#typical merlin shenanigans

[sociallyanxiouspyrate]

If Merlin and Arthur existed in modern times Merlin would 100% use some variation of, "you just hate me bc i'm gay"like daily and it makes Arthur stutter and panic every time. Even when they're married and have two kids.

[knightswaypoint]

“You look like a startled stoat.”

had a bad week, so I treated myself to some stoat!merlins

(individual shots & poll under cut)

I’m also thinking of getting some printed as stickers for myself, if others are interested:

[many-gay-magpies]

hello dead boy detectives fandom and bbc merlin fandom. i know there is a decent overlap between the two out there because i am either followed by or have followed several blogs myself that post about both merlin and dead boy detectives, so hopefully this finds its target audience. anyway a little while ago i became obsessed with the idea of merlin and kashi being besties, so i started writing a thing, and i don’t know if or WHEN i’ll finish the thing but i don’t want it to stay hidden until then so i am posting the incomplete and very unpolished version to tumblr. and who knows maybe if people like it that will give me the motivation to rewatch some merlin and actually finish it

anyways without further ado. here’s 1000 words of merlin engaging in (fairly mild) shenanigans in port townsend

—

There was a cat sitting on a rock.

Port Townsend had quite a lot of cats, Merlin had discovered. There had been at least one in sight at all times since he’d arrived in the small coastal town. This cat was regarding him with an expression that might have been called scrutinizing, had it been made by any face other than a cat’s. That is to say, it looked rather like cats typically do, which is scrutinizing as it is.

“Hello,” said Merlin, just to be polite. He had a bit of time before Kashi’s host—Angie, he’d said her name was—came to the surface, after all, and he was in the mood for a spot of conversation.

“Oh, great, it’s another o’ you English twats,” said the cat. “The hell are you doin’ here?”

“I’m visiting an old friend,” said Merlin. “We meet for tea every so often, to catch up. This’ll be my first time seeing his new place. I won’t be staying long.”

The cat settled further onto the rock, folding all four of its legs underneath its body. Its tail flicked lightly before curling around its haunches.

“Good,” it said. “Hopefully you won’t cause as much trouble as those two dead little shits from a couple months back. Brits, I tell ya—ain’t good for nothin’. The Cat King’s still hung up on the stuffy little asshole.”

Merlin hummed. “Huh. I don’t think I’ve met a king of cats before. What’s he like?” He’d met a number of kings in his times, including, quite recently, the King of Dreams—but that number had never included a king of Cats.

“None o’ your fuckin’ business,” said the cat. “Hold on—who are you, anyway? You don’t smell human, and you’re not dead.”

“I’m Merlin,” said Merlin. He thought it sticking his hand out for a shake, then thought better of it. “Pleased to meet you.”

The cat snorted. “What, like the wizard?”

“Warlock, actually,” said Merlin. “But yes.”

The cat opened its mouth to speak again, but was interrupted by a whispered voice floating up from the shore.

Arthur’s voice.

“Merlin,” he called, his voice sounding exactly as it always had when Merlin did something far too stupid and risky for a servant, and he had to hide his worry under blankets of annoyance. “Merlin, are you there?”

“Fuckin’ Christ, again?” The cat grumbled. “There wadn’t even no storm last night!”

Merlin cleared his throat, shaking loose the small lump that had grown there at the sound. Kashi had warned him about Angie’s hunting techniques, so he’d known what to expect, but it was still something of a shock to hear in person.

“I think that’s my ride,” Merlin said. He turned to the cat and gave a little wave. “I’ll be off, then. Thanks for chatting with me!”

“Wha—hey!!” The cat exclaimed as Merlin turned and headed for the cliff. “No—Oi, stop that! Don’t—oh, brother…”

Merlin leaned over the stone barrier to peer down into the water, where a large light was pulsing visibly just below the surface. As he watched, his phone began to ring in his jeans pocket. He was still watching when he brought it up to his ear to answer.

“Hello, my friend!” Crackled Kashi’s enthusiastic voice from the end of the line.

Merlin squinted against the rays of sunlight lancing off the water.

“Is that you down there, Kashi?”

“Yes, it is me. And this is Angie! Say, hello, Angie!”

A loud, almost thunderous roar shook the sound, sending waves clawing at the sandy shore below.

“Hi, Angie,” Merlin shouted down to the creature. Then he waved. He doubted she could see him, but it didn’t hurt to be polite.

To Kashi, he asked, “How should I get in? Should I teleport?”

“Best not,” said Kashi. “Your style of teleportation might upset her stomach. Just jump down! She will catch you. Being swallowed is not the most pleasant feeling, but I’ve asked her not to chew on you.”

“Yeah, I’ve been swallowed before,” said Merlin, thinking back to a very particular instance with a giant snake in the Andes mountains. That was the time he discovered he could bounce back from being fully digested—although digging himself out of a pellet of giant snake dung after his body reformed inside it had not been fun.

“Are you there, Merlin?”

Merlin shuddered and shook his head to clear it of the discomfiting deja vu. “Yeah—yep. I’ll be right down. I just jump in?”

“Exactly, yes,” said Kashi. “It is not a far drop, so you should be fine.”

“Right,” said Merlin. “Well, see you in a minute, then.”

“Looking forward to it!”

Merlin hung up and deftly tucked the phone back into his pocket. Then, he climbed up onto the stone wall, and—after ensuring there was no one around to be traumatized by what it would seem like he was doing—performed an exquisite swan dive into the water.

Being swallowed was about as pleasant a feeling as Merlin remembered it being. That is to say, he felt rather how he imagined toothpaste being squeezed out of the tube might feel, had it possessed any of the five senses or been in any way alive. This time, though, he did not have to endure the process of being digested—which had taken nearly a month, given that Merlin’s first time being swallowed had been by a gigantic snake—and was instead spat out onto the floor of a large, warmly-lit cavern, drenched to the bone and coated in fish mucus.

A step up from being digested by a snake, all things considered.

“Eugh,” said Merlin.

It was then, of course, that Kashi appeared, stooping down and offering Merlin a hand to pull himself up with. Merlin took it and thanked him.

