#pairing: arthur/mithian

[tavernfest]

round 11 masterlist

Round #11 is now officially CLOSED and a new round will be starting shortly; however, if you find yourself inspired to create something for this or any of our previous rounds, we will be accepting submissions indefinitely!

For more info on how to take part, check out our FAQ or send us an ask 🙂 In the meantime, you can find a list of Round #11 submissions below! ——— Title: the current and future pendragons Creator: prue84 Rating: General Medium/Length: Manip / 2229 Pairing(s):  Arthur/Merlin, Arthur/Mithian Warning(s): None Summary: High King Arthur Pendragon and the royal family of Camelot. Link: https://prue84.tumblr.com/post/718511678883594240/the-current-and-future-pendragons-fandom-bbcs + + + Title: you and me….for forever Creator: TrebleMaker07 Rating: General Length: 1,359 Pairing(s): Merlin/Arthur Warning(s): None Summary:  Arthur is getting married….and he’s kind of nervous about it. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/47496739 + + + Title: i will sing no requiem Creator: smartypantsflute Rating: Mature Length: 7,725 Pairing(s):  Arthur/Gwen, Merlin/Lancelot/Gwaine, Percival/Elyan Warning(s): Major character death, graphic death scene Summary: A fill for Tavernfest Round 11: Births, Weddings, and Funerals. After the reveal of Merlin’s magic goes extraordinarily wrong, he and many of the Knights of the Round Table are brutally put to death. Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14239260/1/I-Will-Sing-No-Requiem ——— If you have a moment, please remember to stop by and leave the creators some love! ❤︎

[winterknights]

Fic: Simmering

Title: Simmering Author/Artist: Polomonkey Pairing(s): Merlin/Arthur, Elena/Mithian Prompt: N/A Word Count/Art Medium: ~7k Rating: PG-13 Contains (Highlight to view): *Brief mentions of grief* Disclaimer: Merlin characters are the property of Shine and BBC. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended. Notes: Mods, thank you for your eternal patience while I muddled through this one! It's based on a kink meme prompt that I've been trying to write for years, glad to have finally had the opportunity to do it <3

Summary: Forced to take time off in the run up to Christmas, Arthur develops a mild addiction to The Sims. It's fun to recreate his own housemates and watch them go - even if they're nothing like real life. The real Mithian is training to be a lawyer, but Sim Mithian just wants to cook. Real Elena dates plenty of men, but Sim Elena seems to only have eyes for the ladies. And strangest of all, Sim Merlin appears to be in love with Sim Arthur.

Still, Arthur knows that none of that applies in reality. Right?

Link to work on A03: https://archiveofourown.org/works/44006124

[akelafang]

Yellow Thread

Pairing: Mithian/Elena, slight side Merthur Word count: 2841

Inspired by this post by @arthursknight. It's a different pairing but the idea of the colored thread acting as a favor was so cute I had to use it! Might post to ao3 later, will link if I do.

~~~

Nemeth was abuzz with activity. Nobles and royalty from all her allied kingdoms were flocking to the citadel, a new group arriving almost every hour. Servants scurried around making preparations and aiding those who had already arrived. The reason for all this excitement? A celebratory feast was being held in Princess Mithian’s honor.

See King Rodor knew he was getting on in his years. He was starting to slow down and it wouldn’t be long before his time came. He feared what kind of position his death would leave his daughter in. While he knew MIthian will be an excellent queen and was more than capable of taking over the kingdom when he was gone, not everyone agreed with him. More than a few had expressed concern over a woman taking the reins of power in Nemeth once Rodor was gone, some had even gone so far as to suggest he skip over Mithian and make one of his nephews his heir. There was no way he was going to do such a thing. Why would he pass over his brilliant daughter just because of her sex? 

Some had expressed their support of Mithian’s future rule, such as King Arthur of Camelot, but Rodor knew that it was not enough to make the transition of power an easy one for Mithian. If he could not bring more people to support Mithian and those who opposed her managed to come together then there could very well be a coup early on in his daughter’s reign. 

So after much discussion with Mithian over the matter they had agreed to make Mithian his regent, a trial run so to speak in order to demonstrate her abilities before she was granted full power. Thus the celebratory feast. A tournament is also to take place over the duration of the guests' stay. A perfect opportunity for Mithian to showcase her skills as a warrior against knights of the realm and any from visiting kingdoms who wish to join. King Arthur himself had already expressed interest in taking part in the event.

“It would be an honor to cross blades with such a fine swordswoman.” He said when the tournament was mentioned while welcoming him and his men to the kingdom.

Mithian smiled at the gesture before answering “I look forward to besting you on the battlefield.”

Merlin, standing just behind his king like the loyal manservant he was, failed to stifle a laugh. Arthur smacked him upside the head for it but he couldn’t fully keep a smile off his face. Mithian chuckled at the display. 

“It’s good to see you again Merlin.”

“And you, your highness.” He said with a cheeky grin and a bow.

Arthur huffed and was about to interject when trumpets sounded announcing new arrivals. The procession from Gawant.

“Well, we best not keep you from your other guests.” He said instead.

“Heather will show you and you men to your rooms,” Mithian said gesturing to the mentioned servant.

The King of Camelot and his men headed inside just as the Princess of Gawant and her father rode into sight. 

Mithian had heard about Princess Elena but this was the first time they’d met in person. Rumors abound of the unkempt, socially inept, wild child heir to the throne of Gawant who was unsuccessful in securing a marriage to then Prince Arthur a few years before her attempt. Mithian failed to see the resemblance to the woman gracefully dismounting her horse before her now. Yes her hair was a little messy but who’s wasn’t after a long journey? Besides, the look suited her.

“Rodor! Good to see you old friend!” Lord Godwyn called as he and Elena approached. 

“You as well Godwyn.” The two shook hands. “Allow me to introduce my daughter and regent, Princess Mithian.”

Mithian extended her hand and Godwyn kissed the back of it. “My lady, It’s a pleasure. I believe the last time I saw you you were still a young child clinging to your mother's skirt.”

Mithian gave a polite smile. “Yes well, that would have been many years ago my lord.”

“Indeed. Time waits for no one. Allow me to introduce my daughter Princess Elena.”

The two princesses curtsied to each other.

“Princess Mithian. I’ve heard much about you.”

“And I you Princess Elena.”

“Good things I hope” Elena forced an awkward smile.

Mithian returned it with what she hoped was a reassuring look.

“Anything less than that I’d say holds no water. You must be tired after your journey, Aisling will escort you to your rooms where you can rest and freshen up before dinner.”

Godwyn and Elena bowed and curtsied respectively before moving to follow Aisling. As she passed by Mithian Elena caught her foot on the stairs and tripped. Mithian’s reflexes kicked in and she swiftly caught her around the waist, pulling Elena against herself to keep her upright. 

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, thank you. I must not have raised my foot high enough.”

With their faces so close Mithian couldn’t help but notice Elena’s beautiful hazel eyes. She thinks she spotted a few flecks of blue in them. Realising she was still holding Elena she let her go and stepped back. Her throat felt tight all of a sudden and she cleared it before speaking again.

“Probably due to exhaustion. I know I’ve struggled to raise my feet after a long enough time traveling.”

“Indeed. Good thing you’re a good catch.”

Mithian looked surprised and Elena, realising what she said started to ramble.

“I mean, you’re a good catcher-uh, I mean you’re good at catching- I mean, thank you for catching me.”

Mithian pressed her lips together to keep herself from giggling. “You’re welcome.”

Elena curtsied again before hurrying up the rest of the stairs and following her father inside.

Once she was gone Mithian let the giggle escape her. She supposed the rumors weren’t completely unfounded. Though they still seem quite exaggerated. 

Mithian’s arm still felt warm from where it had been wrapped around Elena’s waist.

