Warning: Tentacles

I don't think life gets any better than an octopus humping a wedding cake (x)

in other news... it's cold as hell here atm. brrrrr.

in other other news, I got my camelotremix assignment. IT'S AWESOME!!! *rolls up sleeves* time to get to work.

it other other other news: MERLIN REC!

The Shoemaker by fleete Freya/Gwen, Merlin/Arthur [NC-17, warnings] (23k)
Summary: Historical magical AU. In turn-of-the-century Glastonbury, Freya Lake is the headmistress of an orphanage for magical children. And despite all the seers’ dire warnings, Freya is happy; her infatuation with the shoemaker’s apprentice—who may or may not be a girl underneath his shirt and trousers—is slowly coming to a head. But then a woman claiming to be Morgan Le Fay shows up on the orphanage steps, demanding to see Emrys, and Freya is forced to rearrange her priorities.

I have so much to say about this fic that I don’t even know where to start. First the pairing. Not a pairing many of us are screaming for or really ever considered. Ever. In fact it’s currently the only fic on AO3 with that pairing and I’m sure none of you are surprised about that. So I won’t say: look at that pairing!!! GO READ. There is an element of Merlin/Arthur (which is beautiful) but it’s not the focus of the story so I won’t pretend it is. Instead I will say that this author is an incredible storyteller, that the writing is gorgeous and the premise of this is so original and fascinating that watching the story unfold was breathtaking. On the topic of the warnings, while ‘freya and gwen getting together’ is NOT the focus of the story, their friendship and love add an incredible depth to this fic. Gwen is female who identifies as male (which is never at all a ‘gotcha’ for Freya, who knows there is something ~different about the shoemaker, and loves him anyway). That aspect of the story is really wonderfully done and the sex is sizzling hot. Despite the fact that I was reading for the tale and not that pairing, I absolutely fell in love with those two. Basically: OMG GO READ. YOU WONT REGRET IT.

ART:

Diamonds by mushroomtale Merlin, Aithusa [G]
No tearful reunion with Merthur and their baby? by lilybells [G] Merlin, Aithusa
I really thought this was gonna happen during that scene. by lilybells [G] Merlin, Arthur, Mordred
Mordred's Mysterious Gazes by leochi [G] Mordred

FIC:

The Love Between Us by planejane Merlin/Mordred [NC-17] (1.8k)
Summary: Mordred’s words echo in Merlin’s head, depriving him of sleep.

A short continuation from 5.2 with a confrontation between Merlin and Mordred that ends with a bit of hot, angry, very non-romantic sex.

As an aside: I was struck by how much Merlin’s refusal to rust Mordred in this fic reminded me of his refusal to be honest with Morgana in S2. It almost felt like Merlin pushing Mordred away is what sets Mordred on the path to betraying Arthur. I’m curious if that is what will happen. In which case it’s actually Merlin who is Arthur’s bane. /random thoughts

All Bets Are Off by magnolia822 Merlin/Arthur, various other pairings [NC-17] (22k)
Merlin has been in a series of failed relationships since uni, and Arthur has been a slag for just as long. After Merlin's most recent breakup, Arthur bets he can stay in a relationship longer than Merlin can stay single. Neither of them suspects their little bet will backfire so spectacularly—or open up so many possibilities.

This was a WIP that was completed this week and it’s charming. It’s got some great humour and lovely banter between Merlin and Arthur. Also plenty of ust and misunderstanding and an astounding amount of sex (including one night stands between Merlin/Gwaine, Merlin/Percival). It was a delicious read.

I am so excited about tonight’s ep. The preview has me all squirmy and staring at the clock. About 12hrs until I can watch it. TIME GO FASTER.

Happy Platypus Day!!!

what? anyway...

REC....
Size Isn't Everything (Except When It Is) by leashy_bebes Gwaine/Percival [Nc-17] (6k)
Content Notes: Set just post-S3. Size kink, really ridiculous levels of stamina, snowballing, spanking, orgasm denial, felching, blink-and-you'll-miss-it breathplay, talk of but no actual: gangbang, bondage. Did I mention the really ridiculous stamina?
Summary: Gwaine is bored and likes a challenge. Percival is definitely a challenge. (Pft, ignore this. Shameless PWP.)