“Welcome in, welcome in!” Kashi said, grinning widely. “Sorry about the mess. I tried to clean up a bit before you came, but things got thrown around in the journey to the surface. Speaking of—“ he raised a finger, and the ground beneath Merlin’s feet—which was disturbingly hard and dry for being the stomach of a fish—began to shake. “—she seems to be going back to the bottom now. Come, sit, so you don’t lose your feet!”

“Nice place you’ve got,” Merlin said, allowing Kashi to lead him across the quaking floor to a small table near the back. “Definitely the best-furnished stomach I’ve ever been in.”

“Yes, it’s very nice,” Kashi agreed.

[vals-sims-world]

Hey guys! Thank you so much for all the love you've given to my Sims versions of Merlin and the knights!

Since there's interest in my Merlin save I will be sharing some stories about what's been happening in that world. However, before I do I feel I need to explain the way I play this save since it's not your standard Sims 3 fashion. I typically play rotationally, spending a week with each family before moving on and using nraas story progression mod to keep everyone from aging while I'm not there. My nraas setup also keeps sims from changing their relationship status or progressing in their careers when I'm not playing them but they can meet new sims, make friends, declare enemies, and start up a bit of a flirtation on their own. I like coming back to a household and seeing what dynamics have formed when I leave them to their own devices, though I get the final say on what romantic interests they end up pursuing.

Now that's just my standard setup for most of my games. For my Merlin save I decided to add some interest by using Merlin characters for my own version of The Medieval Charter Challenge! For those unfamiliar The Medieval Charter Challenge is basically a sims 2 build-a-kingdom challenge where you start with a small settlement and slowly build your world up until you have a medieval city. There are a lot of rules including a tax system and class structures that I'm not going to go over but if you're interested you can check out the original rules here For those of you who are familiar with the challenge just know that I've tweaked some of the rules to fit better with the sims 3 and I don't always follow them strictly. I treat them more like guidelines than actual rules, especially since I'm using pre-established characters, some of which have magic which opens up excuses for all sorts of shenanigans. So if you see me doing something that doesn't follow the rules don't worry about it.

Mainly what you need to know is that I started with an empty world, 3 households who are not part of my rotation but are there to help populate the town (druid camp, knights barracks, and the Ladies' manor), 5 peasant families (du Lac, Smith, Hopper, Emrys, and Ealdor), 2 Yeomen families (Macken and De Grance), and the royal Pendragon family. As my save is currently I have 9 community lots, 3 peasant families (Hopper, Ealdor, Oliver), 1 yeoman family (Emrys), 1 Merchant family (du Lac), 1 Gentry family (Macken), 1 Noble family (De Grance), and the royal Pendragon family that have all dramatically changed as they intermarried, had kids, built up their businesses, and rose in the ranks.

My plan is to make a post on each of these families explaining their story. This will take time though as I plan to give you guys family portraits, before and after tours of their homes, any screenshots I happened to have taken while playing, as well as writing out the twists and turns of their tales. So please bear with me while I sort that out.

In the meantime here's some screenshots of some shippy poses I did with my sims that aren't part of the save

Tagging those who expressed interest in knowing more about my save (let me know if you want me to tag you in future posts about this): @tansyuduri @building-camelot @chairwiththreelegs

[thusspoketrish]

LCDrarry 2024 FIC REVEAL!!!!!

YAY!!! I had an absolute blast writing this story! Thank you to everyone who took time to read, leave kudos, and comment on it—your support means the world to me! A huge shout out to the @lcdrarry Mods for their kindness and for hosting another brilliant year! It takes a village to craft a story with love, and wow, did my village deliver! I’m endlessly grateful for the patience, love, and support from my amazing alpha, betas, and reader throughout this experience! I want to give a special thanks to my BFF @dewitty1 for being the best alpha in the entire world. Seriously, this fic wouldn't exist without their support, brilliance, and creativity in helping me tell Draco's wild story of reluctant fatherhood!

This is my Three Men & a Baby meets Taken (1) inspired story, featuring: BAMF!Draco who is also an adorably anxious bean, a Harry bursting with love and sass, and our favorite Ron, who’s both capable and emotionally intelligent! Together, they form an unbeatable BROMANCE! 

Expect a tender Drarry love story with heartfelt confessions, hilarious baby shenanigans, protective Draco moments, and an Auror case that’s totally out of this world! Join our dear boys in an action-packed, heartwarming kid-fic (no one asked for) you never knew you needed!!!

This has been a true labour of love, and I'm so grateful for the experience! I hope this story has brought (and will continue to bring) you all as much joy in reading it as it has brought me in writing it! Thank you again and here's to many more stories and adventures ahead!!!

READ IT ON AO3 HERE.

A Ferret, a ScarHead, a Weasel, and a Baby

Prompt: "Three Men and a Baby", 1987, Leonard Nimoy & "Taken", 2008, Pierre Morel Author: trishjames Word Count: 91,420 words Rating: Explicit Warnings: Angst, Anxiety, Epic Fight Scene(s), Canon-Typical Violence, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Blood, Muggle Weapons, References to Past Child Abuse, Abduction, Injuries

Summary: They say becoming a parent is an unparalleled, priceless joy. Draco Malfoy finds himself putting that theory to the test when the star witness in his dangerous illegal potions case entrusts him with a powerful wish: protect her newborn baby at all costs. Now, it's up to Draco to fulfill that wish despite the looming threat of criminals hunting for the child. To think, just the day before, he was fretting over his inappropriate feelings for his annoying, bespectacled git of a housemate—not the mechanics of changing nappies!

Thank Merlin it takes a village to raise a sack of flour, ah, child.

