Issue #5
Picks of the Week from eos_rose
[fic] Animal Rescue by rotrude | NC-17 | 6,000
Summary: Arthur suspects Merlin has a new talent. It would be okay, but it interferes with Arthur's sex life a hell of a lot.
eos-rose says: A most humorous tale that makes me giggle insanely. How could Arthur being cockblocked by cute animals not be funny as all heck? Well, to everyone other than Arthur himself, that is.
Themes: arthur knows, bottom!arthur, bottom!merlin, era - camelot, established relationship, magical accidents
[fic] Backdrifts by lisztful | NC-17 | ~10,000 words
Summary: Merlin fears that Arthur has found out about his magic, but Arthur has his own secrets to keep.
eos-rose says: This is angsty, tragic, and positively delightful. When unrequited love becomes too much for Merlin, he takes up with a stable boy, who wants anything Merlin is willing to give him. The boy's willing body and undemanding affection is pretty much the only thing keeping Merlin from falling completely apart and Arthur grows colder and more and more distant from him. The hurt Arthur and Merlin are both feeling is poignant-and the resolution delightfully unexpected.
Themes: arthur finds out, bottom!arthur, bottom!merlin, era - camelot, experienced!merlin, first kiss, first time, virgin!arthur
[art] Valentine's Day 83 by eva-angelb | WS | 4 works
Summary: Since it's Valentine's Day it's time for some art featuring our boys.
eos-rose says: The first two images depict tasteful nudity in bed (nothing below the belt and more cuddling than sex), the last two utter cuteness. I have unabashed fondness for the manga-style eva-angelb seems to favor. Her sexy scenes are sexy, her chibis are cute, and I love her depiction of Arthur and Merlin as blushing children so much that I've put it up on the fridge to cheer me up in the morning. ♥
Themes: childhood, era - camelot, era - modern
[art] Various by shiyasim | WS | 6 works
Summary: Some Arthur/Merlin, just Arthur, and just Merlin fanart.
eos-rose says: The first image of Arthur and Merlin standing in the water about to kiss invokes thoughts of Avalon and chances wasted now regained. It's positively breathtaking. The second image is of Arthur, looking somewhat lonely as he leans against his motorcycle. It's easy to imagine him waiting for Merlin, maybe knowing that Merlin won't be coming-he just looks so sad that it's hard not to place the image in the context of a tragedy, at least for me. The third image is of Merlin stripping off his shirt. It's tastefully done, though I confess that it's not my favorite of the lot, though I can't put my finger on why. The fourth image is of a dark and cloaked Merlin clutching Exalibur and taking it away from Camelot. The darkness and tragedy depicted in the image makes me think this must take place after Arthur's demise. The fifth image is utterly adorable. Two thumbs up for the chibi cast holding hands at the beach! And the sixth image, finally, is my all time favorite. It's a romantic scene, with Arthur perched on the side of the bed, watching Merlin sleep. Beautiful.
Themes: era - camelot, era - modern, excalibur, king arthur Picks of the Week from katerina_black
[fic] Bold Adventures by scribblemoose | NC-17 | ~5,400 words
Summary: Inspired by episode 1.02 and all the slashy goodness that resides therein. Takes place about half way through the ep, but that's of little consequence.
katerina-black says: This was a lovely PWP, that is somehow still about friendship, especially the beginning of it between Merlin and Arthur. Also, even in the midst of what is surprisingly warm and fuzzy sex, the humour shines through.
Themes: first time, first kiss, friendship, experienced!arthur, virgin!merlin, bath, bottom!merlin, era-camelot Mutual Picks of the Week
[fic] /love by shesakicker | R | 13,000
Summary: World of Warcraft. Arthur and Merlin meet in-game.
eos-rose says: I've always been fond of stories in which Arthur or Merlin are depicted as somewhat "geeky." This story more than satisfied that particular kink of mine-though Arthur, of course, would argue that he's in no way a geek. He collects World of Warcraft action figures, though, so I'm not inclined to believe him... The story is adorable, with just the right level of conflict to prevent it from being too simplistic. If you want something heavy with plot, this probably won't be your cup of tea, but otherwise you should give it a chance! No knowledge of World of Warcraft is required to enjoy it (I certainly have none).