Not a pairing I've ever read before... or really even thought of? But size kink! so I was all over this. and it delivered on so many levels... i can't even. This Percival is ... [keyboard smash] ... I want to take him home and handcuff him to my bed. This fic is hot like burning no matter who you ship or what fandom you are in.

also:



Prompting Open!

merlinreversebb Recs:
[ART]
I haven’t had a chance to read many of the fics in this fest, but the art... ah, man. The art has been really stunning. I don’t even know where to begin reccing the art other than to say, go through the entire fest and click everything.
[FIC]
Turning Page by mightypretty Arthur/Merlin [NC-17] (25k)
Summary: When Merlin, best loved singer/songwriter in the UK, tragically loses his parents in a car accident his life is turned upside down. Depressed and alone he's ready to give up and leave it all behind, but then he hears a voice.

This fic has warnings for: Mentions of depression, self-harm and suicide. The fic begins with Merlin already deep in depression over the death of his parents. I find grief hard to read, and this was no exception. There was no quick fix for Merlin’s issues, but healing does come with the help of Arthur – who has his own painful past to deal with. It was a beautiful story, heartbreaking but a good journey through it all and it left me happy and not wrung out. This fic was inspired by the beautiful graphic by sallyna_smile

[VID]
Art Prompt Title: # 2001 by mangacat201
Characters/Pairings:Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, light Arthur/Merlin
Summary: Morgana discovers Merlin's magic in a dream and, in revealing him, changes the course for Camelot.

merlin_games recs:
Note about my merlin_games reccing: I am entirely neutral in the competition aspect of this fest. All the anon entries of this fest are anon to me as well. I was not involved in modding, writing, betaing or cheerleading any of the entries, if that matters to anyone reading.

[ART]
Masquerade Ball anon @ merlin_games [Team Canon] Arthur/Merlin [WS]
Summary: Merlin needs something to wear to a masquerade ball. Gaius finds him a costume that Balinor once wore to a ball when he was still a member of Uther's Court.

Memorable Mustang by anon @ merlin_games [Team Modern AU] Gwaine/Merlin [WS]
Summary: A comic page without words - Merlin and Gwaine's first date starts off poorly, but in the end they seem don't care.


[FIC]
Knowing by anon @ merlin_games [Team Modern AU] Arthur/Merlin [Nc-17] (3.7k)
Summary: Merlin's had a funny feeling for weeks now. He's about to find out why.

I really enjoyed this little adventure with Merlin the thief, and his role slowly being revealed together with the mystery of Merlin’s magic acting up. Also a nice splash of porn (voyeurism and loo sex! Two of my favourite things) to make the whole thing delish.

The Seventh by anon @ merlin_games [Team Historical] Percival/Merlin [PG] (4.5k)
Summary: Nobody ever knew how Percival felt about Merlin. But he made sure to show the sheriff in whatever ways he could.

A nice period piece, set in the old west. The fic is a character study of both Merlin and Percival far more than a fic that follows a plot. The author did a great job drawing both, but Percival especially so not only did he feel very real (more real than we get from canon, even) but also using the time period and setting as a way to understand the characters and the complexity of their feelings.

The Spirit of Familiarity by anon @ merlin_games [Team Reincarnation] Arthur/Merlin [G] (5.8k)
Summary: In each of his incarnations Merlin has magic but untamed magic requires guidance and in Merlin's case that comes in the form of a more than Familiar Spirit.

Reincarnation fics never fail to break my heart. They are full of hope, naturally because there is always a second chance, yet it’s still hard ‘living through’ the ache of lives gone by. That said, I really liked this interesting look at Merlin and Arthur finding their way to each other time and again in so many different situations, both the form that they took and they reason for their lives.

Disclaimer on Merlin Holidays recs: I’m a mod, which means while the author is anon to you, they are not to me. If that’s a concern for you, feel free to scroll on past. A list of other reccers provided below. Also my reading order is not the same as the posting order. So while i plan to read every fic, I haven’t necessarily read all the fics posted so far even though I have read many that haven't been posted.