[lcdrarry]

8 June 2024 | 1/2 | LCDrarry Fic

A Ferret, a ScarHead, a Weasel, and a Baby

Prompt: "Three Men and a Baby", 1987, Leonard Nimoy & "Taken", 2008, Pierre Morel Prompted by: Anonymous Author: Anonymous Word Count: 91,420 words Rating: Explicit Warnings: Angst, Anxiety, Epic Fight Scene(s), Canon-Typical Violence, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Blood, Muggle Weapons, References to Past Child Abuse, Abduction, Injuries

Notes: It takes a village to craft a story with love, and wow, did my village deliver! I’m endlessly grateful for the patience, love, and support from my amazing alpha, betas, and reader throughout this wild ride! This is my Three Men & a Baby meets Taken inspired fic, featuring: BAMF!Draco who is also an adorably anxious bean, a Harry bursting with love and sass, and our favorite Ron, who’s funny as hell, and both capable and emotionally intelligent! Together, they form an unbeatable BROMANCE! Expect a tender Drarry love story with heartfelt confessions, hilarious baby shenanigans, protective Draco moments, and an Auror case that’s totally out of this world! Join us for the action-packed, heartwarming kid-fic (no one asked for) you never knew you needed!!!

Summary: They say becoming a parent is an unparalleled, priceless joy. Draco Malfoy finds himself putting that theory to the test when the star witness in his dangerous illegal potions case entrusts him with a powerful wish: protect her newborn baby at all costs. Now, it's up to Draco to fulfill that wish despite the looming threat of criminals hunting for the child. To think, just the day before, he was fretting over his inappropriate feelings for his annoying, bespectacled git of a housemate—not the mechanics of changing nappies!

Thank Merlin it takes a village to raise a sack of flour, ah, child.

Read it now on AO3.

Please help promote the fest by sharing your favourite submissions, so more people can enjoy all the amazing new Drarry works of LCDrarry. Thank you!

Creator reveals are on 15 June.

[a-d-nox]

asteroids that aren’t getting more attention than this and aren’t related to my typical mythological shenanigans but that i still love (part 3: a semester’s worth of literature edition)

everyone hold on to your hats, my last semester is due to begin next week, and i just finished unpacking the fall semester in this post lmao. but don't worry though, there is always more literature and asteroids to explore! but do note i slow down on tumblr when i am in school so bear with me on slow ask response!

i have written about 25 literary asteroids based on what i read about this past semester in college and thus have never been mentioned by me and likely will never be mentioned again on my page (mythology is my main focus). this post is very different and long. if you have no interest in the history, look for bolded statements to avoid all the reading lol. an asterisk in the OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS section indicates that the other mentioned asteroid(s) can be found in this post!

angelou (asteroid 9011)

Maya Angelou was a popular poet and civil rights activist, who received many awards and honorary degrees during her life. She wasn’t born into the prized poet career - originally she worked in a fried food restaurant, as a sex work, etc. In the late 60s her publication of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” became very popular and she became an extremely popular poet/writer. She is the first black American woman featured on the a US quarter. IN MY OPINION Angelou in your chart can represent a) where you work hard to make your dreams reality, b) where you rise, c) where you advocate for others, d) where your intellect is rewarded, and/or e) your love for or aptitude for poetry.

antigone (asteroid 129)

Antigone is the incestuous daughter made by Oedipus and his mother, Jocasta. The play by Sophocles in which she is featured opens with the chorus singing that will rise alone and die young. After Oedipus dies his brother, Creon, sits on the throne. Her brother is faced with the challenge of what to do with the body of an invader; he declares that anyone who tries to bury the body will be put to death. Antigone goes against this order and then is sealed in a tomb to die from starvation. When Creon is advised by a prophet that the gods look down on his lack of honor regarding the body of the invader, Creon goes to the tomb to free Antigone. Antigone is found right all along only and Creon finds that she has killed herself. IN MY OPINION Antigone in your chart can represent a) where you are taboo, b) the piece of you that dies young, c) where you are willing to die for your beliefs, c) where you stand against your family, d) where you are forced to starve yourself, and/or e) suicidal tendencies or experience hopelessness.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: sophocles (2921)!

arthur (asteroid 2597)

King Arthur was born from deception - the King of Britain, Uther Pendragon, had a great lust for the Duke of Tintagel’s wife, Ygraine. When the Duke and his wife left the castle, King Uther demanded that they return - the Duke declined his request, suspecting his lust for Ygraine. The Duke and the King went head to head for a short time until King Uther went to Merlin for help, desperate to have Ygraine. Merlin agreed to help him in exchange for any child born from their union. The King readily agreed, and Merlin transformed the King to look like the Duke. He went to the Duchess and the two spent the night together. When the “Duke” (Uther) left in the morning, soldiers came to the castle shortly after stating that the Duke had been killed in battle. Shocked and in denial after having spent the night with her “husband,” the soldiers told her that she must have been visited by a ghost to bring her peace of mind. After King Uther took control of Tintagel and married Ygraine. Nearly nine months later, Arthur was born, and Merlin takes Arthur by force. "The Sword in the Stone" is a famous tale most of us know regarding how Arthur comes into power and becomes King after living life as the “bastard son” of Sir Ector (the knight whom Merlin has raise Arthur). King Uther Pendragon died shortly after Arthur was taken, leaving no one to reign over the kingdom. Merlin wanting no one to take Arthur’s spot place a sword in the stone; "Whoso pulleth out this sword from this stone, / is right wise King born of all England" was inscribed on it’s blade. At fifteen, Arthur pulls the blade from the stone to the shock of many people - his stepbrother, Sir Kay, does try to claim he pulled it, but after placing it back in the stone he and many others fail to pull it from the stone. Only Arthur is capable of pulling it out and therefore is the legitimate king. Onto something not many of us talk about - Arthur's death. In Le Monte d’Arthur, after a long reign, the knights of The Round Table appear to stray from their morality. Guinevere and Lancelot have a love affair and Arthur knows (he cared too much for each of them to expose/punish them), but when the other knights learn of this, they demand the two be held accountable for their actions. Lancelot escapes with his followers after slaughtering many knights. Sir Gawain insists that he and Arthur go after them - Arthur agrees to this. While they are gone Mordred - recently knighted by Arthur and brother of Gawain - claims himself King of England and new husband to Guinevere... and sends an army to attack Arthur whom is already dealing with the whole Lancelot campaign. Mordred mortal wounds Arthur, but Arthur kills Mordred. Lancelot and Guinevere die from illness and Constantine is instated as king. Arthur is momerialized and said to one day return to the lands. IN MY OPINION Arthur in your chart can represent a) adoptive families, b) where a lot of the world around you is filled with deception, c) where you lack knowledge of who you are or underestimate yourself, d) where you have power at a young age, e) where you are passive in a situation, f) where you care more about those around you than you do for yourself, and/or g) where you are the model for greatness.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: lancelot (2041), gawain (2054)*, guinevere (2483), merlin (2598), and camelot (9500)*!

