stop him in his tracks.
“Hey! Oi, you! Prince Prat! Blondie!”
Prince Prat? Blondie?! Just who the hell did this guy think he was?
Or: Arthur isn't good at giving presents to his family and friends. Lucky for him, an incredibly rude old man and his "grandson" are willing to help him out.
[M/A] Camelots_Daffodil: Sometimes, All You Need is a Push (or a Shove) OR The Servant Switch 1/4 (G) 2761
Merlin spends quality time with Morgana, and Gwen with Arthur.
Morgana is hopelessly in love with Gwen, and Gwen doesn’t realise. Arthur is hopelessly in love with Merlin, and Merlin doesn’t realise. Maybe all it takes for a happy ending is an outsider’s point of view.
OR: Set in season 2, Morgana knows about Merlin’s magic and while she’s living with the druids he’s been sneaking out to train with her. They do some sparring, and more than enough gossiping. While Merlin’s out with her, Gwen is left to take care of the prince. Lucky her. Or rather, lucky Arthur, since maybe Gwen is the kick up the backside he needs to tell Merlin exactly how he feels, and maybe Merlin’s the exact same for Morgana.
[M/A] Bohemia: Night Eternal 1/? (R) 1990
On the way to investigate a mysterious disappearance, Arthur is drawn into a dangerous quest. With Merlin's life at stake, Arthur and his most trusted knights must face their deepest fears to stop Camelot from falling under eternal darkness.
[M/A] Farieshades: Say you don't know me or recognize my face 4/? (PG-13) 20114
Merlin grieved and grieved. Years passed him by and his faith faltered. Instead of looking forwards, he began to look back.
He began to search for a way home. To a time long since vanished from memory.
And he did it. He got home. But, it's not like before. No two souls the same can exist in the same moment. He's not even born yet. What can he change to change the outcome so far from him?
Fanfic: Complete
[M/A] merlin-holidays Anonymous: Towards A Brighter New Year (G) 1412
Morgana has Arthur at the tip of her blade, but she's frozen between her affection for Arthur, and the hatred that has grown from her fear and jealously.
[M/A] merlin-holidays Anonymous: Excerpts From the Camelot Daily Gossip (PG) 3524
Merlin arrives in Camelot. Arthur notices. A story told through newspaper excerpts.
[M/A] OnceFutureEmrys: Finally Home (G) 2136
“I do wonder why you sometimes stay,” Arthur said after a beat, almost to himself as he turned to look at him. “You absolutely hate it here and yet you keep coming back every day.”
Merlin turned to his side, studying Arthur’s features. Arthur blushed, confused by the sudden attention, as his heart fluttered against his chest. Softly, Merlin answered with, “Yes, I wonder that sometimes too.”
OR:
After the loneliest year of his life, Arthur's happy to be finally away from work, even if that means he'll be alone on Christmas Eve. But with the help of his best friend, Merlin, his day might actually turn around.
[M/A] AliceTheBrave: The Truth Always Comes to Light (NR) 12192
“What did you do now Merlin?”
“Got cursed.”
Merlin slumped into the room and fell onto the bench of the table across from Gaius, laying his head dramatically on a book of something or other Arthur didn’t bother to look too closely at.
“Cursed.” Gaius echoed, unimpressed.
“Cursed.” Merlin sighed back, like some kind of weepy maiden.
“He can’t lie,” Arthur supplied, walking further into the room and standing behind Merlin, pushing his head off the book roughly. Merlin squawked and glared at him before shaking his head and turning back to Gaius.
"It gets worse."
[M/A] ArienElensar: A Bittersweet Fate (G) 1153
They love this lifetime as if they have just learned to breath, and they have.
[M/A] astranix: let me tell you a story about love (PG-13) 6969
Gwaine has certainly heard of miracles before. He's even scoffed at them. But that's only because he hasn't ever seen them happening before his eyes.
[M/A] whenwordsmakesense: Red and Gold (G) 154
Arthur wakes on his fourteenth birthday with memories still playing beyond his eyes.
