Need something to read with your morning coffee/OJ? Perhaps a bedtime story or...76? (*Closed*)
Welcome to the Voting Post for Mini Challenge 1.
BEGINS NOW
ENDS on the 19th of February 23:59 (AUS EDT)
VOTING IS CLOSED
I'd like to thank every single Anon Writer & Prompter for trying to kill me with so many, many awesome ficlets making this so successful :D
Now, since we got such a boisterous response, we're asking for a little more than just a ranking of 1st, 2nd, & 3rd.
In the form below you will find:
1st - the best overall ficlet (5pts)
2nd - the second overall best (3pts)
3rd - the third overall best (2pts)
Best Laugh - which one made you laugh the longest/hardest?
Best Crack - which one's the crackiest?
Best Angst - which one's the saddest?
Best Smut - which one's the hottest?
5 Other Ficlets that each deserve 1pt each for whatever reason - this is self explanatory really, and it will make sure we have overall winners sooner.
Mod Note: We haven't got so many ficlets that you're going to need to clear your afternoon...but I'm going to suggest you have a pen and paper handy. I have a number in my head of how many votes I love to get total, and I'm really hoping we make it to that number :D
I tried my best with your italics (I love them myself, so I know their importance), so if you have any complaints about italics can I ask that you complain to Sophie, Jen or Millie? Lol, coz I will take it personally.
Also, we're Mem-locking the MC1 Challenge Post after we announce the winners. You'll all still be able to read all of the entries here in the Voting Post (forever) without being a member, but I figured you might want a little warning.
A Challenge Start Date Post will be appearing soon (as soon as I make one) to give you a greater idea of what we have planned for the year. But I will tell you that next week will see the first Short Challenge begin - and I hope some of you expand some of your ficlets there.
If you have any questions ask them below. (Oh and in case you're wondering you can now be yourselves, we don't want Anon votes)
Comments will be screened.
1st: #
2nd: #
3rd: #
Best Laugh: #
Best Crack: #
Best Angst: #
Best Smut: #
5 Other Ficlets: #,#,#,#,#
Anon Entries
______________________________
--START OF ANON ENTRIES--
+It's the End of the World, but there's always time for arguing.+
(#1) Not the right time, G
'Did you or did you not kiss Merlin?' Arthur asked outraged as he grappled with two of their black-clad assailants.
'Arthur, do you really think this is the right time to be discussing this?' was her response just as she landed a well placed blow which caused her attacker to crumple at the knees and collapse into a writhing heap on the ground.
They exchanged a fleeting look, then realisation seemed to dawn on him,'I can't believe you kissed Merlin!' he said in indignation, looking a little nauseated, 'that's...' he spluttered, 'that's gross!'
__________
+Someone scratched Arthur's car...+
(#2) Ninja Skills, PG
"What the bloody hell?! Someone scratched my bloody car?!"
"Arthur, calm down, it's a small scratch," Gwen tried to soothe him.
"I had my back turned for one second and I turn around and there's a scratch a mile long! Whoever did this has really good ninja skills," Arthur said looking at the scratch but Guinevere just rolled her eyes at him.
(#3) Just A Little Scratch, G
"No one does this to the King Arthur!", Arthur Pendragon, rockstar head of the ultra popular band, 'Camelot Knights' raged as his bandmates Gwaine Gallant, Lancelot Lance and Merlin Warlock pitied the poor soul who left the scrape on his red jaguar.
They smiled though as the hot lovely lady who jumped out of her lavender mini cooper gave her apologies, assured now that she'd escape unscathed because she certainly had their leader's rapt attention.
She was just luscious and a lot more important than any car, uh, even the King Arthur, that Arthur quickly cut off her clamor, "It's alright, you know, just a little scratch."
__________
+Smiling.+
(#4) Ultimate Ninja, G
She had protested about coming along to this youth group, claiming it was childish - she didn't need cheering up, she was fine.
However, after much persuasion (and the use of puppy dog eyes), Guinevere was now laughing enthusiastically as she fought off the last of her opponents in a game of "ultimate ninja".
She blushed as the others cheered their champion, then caught Arthur's eye and smiled in a silent 'Thank you.'
(#5) Turnips, G
'Arthur, what's the matter with you?' Uther demanded, 'wipe that grin off your face this instant, turnips throughout the kingdom are vanishing without explanation- this is a serious business.'
It took a moment for Arthur to register that his father had even spoken, occupied as he was with studying Guinevere's over bright eyes and slightly swollen lips- results of their meeting in an alcove, not five minutes before- with something like pride.
Uther's words finally hit him; he swiftly changed his expression to one appropriate for a funeral and focused his newly sombre eyes on his father 'so disappearing turnips?'
(#6) The End, G
The world around him fades away and the noise of the battlefield dulls into a monotonous blur. He sees faces, worried faces, looking over him but not the one he wants to see. But eventually she comes, tears streaking down her cheeks, a watery smile upon her face as she holds his hands and tells him that he's saved them all and that it's ok to leave because she and the baby will be all right.
(#7) As Often As He Can, G
With Morgana gone, nobody has reason to smile, let alone the maidservant who loved her best. As often as he can, Arthur sends Merlin to Gwen’s aid, whether it’s to fetch some water for her or carry a basket or something else entirely, because he knows that nobody else in the kingdom has the power to distract her from her darker thoughts like Merlin does.
And as often as he can, Arthur watches them unseen, sometimes holding his breath, always vigilant, because this is the only way he knows to see her smile, to hear her laughter, to set her free of her despair for even a few precious moments.