atlantis (asteroid 1198)

Atlantis is a lost city at the bottom of the ocean. The ocean is one of Earth’s most unexplored frontiers - 80% hasn’t even been looked at beyond boating and satellite imaging. So it is not hard (for me at least) to imagine that Atlantis may have existed. Plato is the first to discuss this city in any “modern text” and all this is in reference to another philosopher who went to Egypt and studied the city that was lost... about 1000 years before him. Like all of Plato’s other musings a lesson was presented in the “downfall of Atlantis” that luxury, hubris, and wealth were bad for the virtue of humanity. Plato stated that Poseidon and his wife at the time, Cleito, lived on this island - Poseidon then gave fractions of the land to his demi-god children. Plato steps in to state that when the generations continue to progress they get further from their original godliness and find they are more susceptible to things like greed and pride. Plato’s dialogue is actually lost after this point so we have to infer from Plato’s “abstract summary” at the beginning that Zeus noticed that Atlantis was becoming too corrupt and forced Poseidon to sink the island using his powers over storms and earthquakes. IN MY OPINION Atlantis in your chart can represent a) where you should be careful and beware of vices, b) where you are undiscovered and dreamlike, c) where there a lot of rumors regarding yourself, d) living with a lot of your family members or multiple generations, and/or e) where you are torn down for your actions.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: zeus (5731), plato (5451)*, and poseidon (4341)!

beatrix (asteroid 83)

Beatrice was both a real and a fiction person. Dante immortalized her and his adoration for her character via The Divine Comedy - at age nine he saw her for the first time and it was something like "love at first sight." In Dante's Inferno (the epic i read this semester; i will not be writing about her role in the other two parts of The Divine Comedy), Beatrice lives on as the object of Dante's love. Her spirit brings forth the great poet, and Dante's idol, Virgil to escort the Dante, the pilgrim through Hell. At the beginning of Inferno Beatrice is seen by Dante, the pilgrim as a beautiful and virtuous angel who makes him wish to renew his faith in the heavens and make his soul more virtuous. IN MY OPINION Beatrix in your chart can represent a) where you are graceful, b) where you are likely to capture someone's eternal attention, c) where you are seen as angelic, d) how you inspire people to be better, and/or e) where/how you connect people with those that can help them reach their goals.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: dante (2999)* and vergilius (asteroid 2798)*!

bede (asteroid 3691)

The Venerable Bede is considered one of the greatest Anglo-Saxon theologian and historian of the Early Middle Ages. His Historia ecclesiastica is one of the most vital sources of history for Christians on the Anglo-Saxon tribes. IN MY OPINION Bede in your chart can represent a) where you're considered an expert by those of a set belief, b) your interest in the Middle Ages, and/or c) where your knowledge goes unquestioned.

beowulf (asteroid 38086)

Beowulf is the one of the first epic poems to have existed dating back to the seventh century. The poem was found in the tenth century and was saved in a rather noteworthy fire - sections of Beowulf are thought to be missing due to the great devastation cause by this fire (often marked *** in sections where ashes landed on the pages). Beowulf as a character is a Pagan warrior who is Christianized by the anonymous Christian transcriptionist. Beowulf is an incredibly strong and notorious hero in the ancient realm of Geatland/Denmark. After hearing word that a monster named Grendel haunts the halls in Hrothgar’s land, Beowulf lends a helping hand. Beowulf beats the creature who has been destroying Hrothgar’s realm for twelve years in one night - empty handed. Beowulf himself vanquishes two more nearly indestructible creatures after his first victory. He dies gloriously at an old age, post-battle with a dragon as a king surrounded by gold. IN MY OPINION Beowulf represents a) where you may be culturally washed over by those who believe they are superior, b) where you are heroic/humble/strong, c) where your tale is nearly destroyed but has been preserved, and d) where you attract glory.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: grendel (541982)*!

see part 2.5 for other christmas-y & wintry asteroids!

camelot (asteroid 9500)

Camelot is the city and castle of the famous King Arthur and his knights. Camelot was home to the round table - which presents as a utopia in which everyone must abide by the code of chivalry. Allegedly Camelot was given to Arthur and Guinevere by Merlin. IN MY OPINION Camelot in your chart can represent a) where you abide by a code of morality, b) where you experience honorable acts, c) where you meet a lot of people with good intentions, and/or d) large gifts given to you.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: guinevere (2483), merlin (2598), and arthur (2597)*!

click here for camelot-sn aspects in synastry

chaucer (asteroid 2984)

Geoffrey Chaucer is considered perhaps one of the greatest poets to have existed. This belief arises from his work The Canterbury Tales. As a man involved in diplomacy and politics (he aided Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV), he saw many aspects of life and was capable of encompassing the political satire associated with any given class. Chaucer grew up around royalty and had what is assumed to be a decent education. He married well - to a woman of higher class. Upon his turbulent retirement from clerk of the king, Chaucer began his work on The Canterbury Tales. This epic consists of twenty four unique tales following a different character who each tell their own tale in hopes of entertaining those on a pilgrimage in order to win a free supper. Each tale has a different genre in mind, ranging from romance to fabliau, sermons to allegories, etc. To accomplish such a feat (despite him having a bigger goal in mind - that each character tell four stories total (he did not accomplish this)) one could only assume that Chaucer was a very talented writer/poet with great knowledge of life within and outside of his class station. IN MY OPINION Chaucer in your chart can represent a) being deeply involved in politics, b) your appreciation for satire, c) where you can see the perspective of others, d) your judgement of the class system, e) your talent in story telling, and/or f) where you don’t reach the goal you had in mind but you are still praised for greatness. 

chekhov (asteroid 2369)