[M/A] Demi5vd666Aker: Trying to woo Arthur because of an enchantment (R) 5614
Morgana puts an enchantment on Merlin in the hope that he'll see Gwen and falls in love with her. (Consequently ruining any changes of Arthur and her getting married). Merlin doesn't see Gwen but Arthur, and he tries to woo him, and no one seems to mind.
[M/A] TyalanganD: Our Lullaby (R) 3403
After Merlin tries out a telepathy spell on Arthur, Arthur starts having weird dreams.
Merlin's dreams.
[M/A] curlsinthewind: cannot cease for the fear of silent lies (G) 2508
“Whenever you are ready, I will be there to listen.”
[M/A] Excited_Insomniac: A Helping Hand (PG-13) 1896
Gwaine and Percival take matters into their own hands when Arthur and Merlin fail (and fail and fail and fail) to act on their very obvious chemistry.
[M/A] arthurpendragondiedavirgin: Messy Tunic (R) 1807
Merlin walks into Arthur's chambers after being absent from almost getting killed once again and sees that Arthur has made an error while trying to dress in Merlin's absence. Merlin tries to fix his tunic which leads to other things.
[M/A] recklessDreamer: Of Found Sons and Happy Ends (PG-13) 11706
How was your journey here?" Balinor asked.
“It would have been pleasant if a certain servant had stopped prattling on during the entirety of it.“ Arthur gave the black haired boy a pointed look, but the servant just shrugged and turned to Balinor.
„Don‘t mind him. He woke up at the wrong side of the bed today, which wasn‘t my fault, may I add. I‘m Merlin.“
And then he stuck out his hand, oblivious to the way Arthur‘s mouth dropped open
Or, during the Great Purge, Balinor can convince Uther not to kill all dragons. Instead, Uther magically imprisons him and the remaining dragons at the Dragon's Keep. Now, almost twenty years later, prince Arthur regualary comes to check on him. Things change, when he brings a certain manservant with him.
[M/A] justspn: Long Meetings Make for a Grumpy King (NR) 1922
Arthur could not fake wellness for the whole duration of the meeting, as it turned out. Had the meeting ended when he expected it to, he would've been fine, but it had run over by two hours and it didn't seem anywhere close to wrapping up. His throat was so sore he didn't dare swallow, and he tried not to speak other than when it was absolutely necessary. He could feel Merlin's worried gaze burning a hole in the side of his skull but ignored it, keeping his attention on the council before him. The potion Gaius brought him had helped for the first bit of the meeting but its effects had worn off some time ago.
[M/A] folieadeuxtheblackparade: merlin except they're all gen z, gay and in a group chat (PG-13) 772
read the title
[M/A] Shrewsburyfcfan07: Camelot Vs Kraniya (NR) 756
As Camelot are winning Kraniya Town 1-0 thanks to Gwaine's magnificent goal, Arthur gets injured and the two teams get into an argument. And things can only go from bad to worse for the Camelot team as Gwaine, their top scorer gets sent off...
[M/A+] I_ran_out_of_books: Beware The River* (NC-17) 10483
In classic Arthur fashion he gets in trouble as soon as Merlin is not watching over him. This time he encounters a magical creature who tries to lure him into the river with the visage of someone Arthur cannot resist.
Will Merlin make it in time before the creature takes possession of Arthur's body and soul? How far is he willing to go to save his friend?
[M/A] huniths-muse (sopaltenbass): Death's Gift (G) 818
I cannot die.
It isn't as though I haven't tried. I would have sacrificed myself a thousand times over for my clotpole of a King, though he was too noble to allow it. In the years since Arthur died, I've tried many times to end my own suffering and join him.
But that, it seems, is not my destiny. I am fated to wander, fated to watch, fated to witness, fated to wait.
[M/A] ficamarinian: Secrets (G) 345
A short drabble in which Merlin and Lancelot discuss the former’s feelings for the prince.
[M/A] OceanandaMoonShadow: Rain (PG-13) 3229
1500 years after Camlann, Merlin takes a walk along the banks of Lake Avalon and something magical happens.