katerina-black says: Geeky love! I don't even play WoW (though I have been convinced to cosplay it), but I still adored how the game was worked into the fic. Also, Arthur so carefully hiding his obsession, and how wonderfully in character both their online and offline interactions were, the eventual meeting, the sexual identity crisis! Just *squee*
Themes: au - no magic, era - modern, experienced!arthur (girls only), experienced!merlin, first kiss, first time Classic of the Week
[fic] Post hoc, ergo propter hoc by hitome_bore | NC-17 | ~95,000 words
Summary: History books would not remember Gaius’ death precipitating the greatest war Albion had ever seen. That blame lay entirely with an inexperienced sorcerer and the Prince whom he’d betrayed a hundred times over. Future!fic with a time travel twist. Inspired and loosely based on The Sword in the Stone.
eos-rose says: This is by far one of the most amazing stories I've ever read-and that's including both fan fiction and original fiction. Although the story starts with a frightening level of darkness and desperation, the tone soon shifts to something more amusing and hopeful. Never before have I read a reaction to Merlin's magic more heartbreaking than this. The betrayal Arthur feels burns deep and Merlin's guilt is never far from the surface. For all that, there is a sweetness to this tale that could soften even the hardest of hearts. Love runs deep throughout. My only regret it that the story had to end-I would have liked to catch a glimpse of the brighter future that Merlin and Arthur have forged (and see Merlin meet his younger self-oh, the shock!).
katerina-black says: I only found about about this fic this week, but like eos_rose, I know this one is an instant classic. I couldn't put it down (literally, I passed out in front of my computer twice well past my bedtime, lol). Merlin was so completely broken, but still so determined. And I loved how they were able to finally deal with the betrayal of Merlin lying for all those years, and how scared Arthur was of becoming his future self. This was time travel done well, and I adored all the nods to "The Sword and the Stone." The best part was how we not only got to see two in character versions of Arthur's reaction to the secret coming out, but for once, we get to see the scars the years of lying have left Merlin. This fic was just plain awesome.
Themes: age difference, archimedes, arthur finds out, childhood, dark!arthur, era - camelot, experienced!arthur, experienced!merlin, first kiss, first time, jealous!arthur, powerful!merlin, protective!arthur, protective!merlin, shape changing, time travel, war
[fic] Animal Rescue by rotrude | NC-17 | 6,000
Summary: Arthur suspects Merlin has a new talent. It would be okay, but it interferes with Arthur's sex life a hell of a lot.
eos-rose says: A most humorous tale that makes me giggle insanely. How could Arthur being cockblocked by cute animals not be funny as all heck? Well, to everyone other than Arthur himself, that is.
Themes: arthur knows, bottom!arthur, bottom!merlin, era - camelot, established relationship, magical accidents
[fic] Backdrifts by lisztful | NC-17 | ~10,000 words
Summary: Merlin fears that Arthur has found out about his magic, but Arthur has his own secrets to keep.
eos-rose says: This is angsty, tragic, and positively delightful. When unrequited love becomes too much for Merlin, he takes up with a stable boy, who wants anything Merlin is willing to give him. The boy's willing body and undemanding affection is pretty much the only thing keeping Merlin from falling completely apart and Arthur grows colder and more and more distant from him. The hurt Arthur and Merlin are both feeling is poignant-and the resolution delightfully unexpected.
Themes: arthur finds out, bottom!arthur, bottom!merlin, era - camelot, experienced!merlin, first kiss, first time, virgin!arthur
[art] Valentine's Day 83 by eva-angelb | WS | 4 works
Summary: Since it's Valentine's Day it's time for some art featuring our boys.
eos-rose says: The first two images depict tasteful nudity in bed (nothing below the belt and more cuddling than sex), the last two utter cuteness. I have unabashed fondness for the manga-style eva-angelb seems to favor. Her sexy scenes are sexy, her chibis are cute, and I love her depiction of Arthur and Merlin as blushing children so much that I've put it up on the fridge to cheer me up in the morning. ♥
Themes: childhood, era - camelot, era - modern
[art] Various by shiyasim | WS | 6 works
Summary: Some Arthur/Merlin, just Arthur, and just Merlin fanart.