Anton Chekhov was a great writer and playwright; his works are identifiable by their simple plot and messy conclusions. Chekhov wished to focus on the everyday lives of the average person - a characteristic of Russian realism. Chekhov originally got into writing to support his family and pay his tuition - he was a doctor then a writer. Shortly after he became a physician, he learned that he had tuberculosis and seemed to gravitate towards the calmer world on writing (over the world of a traveling physician). Chekhov lived a shorter but full life of drama and the arts. IN MY OPINION Chekhov in your chart can represent a) where you wish for simple life but experience drama, b) where you are forced to go with a second option, c) how your health effects your career, d) where you support your family and self, and/or e) where simple life makes you money.

click here for taurus chekhov and chekhov-mc aspects in a natal chart

cslewis (asteroid 7644)

Many of us know C. S. Lewis as the man that wrote the Chronicles of Narnia - a thrilling high fantasy book series that had so much popularity, that it was made into a popular movie series as well in the 2000s. Lewis served in the infantry division during World War II then found himself engrossed in a literary education. He completed a three year degree in one in regards to English Literature (note to my readers: i too am doing my english major in one year (my cslewis is at 27° in my 12h)) then became a professor of medieval and renaissance literature. Most don't know that Lewis was an atheist for a long time in his youth and that later he became an apologist. Notably he wrote Mere Christianity in which he defended Christianity. IN MY OPINION Cslewis in your chart can represent a) your love for high fantasy, b) your enjoyment of anthropomorphic creatures, c) how must you enjoy a topic, d) quick education, and/or e) where you change beliefs.

see part 2.5 for other christmas-y & wintry asteroids!

dante (asteroid 2999)

Dante Alighieri was an infamous poet and philosopher. His Divine Comedy is likely one of the most important of the poetics from the Middle Ages because of its unique nature and inspiration of topic. During the Middle Ages most poet wrote in Latin - making the topic accessible to only the educated - but Dante wrote his Commedia in Italian. Most poets at the time also wrote in some kind of pentameter, but because Dante wrote in Italian and not Latin so he had to deviate from the typical rhyme scheme too. Dante was the first poet to use terza rima - three-line rhyme scheme, triplets in iamb (aba bcb cdc). Dante wrote his Divine Comedy in exile from Florence, Italy after being accused of corruption and financial fraud and due to not paying the fine associated with the crime. It is thought that his opening line of Inferno reflects his feelings whilst in exile: "In the middle of our life's journey, I found myself in a dark wood." The lines following are Dante, the poet's, musings of what Hell and it's punishments are like. Dante, the pilgrim, and Virgil, the ghost of the Roman poet, takes readers on a tour of Hell where all readers can observe the punishments of sinners via contrapasso. Contrapasso is a law of nature, much like karma, stating that for the crime there must be an equal and fitting punishment. Dante, the pilgrim, is in a constant state of existentialism as he reflects on the wrongdoings of others as well as his own wrongdoings. Dante, the poet, also included political figures in the sinners whom Dante, the pilgrim, sees along his journey through Hell... because Dante, the poet, was bitter over being exiled... IN MY OPINION Dante in your chart can represent a) how your writing differs from other people's, b) where you do your own thing despite common practice, c) where you reflect on your actions, d) your thoughts on the afterlife, and/or e) your metaphysical journey.

gawain (asteroid 2054)

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a popular epic that opens at the winter dinner party of King Arthur. The party is interrupted by a stranger who introduces himself as the Green Knight (no shock he is quite literally all green) - he challenges the room of party-goers to strike him with his own blade, so that he will be peaceful and may gift his great golden axe to the winner. The only condition is that the Green Knight will strike whoever strikes him in return in one year’s time. Sir Gawain volunteers claiming that he would be no loss to the company because his life only means something because he is related to Arthur. Sir Gawain takes up the axe and decapitates the Green Knight. The Green Knight simply picks up his head and rides away reminding Sir Gawain he must seek him out at the Green Chapel a year and a day from now. Sir Gawain leaves around fall that year to seek the Green Knight only to find that he is unsure where to go - he finds his way to a castle. At the castle Gawain is invited to stay with the lord and take part in a hunting game; each day the lord and Gawain will exchange what they caught that day. The lord hunts, but Gawain stays in and finds himself pursued by the lord's wife... At the end of each day Gawain gets various animals and gives the lord the kisses he has gained from the lord’s wife. On the last day, Gawain keeps a girdle that the lady of the castle gives him claiming that it has the power to protect the wearer. When Gawain leaves with the lord - who states he knows where the Green Chapel is - he guides him then states he will go no further. When the Green Knight emerges the act ensue in which the knight strike Gawain. Gawain flinches twice until the third blow, but nothing happen but a tiny nick on his neck - thanks to the girdle. The Green Knight laughs then announces that he is actually the lord of the castle and the lady is actually Morgan le Faye who wanted to test Arthur’s court. Gawain returns to the court wearing the sash as a reminder of his failure to remain truthful, his cowardice, and his sinful nature. IN MY OPINION Gawain in your chart can represent a) a lack of confidence and/or good self-esteem, b) where you fear death but feign fearlessness, c) where you toe the line of your code of honor, and/or d) where you are constantly reminded of your cowardice and/or failure.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: arthur (2597)*!

see part 2.5 for other christmas-y & wintry asteroids!

gogol (asteroid 2361)

Nikolai Gogol was a famous Russian writer. Gogol is thought to be the first writer to use the grotesque in the Golden Era of Russian Literature. His writing is identifiable by its his use of his character's defamiliarization with themselves (ex: in "The Nose," Major Kovalyov wakes up without his nose one day and experiences life as someone of low status and regard). Gogol himself was not a popular peer - he was thought to have a dark disposition. Gogol had many ambitions in life - he wanted to be an actor, a poet... When he tried to be a poet, his poetry (published under a pseudonym) was ridiculed by everyone everywhere. In response, Gogol bought all the copies that remained in stores and destroyed them swearing to never write poetry again. Gogol later decided to try literature and he excelled. IN MY OPINION Gogol in your chart can represent a) where you see the world through a strange and dark lens, b) where you degrade others as they degrade you, c) where you can't be everything that you dreamt of being, d) where you may be close to your job of choice yet you fail, and/or e) how you approach rejection on a grand scale and which area you are likely to face it in.