~~~

The feast went off without a hitch. It was a pleasant evening of good food and mostly good company. One nobleman, Lord Cilian from one of the oldest families in Nemeth tried to goad her into a debate on a woman’s place in political circles but she managed to evade the topic and steer the conversation away from that explosion waiting to happen. She was not going to win support by participating in an argument during the celebration feast of her regency.

She scanned around the banquet hall, what for she wasn’t entirely sure but she did spot Arthur just down the table bantering with Merlin as he poured him wine. She watched as the two seemed to forget everyone else around them as they looked at each other. She also watched as Sir Leon rolled his eyes and moved the wine jug out of Merlin’s hands. She pitied the poor fellow. From what she’d witnessed in her few days in Camelot she can only imagine the pain Sir Leon has experienced in his years of service having to watch those two flirt and pine.

While her ego had been bruised by Arthur calling off their engagement she certainly could not blame him for it whenever she saw him and Merlin together. She longed for someone to look at her the way he looked at Merlin. 

Rumors have been circling that Arthur was fighting with his council over law changes he wishes to make. The specifics regarding which laws vary, some say it’s about the magic ban, while others think it’s the law forbidding nobles and peasants from marrying, but in almost all versions Merlin’s name is mentioned. Whatever the truth it was obvious to Mithian that Arthur was putting things in place for him to finally make Merlin his consort. She hoped for his success and wished them both happiness.

A commotion from the other side of the hall caught her attention. She looked over to see Lord Cilian now speaking to Princess Elena. It seems he’d tried the same thing with her and she was not interested in changing the topic and ignoring him as Mithian had. 

“I don’t think I’m the one you want to have this discussion with sir. You’re clearly looking for a sympathetic ear and based on your tone I can tell you it won’t be mine or anyone from Gawant’s. Or have you forgotten that my mother was Queen Regnant and that I’m her heir? I already have more right to my throne than my father and have every intention of claiming it when I am ready. In fact, my father and I have been discussing ending his regency and officially crowning me in the near future. I’m sure it won't be too long before Gawant will be the one hosting many of the people here tonight.”

Lord Cilian huffed and moved away.

Mithian admired how she handled him. She managed to shut him down without outright insulting him or saying anything anyone could truly argue against. She was impressed. 