(#8) Envy, G
Eight years ago, Gwen watched in envy as Arthur handed a flower to a girl whom he has taken fancy.
However, today, Gwen no longer feels even the slightest of envy as she holds a bouquet of flowers with Arthur standing in front of her.
"I do," she said and smiled.
__________
+Thought I'd lost you...+
(#9) Hold Me, G
Time does not exist in moments like these.
Guinevere thought her life had ended when she had heard Arthur's army had been attacked.
But now, as she was in his arms, holding her love, shaken and battered from war, she knew her life was complete again.
(#10) Weight of the World, G
Never quicker had a weight been lifted from a singular pair of shoulders without the help of any other person. All it took was a singular man - though a pair if considered with his manservant as the maid always did - walking up the cobbled street back into the castle. No matter how worn he was, or how much destruction was surrounding them, with the feel of her in his arms none of it matter any more; he was home.
(#11) History Does Not Have to Repeat Itself, PG
He paces up and down the corridor because nobody will let him in the bloody room no matter how many times he pounds on the door or how many screams of agony he hears from its other side. It’s like they’ve all forgotten how his own mother died, what it did to Uther, how he had to grow up knowing he was the reason for Igraine’s death-or maybe that’s why they insist on keeping him out so he doesn’t have to witness losing Gwen.
When the door opens, he leaps forward (when did it get so hard to breathe?) and waits, waits, waits as Merlin meets his eyes to say, “You have a very exhausted, but very strong wife and a beautiful daughter waiting to see you, Arthur.”
__________
+Lost chance.+
(#12) Until the End of the World, G
He watched from the far edge of the garden, pungent with the bouquet of all the roses and wild flowers blooming as if solely to celebrate his friends, as Gwen and Lancelot smiled happily and congratulated Merlin and Freya on their wedding day.
He should have never let her go and for what?
Although his heart crushed under the weight of regret, he told himself that with some time - and perhaps the agility and stealth of a ninja - he would win her back; whatever the cost.
(#13) Too Late, G
That was it then, he thought gloomily as he watched the young lady sweep out of the room. He should have listened to Merlin and gone earlier. How was he going to explain to Gwen that he was too late to adopt the puppy she had fallen in love with?
(#14) Curse the Moon, G
Guinevere had said to meet her at sunset, and that he had better be prompt, because she would not wait into the night once more; time waits for no man, and neither would she-- especially for a man she should not be meeting in the first place.
While Arthur felt that was not exactly fair-- that had been a misunderstanding, not his fault-- nor did he want to disappoint her again, so he threw extra effort into finishing up the hunting excursion for a visiting lord's son, which his father had insisted he lead.
When he returned to Camelot, the moon was already well into the sky, yet part of him hoped that she might have granted him leniency, as the outing was not of his choosing; still, despite the disappointment that settled into his heart, he could not blame her when he found her door locked and her windows darkened.
(#15) Dying World, PG
As the world crumbles around them, dust and fire consuming the air, Arthur reaches out from under the steal scaffolding pinning him down to the woman whose covered in grime and yet never seemed more beautiful.
Crawling on the ash covered ground that shakes violently, blinded by the chaos around her, Gwen stretches towards the faint figure in the distance; their finger tips barely make contact when the burring flash hits them ending it all.
Now they’re dust, a speck in the memory of a dying world, just another lost chance.
__________
+Groupie!Arthur meets his favourite rockchick Guinevere Leodegrance...+
(#16) I Love Rock 'n Roll, NC-17
After a long minute and several urging moans from his favorite pop star, Arthur slipped his wet fingers from inside her.
"Do you think we should, maybe go somewhere quieter, where no one can see?" he whispered into her ear.
Gwen shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know, you're doing just fine right here."
(#17) Not Another Groupie, G
Don't call him that ridiculous name 'groupie' because even though he's waited for hours in a hot stifling room of sweating bodies just to meet her after the most amazing show, he's not one, and he intends to tell her that---he thinks.
Guinevere Leodegrance, dark curls wild around her tight red rocker dress, notices someone beyone all the throngs, in the corner, coolly waiting, almost like he's expecting their meeting, making her smile with stimulated thrill.
She comes to him, straight to him, and it's the first thing out of his mouth, after regular formalities, knowing somehow, his life will never be the same, as he whispers in her ear, "Hi, I'm Arthur, and I'm not a groupie, but your rockstar other half."
__________
+Time stands still...+
(#18) Waiting, PG
His face is bloody, he's pretty sure he's broken at least one rib and the muscles in his arms burn as if on fire- but it doesn't matter, nothing matters.
He doesn't notice the battle carrying on around him, it is a blur of red and gold, blood and flames.
Time drags by too slowly as he cradles her to him, waiting for her next breath- praying that it's coming.
(#19) What Heaven Looks Like, PG
The faint sparks of life still held in his body are fading quickly now, floating up into the night sky to make new stars in the darkened blanket above.
As the last sparkle drifts from his body, taking its throne beside the moon, time disappears; all that is left is a pair of gentle brown eyes and a loving smile.
Heaven!
__________
+Lead singer Arthur dedicates a song to his muse.+
(#20) Musical Muse, G
She is so shocked that he would do this because after-all she is his tour coordinator, but just moments ago he dedicated his last song of the night to her.
He smiles quietly, having written the song explicitly for her, adding into the lyrics her love of lavender bouquets, a wacky desire for women ninjas to rule the world, and a fervent fascination for apocalyptic science fiction time traveling novels.
Guinevere is still questioning him, "Arthur?" but ceases her inquiry as the mouth that sang that really queer beautiful song finds its muse.