grendel (asteroid 541982)

Grendel is the first monster faced in Beowulf. Grendel is a lonesome beast who lives in the cold outreaches of Denmark. After being constantly annoyed by Hrothgar’s hall and the rowdy people within, Grendel decides to exterminate those within as punishment for disturbing his peace. For twelve years, each night Grendel slaughters Hrothgar’s people until Beowulf’s arrival. Grendel appears in the hall as he had many times before to discover that a shirtless, disarmed man lay in wait for him. The two battle and Grendel loses after Beowulf tears his arm clean off. Grendel retreats to his cold, lonesome lake in the forest to die. IN MY OPINION Grendel represents a) where you may feel alone/depressed, b) where you are envious of others, c) where you are annoyed the most, and d) where you must return to baser instincts to achieve peace.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: beowulf (38086)*!

see part 2.5 for other christmas-y & wintry asteroids!

haiku (asteroid 12477)

Haikus came to popularity in the 17th century and really didn’t have a name until the 19th. Haikus were originally targeted as zen philosophies for life - they aimed to have the reader reengage with world around them. Now these three lined poems (following the 5 syllables, 7 syllables, then 5 syllables pattern) follow any subject matter. The practice of writing a haiku is to practice the ability to use concise wording despite limitations. IN MY OPINION Haiku in your chart can represent a) where you can find peace, b) your talent regarding haikus, c) where you tend to be short and consistent, and/or d) where you experience peaceful thoughts.

isolda (asteroid 211)

This one is fun - so in the Arthurian legends in which Tristan is the central character, Ysolt is his love interest. The thing is how crazy this is her name is often evolved with language: Iseult, Isolde, Isolda, etc. In the versions I read (The Madness of Tristan, Chevrefoil, and Le Roman de Tristran) she was referred to as Ysolt - so that’s what I am rolling with. BUT the horrible this is that there are three Ysolts: the mother Ysolt, the Queen Ysolt, and Ysolt of the White Hands. I’m referring to Queen Ysolt because the founder of the asteroid was referring to Queen Ysolt, the star-crossed lover of Tristan. So here we go - Tristan is a bit nutty because Ysolt is his uncle’s wife… and he is in love with her… because of a love potion… He is obsessed, she is hopelessly in love with him as well. Ysolt constantly stands by Tristan and approaches him with gifts of recognition - honeysuckle, hazel branch, scissors, etc. In The Madness of Tristan, she refuses to believe that Tristan is indeed himself and despite his ostracism of her and her “lack of loyalty,” she is still accepted by him when she final believes him. IN MY OPINION Isolda in your chart can represent a) where you may have an identity crisis, b) where people may struggle to differentiate you from others, c) where you are hopelessly obsessed with others, and/or d) the types of gifts you give lovers.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: tristan (1966)*!

click here for isolda-krama aspects in synastry

click here for isolda-vesta aspects in synastry

kafka (asteroid 3412)

Franz Kafka was a Bohemian writer, who is considered a big part of the modernist movement as he fused ideas of reality with the fantastical. Much like Chekhov, Kafka was not initially a writer by trade - Kafka was going to school to be a lawyer (but went into insurance) and spent his free time writing. He often wrote late at night but struggled with anxiety and self doubt - he burned an estimated 90% of his work. During his life he received very little recognition - publishing only a few works and mostly sending letters to those he had strained or romantic relationships with. Kafka died at 40 from tuberculosis (just like Chekhov), and in his will he instructed his friend Max Brod to destroy everything left unfinished (The Castle, The Trial, etc.) - but Brod ignored this and had most of these works published. The Castle and The Trial are two of his most popular works - both would have been destoryed had his friend followed his wishes. His works explore alienation, existential dread, guilt, absurdity, and so much more - many people relate to Kafka though he struggled with self esteem most of his life. IN MY OPINION Kafka in your chart represents a) where your reality is distorted, b) where you doubt yourself, c) your anxiety and existential dread, and/or d) where your thinking/intrusive thoughts are the most relatable.

ortrud (asteroid 551)

Ortrud is a character from Lohengrin - a final chapter in the medieval epic poem Parzival. Ortrud is the wife to the Duke's guard, Telramund. The Duke has been murdered, Telramund believes the Duke was murdered by his sister Elsa - when the King finds no answer to who is responsible for this murder he blames Telramund and orders a trial by combat. When a Knight arrives on the scene, supporters of Telramund beg the guard to withdraw from the duel but he refuses. All of his supporters begin praying, only Ortrud does not - instead she claims that he will live and likely win against the Knight. The Knight spares Telramund's life and Telramund and Ortrud are banished from the court. Ortrud confesses that she is a witch and can promise that they will rule the kingdom. Ortrud convinces Elsa to take pity on her and Elsa allows Ortrud into the castle again. Ortrud plans to topple the Knight's reputation by claiming he is some sort of sorcerer because the Knight has yet to introduce himself and share his identity. Despite not knowing who the Knight is Elsa marries him. The Knight easily defeats Telramund, who tries to attack him on his wedding night. The Knight states that his name is Lohengrin and Elsa has learned his identity so he must go home (somewhere in the fight scene there is mention of "In fernem land" which indicates his identity). A swan boat arrives to take him home but Ortrud comes forward to claim that the swan figure is Elsa's brother who Ortrud cursed into becoming a swan. Ortrud is then found guilt of witchcraft and essentially melts into nothing as she watches Lohengrin turn the swan back into the Duke. IN MY OPINION Ortrud in your chart represents a) where you are wrong about everything, b) your deception of others, c) where you expose yourself and your wrongdoings, and/or d) where your beliefs aren't in alignment with the majority of those around you. This asteroid was asked for by @brielledoesastrology !