She caught Elena’s eye and raised her goblet to her. She ignored the flutter in her stomach when Elena smiled and returned the gesture. There was a familiar gleam in her eyes and a voice in the back of Mithian’s mind told her where she’d seen that look before. She ignored that too.

```

Mithian was in her tent preparing for the tournament. This was hardly the first tournament she’s participated in but the significance of it sent her nerves into overdrive. This was meant to be a show of strength, of her abilities as a warrior. How well she does in this tournament could help tip the scales in her favor in the eyes of the people. She needed to show them what she was capable of. 

She anxiously straightened out her chainmail where it lay on the table while she checked over the rest of her kit to make sure it was all there. 

“Shouldn’t your maid be helping you with that?” A voice asked from the tent entrance.

Mithian looked up to see Elena looking at her curiously.

“Sera’s skill is doing up tiny buttons on dresses, not armor buckles. Besides, I like doing it myself.”

Elena moved further into the tent until she stood across the table from Mithian looking over her armor. She fiddled a little bit with the handle of Mithian’s sword.

“Fair enough. I suppose it's similar to me saddling my horse. It’s meant to be the stable boy's job but I feel better doing it myself.”

“Exactly. Some things you need to do on your own even though you’re taught to let others do it.”

A somewhat awkward silence settled between them.

“So what brings you to my tent my lady?”

“Oh um, I just wanted to wish you well. Not that I think you need it of course! I’m sure you’re amazing with this thing.” She lifted the sword and the tip caught itself on Mithian’s sleeve, cutting a hole on its way up. Elena dropped the sword and hurried around the table.

“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t hurt you, did I?!”

She grabbed hold of Mithian’s arm and frantically searched it for any injuries.

“No it's alright, you didn’t even nick me.” Elena breathed a sigh of relief. “The only thing you got was…my tunic.”

Mithian looked down at her sleeve. Now that Elena had calmed down she fully registered that there was a large tear in her tunic sleeve. She clutched at the fabric.

“Oh shit no! I’m meant to be out there in 15 minutes!”

Elena looked surprised by her reaction, probably because she seemed to care more about her tunic getting cut than her own flesh. Mithian looked a bit embarrassed before she started to explain.

“It’s silly but, I always wear this tunic for tournaments for good luck. It was my mother’s and, I guess it makes me feel like she’s there cheering me on.”

“I don’t think that’s silly at all! It makes sense you’d want to have your mother close when doing something you love.” Elena said before a solemn, pensive look came over her face. 

No doubt she was thinking of her own mother who had passed when Elena was a baby. Mithian had been young herself when her mother had gotten terribly ill before passing. She treasured every memory she had of her and clung to any small trinket that was passed on to her. She could only imagine how much harder the loss must have been for Elena.

Suddenly the somber mood seemed to lift from Elena, quick as a lightning strike before she turned to Mithian with an excited look.

“I can mend it for you!”

The sudden shift threw Mithian off for a second but a flicker of hope began to burn in her chest. “Really?”

“You may have noticed but balance has never quite been my forte.” Elena gave a brief self-deprecating smile. “I’m well acquainted with tears and learned to mend them pretty quickly. I could have this sewn up before you’re needed for the tournament. I think I’ve even got some thread that will match!”

Elena pulled a small sewing kit from her dress pocket and, with a nod from Mithian, quickly got to work. Meanwhile, Mithian finished all the preparations she could in just her breeches and undershirt. As she strapped her greaves to her legs she couldn’t help glancing over at Elena, watching her as she worked. Clumsy she may be while on her feet but the way her hands moved with needle and thread between her fingers was nothing short of graceful. The practiced movements were smooth and fluid as the needle glided through the fabric. Mithian felt like she could watch her work for hours. She shook her head to dispel the thoughts and moved on to tie her hair back in a ponytail. She needed to focus on the tournament now and not on unkempt, awkward, pretty, princesses.

However, that was hard when said princess let out a triumphant “Ah ha! Done!” 

Elena hurried over to Mithian, stumbling slightly but quickly righting herself. She eagerly held out Mithian’s tunic with a look of pride. Mithian took it from her gratefully and looked over her handy work.

“Oh, it's lovely Elena! It looks as good as new!” Mithian smiled as she analyzed the craftsmanship, running her thumb along the mended seam. That is when she noticed it. Just at the end of the stitched-up hole, next to the thread that blended in perfectly with her off-white tunic, were 4 little stitches in yellow thread. The same yellow as Elena’s dress.

“It wouldn’t be proper for a princess to be seen carrying another princess's favor but…I thought this might do. Forgive me if I overstepped.”

Mithian glanced up at her but Elena had her head down, refusing to meet her gaze. She looked anxious and though she tried to hide behind her messy hair Mithian could see a rosy hue on her cheeks. Adorable.

Mithian tugged the tunic on, catching Elena’s attention. She caressed the little yellow stitched thread before smiling at the other princess. “I shall wear them with pride, my lady.”

Elena’s smile was like beaming sunshine and Mithian was captivated by the sight. Anyone who said the princess of Gawant was unattractive had clearly never seen her smile before.

Her gaze softened as the two smiled at each other, turning almost shy. Mithian quickly put on her chainmail and armor but she could feel Elena’s eyes on her the whole time. Hesitantly Elena moved closer to Mithian, reaching towards her neck. 

“Allow me.” She breathed, barely above a whisper. Gently she reached behind Mithin and lifted her hair up, releasing her ponytail from the tunic and chainmail. Her fingers skimmed along the base of her neck sending shivers down Mithian’s spine. Their eyes never strayed from one another. “Wouldn’t want your hair to get all tangled up”

“Thank you,” Mithian spoke softly, not wanting to ruin the moment they had found themselves in. 

Mithian’s eyes dropped down to Elena’s lips. She knew she shouldn’t but it was like there was a magnetic pull between her and Elena, one she was losing the fight against. She leaned forward. Just as her lips were about to brush Elena’s the trumpet sounded, announcing that the tournament was about to begin. 