[ART]
Sketch Merlin X Arthur kisses by ~woshibbdou

Merlin 14 by *MisterKay

The Light of Dawn by amythystluna Merlin/Arthur [R]

Dance Down to Nothing by arithilim Merlin/Arthur [PG]


[FIC]
The Blessing by corilannam Merlin/unicorn, implied Merlin/Arthur [NC-17] (4k)
Summary: Set immediately after episode 1.11. The unicorn has come back to life, but it still wants something from Merlin.

This was written for Kinkspiration Round 1, so warning: bestiality (human/unicorn sexual activity). To which I say: \o/ BRING IT ON. And this delivers. Very naughty and wrong and so delicious.

Stranded by fluffssnowflake Arthur/Merlin [R] (5.6k)
Summary: When Merlin and Arthur find themselves in a tight spot, they get help from an unexpected source.

Well... i pretty much love everything about this fic and would have loved to read a 100k of it, but I think the author did an excellent job of making it work perfectly in 5k (I just need to keep re-reading it, is all). The premise is that an older Arthur from the future comes back to help out when he's needed, and not only does he eradicate the evil beasties, but he gives younger!Merlin hope and a glimpse of the future that is more precious that anything Excalibur can do.

The Very Important Quest by angstslashhope Arthur/Merlin [NC-17] (25k)
Summary: On a Very Important Quest, Arthur and Merlin share clothes, beds, bathwater and secrets.

First: there is a warning for gore here – which is due to animals eating other animals. That bit is easily skimable. I really loved the banter in this fic, the dynamic between Merlin and Arthur, the way they look after each other. Lovely quest fic.

Until Morning Light by myashke Arthur/Merlin [NC-17] (9k)
Summary: The citadel is coldest during Midwinter vigil, but warmth comes in many forms on that magical night.

This is a gentle, warm fic that made me smile the whole way through. I adore the atmosphere of the Midwinter vigil and ritual of it all, as well as the quiet friendship between both Merlin and Arthur.

On Pins and Needles (In the Company of Wolves) by coffeemugged Uther/Merlin [NC-17] (17k)
Summary: Sometimes, the fairy tale heroine isn't just a cutout victim waiting for her saviour, but the agent of her own fate. Merlin thinks so, anyway, as he tries his best to woo a beast of his own - his English Lit teacher - Mr Pendragon.

This fic comes with warnings for: D/s, student-teacher relationship, age disparity (Merlin is 16), BDSM.... which basically reads like all my favourite kinks. What I liked most about this fic was Merlin’s self-awareness. He knows he’s a sub, and knows he responds to Uther’s Dom characteristics and he loves to push the Dom in Uther to the forefront, even if he’s a bit clumsy at it. IDEK... but that just hits all my buttons.

Same River Twice by kianspo Arthur/Merlin [PG-13] (22k)
Summary: Modern royal AU. When Arthur, the Prince of Wales, was seventeen, he had made a mistake that is still haunting him. Eight years later, can he finally make it right?

This fic? HEARTS IN MY EYES the whole time. A fantastic, quick read that immediately became one of my favourite Royal AUs. A sweet, romantic, fun fic to read on a winter’s afternoon.

Reminder: List of Merlin Holidays Recs. If you are reccing for the fest, send me a link.

ART:
Yield by ~eppy [NWS?]
(ps: waltzing_mice gives awesome art twit-recs. ty for keeping me supplied with pretty.)

FIC:
Rescue Me by eurydice72 Elena/Gwaine [PG] (3.2k)
Summary: Though Gwaine might leap to rescue a lady in distress, sometimes the lady prefers to do the rescuing herself.

Absolutely delightful little fic with one of my favourite rare pairs. Spot on characterization of both Gwaine and Elena and a realistic first meeting.

An Imbalance of the Humours by agenttrojie Arthur/Gwaine/Merlin [NC-17] (2.5k)
Summary: Gwaine and Arthur have to refrain from … wasting their energy … in view of the upcoming melee tournament. Merlin is less than impressed, but it's all right, because Gwaine and Arthur have plans.