(#21) Putting It Out There, G
“As much as people want me to, I can’t say it’s about the music because for starters, it’s not true. It’s about honesty, about getting it out there for better or worse, and taking the chance that good will triumph, that love conquers all, that we get to ride off into the sunset with the girl because we put our heart and soul out there for her to see. So, this is me being honest, putting it out there, saying, ‘Gwen, I dedicate this to you, for seeing to the truth of me.’”
__________
+The world ended last week, and they haven't seen another soul since. But then Gwen meets/sees Arthur among the rubble of civilization...+
(#22) Hope Rises, G
As I walk through the hazy rubble, I begin to feel really alone and lost.
Then I see him, tall, strong, handsome, and looking just as scared as me.
We both stop and smile at one another, as if we are old friends, and now there is hope again.
(#23) Life, G
I'm used to it now, this hollow hole of no other existence, of being alone in this burned up world, of so many faces lost, of hands that never again will touch upon me...
"Arthur?"
It's a dream, just a dream, just a wishful dream of hope that can't be true because she can't have lived through this with me, but there she stands, among the rubble, in the middle of the apocalypse, dirtied and with tears, but she is there, alive, and my soul sings again to this one tiny, but oh so vital happiness as my bruised limbs run to meet life.
(#24) The Days Beyond, PG
For six days, the sun bathed the world in blood, and Gwen wished Merlin had been a little less effective in his magical plans to protect her, because what was the use of surviving if Arthur died with the rest of them?
On the seventh, she woke to paler light streaming around the curtains that did almost nothing at staving off the destructive winds or torrential rain, and decided no more hiding, no matter what she might find beyond Camelot’s walls.
On the morning of the eighth, after a night spent shaking amongst the ruins of the lower town, she ventured out of the cubby that reeked of death and betrayal, and saw glints flashing in the distance, unmistakably moving, climbing over rubble until the sunlight-watery but clearer as Merlin had promised it would get-reflected off tarnished armor and blond hair and a smile she’d feared she’d only ever see again in her dreams.
(#25) Here at The End of the Universe, You and I, PG
She should have known; of all the people to survive the end of the world, it would be them, broken and burned and so far from fine, but alive, as per their curse.
He was first seen standing over their graves(their graves, oh how history had memorialized the king and queen of legends; oh how wrong they had been), fingers curling around the crumbling stone, voice small and cracking with pain - she recognized it; on their second incarnation, when things had gone so wrong with Lancelot and Mordred and the world had ripped them apart, he had stood next to what would be her funeral pyre, and cried with that voice that tore her heart right out...and they hadn't seen each other since the day his heart had broken and she had watched Camelot receding in the distance for the last time.
A small part of her still hated him, but as it had always been, she still loved him with the passion that had been their downfall; and so she placed a hand on his shoulder, he froze and then his face melted and he bridged the gap, pulling her to him violently and wrapping his arms around her...and there they were, the end of the world, the origin of myths and legends, alone and in love once more.
__________
+Arthur and Gwen comfort each other as the world literally falls apart around them.+
(#26) One Circle, PG
So many knights gone, so many lives lost, and still Arthur will go on, no matter how he’s hurt, no matter what the odds. She sees him try not to limp as he goes from bed to bed, because even though he’s not their king, not yet, he acts like it, he knows they need to see him strong in the face of these disasters pulling their kingdom-his kingdom-apart. He doesn’t speak until he reaches hers, and then, only then, does he crouch down, reach out, touch bruised and battered skin as he utters, “I’m here,” before she can summon the strength to do the same, their arms joining him to her, his heart to hers, the one circle no calamity can ever destroy.
__________
+One of A/G's children turns up in Camelot.+
(#27) Inquiry, G
Arthur could only stare at the young man, trying to see it and then asked for what may been the tenth time, "Are you sure you are my future offspring that came from?"
"Yes," was the reply.
Once Arthur saw the steel fire in the his dark eyes that contrasted the calm stance, he knew it was true and he knew that Gwen had to be his mother.
(#28) Meet Your Past, Greet Your Future, G
"Who is this?" The king and queen ask the fussing sorcerer, confounded.
Merlin points back to the babe in the crib, before gesturing to the wide eyed little girl sitting upon the steps, her look anxious beyond the deep blue eyes and waves of dark hair, "Your daughter, Melora."
Gasps and the king utters some good natured ribbing at another botch-up from the sorcerer, but then he feels his wife's hand and together they go to meet their temporary visitor, for the spell is not ever-lasting, just a glimpse into the future, "Well hello there, and welcome to Camelot."
__________
+It's the Day of Dwynwen (Welsh Valentine's Day) and it is traditional for lovers to make cards and give presents.+
(#29) Of knives and cards, G
"Knives are meant to kill not cut hearts out of paper," growled Arthur after stabbing himself yet again.
***
Even though the paper looked like it was chewed into a semblance of a heart and the words on it were smudged with what looked suspiciously like blood, Gwen felt tears gather at the corner of her eyes when Arthur quite unromantically shoved it at her, all the while muttering under his breath.
His mood took a sharp turn for the better when she flung herself in her arms and showered kisses all over his face.
__________
+Rockstar!Gwen meets a fan (Arthur).+
(#30) Flower wrapper, Nc-17
"I don't normally do this", Gwen gasps, trying to keep her voice low because the other band players are due back in the lodge anytime now, and she doesn't fancy them catching her like this, with her printed skirt rocked up on her hips, her shirt rolled up over her breasts - no bra - and Arthur thrusting into her from the cradle of her glistening thighs, rolling one of her nipples between his teeth, beautiful and earnest in the bright light surrounding the cool mirror at her back that's shaking slightly from the beat of the band her group opened for.