Like that, the spell was broken. They jolted away from each other, avoiding the other's eyes. Mithian hurried to grab her sword and helmet and made her way towards the tent flap.

“Mithian!”

She stopped at Elena’s call.

“Good luck.”

“You’ll be watching from the stands right?”

Elena nodded.

“Then I’ll have all the luck I’ll need.”

Elena gave her another of those blinding sunny smiles. It quickly turned mischievous “Maybe if you win I’ll let you join me for a horse ride tomorrow. If you think you can keep up with me.”

“I look forward to it my lady.”

[pippin-katz]

Merthur & Johnlock

You know what I just realized? I was (and still am) a big Johnlock shipper. I love Sherlock despite the many issues I have with it, and it was my primary mlm live action ship for a while.

Then Merlin came along.

I kid you not, I literally said out loud: “Why the fuck was I bothering with Sherlock?”

I didn’t mean it in a “show vs show” way, but more in a “vibe vs vibe” way. There was something about Merlin that made me happier and more excited than Sherlock ever did. Merlin and Arthur’s dynamic was some how so much more fun to me than John and Sherlock’s, which is interesting given the similarities.

Arthur’s a privileged royal who has Merlin take care of him. Sherlock is very capable consulting detective who has John take care of him.

Arthur and Merlin insult each other constantly without any real bite. John and Sherlock insult each other constantly without any real bite.

Both pairs pretend not to care as much as they do, and go full “kill” mode if the other is in danger.

Neither of them know what “communication” means.

Arthur and Sherlock are both self centered and arrogant. Merlin and John are both sick and tired of their bullshit.

While Arthur and Sherlock can operate without Merlin and John, they struggle significantly when they’re absent. Arthur is a helpless mess, and Sherlock can’t focus on his cases to the point of missing an incredibly obvious detail.

Merlin and John are perfectly able to exist without Arthur and Sherlock, but they are miserable or constantly thinking about them. John lives with thinking Sherlock is dead for two years, and he’s super fucking depressed, even with a girlfriend he intends to marry. Merlin can’t go anywhere or do anything without thinking about if Arthur will be safe, and talks about him constantly for no real reason.

Both pairs are willing to die to save the other.

They both get jealous/protective when someone they don’t approve of is making advances. With Merlin it’s the princesses and ladies that take advantage of him, like Sophia, Vivian and Elena (albeit unknowingly), and Mithian, even though there was nothing wrong with her. The only relationship he supports is with Gwen. John gets super aggressive and protective when Irene is messing with Sherlock. Sherlock goes out of his way to interfere and insult every woman John is involved with aside from Mary. While Arthur never sees or is confronted with the idea of Merlin actually in a relationship, I’d assume it would go pretty similarity. His response to being told that Merlin is even “seeing a girl” is disbelief and skepticism when he gets back.

They both make ridiculous amounts of direct eye contact that anyone with eyes notices as being a bit much for friends.

I could probably find even more if I continued to think about it, but my point is that they’re very similar dynamics. So why do I like Merthur so much more than Johnlock?

I finally figured it out!

It’s because in Sherlock, their relationship is constantly questioned and denied throughout the whole show. It’s both a joke, and not a joke. But because it takes place in modern times, we constantly get reminders of “he’s not my boyfriend” or “I’m not gay” and constant jabs from side characters.

Merlin doesn’t take place in an era where they would talk like that. You could come up with equivalent dialogue that fits the time period, but it would definitely feel out of place. So it just doesn’t happen. Nowhere in Merlin are Arthur and Merlin poked fun at/bugged about whether their relationship is platonic. Nowhere in Merlin does Arthur or Merlin say “I’m not gay” or “he’s not my boyfriend”.

I didn’t realize how exhausting that was until it wasn’t there.

While Arthur is definitely attracted to women, and in love with Gwen, there’s never a moment where he denies Merlin. It’s because he’s never asked, but that gives the viewer more room to interpret their feelings.

With John, he’s constantly shutting down any suggestion of being gay, or being in a relationship with Sherlock, despite all the evidence in front of his face that he feels differently about him than other people.

Now that I’ve realized it, I’m shocked at how much of a difference that made in my feelings toward the shows and ships.

EDIT AFTER SEEING SOME REPLIES/REBLOGS: This is not meant to be interpreted as a Merthur VS Johnlock post!! I am purely talking about the subconscious difference in feeling I felt but couldn’t figure out!! This is not a breakdown of all my thoughts and feelings about the two shows/ships! It’s not meant to be about one being superior than the other! That’s why the title is Merthur AND Johnlock! Just clearing that up!!

[thesongistheriver]

ao3 stats tag game

Rules: go to your AO3 account and find the following stats.

Tagged by @guiltyscarlet

1. What ratings do you write most of your fics under?

Teen And Up Audiences (3)

Explicit (11)

Mature (2)

2. What are your top three fandoms?

not me having one fandom

Merlin (TV) (16)

3. What is the top character you write about?

Merlin (Merlin) (15)

Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) (15)

4. What are your top three pairings?

just gonna note that while I tag other relationships, they're pretty much always backgrounded; any smut is pure merthur 😂

Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) (15)

Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin) (3)

Tie: Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin) (2), Leon/Mithian (Merlin) (2)

5. What are the top three additional tags

Alternate Universe - Modern Setting (12)

Frottage (9)

Tie: Romance, Blow Jobs, Getting Together (7)

6. Does any of this surprise you?

Not in the least. I am a die-hard Merthur writer! 😂

No-pressure tags: @cbk1000 @citharaposts @bebravedearheart

[gvaine]

fav merlin rarepairs?

ohh good question!! i think any pairing has potential if you're willing to go there, which-- again, i haven't made that experience with other fandoms. i don't know if i have one particular rarepair that has consumed me the way my "main" ships do, but i really enjoy following the brain worms and trying to find fic with a very specific dynamic that came to me