Delicious threesome awesomeness. Also a lovely, healthy, poly relationship fic for those of you who don't like insecurity and jealousy in your OT3.

No idea what to class this as but Meta/humour/hilarity seems right:
Merlin Facebook Recap 4.01: The Darkest Hour Part 1 by cornflowercase (very spoilery!)

I’ll be off line all day, if you happen to be looking for me. I'll be around tomorrow though. :)

In the meantime...
Of Greatness by anon @ KMM Arthur/Knights, Arthur/Merlin [R] (2k)
Summary: Everything Arthur knows about sex and love he learned from his knights

Brilliant and erotic. While the premise sounds like it might be ‘gang-bang porn’ this fic is so much more than that. It is a coming of age story, subtle and beautifully written.

Things You Shouldn't Do With Your Best Friend's Older Sister by gnimaerd Merlin/Morgana [NC-17] (~20k)
Summary: Modern AU, Merlin certainly didn't mean to lose his virginity to his best friend's older sister. It just kind of... happens.

I don’t read a lot of het in this fandom but this was a wonderful read. Morgana was S1 Morgana, charming, seductive and vulnerable. Merlin is young and inexperienced – a bit overwhelmed by this strange (slightly cold) beautiful older women who starts this casual affair of nothing but sex. A sexy, fun and romantic story.

Banner by ♥ anon ♥
GO VOTE FOR WEEK 2 – Merlin/Morgana

First - Happy Birthday themostepotente. Last year on your birthday, I wrote my very first Merlin fic (clearly you are to blame for everything!) Hope you have a fabulous day.

Second - Merlin Recs – various pairings
Fit to be tied by angstslashhope [NC-17] (5k) Merlin/Gwaine
Prompt/Summary: "Gwaine/Merlin, finding other uses for Merlin's scarf."

This fic is so fabulously hot. I love the bit of bondage and gagging and teasing. Loved Gwaine being at Merlin’s mercy but suddenly this PWP turned into a bit more and the hotness factor just skyrocketed. Fantasticly hot fic.

Like Fire from Smoke by myashke [NC-17] (9k) Arthur/Merlin/Gwaine
Summary: Gwaine gives Merlin what he truly wants.

This fic is a sequel to the amazingly hot Like Smoke From Fire, in which Merlin has his first time with Gwaine on Arthur’s bed. UNF!!! This is their second time and Arthur wants more than just to offer his bed. Brain meltingly hot, with a nervous and inexperienced Merlin, nervous and inexperienced Arthur, and a guiding them both into something they really want Gwaine. Now, dear author – please write us a third to this hot like burning series.

Layer Cake By cyus [PG] (3k) Arthur/Percival, Merlin
Summary: Life's about cake and choices even when destiny peek-a-boos at a school fair.

Not a pairing I typically crave, but I was curious where the author was going with this, so I checked it out. It was absolutely fascinating. A gorgeous depiction of Arthur’s happy life, beautiful showing and not telling, and I love this take on reincarnation and how it doesn’t always work out how we expect and well that can be okay too.

Hay-tussled by cyus [PG-13] (1k) Uther/Gaius
Summary: This love was forever, king or not, Gaius would always stand by Uther's side.

Before you run away! This begins with a young Uther and Gaius (pre-teens), and tells the story of their friendship and Gaius’s devotion, Uther’s need for his support and then on through the years of Uther’s reign and how it all falls apart. Beautifully told back story.

Various pairings, each listed beside the recs.


[VID]
The Sorcerer & The King by analyst_1 Merlin/Arthur
Music: I saw you die - Apollo Drive
Summary: I saw you die, in front of my eyes. I watched you fall without a choice. To hear you breathe, what I wouldn't give to have you here with me. ~ dealing with the opening part of misswinterhill 's The Sorcerer and The King.

I adored this fic and this vid is everything it promises, and complete re-living of those moments that ripped my heart out. Fantastic stuff.

( lots more recs, but I need to cut... )

Lots of different pairing (and lots of Gwaine!!!)

[ART]
Merlin and Dragon by amythystluna Merlin [WS]
So damn adorable!!! ♥___♥

( oops! That got a bit long. I'd better cut )