"Me neither," Arthur huffs, letting her nipple go and looking up at her with a dazed boyish grin, as if he couldn't believe his luck, even as he shifts her weight in his hands so as to free one, and she hears paper crinkle underneath her from the wrapping of the flowers he brought her - or perhaps it's the wrapper from their condom, she can't tell - even as he thrusts back into her... then everything goes white as Arthur brings his freed hand between them and swipes his thumb over her clit, and she comes, shuddering around his girth and clamping down on him, running her painted nails wildly over his sweaty back, while distantly hearing and feeling him climax as well with a harsh breath.
Once they've caught their breath, he gently lowers her properly on the make-up desk and laces their fingers together; she's already smiling at him when he half asks, half demands, finishing their earlier lines, "But I want to do it again."
__________
+Arthur is not as stealthy as he thinks he is.+
(#31) Gravity, PG
Gwen awoke to a crash from downstairs.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she saw a drunk Arthur with his arms outstretched towards a pile of glass on the floor, "I thought my ninja skills would stop it," he whined.
"Yes, well, the ninja skills you probably don’t have are no match for gravity.”
__________
+Timing...is everything.+
(#32) Merlin, G
"Merlin?"
Merlin grinned as he noticed the two figures huddling under the blankets despite the summer heat.
"Yes?"
(#33) Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, G
Gwen's finger clicked everyone of the notes in perfect timing while Arthur, Merlin, Lance and Gwaine stared wide-eyed and slack-jawed.
Having already destroyed all their "individual best scores", now she wanted a perfect score, just to pour a little salt in each of their wounds for doubting her abilities.
She strummed the controller on the last note and tilted the guitar neck towards the ceiling, peering over her left shoulder just in time to see the boys' pained reactions.
__________
+"Here. Where I am anonymous and alone in a white room with no history and no parading. So I can make something unknown in the shape of this room. Where I am King of Corners."+
(#34) Sanctity, G
He is wearied from many battles, limbs aching from fights that seem to have no end.
It is brutal to fight your own sister out there where so much is expected, where you are perfected into some symbol that no person could ever hope to accomplish.
It is in this he falls to his knees, but then there is the sweet, the tender, the hold of her arms, and he has no name, only-sanctity.
__________
+Petals rained down on her...+
(#35) Flower Showers, PG
Descended by one vital firm hand, colors of rose, lavender and flush, a shower of resplendence, made by the human soul, his.
She lays under them, nature's naked being, feeling the precious petioles tickle her skin, as his wanting mouth descends.
Let every morning be like this, waking under a shower of flowers, opening eyes to your husband's loving breath raining down upon your lips.
__________
+Merlin casts a spell which backfires and causes Gwen to believe she is a ninja.+
(#36) Queen Ninja, G
"I will take you down and all your vile men for I am the QUEEN NINJA and this kingdom will now be ruled by women who will expect you to bow at their feet, as you will kneel before me!"
Arthur diverts the lancing machete, yelling back at the idiotic sorcerer as he dodges another swipe to his vulnerable stomach, wishing that before this spell had been created he and his wife hadn't been having a marital spat, "WHEN DID YOU SAY THIS SPELL WILL END?"
Queen Guinevere, Ninja Fighting Woman of Camelot, attempts another strike toward the king as Merlin shakes his head, knowing his answer will not please, "Uh, hopefully in a few hours, if you live that long."
__________
+That time Arthur almost drowned Merlin and Gwen had to save them both...+
(#37) In Search of a Pool, PG13 (language)
"Oh, for fuck's sake!" Gwen cries as she reaches over and shuts off the water that's already started to flood the bathroom. Merlin garbles, "He wanted a pool; made me do't," and Arthur pushes Merlin into the tub, but not before Merlin pulls him in with him. Gwen is almost tempted to leave them to their frantic flailing, but in the end rescues the two fully-grown men as she asserts that tomorrow they're throwing away all of their liquor.
__________
+That time Arthur tried to surprise Gwen with dinner, but his sudden presence scared her - and she accidentally knocked him out cold.+
(#38) In My Defense..., G
In retrospect, maybe hiding behind the curtain to catch Gwen off guard hadn't been the smartest idea what with Gwen's record with home invasions, abductions, and Merlin.
That didn't stop Arthur from whining about another one of his dinners ending in ruin as Gwen tended to the large cut on his forehead.
"Be grateful I picked up the candlestick and not the sword," she told him with an affectionate smile, not bothering to remind him that he'd gifted her with the latter item for this very situation.
(#39) Self Defense, PG
"Where the hell did you go for Ninja school?" Arthur complained as he held his head.
"Being a famous rockstar, you can get anything you want, including lessons in self defense taught by Ninja's," Guinevere responded holding an ice pack to his head.
Arthur just rolled his eyes and winced at the pain it caused, good thing she didn't use her guitar to hit him with.
__________
+That time Gwen had to choose between saving a chicken's life, or Arthur's.+
(#40) Destiny or Chicken?, G
Flames engulf the barn as Gwen holds onto a helpless chicken in her arms, the smoke fills her lungs as she makes her way to the entrance.
“GUINEVERE, help me,” Arthur shouted through the haze, his leg was trapped between a wooden beam and the floor.
Lost in the confusion, Gwen left the chicken by the door to lift the beam off Arthur’s leg.
__________
+That time Gwen told Arthur "No."+
(#41) Proving Her Worth, G
"Guinevere, you need to sleep," Arthur says, but she doesn't even look up from the parchment as she shakes her head and mumbles, "I can't."