here are a few rarepairs i have enjoyed thinking about in the past few months, in no particular order:

morgana/lancelot, but specifically in a morgwen context

merlin/mordred, also only in a few specific ways

arthur/gwen/lancelot

merlin/mithian

gwen/mithian

freya/lancelot, or freya/lancelot/merlin

arthur/gwen/merlin, though i barely count this as a rarepair, just like freya/merlin.

i am genuinely trying to find as many obscure pairings as possible and good fic for them, so if you read this please tell me your favorite rarepairs!!

[wumiings]

Then Is Courtesy a Turncoat

Arthur was starting to think King Rodor of Nemeth simply found some cheap thrill in putting himself and his kingdom at the mercy of sorcerers. He did not say this aloud - Guinevere would probably hit him - but the thought festered in his mind as Princess Mithian, more excitable than he’d ever seen her, introduced her companion of recent months.

The newly-titled Lady Emrys was supposedly someone the princess had known for a while, but who only recently accepted the position of Court Sorcerer in Nemeth after “circumstances” drove her from her previous residence in another kingdom. It was all, needless to say, highly suspicious. Not least of all because no one else seemed to agree.

Granted, this particular witch didn’t look overtly threatening. She was sturdily built, with the broad shoulders and muscular arms that spoke to a life of real work. Several wisps of dark brown hair had escaped from the long queue that draped over one shoulder and, paired with a crooked smile and glittering blue eyes, gave an impression of someone more like the lady Elena: playful by nature, and a bit scatterbrained.

But Arthur understood the trickeries of magic.

“Mithian has been a true friend to me,” Lady Emrys effused as she led them, strolling along on Elyan’s arm, through a tour of the keep. The very sight of them had Arthur gritting his teeth.

Leon and Gwaine, at least, had the good sense to show a degree of wariness in the face of this sorceress - the former through a stiff politeness that Emrys refused to take offense at, and the latter with his usual roguish flirtation which could not quite conceal the tension in his shoulders or the hint of a growl in his voice whenever the lady’s comments drifted towards criticism of Camelot.

In contrast, the Queen and her brother had taken to Emrys at once, as if she were some long-lost cousin. It flummoxed and aggravated Arthur beyond the bearing. He wished…

But there was no use thinking of that.

Merlin was long gone, and he wouldn’t be coming back.

—

read on ao3

[merlinrarepairfest]

Round Up 6

And another week of posting finishes; enjoy all these rare pair goodies if you need a break during the holidays if you celebrate, or to distract yourself from everyone else going nuts! <3

Title: smooth sailin’ Writer: masculinepeacock | @masculinepeacock Rating: T+ Warnings: none Word Count: 1.6k Pairing/Main character; Percival/Gwaine Up to 10 Tags; romcom elements, teachers, winter fair, gwen is mentioned, open ended

Summary: 

Percival meets Gwaine at a winter fair and the two hit it off. Is this destined to be a one off, or something more?

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51381598#main

---

Title: A Disrupted Destiny Writer: sillydegu | @sillydegu Rating: General Audiences Warnings: None Medium/Word Count: 11 874 Pairing/main characters: Gwaine/Merlin Up to 10 tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Gwaine knows about Merlin's magic, Merlin's magic revealed, Episode: s03e04 Gwaine (Merlin), Angst with a happy ending, Gwaine being Gwaine 

Summary:

3x04 AU. Uther is not convinced by Arthur, and sentences Gwaine to death anyway. Merlin uses his magic to break Gwaine out of the dungeons, revealing it to Uther in the process. The two of them go on the run together, and fall in love on the way.

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51257899

---

Title: Knighting Writer: cynthia1314 | @cynthia39100 Rating: Gen Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Medium/Word Count: 4670 Pairing/main characters: Lancelot / Arthur Pendragon Up to 10 tags: Episode: s01e05 Lancelot (Merlin), Episode: s03e12-13 The Coming of Arthur (Merlin)

Summary:

Arthur is finally king, free to knight whoever he chooses. Lancelot pledges his life, honour and devotion to him. (Prompt by kairennart)

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51135934

---

Title: all the devils are here Writer: litinthyheart | @lit-in-thy-heart Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Major Character Death Medium/Word Count: 21,000 Pairing/main characters: Lancelot/Merlin Up to 10 tags: Enemies to Lovers, Fae Merlin, POV Lancelot, BAMF Merlin, Execution, Restraints, Intimacy, Internal Conflict

Summary:

In light of half of Camelot's knights being killed in a dragon attack, Uther Pendragon has been forced to broaden the eligibility criteria. Lancelot, who has wanted to be a knight all of his life, is given a quest to prove his worth as a final test before he is knighted. He must kill the leader of the Unseelie Court, Emrys.

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51551500/chapters/130293436

---

Title: Siblings and Soulmates Writer: Merthurallure | @merthurallure Rating: Explicit  Warnings: Incest Medium/Word Count: 1 397 words/fic Pairing/main characters: Arthur/Morgana  Up to 10 tags: sibling incest, first time, canon era, PWP

Summary:

Morgana and Arthur enjoy their first time together 

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51564880

---

Title: Matters of the Heart Writer: The_Questing_Beast | @ummyesisthisjasongrace Rating: General Audiences Warnings: none Medium/Word Count: Fanfiction; 11,313 words Pairing/main characters: Mithian/Morgana Up to 10 tags: Canon Era, Canon Compliant, Arranged Marriage, Slow Burn, Good Morgana, Initial Mithian/Arthur, Fluff and Angst, Mithian really said 'thank god you introduced me to your sister'

Summary: 

It's all quite simple, really - marry the King of Camelot, fulfil her duty to her father and her country, become Queen. Or at least that's what Mithian thinks when she arrives in Camelot for the first time. However, things get complicated when the King's half-sister, the Lady Morgana, catches her eye instead. Turns out that no one, not even a Princess, has a say in matters of the heart.

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51938515/chapters/131336134

[mslaevateinn]