eos-rose says: The first image of Arthur and Merlin standing in the water about to kiss invokes thoughts of Avalon and chances wasted now regained. It's positively breathtaking. The second image is of Arthur, looking somewhat lonely as he leans against his motorcycle. It's easy to imagine him waiting for Merlin, maybe knowing that Merlin won't be coming-he just looks so sad that it's hard not to place the image in the context of a tragedy, at least for me. The third image is of Merlin stripping off his shirt. It's tastefully done, though I confess that it's not my favorite of the lot, though I can't put my finger on why. The fourth image is of a dark and cloaked Merlin clutching Exalibur and taking it away from Camelot. The darkness and tragedy depicted in the image makes me think this must take place after Arthur's demise. The fifth image is utterly adorable. Two thumbs up for the chibi cast holding hands at the beach! And the sixth image, finally, is my all time favorite. It's a romantic scene, with Arthur perched on the side of the bed, watching Merlin sleep. Beautiful.
Themes: era - camelot, era - modern, excalibur, king arthur Picks of the Week from katerina_black
[fic] Bold Adventures by scribblemoose | NC-17 | ~5,400 words
Summary: Inspired by episode 1.02 and all the slashy goodness that resides therein. Takes place about half way through the ep, but that's of little consequence.
katerina-black says: This was a lovely PWP, that is somehow still about friendship, especially the beginning of it between Merlin and Arthur. Also, even in the midst of what is surprisingly warm and fuzzy sex, the humour shines through.
Themes: first time, first kiss, friendship, experienced!arthur, virgin!merlin, bath, bottom!merlin, era-camelot Mutual Picks of the Week
[fic] /love by shesakicker | R | 13,000
Summary: World of Warcraft. Arthur and Merlin meet in-game.
eos-rose says: I've always been fond of stories in which Arthur or Merlin are depicted as somewhat "geeky." This story more than satisfied that particular kink of mine-though Arthur, of course, would argue that he's in no way a geek. He collects World of Warcraft action figures, though, so I'm not inclined to believe him... The story is adorable, with just the right level of conflict to prevent it from being too simplistic. If you want something heavy with plot, this probably won't be your cup of tea, but otherwise you should give it a chance! No knowledge of World of Warcraft is required to enjoy it (I certainly have none).
katerina-black says: Geeky love! I don't even play WoW (though I have been convinced to cosplay it), but I still adored how the game was worked into the fic. Also, Arthur so carefully hiding his obsession, and how wonderfully in character both their online and offline interactions were, the eventual meeting, the sexual identity crisis! Just *squee*
Themes: au - no magic, era - modern, experienced!arthur (girls only), experienced!merlin, first kiss, first time Classic of the Week
[fic] Post hoc, ergo propter hoc by hitome_bore | NC-17 | ~95,000 words
Summary: History books would not remember Gaius’ death precipitating the greatest war Albion had ever seen. That blame lay entirely with an inexperienced sorcerer and the Prince whom he’d betrayed a hundred times over. Future!fic with a time travel twist. Inspired and loosely based on The Sword in the Stone.
eos-rose says: This is by far one of the most amazing stories I've ever read-and that's including both fan fiction and original fiction. Although the story starts with a frightening level of darkness and desperation, the tone soon shifts to something more amusing and hopeful. Never before have I read a reaction to Merlin's magic more heartbreaking than this. The betrayal Arthur feels burns deep and Merlin's guilt is never far from the surface. For all that, there is a sweetness to this tale that could soften even the hardest of hearts. Love runs deep throughout. My only regret it that the story had to end-I would have liked to catch a glimpse of the brighter future that Merlin and Arthur have forged (and see Merlin meet his younger self-oh, the shock!).
katerina-black says: I only found about about this fic this week, but like eos_rose, I know this one is an instant classic. I couldn't put it down (literally, I passed out in front of my computer twice well past my bedtime, lol). Merlin was so completely broken, but still so determined. And I loved how they were able to finally deal with the betrayal of Merlin lying for all those years, and how scared Arthur was of becoming his future self. This was time travel done well, and I adored all the nods to "The Sword and the Stone." The best part was how we not only got to see two in character versions of Arthur's reaction to the secret coming out, but for once, we get to see the scars the years of lying have left Merlin. This fic was just plain awesome.
Themes: age difference, archimedes, arthur finds out, childhood, dark!arthur, era - camelot, experienced!arthur, experienced!merlin, first kiss, first time, jealous!arthur, powerful!merlin, protective!arthur, protective!merlin, shape changing, time travel, war