"The world won't end if it isn't perfect, you know -- it's not a law, just a proposal; the court won't judge you."
She finally glances up and grants him a smile, but inside her heart pounds and a voice whispers, This is everything.
(#42) Regrets, G
"What if the world ended tonight, and you had not at least given it a try; would you not regret that?"
"No, Arthur, and if the world ended tonight, I would not be around to regret it, anyway."
As Gwen rolled over, Arthur sighed and eyed the odd delicacy which had cost him an arm and a leg to import; Gwaine had insisted it was popular with the visiting nobles he had met, but Arthur was not overly surprised by Guinevere's refusal-- yet, it truly had been expensive, so he might as well eat it...
...if the world ended tonight (and even if it did not), he would definitely regret having tried that.
__________
+Gwen has a secret, Arthur's flowers make her sneeze...+
(#43) Roses are red, noses are too?, G
"They were beautiful," she said, eying the red roses she stuffed in the trash can earlier.
"Hey, I'm just around the corner from your place...I could be there in five minutes," Arthur said.
Gwen slapped her forehead and told him, "Sure, see you in a bit," before hanging up and searching desperately for the vase and another box of tissues.
__________
+That time Arthur saved the world using just a Dim Sim (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dim_sim) and some dental floss (or that's the way he tells it).+
(#44) It's Okay to Remember Bigger...Just Don't Forget the Details, G
Gwen sat across from him, skeptically searching his face for the slightest hint of a tell, something to let her know for sure if this insane story about Chinese food and dental hygiene could possibly be true; but she saw nothing, except his smug, haughty grin.
"So...what kind of Dim Sim was it?" she asked and watched him, pleased, as the smile on his face disappeared and he fidgeted nervously in his seat. She couldn't help but to smirk in response.
__________
+Merlin's taken over the world with his army of Ninjas...and Gwen's about 80% sure this is about Arthur forgetting Merlin's Birthday. Arthur begs to differ.+
(#45) Of Skirts and Men, G
"Would you just please go to him and tell him you're sorry," Gwen begged him. "Arthur, for God's sake, it's a ninja army and the fate of the entire world."
"Fine, but he's still a girl's petticoat," he said after a heavy sigh.
(#46) Forgotten Birthdays and Ninja Attacks, G
"So I forgot, doesn't mean it's the end of the world."
"Apparently Merlin disagrees with that conclusion because the pointed-star throwing and sword carrying ninjas are getting closer, not further away, Arthur."
He glares, arguing that the sorcerer is just being stupid, but then as one of the pointed stars flies directly towards him, far from Guinevere, making him have to dive to avoid becoming scarred or bald, he mutters, "I'll go talk to him, but I'm telling you, it's nothing I did, just another one of his major blundering sorcery bloopers, I'm sure."
__________
+Morgana gets Zombified (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zombified).+
(#47) Feasted On Brains, PG
“You found Morgana doing what?”
Gwen looked at Arthur with both incredulity and disbelief; no one of sound mind could believe this for a minute.
A faint shudder went down his back as Arthur recalled his previous encounter, he answered Gwen, “She was eating our border guard’s brains out.”
__________
+Arthur is accidentally hit in the groin (really hard)...he's pretty sure it's the apocalypse.+
(#48) Pain is Relative, G
The body on the bed let out another moan, eyes looking pleadingly at Gwen for sympathy and hopefully, some kisses.
"Arthur, it's hardly the end of the world" sighed Gwen as she eyed the figure lying comatose on the bed, heaving out painful moans and groans with every breath.
When he melodramatically pouted and sniffed at her lack of concern, she found herself, again, sitting next to him and stroking his head affectionately.
__________
+It's just a little touch of fate...+
(#49) His Burden to Bear, PG
"What are you doing here?" Arthur hisses at Merlin after he finds him hiding out in the bushes.
"Just making sure everything works out smoothly on your date!" Merlin grins, and then adds, "Think of me as your ... guardian angel -- no, a messenger of fate!"
Muttering something about burying his manservant alive, Arthur turns to rejoin Gwen, and Merlin never admits that he still wakes up drenched in sweat, his mind consumed by images of flames licking at Gwen's skin; that it's his duty to ensure tragedy never again strikes the couple.
__________
+Arthur's a rockstar on the run from a group of ninjas sent to assassinate him.+
(#50) Pirates Vs. Ninja's, G
"This is the worst ending to a concert EVER!" Arthur excalimed as he took a sharp turn around a corner.
"I forewarned you about writing that song about how Pirates are better than Ninja's," Merlin said behind him.
"SHUT-UP MERLIN!"
(#51) The Eye of the Beholder, G
"I don't know, that last one had the most beautiful brown eyes..." Arthur said, grimacing as Merlin poked at the purple bruise on his ribcage, "...I wouldn't mind if she followed me home."
"Arthur, she's trying to kill you."
"I know that, Merlin," he paused for a beat, "but she was definitely into me."
(#52) Villain Clandestine Heroine, G
"This way."
You hear it, feel the fingers grab at your wrist, see the dark curls that frame the big luminous eyes and you forget your lunatic best friend and band manager who just happens to be a sorcerer, who just happened to send you to this insane time altering world of chasing ninjas who have made it clear, your assasination is their destiny...
You forget it as she leads you away, down a dark tunnel and into a room of the underground before she touches at your cheek, whispering, "You're cut...here."