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: lohengrin (9505), telramund (9506), and gottfried (9507) aka the duke!

plato (asteroid 5451)

Yes, we have talked Plato before in a prior post BUT THIS IS DIFFERENT. Today we are talking Plato’s Myth of the Cave. Imagine that all your life you have lived life in a cave - chained since childhood. Your back to the exit you don’t even know exists because you can’t turn your head. People walk behind you carrying objects, the shadows they cast are all you know. You are likely to belief that this is the reality of life - chains, shadows, and darkness. One day you break free and discover the exit - life exists outside of the cave. At first you would only pay attention to the shadows that are casted by the objects around you. You would eventually come to the realization that more than what you previously believed existed is real. This is how Plato explained knowledge - often people are trapped by their own perception, and what they see they believe. IN MY OPINION Plato in this context can represent a) where your beliefs rule your reality, b) where knowledge limits you most, c) where you need to shift your perspective, and/or d) where you can experience a major shift in belief and reality.

poe (asteroid 17427)

Edgar Allen Poe was a famous American writer known for his macabre mysteries - he is perhaps America’s first short story writer. Poe had several jobs before his creative writing - clerk, journalist, the military, etc. Poe also had many issues in his live including drugs, alcohol, women, and more. Most interestingly about Poe is his death; at age 40 he died from “congestion of the brain” according to the papers, but his death certificate is lost. “Congestion of the brain” is akin to inflammation of the brain - which means he could have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, epilepsy, menginitis, etc. Poe is also theorized to have been a victim of cooping - which is when someone is held hostage forced to drink alcohol whilst being beaten based on popular vote of hatred. IN MY OPINION Poe in your chart can represent a) where you have a dark perceptive, b) where you have a lot of life struggles, and/or c) uncertainty and skepticism surrounding death. 

pushkin (asteroid 2208)

Born of noble descendant but lacking any of the titles or entitlement associated with said descendant, Pushkin became Russia’s most famous author and poet. Pushkin went to school with other children of nobility but only ever excelled at literature. When he graduated he was free to do what he wished and he chose to write poetry - around 130 were written and were unpublished due to them being deemed too lewd for the era. One poem in particular was about a political figure and caused Pushkin to be exiled from Moscow. The Czar forgives him about ten years later and Pushkin returned home. He married a very lovely woman who had many suitors... One suitor she continued to see - and I’m not talking about Pushkin. Pushkin was then forced to propose a duel (completely illegal). Both survive the duel but Pushkin suffers for three days with a bullet wound and inevitably dies. On his death bed whole neighborhoods and even the Czar sent his regards. IN MY OPINION Pushkin in your chart can represent a) where you have increased opportunity, b) how well you do with literature, c) where you are forgiven and loved despite your shortcomings, and/or d) how love wounds you.

shakespeare (asteroid 2985)

Shakespeare, also known as the Bard and Sawn of Avon, is perhaps the greatest dramatist and poet of all time. Very little exists regarding Shakespeare’s childhood and education though most assume he was taught the basics as a public official’s son - often people doubt his authorship because of this lack of information. This gap in information and mysterious nature regarding his life is found frequently in his timeline; it is only when he becomes active in theatre that we have consistent knowledge regarding Shakespeare. IN MY OPINION Shakespeare in your chart can represent a) your appreciation for theatre/plays/poetry, b) where you are prolific, c) long-lasting public recognition, and/or d) where your life is mysterious and no one knows anything worth noting about you.

tristan (asteroid 1966)

Sir Tristan is part of a popular Celtic legend in which Ysolt and he are often experiencing tragedy and illicit love - by illicit, I mean that Ysolt is married to Tristan’s uncle, so technically this relationship would be consider at the time adulterous and incestuous. This relationship often begins with Tristan escorting Ysolt to Ireland to marry his uncle. On this trip the two accidentally drink a love potion causing a love affair to arise between the two. In Madness of Tristan, Tristan tests Ysolt’s claims of loyalty - he disguises himself as a homeless man and interrogates Ysolt about her love for Sir Tristan. He claims that she lacks loyalty and proves he is Tristan. She of course is so relieved to see him and the two have a reunion - in Chevrefoil the two actually are indicated to have sexual interaction. Anyone who knows about the chivalric code knows that knights aren't supposed to be adulterous and anyone who knows about chivalric love knows that there shouldn't be intimacy of that level for any coupling. In Le Roman de Tristran, the couple travels to meet one another out of lust and  but when Ysolt arrives Tristan is dying and quite literally does so in her arms, while she begs God to help him (news flash God doesn't support your adultery or incest, Ysolt lol). IN MY OPINION Tristan in your chart can represent a) a tragic and/or forbidden romance, b) where you go against your moral code for love, c) incest, d) distrust of your lover, e) lust or a “romance” you can not avoid, and/or f) where you die for “love.” Tagging @factsrological​ as a follow up to our Tristan conversation back in December 2022!

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: isolda (211)*!

click here for mars-tristan aspects in synastry

vergilius (asteroid 2798)

Virgil, the Greek poet, wrote many great poems and epics (most notably the Aeneid), but his appearance as the guide of Dante, the pilgrim, in Inferno is one of his greatest historical moments. Virgil's ghost guides and protects Dante through Hell despite being seen as damned and not good enough for heaven due to his polytheism. Virgil advises and gives wisdom to Dante on human flaws and sins through out the journey to help Dante become pure enough to reach Paradiso. IN MY OPINION Virgilius in your chart can represent a) your appreciation for mythology, b) where centuries later you may inspire another with your work, c) where/how you protect those you guide, d) where you advise others to reach their highest potential, and/or d) where you are kept down due to your beliefs.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: dante (2999)*!

please let me know if you’d like to see a part 4!