My Promptober Masterlist! For whomever might like a thing I've done and would like to read more... Here it is! This year is not complete (neither was last year, although I did twice as much), but I created every day and created for all my fandoms, so it is a success for me! I posted for 23 days, with 19 fanfics or drabbles, and 4 moodboards, over 10 fandoms!

Day #1 Prompt: Hand holding (Kinktober) | I've got you (Flufftober) | How many fingers am I holding up? (Whumptober) Work: Star Trek TNG promptober drabbles Chapter 1: Just in case (Tumblr) Rating: T Pairing(s) William Riker & Deanna Troi, (pre) Troi/Riker Summary: Word count 200

Day #2 Prompt: Family, friends and loved ones (Flufftober) Work: Party Hard Chapter 1: Arrival (Tumblr) Rating: M Pairing(s) Arthur Pendragon/Merlin, Gwaine/Percival, Gwen/Lancelot, Morgana Pendragon/Mithian Summary: A group of friends reunited for a play party ~ A mix of prompts from flufftober and kinktober. Word count 867

Day #3 Prompt: Lap pillow (Kinktober) Work: A lucky guy (Tumblr) Rating: G Pairing(s) Nick Nelson/Charlie Spring; Nick Nelson & Imogen Heaney Summary: Imogen falls asleep using Nick as a pillow Word count 100

Day #4 Prompt: Shock (Whumptober) Work: Star Trek TNG promptober drabbles Chapter 2: A familiar stranger (Tumblr) Rating: T Pairing(s) William Riker & Deanna Troi, (pre) Troi/Riker Summary: A coda for 2x14, where Will is offered command of the Aries and sees his father for the first time in 15 years. Word count 200

Day #5 Prompt: Collaring (Kinktober) Work: Party Hard Chapter 2: Negotiation & Collaring (Tumblr) Rating: M Pairing(s) Gwaine/Percival Summary: A group of friends reunited for a play party Word count 1098

Day #6 Prompt: First kiss (Kinktober) | Corn maze (Flufftober) Work: Who knew you could pack a punch, Merlin? (Tumblr) Rating: T Pairing(s) Arthur Pendragon/Merlin Summary: Arthur heard a low growl on the right, behind him, and froze. The sound continued, slowly closing on him, and his body moved of its own accord. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him but not so fast as to crash through the corn. Word count 648

Day #7 Prompt: Wax play (Kinktober) Work: Party Hard Chapter 3: Trickling love (Tumblr) Rating: M Pairing(s) Gwen/Lancelot Summary: One couple is always a delight to observe: Gwen and Lancelot, who have decided to use wax that night. Word count 128

Day #8 Prompt: Napping together (Kinktober) | Rainy day (Flufftober) Work: The perfect nap (Tumblr) Rating: G Pairing(s) Morgana & Aithusa Summary: A rainy day is the best set-up for a nice nap Word count 430

Day #10 Prompt: Love of my life (Flufftober) | 'You said you'd never leave' (Whumptober) Work: Love of my life and assorted drabbles Chapter 1: Love of my Life (Tumblr) Rating: G Pairing(s) Bucky/Steve Summary: Bucky gently let his fingers glide over the keys. Love of my life. When he discovered the song, he cried. The lyrics pierced his heart and haunted him for days. Word count 584

Day #12 Prompt: Chaste kiss (Kinktober) | Fire & Ice (Flufftober) Work: A Cosy fire (Tumblr) Rating: G Pairing(s) Jake Peralta/Amy Santiago Summary: Jake and Amy escape for the weekend and land in the middle of a snowstorm... thankfully there is a fireplace to keep them warm and cosy! Word count 100

Day #13 Prompt: Heartbeat, Playing with one's hair (Kinktober) | I don't feel so good (Whumptober) Work: Love of my life and assorted drabbles Chapter 2: Nightmare (Tumblr) Rating: T Pairing(s) Bucky/Steve Summary: Some hurt/comfort after a nightmare Word count 100

Day #15 Prompt: Massaging (Kinktober) | Supressed suffering/I'm fine (Whumptober) Work: Love of my life and assorted drabbles Chapter 3: Shoulder pain (Tumblr) Rating: G Pairing(s) Bucky/Steve Summary: Bucky's shoulder is hurting him and Steve is here to help. Word count 100

Day #16 Prompt: Singing one another to sleep (Flufftober) Work: Sleep my friend, tomorrow will be better (Tumblr) Rating: T Pairing(s) Gwen & Morgana Summary: Gwen hated seeing Morgana sad. Anytime her friend seemed to be feeling down in any way, Gwen would immediately try to do something about it. But really, what Gwen hated the most was seeing Morgana cry. Word count 1472

Day #17 Prompt: Cooking/Sharing food (Kinktober) Work: A good broth to cure a bad mood (Tumblr) Rating: G Pairing(s) Darcy Lewis/Natasha Romanov Summary: With autumnal weather and temperatures, people tend to feel a bit blue. Thankfully, when Darcy feels down, Natasha is here to comfort her. Word count 23

Day #18 Prompt: Spanking (Kinktober) Work: Party Hard Chapter 4: Back to the stocks (Tumblr) Rating: M Pairing(s) Arthur Pendragon/Merlin Summary: Word count 215

Day #19 Prompt: Floral bouquet (Whumptober) Work: Goddamn flowers (Tumblr) Rating: T Pairing(s) Jim Kirk/Leonard McCoy Summary: For God’s sake. Why couldn’t they go one week without any incident? Jim had once more managed to do something resulting in him needing medical attention. While he was planetside visiting a potential shore leave destination, of all times and places! How did one do that? ~~ Or, Jim sees flowers that remind him of Earth and, as it turns out, is allergic to them. To no one's surprise. Word count 669

Day #21 Prompt: Panties & Lingerie, Bathing (Kinktober) Work: Goddamn flowers Chapter 2: Down time (Tumblr) Rating: M Pairing(s) Jim Kirk/Leonard McCoy Summary: After the Flower scare, the planet is declared fit for shoreleave, and the captain and his chief medical officer enjoy some free time. Word count 812

Day #23 Prompt: Trinket (Flufftober) Work: A trinket to remember their rocky start and get him through the rocky days (Tumblr) Rating: G Pairing(s) Hugh Culber/Paul Stamets Summary: Hugh touched the chain around his neck. He had picked up the habit a few years into his relationship with Paul, whenever his partner did something reckless. Word count 100

Day #24 Prompt: Sex Toys (Kinktober) Work: Plug in baby (Tumblr) Rating: E Pairing(s) Gwaine/Percival Summary: When Gwaine had first mentioned it, Percival had been very surprised. They had been playing a lot lately, exploring new things in bed together, but this was another level. It wasn’t just a little spice during sex, that they could end quickly if needed, in the safety of whoever’s place they were staying the night at. Word count 780

Day #25 Prompt: Nook (Flufftober) |Domesticity (Trektober) Work: Goddamn flowers Chapter 3: Finish in a flourish (Tumblr) Rating: G Pairing(s) Jim Kirk/Leonard McCoy Summary: Shore leaves comes at an end Word count 27

Day #27 Prompt: Outdoor event (Flufftober) Work: Pining under the stars (Tumblr) Rating: G Pairing(s) Aziraphale/Crowley Summary: Aziraphale pines, from under the starry sky. Word count 100