You let everything else go in this quiet virutally lightless place she has led you to, succumbing to her caressing healing hands and shiver with awe when she answsers your question, because with such a response this apocalyptic world can get no stranger, "Don't worry that they will chase you more, for you see, I am the one who sent them, and they have served their purpose, by bringing you to me, Rockstar."
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+"All this time, we were waiting for each other. All this time I was waiting for you...." All this time by OneRepublic+
(#53) Time's Wait, G
Time has been holding for this moment as she, a young girl on her first day of work, drops her load of cleaning and stoops to pick it up, head unexpectedly colliding with the door of Prince Arthur, "Oh, ow."
He, the young prince, accustomed to being treated with bowing, but not like this, bends down to ask the inevitable question, "Who are you?"
She lifts her head, sees his eyes shift, as her stomach flutters just a bit peculiarly, "Guinevere, Gwen", and time's waiting ends.
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+2 Minutes & 20 Seconds after Gwen turns down his proposal, she changes her mind+
(#54) This Moment in Time, PG13
"Forgive me, I don't know what I was thinking; I suppose I never thought we'd find ourselves here, right now, so soon-", she pleads softly; holding his face tenderly in her hands, while his own come up to wipe the tears off her cheeks.
But he kisses her, not softly-no-, but hard and pressing, something violent and passionate and she knows her heart is no longer her own; that after tonight-tonight-she will no longer be just Guinevere, but a part of a whole named us; brutally bent over, twisted in pieces, shattered and broken and-yesyesyes-magnificent and earth-shattering.
She hears him whisper to her-wife-, but then she’s pressed against a cold wall, and his mouth is eradicating her brain, killing thought and reason, and it is she who is moaning instead, wrapped around him so tight, never to let him go.
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+“History is written by the victors.”+
(#55) To Know the Truth of History, G
As a child, Gwen never believed in fairy tales; but when Arthur pledges to love her always (his fingers caressing the back of her hands and breathless laughter following his vow), Gwen realizes that she has found happily ever after.
But Gwen never believed in fairy tales. It is only fitting that history will remember this as the beginning of a tragedy.
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+“Remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall -- think of it, ALWAYS.”+
(#56) It's Time, PG
“It’s time.”
“I’ll be back,” he whispers, and the arm around her waist tightens, the mouth at her ear as tender as the first time Arthur ever kissed her, that fated afternoon when she first believed-even if just for a moment-that anything was possible, that a prince could love a serving girl.
Though she’s known for centuries that this time would come, that Merlin’s ceaseless wandering would finally call Arthur from beyond the grave to fight back the tyranny he’s already vanquished once, she’s still not quite ready to lose him, not ready for him to resume his corporeal form and leave her, but this is what must be done-even now, especially now-and so she glances back at him, smiles, and says, “I know.”
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+“History is a set of lies agreed upon.”+
(#57) Root of All Fear, G
The lie spreads like wildfire, and the nobles are more than happy to eat it up: the new queen isn't a former serving girl but the daughter of a lord from a far-off land -- even a story as far-fetched as this is considered superior to the truth.
Arthur finds Gwen sitting in her old home, staring at everything that once defined her -- that still defines her; everything her court wants her to relinquish.
"I will always love the woman who lived here; the woman I chose to stand by my side," he whispers, and he gathers her into his arms, letting her tears soak his tunic.
(#58) The Lie's Truth, G
The friends, the family, the lover, who will soon be his wife, call him back but he escapes the room, the echo of the lie lacerating his ears to what is the truth.
He was once told this was the veracity and then it was denied, that his birth was of sorcery, and that it led to the death of his mother, for it was a bargain, a vile gamble of one life for another, of an heir in exchange for a woman he never saw with more than newborn eyes.
But now he knows it is the reality, the lie, that the man lying in the bed before him, to this room that he has fled to, who has been ill for many months, did not tell him what is honest, but what was convenient, and so now he goes to his king, his father and with bleeding lips hisses, "It was true-what Morgause said years ago, you murdered my mother, by creating me?", and with that question, he becomes king of his people, of a new rule that will abscond the ways of the father.
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+Arthur's enchanted with VERY SEVERE Paranoia; he's sure everyone's out to get him, and keeps claiming to be poisoned. This makes his actions rash in his effort to save Gwen...and maybe Merlin (if there's time) from the World.+
(#59) Pregnant Paternal Paranoia, G
"Maybe it's just a side effect of you being an expectant mother," Merlin helpfully commented to the befuddled pregnant queen as the king frantically checked underneath every piece of furniture, window sill, curtain, carpet, chess-like statue, towering time piece, flower bouqet, map of apocalypse, and uh, ninja statue.
"It's here, I know it's here, the poison, the vial of death that The Super Ninja Turtles of Doom are going to use to take down you Guinevere and you Merlin and that they already POISONED me with, but I promise, I will stop them, I WILL STRIKE THEM DOWN, HAH HAH HAH HAH, I WILL BEAT THEM!"
The queen shakes her head, pleading to the sorcerer, "Please Merlin, find a cure before he drives me as batty as he's obviously turned," and thinks with bewilderment, all of this, just because they're expecting their first child?
(#60) Aliens, G
"Shhh, I know they're somewhere here, just waiting for us to make one wrong move," Arthur turns to look at Gwen, nodding grimly at the aluminium hat he had forced her to wear (by practically wrestling her to the ground).
They haven't slept in their own beds for two nights, eaten nothing but dry bread and water and Arthur hasn't left Gwen's side since he decided that he had been poisoned and the apocalypse was upon them, thanks to a group of ninja aliens who were planning to destroy the world.
