Warning: Tentacles

Have you guys been following merlin_art_fest??? Cause it’s fabulous. Master list is HERE. And here’s a bunch of recs:

this hole where you and i will sing by anon @ merlin_art_fest [Arthur/Merlin, WS]
Warnings: Implied character death
Summary: OP requested fanart for the ending scene of this hole where you and i will sing, a gorgeous and heartbreaking A/M fic. I thought I couldn't possibly pack so much emotion into one illustration, so I tried my hand at a comic :) If you haven't yet, please read the fic first because the comic won't make much sense by itself. Hope you like it, OP! And I hope the fic author de-anons too, because it was seriously the most moving fic I'd ever read. ;_;
[Maggie's note: I haven’t read the fic because ANGST!! but the art is gorgeous]

Verbum sat sapienti & Libertas parta by anon @ merlin_art_fest [Arthur/Merlin, WS]
Summary:It was a remarkable tale. Emrys Ambrosius, sentenced to the arena as damnati ad gladium, miraculously defeated three would-be dispatchers. After the pollice verso, he was made a proper gladiator and has been the crowd's (and the god's) favourite ever since. But this?! What started off simply as wish of good luck from one warrior to another ended up in a philosophical debate. And, mehercule, it was inconceivable that Artorius Caputo Draccus, son of the Caesar and as such, Imperator Destinatus, Legatus legionis, Primi Ordines of the Legio quarta, Centurio of the Legio quinta, had just lost a battle of wits to this fatuus!

Love and Magic by anon @ merlin_art_fest [Arthur/Merlin, NSFW]
Summary: Some outdoor magic sex... and voyeur butterflies!

Love, Once and Future by anon @ merlin_art_fest [Arthur/Merlin, WS]
Summary: Love is eternal.

Arthur Arisen by anon @ merlin_art_fest [Arthur/Merlin, WS]
Summary:Merlin had sworn to serve his King until the day he dies... and so the immortal sorcerer waited. Over a thousand years pass, feeling like an eternity, before... at last... Arthur returns from Avalon.


Sleep well, my king. One day you'll rise again. by anon @ merlin_art_fest [Arthur/Merlin, WS]
Summary: ne day the Once and Future King will rise again but now it's time to say goodbye... That night Merlin saw a sign that made him sure the prophecy will be fulfilled - he's not afraid to say goodbye anymore

Gentleman by anon @ merlin_art_fest [Arthur/Merlin, WS]
Summary: Merlin and Arthur Victorian Style

Healing Gwaine by anon @ merlin_art_fest [Gwaine/Merlin, NSFW]
Summary: Gwaine doesn't die but is severely physically and emotionally wounded. Merlin patiently restores him back to health and heals himself too (and of course finds love) in the process.

That Which Makes It Whole. by anon @ merlin_art_fest [Arthur/Merlin, WS]
Summary: Post-reveal Arthur & Merlin, fighting on back to back.

At Bletchley Park by anon @ merlin_art_fest [Arthur/Merlin, WS]
Summary: Arthur is an intelligence officer at Bletchley Park, stationed there after being invalidated from active service due to an injury. He teaches new entrants at the Inter-Service Intelligence School, and he's immediately captivated by one of the newly recruited cryptanalysts, Merlin, a mathematics professor from Cambridge.

The Long Way (Little Lionheart Remix) by anon @ camelotremix
Merlin/Arthur, Merlin/Mordred (minor) | 9k | Nc-17
Summary: Arthur and Merlin were on the verge of a magically kinky love affair--if only Merlin had known it. One misstep and Merlin must find a way back to what he should have had with Arthur.

This is a remix of I Would Find a Way by marguerite_26 (ie: my merlin_holidays 2012 fic for Amph). So, yes, remix of my fic, so my love of this is biased. Biased as the day is long. That doesn’t make it not perfectly valid, because this remix is amazing. Joining remix I thought maybe this fic might be chosen and a sex-ilogue written (the fic was crying out for it). But this, I hadn’t even considered this. The original was about an older version of Merlin travelling through time to fix a past mistake. That story was from the young Merlin’s pov, and how he was able to open his mind and make the changes needed. This is tale told from older version of Merlin living through that 'big mistake'. And it’s more heartwrenching, more romantic, more engaging than the original. What I love about this remix is that it takes one aspect of the story (something the original mentioned, but gave few details of) and explored it fully. While telling it’s own story, it helped the reader understand the motivations of Arthur’s actions mentioned in the original story. And it did so beautifully. While I fully believe that this fic stands on it’s own and there is no need to read the original, I think the story of the original is far more complete with the existence of this remix.

[FIC and ART]
Little Steps (The "It Started Out Like This..." Remix) by anon @ camelotremix
Bradley/Colin | 2k | PG-13 [with naked-chested art]
Summary: Colin's an enigma, until he isn't. Bradley figures it out in steps.