Day #29 Prompt: Bonus : create a Xover (Flufftober) Work: A visit from an old family friend (Tumblr) Rating: T Pairing(s) Akhmenrah & Morpheus Summary: It was a typical night at the British Museum. Akhmenrah had been walking around the exhibits for some time, when he felt the smallest of disruptions. Word count 200

Day #31 Prompt: Free (Kinktober) Work: Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the prettiest player of them all? (Tumblr) Rating: M Pairing(s) Gwaine/Percival Summary: A hotel room, a huge mirror, and two very horny hockey players. What more do you need? Word count 1000

[evadne01]

They don't know you ~ not like I do

Title: They don't know you ~ not like I do

Fandom: Merlin

Pairing: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon

Rating: General

Warning/Tags: Pining Merlin, Jealous Merlin, POV Merlin, POV Arthur Pendragon, Fluff, Weddings

Summary:

Merlin is jealous of Mithian? Yes, he is.

Merlin thinks that no one except him knows Arthur that good? Yes, he does.

Merlin will definitely plan the perfect wedding for Arthur and Mithian.

PS: There is no wedding.

@merlinbingo , free square

@merlinfluffalooza , Canon era | Pining/Slow burn | Wedding

Read on AO3

[slowroad]

Ten years

Author: slowroad93

Title: Ten years...

Rating: PG-13

Pairing: Arthur/Merlin

Characters: Arthur Pendragon, Merlin Emrys

Summary: It's been ten years since Arthur became the king of Camelot. As he dwells on his memories and regrets, Merlin shows him that it's okay to let the past go and move on.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 996 words

Prompt: Milestone

Written for: Camelot Drabble

Ten years…ten years I have been King of Camelot. It’s been a tumultuous time. There’s been war and bloodshed, much of which I might have prevented, had I known about Morgana’s magic and the fact that she was my half-sister long before I did, had I only talked to her and made an effort instead of blindly following my father on his self-destructive and ultimately pointless war on magic. Morgana’s been dead five years now and with her and Mordred gone, Camelot is at peace and so is Albion. The last five years have been peaceful, my people have prospered, magic has been restored to its rightful place and no one has any reason to hide or to be afraid any more. We have more friends than enemies these days and now that that people have stopped trying to kill me at every turn to avenge something that my father did to them, I can rest easy.

It's not a bad list of accomplishments, I think to myself as I stand at my window and watch the sun come up. There’s a big celebration planned today. The Druids are visiting, Queen Annis is here with her entourage and so is King Olaf, who’s relaxed considerably, now that his daughter is safely married. Queen Mithian will be here as well, with her spouse and so will Princess Elena. I think fondly of Elena and Mithian. I’m glad they’ve both found someone who makes them happy. I thought I would have found someone too, by now, but I continue to be depressingly single.

After Guinevere told me that she was flattered by my attention, but that she wanted to be with Lancelot and not me, I gave up looking. Okay…that’s not entirely true. I realised after she left me that she was right. I had never actually been in love with her. I’d liked her a good deal and thought she’d make a wonderful queen, but I’d been in love with someone else entirely. I still am, if it comes to that. I just haven’t found the courage to tell him yet. I’m not sure I’m worthy of Merlin. He’s been nothing but loving and loyal in all the years that I’ve known him.

As a prince I was selfish and capricious, I stood by him one day and treated him like he was nothing to me the next. And when I became the King, I pushed him away, choosing to listen to that traitor Agravaine instead of Merlin. Why he continued to stay with me, I will never know. Things changed, I changed after he saved my life yet again in the final battle after Modred stabbed me and I fell. I’ve spent the last five years trying to prove to Merlin that I can be good and kind, that I can be a true friend and love him as steadfastly as he loves me. I sigh as that familiar ache settles in my chest. I feel it every time I think about Merlin.

There’s a knock on the door. I assume that it’s my manservant. I’m surprised to see Merlin instead. My heart lifts and I smile. He’s carrying a tray with tea and cake on it.

“Good morning,” he says cheerfully as he puts the tray on the table.

“Morning. What are you doing carrying food around? Why didn’t you get a servant to do that for you?”

“Because I wanted to do it myself. I wanted to share the morning with you without any nosy servants around.”

That makes me smile. “Thank you,” I say, as I take a chair.

Merlin sits down and pours the tea. “I wanted to get you alone for a while before the festivities start and things get busy,” he says.

“That’s thoughtful of you, but then you’ve never been anything less.”

Merlin quirks an eyebrow at that. “What’s on your mind?” He says.

“Just thinking about today…about the last ten years.”

“It’s been interesting, hasn’t it?”

“That’s one word for it.”

“I hope you’re proud of yourself.”

“Not entirely. There are a few things I’m not proud of, particularly the way I treated you.”

“I think you can forgive yourself for those things now. I know I have.”

“Yeah?”

“You’ve changed, Arthur, and it’s made me so happy to see. Now if you will just quit feeling bad about who you used to be, we can both be happy.”

“Aren’t you happy now?”

“I am. But I need you to stop torturing yourself over Morgana’s death, stop wondering about everything that you could’ve done differently and I definitely need you to stop feeling guilty about the way you treated me in the years that led to that final battle. All of that is in the past and it shouldn’t, needn’t affect the present. Today is the tenth anniversary of you being King. The people are happier than they’ve ever been. They want to celebrate. I want to celebrate.”

I understand what Merlin is saying. Maybe it is time to let the past go. I sigh.

“You’re a good king,” he says gently. “You deserve the love of your people. You deserve my love and devotion and you’ve always had it.”

That makes my eyes well up. I’m still not sure I deserve Merlin, but maybe I should just listen to him when he tells me that I do.

“I love you,” I say, unable to keep the words inside me any more.

“I know. I love you too.”

Merlin comes over to my side of the table. He leans down and kisses me softly on my lips. I pull him down into my lap and we hold each other as we continue to kiss, finally giving expression to feelings long held in check. I will now remember and celebrate the day I became the King for an entirely different and definitely more life altering reason. It will forever be the day on which Merlin took me for his own.