He cups her face suddenly, looking earnestly into her eyes as he whispers, "I will save you and Merlin from them if it is the last thing I do so don't worry," not realising that her existence isn't exactly what she is worrying about at the moment.
__________
+The neatest of freaks, Arthur, meets his girlfriend's childhood friend a messy Merlin, Gwen must avert World War III.+
(#61) Why you should never ask Merlin to house-sit, G
"There's a sock on my table," bites out Arthur as he surveys his once-pristine room, his fists clenched at his side so he wouldn't hit the skinny, dark-haired mess Gwen called her friend.
"Yeah, there's a great explanation for it - you see what happened was a group of, uh, ninjas dropped by and I, being the brave and noble soul, just couldn't run away without ..."
"I think you should leave now Merlin while you still can," Gwen's smile doesn't reach her eyes as she shoves him out of the house, all the while wondering if a good shag and a nice cup of tea would take the edge off Arthur's anger.
__________
+The first time Arthur thinks that Gwen might be more than his sister's serving girl.+
(#62) Sprouting, PG
Guinevere was bending down, picking up a flower she had dropped from the bouquet she was arranging, and a curl fell loose from its pin to caress her cheek as she glanced up at him.
Fourteen-year-old Arthur could see straight down her dress; when had those happened?
It took him a minute to drag his eyes up to see the lovely smile she was giving him; after returning a dazed version of it with a nod, he wandered away, sternly reminding himself that she was Morgana's maidservant, and thus very, very off-limits.
(#63) We All Wear Masks (But That's Taking It Rather Far), G
Arthur peered around the screen when he was sure she would not notice him, stunned at what he was seeing.
Guinevere was pulling on a mask that covered up almost her entire head and face, the crowning piece of an entirely black suit.
As she cartwheeled out of the room, he sat back in shock; that was definitely NOT normal behavior for a servant-- even one of Morgana's.
__________
+Arthur wears sunglasses at night, naturally, so that he can...?+
(#64) Acquiesce, PG
Gwen could feel him watching her from behind his darkened shades, peeling away at every layer of her clothes and trailing his eyes down and over every curve of her skin, even signaling his approval every time he would slowly lick his pouting lips.
It made her nervous and she wondered if that was why she kept crossing and uncrossing her legs or was it that she knew he enjoyed seeing her do it?
Whatever the case, at present, she was at his mercy.
__________
+Merlin thinks it's the end of the world because he sees Arthur bargaining in the streets of Camelot.+
(#65) Haggle trouble, G
"Gwen is it me or is the world coming to an end?" Merlin whispered to Gwen while they try to remain hidden from a very flustered Arthur.
"Prince or not, it's my final price," they heard the merchant selling the flower bouquets say as he crossed his arms to show the firmness of his decision.
"I don't think he'll make a very good farmer nor will he make a good househusband," both Merlin and Gwen tried to stifle a giggle.
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+Arthur and Gwen like to role play.+
(#66) We'll Make More Time, Nc-17
She has one foot over his back, he has both palms pressed against the floor; they both imagine that the calluses on Gwen's soles are actually on his, that Arthur's hands are soft and pale like the soft collar around his neck.
Her spine is arched in an eloquent bow, her lush lips parted like a blessing and his leash pulled tight, while his jaw presses against her core, licks and lick and licks; for this instant, Guinevere is the sovereign to Arthur's everything, and they can both forget about the world because the world doesn't know them, not like this, not like this yet, or never like this.
When she'd done, she cups his face, kisses his mouth, says thanks, asks if that was alright, and the illusion dissolves with each word even as he thanks her too and kisses her back; Gwen's feet are roughened by crude shoes and Arthur's hands have bumps around the shape of swords, but he smiles because that is all only for the time being.
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+BB!Arthur tries to be a Ninja to impress BB!Gwen+
(#67) Knight in Shining...Black?, G
There was the sound of a small throat clearing behind Gwen; sighing, the petite eight year old turned from her best friend's struggles with his dress to the small black-covered person behind her, his fist held out, clenching a small bouquet of flowers that someone had obviously worked very hard on.
Smiling politely, Gwen did her best imitation of a courtier's bow, trying to figure out who it was behind the black mask as she accepted the flowers from her admirer, and then turned back to Leon, who was still struggling with the yellow dress that was far too large for either of them; "Gweeeenn," he moaned, "Why do I have to wear the dress?"
"Because, it fits you better," she said before arranging her new gift carefully in a strip of paper...and then she looked up to see why her friend had become so silent, only to find him laid flat on the ground, her ninja-admirer standing firmly in the middle of his back, words tumbling out of his little mouth; "Don't say that to Gwen!" he said, "She's a lady, and you'll do what she says," and then he pulled on Leon's hair, and he yelped in surprise before muttering a quite apology - as soon as he was done, Gwen's ninja hopped off his back, waved shyly at the stunned Gwen, and ran off up the hill towards the castle.
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+Merlin becomes a Rockstar and it scares both Arthur and Gwen.+
(#68) WHO Invades Camelot, G
"DUH DUH DUH....RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAA...DUH DUH DUH DUH DUH YEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH-ROCK ON APOCALYPTIC DUDES-ROCK ON NINJA FLOWER WEAVING DUDETTES, ALL OF YOU ROCK ON TO THE BOUNTIFUL BOUQUET OF ME AND MY ELECTRIC TUNES!"
The king and queen horrifiedly cling to each other as the terror continues, Merlin, their friend and sorcerer, uncle to their children, has now in some evil way of sorcery turned into the most vile enemy they have ever seen, with burning guitar and all, A ROCKSTAR, and from some thing called a band by the name of THE WHO.