This is a remix of giselleslash’s completely adorable It Started Out Like This…. It feels like I haven’t read B/C in ages, and this was so, so delightful. I miss these two terribly. Loved this sweet story, and the fanart... Colin, sitting naked at a piano. This fanart is just stunning and a perfect compliment to both fics. So happy making. :D

[ART]
The Last Dragonlord by deducemysoul [Merlin/Arthur, PG]

[FIC]
Give Me Just A Taste by cait_roswen
Merlin/Arthur | 5k | NC-17
Summary: Dublin, 1950s. Arthur is a boxer. Merlin writes for a crummy little journal. He likes to watch Arthur fight and take him out to bars afterwards. It might be forbidden but it’s just too fucking good.

I saw this fic recced on tumblr with a cool gif set that I totally couldn't resist. The fic warns for Internalized homophobia and in the author's own words is a 'cesspool of angst'. so, yeah. It wasn't an easy read. I'm not exactly a fan of homophobia in fics, whether internalized or showcasing societies homophobia or bullying with homophobia elements... it's just a bit too much reality mixed with my fantasy. BUT this fic is well written and while full full of angst (the hiding and fear is so painful to read) there is also so much adoration between Merlin and Arthur that it's also beautiful. And the sex is incredibly hot.

Also reccing this rec list: Arthur/Merlin: the Slave Edition by cabbageheardrecs

[ART]
Once Upon A Dream by corkart Merlin/Arthur

[FIC]
Nine Weddings and a Funeral by giselleslash
Merlin/Arthur | 11k | Nc-17
Merlin and Arthur keep meeting at a series of weddings.

Merlin and Arthur share a circle of friends who are all in 'marrying fever'. Good thing they found the best way to entertain themselves during those long, boring weddings: trying to get into each others pants. Funny, silly, fluffy and hot. This is such a great, fun read. *happy sigh*

[ART]
I thought you were going for a hug by andlatitude

[FIC]
I've Built My Dreams Around You by Ceebee
Merlin/Arthur [Nc-17] (11k)
Summary: “Fuck that,” Arthur gasped, the chill from Merlin’s touch zinging through his body like electricity, and decided in that moment that if he was going to find out Merlin’s vocal range then he didn’t have the self-restraint to be professional about it.

yum! age disparity! Merlin is student at the school where Arthur teaches. I was surprised as I started reading and discovered this is an est. relationship fic which is very rare for age disparity because a lot of the awesome tension of getting together and overcoming the ~wrongness is what interests people in age disparity fic. But this one has the pleasure of both (we discover the pre-relationship struggles through flashbacks) but also benefit from the est. relationship to get to the story rarely told (how to make a relationship like this actually WORK). Beyond all that you have Arthur as a choir director and Merlin with a mysterious backstory about why Arthur’s never heard Merlin sing. It all works into a lovely read.

thx to sapphirescribe for the rec. ALSO. She's is collecting a Multifandom Age Gap Rec List.

Frankly, I don't even know where to start... *eyes all my rec lists* *eyes to-do list*

BUT! If you are interested in adding to her list (there's an easy form to fill out!)

HP FOLKS -- Here's a handy link to stuff you might have read and liked:
Next Gen Rec List - Cross Gen (2011)
Next Gen Rec List - Cross Gen(2009)
My Harry/Scorpius Recs Tag
The Crack_broom Next Gen Cross Gen tag

There is so much gorgeous art floating around tumblr that I hardly know what to rec here. But this in particular is just stunning. And D: I can't figure out if the artist's name is listed anywhere? but their work is amazing. The artist's name is Elna. :)


Paint the World Orange and Blue by ingberry
Merlin/Arthur [Nc-17] (17k)
Summary: Armed with pen, paper and mugs of tea, Merlin created a relatively successful series of graphic novels. Armed with determination, sarcasm and more tea, he signs a deal with Pendragon Pictures to turn his first novel into a film. Merlin's relationship with Arthur Pendragon starts with TWO (2) slammed doors and ONE (1) severely bruised ego, but that's not at all how it ends.

This is such a lovely romance. I love the premise behind it, Merlin having created something amazing and dear to him and now needing to give up some level of control over his work and let someone else (Arthur) bring it to life. Sweet and beautifully written.

ALSO! camelotremix sign ups are open. I think there's three more days to sign up. I'm very tempted, but still undecided.

Two Bradley/Colin recs for you:

Gold in the Shadows by xfortytwo [NC-17] (12k)
Summary: Bradley and Colin get stranded in France for a night and somehow it changes everything. Or, well, maybe it doesn't change everything so much as it brings out what's been there all along. In fact, nothing much changes at all except Colin stops pretending that anyone else can ever be as important as Bradley.