[tavernfest]

The Current and Future Pendragons

Creator: @prue84 Rating: G Medium: Manipulation Pairing(s): Arthur/Merlin, Arthur/Mithian Warning(s): None Summary: High King Arthur Pendragon and the royal family of Camelot. Link: https://prue84.tumblr.com/post/718511678883594240/the-current-and-future-pendragons-fandom-bbcs

[themerlinlibrary]

Favourites Friday (June 2023) – Slow Burn

TML Favourites Friday round-up! June 2023 round

What is Favourites Friday? – The Basics

a different theme is announced on Friday each week; FF recs must match the theme of the week

only one FF rec per person per week/theme

FF recs must be unique within that week/theme; no double-posting the same fic for one theme!

no self-recs during regular rounds

only self-recs during self-rec rounds (last Friday of each month)

Theme for week 3: Slow Burn!

Annum Inanis (The Empty Year) by anonymintea E, 43k, Merlin/Arthur Canon Era

We Can Always Run by queerofthedagger, art by kairennart (Personaje) M, 148k, Merlin/Arthur Canon Era/Divergence

the king is dead (long live the queen) by princessoftheworlds T, 150k, Gwen/Arthur/Merlin Post-Canon, Modern Era

Most Sincerely by Chasingbrooklyn G, 56k, Merlin/Mithian Regency AU

As a Sea Shell by bathilda bagshot (wellthengameover) T, 12k, Merlin/Arthur Canon Era

All lives are (love)stories by amithia E, 192k, Merlin/Arthur Canon Era (?)

Lights Out, Away We Go by Imagined E, 90k, Merlin/Arthur Modern AU; Formula One

The names that make us by Misaratis E, 35k, Merlin/Arthur Canon Era

A masterlist of all round-ups can be found here.

If you want to make sure you never miss a FF rec, or would like to participate and share your own favourites; join us on the Discord TheMerlinLibrary! Happy reading!

About the FF round-up lists:

Recs are listed in the order they were posted on the Discord; the order does not imply any sort of ranking.

The pairing given in this list is the main pairing of each respective fic – please read the tags for any possible minor or side-pairings, as well as any potential warnings or triggers.

Pairings and Eras are given as tagged in each respective fic. (?) signifies that the tags were unclear and I do not know enough about the fic to fill the gaps.

Round-ups are compiled on the weekend of the week after the respective theme of the post (when the new theme has already been anounced), to avoid omitting potentially belated FF recs.

Since I am running FF alone, it is not always possible for me to have the round-up list up immediately – please be patient.

The weekly round-up is not a guarantee! Again, I'm running this alone, so it can only be posted for weeks when I have enough time on my hands to compile a list. If you'd like to help out, feel free to contact me on Tumblr ( @zaharya ) or Discord.

[the-king-and-the-druidess]

FANDOM MEME ASK

( @cassiusthecorrupterofsouls I'm answering here because it's more about Merlin BBC)

1. A pairing you didn't consider but someone changed your mind

Arthur × Mithian. I have never thought about them, but SL made me see something subtle, sad and sweet in them.

2. Do you remember your first OTP

Oh yeah. It was a priestess of a dark cult and a wandering magician who rescued her; they were from "The Tombs of Atuan" by Le Guin. I didn't even know the word "shipping" then, but I shippered them like crazy. I still love this book to this day.

3. Choose song for a ship

Twilight Innocence by November Doom for Mordana 🍀

No Tears, No Embrace by Satyrian for ArMor 👑

4. Five favourite characters from five fandoms

Merlin BBC: Morgana, the rage angel

Froz❄en 2: Elsa, the glacial spirit

Harry Potter: Hermione, the smart one

It's in the air now, so Morticia Addams, the gothic icon

Magrit from The Juniper Tree(it's an Icelandic Brothers Grimm retelling), the kind person

[hakka84]

I did mpreg now and then. But for some reason I didn't really though to apply to Merlin - perhaps because I have very few AU in which they get an happy ending in Camelot.

In the only one I have, I actually went the "they pick a woman to be the mother and they choose Mithian who gets the title of Queen of Camelot and make two children with Arthur, one who will inherit Camelot and the other Nemeth". (unwarranted self-promo: material about said AU here)

But. OP! THIS IS GENIUS.

I mean. Yes, mpreg as a way to have a gay pair we love to have their natural baby and such. Yes, mpreg applied to a character who not only has the means to turn into a woman (magic) but also did it in canon. But giving mpreg an actual in-canon reason tied to the plot so much that it would be full IN CANON?

I LOVE YOU OP. I really need to keep this in mind.

Every time I read a Merthur fic where the need for Arthur to have an heir comes up as a complication for them being together I'm just like "Merlin is magic. If there's an aging spell surely there's a spell to change your sex. Why can't he change himself into a woman for 9 months?"

Of course, I'm aware that not everyone is into mpreg, which I guess this would technically be, but the idea not even passing the character's minds is what gets me. Include a scene where the question is asked and give an answer for why they don't go for it cause there are a few you could do. Arthur might be scared of losing Merlin if they try a pregnancy that involves magic, even if it's not what's creating the life, because of what happened to his mother. Or maybe the only way for them to conceive even with Merlin as a woman is to use the same magic that made Arthur and neither of them are willing to give up a life for them to have a child. Or maybe they don't find a spell that can turn Merlin into a woman at all despite trying and the search adds more strain to the relationship (perfect opportunity for angst with this setup). Or Merlin could just straight up not be comfortable with the idea which is valid, I may see him as genderfluid and happily using this kind of spell even without the intention of getting pregnant but not everyone does.

My point is that when you're in a magic setting with a magic user as part of the main pairing and one of their obstacles is "I can't give you heirs" why do they not even question if there is a way to overcome that obstacle with magic?

[camelove]

CAMELOVE 2021 
Day 5: The More The Merrier

Feast your eyes on the steps involved in making this beautiful Polycule. Yes, we’re considering this fanart. Now you know what we're talking about when we say this is a low-treshold event. + Bonus

This post was made to serve as inspiration for the Camelove 2021 event which will take place from 8th till 14th of February. For more examples, follow the #Camelove2021 example posts tag! We look forward to seeing what you create for the event!