They wonder what can this mysterious name mean and why the who, or does it mean the what, or could it be the how, or maybe it's about the WHEN-oh how they don't know but hope this Rocking Roaring Terrifying EVIL FIEND will depart so their dear and sometimes idiotic, fun loving humble friend-can come back---oh how they HOPE.
(#69) Priorities, PG
"He has groupies," Gwen whispered, clinging fearfully to her boyfriend as she watched Merlin sign autographs for a group of teenage girls, one of whom had tattooed the rock star's face to her chest.
"Gwen, he's wearing leather," Arthur reminded her, his tone equal to hers. "I think we have bigger things to worry about right now."
__________
+Arthur smells bad and Gwen's not sure what to say.+
(#70) Rethinking Equality, G
Arthur reeked. Gwen smiled up at his adoring face, holding her breath and hiding her retching when he insisted on giving her a hug.
She always thought it would be a noble gesture for a prince, her prince, to offer his servant relief from mucking out his horses, but right now she can only pray that Merlin was somewhere fixing his master a bath.
__________
+Gwen's first Album beats 'Arthur and the Knights' album for #1 on the National Charts. On LIVE TV.+
(#71) The Truth Hurts, PG
"Gwen you're hit single Lavender Dreams just hit number #1 on the National Charts, beating Arthur and the Knights latest single Battle Cry, how does that make you feel?"
Arthur just stared at the TV in complete and utter shock with his jaw dropped.
Arthur turned off the TV vowing that Gwen wasn't getting any tonight.
__________
+Trashed hotel rooms.+
(#72) Shenanigans, NC-17
“Camelot’s front-man, Arthur Pendragon was just seen--” they both ignore the anchorwoman on the huge-ass flat screen, partially covered by the misshapened pieces of clothing.
“You’re crushing my flowers,” Gwen mutters as on of her legs is lifted over a wide shoulder, her knickers long gone-she can’t complain; three fingers are shoved inside her and a thumb works furiously over her clit, and she can’t help but keen and moan and die as she tries to find purchase, grabbing onto the curtains and yanking them off the racks-fuuuuuuuuuck!
She’s still limp and dizzy from her orgasm, when she’s suddenly turned around and pushed up against the vanity, his strong arm swiping the surface clean of telephone, papers, bottles-holding her leg over the table to stretch her out as he enters her from behind, his hands digging into her hips, holding her still as the room is filled with the ever-increasing sounds of a very, very mind-numbing fuck.
__________
+"She had always wanted words, she loved them; grew up on them. Words gave her clarity, brought reason, shape."+
(#73) A Different Kind of Magic, G
Gwen had always enjoyed the stories her mother told her as a child; fairytales, really, that had captured her imagination and showed her the beauty of words.
The words were the magic, open doors to things you can't express any other way; they defined everything in life, from the first crush she'd ever had on the boy from across the field at her first harvest celebration to the internal turmoil she felt after her mother was gone.
But now the girl who loved these words (exotic ones and ordinary names) was faced with the boy who knew how to say just one thing and she'd forget all other words but I love you - "Guinevere."
__________
+"They exist solely to bring about the world's destruction. And we've not seen the last of them. More will follow." - Rupert Giles+
(#74) Just Because You Defeat One, More Will Follow, PG
Huddled closer to Arthur, Gwen shivered as Merlin’s voice echoed in her head, “There are many other threats besides Morgana and Morgause to threaten Camelot.
Arthur wrapped his arm even tighter around Gwen’s waist, with assurance, he spoke, “Well, we’ll be ready for them when they do,” as he gently kissed Gwen on the forehead.
With a rallied cheer, Arthur led his knights out to the field in victory.
__________
+"We're like the worlds gayest ninjas..." -- George Sands+
(#75) Dressing To Impress, G
“You have got to be joking,” Merlin exclaimed as he exited the dressing room to gage Gwen and Arthur’s reactions to his costume.
Dressed up like the blue power ranger, Merlin pouted as Gwen, dressed as the yellow ranger, zipped up Merlin’s skin tight catsuit.
In his best efforts not to laugh, Arthur snorted and ignored the daggers Merlin shot his way, “Maybe we should take you to that gay bar down the street instead.”
__________
+“There is no such thing as an omen. Destiny does not send us heralds. She is too wise or too cruel for that.”+
(#76) To Each Their Own, G
As a young girl, Gwen was taught that your life is in your hands, and no one could tell you what that life would be in the future.
To trust in Arthur’s good nature and gentle spirit, her heart told her that no prophecy foretold of old could come between her and the man she sees before her now.
Love is the strongest bond one can make in this world, and we should not ruin it.
--END OF ANON ENTRIES--
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THE MOD ENTRIES POST - the MEs were put in their own post because they wouldn't fit - LJ was very adamant. ...Or screwing with me.
If you have the energy, pop over there and pick the BEST MOD ENTRY (ie 'People's Choice') - go on, give one of us something to brag about :D
If you have no energy after that marathon voting you just accomplished here, I understand.
I really can't thank you guys enough for voting - making this post was...harder than I thought, and you voting makes it worth it doesn't it?
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We have 9 lovely Votes so far, and I made a Masterlist just in the hope it would encourage more people to vote. The ficlets are listed, separated into Genre (or my opinion of which Genre they suit) and have a tiny summary/teaser to go with them.
Currently, we're tied for 2nd/3rd, Best Laugh (2 way tie), & Best Crack (2 way tie). If they don't get worked out, we'll do a poll for each. (A tiny poll where all you'll have to do is click a radio button to choose.)