Awe, Bradley here is so sweet and obvious and Colin is so oblivious. It begins with them being lost together in France for what could be a romantic time, but ruined plans can be make it too frustrating to enjoy the moment (I sympathize with Colin here). Their personalities were perfectly opposite in dealing with the situation. I really enjoyed Colin’s POV in this fic, he was frustrated, hurt and really at a loss to understand why Bradley was acting as he was both in France and after. It was delightfully awkward to read them interact and watch Colin just not get it. Very sweet, romantic fic.

With graphics that work so seemlessly into the fic they really bring so many moments to life. (by aarins_rou)


The Waiting That Happens in the Space Between by nympha_alba [R] (11k)
Summary: There had been a time when Merlin and Arthur were teenagers and the actors who played them were still trying to figure each other out. There had been a time when they had been inseparable. But all that was long ago, and when Merlin wraps, Colin finds himself waiting for something that may never happen.

With S5 coming to an end, this is exactly the sort of fic I was itching to read. What happens when it’s all over? There has got to be regret and excitement and confusion and nostalgia there. This fic has all of that in spades. It’s a post-breakup fic (in which Bradley and Colin had a ~thing in S1/S2) but now that Merlin is done everything is raw all over again. Colin’s ache in this made me hurt so good. So well done.

With stunning stunning stunning art by mushroomtale

Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes. As always, my friends that live in my computer make my birthday unbelievably fantastic and save me from ever being sadfaced about my birthday. I'm sorry if I haven't replied to your comment/pm/email. This weekend ended up super busy with surprise visit from my sister! \o/ But I love you guys and will be replying asap.

In the meantime:

CLICK ON THIS ART!!!! OMG! FLAILS!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY marguerite_26 !!!!!! by amphigoury (LOL - is that the official title, amph????)
Rating: R, NSFW
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Actual contents: BDSM, Bondage (Tendrils of Magic), Sensory Deprivation (Blindfold), Dom!Merlin, Sub!Arthur
Interpretive contents: Non-Con, Dark!Merlin, Breath play, Magic!Tentacle sex

Everything I love in one pretty, pretty package. ♥_♥

Yesterday’s Merlin awesomeness was fun wasn’t it? I figured in honour of it, I should do a couple recs:

Some Art recs:

Merlin Arthur winter scene by ~Star-Jem

MERLIN AND ARTHUR 02 in forest by ~DYKC

Merlin and Arthur by ~Nevheera

moonlight by ~PabutteGO

Fatherhood by ~lunatoic

Merlin and Arthur by ~MoritoAkira

Morning by ~barbitone [possibly NSFW]

And Fic recs:
For Your Information by anon @ KMM Merlin/Arthur, Uther [R] (~5k)
Warnings: bigotry and homophobia
Summary: [mine] After Arthur comes out, Uther tackles his lack of knowledge head on -- by getting Gaius’ nephew to teach him all he needs to know about homosexuality.

This fic is crazy funny. I was laughing out loud so often I was covering my mouth to not wake up my household. Uther in this fic is the best because he’d a perfect mixture of great characterisation, undeniable love for his son, and completely outrageous (and yet oddly believable) attempts to accept the gay lifestyle. He steals the show for sure, but Merlin and Arthur are no less delightful, so this fic is a win all around.

Thistledown by Violette_Royale Merlin/Arthur (90k) [NC-17, genderswap]
Summary: South-west England, 1140. Sixteen-year old Merlin is a novice nun. One day, she finds a wounded knight, and offers to hide him from his enemies. When she falls to temptation and shares a bed with him, the consequences are more far-reaching than she could ever have imagined, changing her life for ever.

I was tracking this devotedly on KMM until about halfway and it got to the point that the thread was impossible to read on my tablet. original mention of it here, back in July It’s now complete, cleaned up and posted on A03. The fic an epic adventure and beautifully told. Maybe not everyone cuppa, but it's totally mine. ;) You can tell the author is very devoted to the storytelling and in making girl!Merlin (and everyone else involved in this tale) a fascinating character. Thoroughly enjoyable historical AU with a ridiculous amount of hot sex.

Should My Sword Fall From My Hand by nympha_alba Merlin/Arthur. Mention of Arthur/Gwen, Merlin/Freya, Leon/Morgana [NC-17] (30k)
Warnings: Angst, minor character death, major character death (temporary/reincarnation), non-linear time line
Summary: When King Arthur is hit by a vicious curse, the only one who can save him is Merlin - at the cost of revealing his magic. In London in 2012, Merlin - who has repressed his magic all his life - is called in to help when his workmate Arthur is in a coma. The two worlds are not as separate as they seem, and one lifetime might not be enough for Arthur and Merlin to find just how closely entwined their destinies were meant to be.

This is a fascinating piece in which we are give two parallel threads of the same story and we get to watch them intertwine before our eyes, toggling back and forth in both the joy and heartache of modern day and before until the story finds it's proper conclusion. Painful at times, but such a beautiful reincarnation story.

amythystluna's art is simply stunning>. (especially the door!!!! I love the door!)