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[queer-ragnelle]

So who among the Arthurian characters is into cottagecore? Morgan has to be right?

hi!

you know what i'm gonna have to disagree. i don't think morgan's affiliation to magic and nickname "le fay" are enough, especially bc she prides herself on a lofty status that elevates her above the humble rural living that cottagecore romanticizes. i mean here she is in the vulgate proclaiming herself a king's daughter (isn't she the daughter of duke gorlois?) while she prepares to kill her husband and get away with it.

queen shit. here are some characters i think would be into cottagecore.

arthur: when thomas berger wrote him as loving his simple life in wales with his family and sleeping out with the dogs and genuinely relishing his modest upbringing with his foster brother? i felt that.

blanchefleur: she definitely named herself "white flower" after her own garden's award winning blossoms at the county fair. she bottles it for perfume too, if you're interested. perceval always keeps a little vial around his neck so he can smell it and think of her while on quest or when he gets lost on his way to take out the trash. thanks wifey.

brangaine and palamedes: whether or not she can actually achieve this lifestyle whilst in the service of isolde, she definitely dreams of fleeing to the countryside with palamedes. it also makes his commute shorter (cottage is on the edge of the enchanted woods in which the questing beast roams).

culhwch and olwen: after the nightmarish tasks they underwent just to get married they absolutely retired far away from court life where those shenanigans wouldn't reach their children.

dindrane: she's the quintessential nun, one who didn't learn necromancy. she enjoys all the typical stuff expected in a remote hermitage; gardening, baking, making wine, going on an adventure bilbo style complete with chaotic means and tragic ends, bird watching.

fisher king and elaine: since the queen passed away they just want more father and daughter bonding time out on the boat to fish. they catch dinner in their little pond and take it home to cook and go to sleep happy. they do the same thing again the next day without any obligations besides living. nothing bad happens.

green knight and wife: pretty sure they invented cottagecore or at least introduced the concept into the realm. they have their own line of cottagecore starter kits with little seeds to grow personalized mini gardens for a country oasis even in the discomfort of your monarch-sanctioned barracks. so what if the plants they sell are annuals and you have to buy a new one every year. aren't you committed to the aesthetic?

isolde and tristan: did they or did they not smash in that grotto like their lives depended on it? i rest my case.

merlin: have you read mary stewart's merlin trilogy? my guy wanted the quiet life so bad it made him look stupid. he died as he lived, in the middle of fucking nowhere. say what we will he committed to the bit to the very end.

tor: he is literally a cowboy farmer kid turned knight. actually forget the whole list he's the only one.

thanks for the ask!

[mask131]

A fantasy read-list: A-3

Fantasy read-list

Part A: Ancient fantasy

3) Medieval fantasy - the Arthuriana

While one root of the fantasy genre lies within the mythologies of the world, the other is coming from numerous medieval tales and supernatural stories, most of them being centered around what we call today the “Arthurian myth” or the “Arthuriana”. Though, in truth, the genre of these texts is a bit bigger - it is the “Matter of Britain”, which is larger than the Arthurian texts themselves.

And we will begin our list with... French texts! It might surprise you - you might say “But aren’t Arthurian texts all English?”. No. The Matter of Britain designates all the medieval texts that are not the “Matter of Rome” or the “Matter of Thebes” (aka coming from the texts and topics of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece). Britain is, of course, England, as in “Great-Britain”. But if there is a GREAT Britain, it means there is a “Little Britain”... And this Little Britain is none other than the Bretagne region of France, aka the north-west of France. The Arthurian myth is half-rooted in England, yes, but another half of the origins and founding texts of the Arthurian legend come from France. The famous Broceliande forest is in France, not in England. 

# The founding texts of the French Arthurian literature are without a doubt the novels of Chrétien de Troyes. Considered the very first French novel of history, they created many of the well-known “Arthurian legends” of today. There is a total of five of these novels. Two are indirectly tied to the Arthurian world - Eric and Enide, Cligès. Two are right at the heart of the Arthuriana: Yvain or the Knight of the Lion, as well as Lancelot or the Knight of the Cart. And his final novel is incomplete, but it is the one that created the most famous part of the Arthurian literature: Perceval or the Story of the Grail, the first literary apparition of the famous “Holy Grail” (fun fact: the Grail wasn’t originally a cup, but a fish-plate. Go read the book, you’ll understand Xp). 

# Equating and rivaling Chrétien’s novels, we find the lais of Marie de France. A “lai” is actually a short fiction typical of the Middle-Ages, something halfway between a narrative poem and a fairytale, telling short, concise, but very efficient stories. We have a LOT of lais that came to us anonymously, carrying numerous literary stories or folktales of medieval times - but in France the most famous lais are those attributed to a certain “Mary of France”. She wrote twenty or so VERY famous lais that are seen as one of the defining feature of old medieval French literature. We are talking Bisclaveret, one of the oldest werewolf stories, we are talking of the supernatural romance of Guigemar, we are talking about the twin-shenanigans of Le Fresne, about the tragic love of Chevrefoil, and about the Arthurian lai of Lanval, about a man in love with a fairy but wooed by Guinevere herself. 

Mind you, there are other lais not composed by Marie de France, such as the one of Guingamor or the one of Sir Orfeo, but they are mostly anonymous.

# The works of Robert de Boron. Robert de Boron continued the work started by Chrétien de Troyes (and also took inspiration from the poet’s Wave semi-historical semi-fictional work, such as the Roman de Brut, a historical chronicle where Merlin and dragons appear), and built the next “step” in the Arthurian myth in France. Unfortunately we do not have his full work anymore, merely a fragment of his poem “Merlin” (where he presents the famous story of the “born of a demon” episode), a short “Perceval” story, and his full “Estoire du Graal ou Joseph d’Arimathie”, which is where the background of the Grail as the cup that collected Christ’s blood appears. Together they are considered as “le Petit Cycle du Graal”, “The Small Cycle of the Grail”, preceeding the following item...

# More interestingly, after the enormous success of Chrétien de Troyes’ work, there was an entire series of books that were created, remembered today as the Lancelot-Graal, or the Prose Lancelot, the Vulgate Cycle. These are five texts in prose (in opposition to Chrétien and Boron’s verse works), who continue or rewrite the previous author’s texts - these are L’Estoire del Saint Graal (L’Histoire du Saint Graal/The History of the Holy Grail), L’Estoire de Merlin (L’Histoire de Merlin/Merlin in prose),  Le Lancelot (also called Lancelot in prose or Lancelot proper), La Queste del Saint Graal (The Quest of the Holy Grail), and La Mort d’Artu (The death of Artu). This cycle was followed by three prose texts known as “The Post-Vulgate Cycle” (Histoire du Saint Graal, Merlin, Queste-Mort Artu) which are merely the transcription in prose of some of Boron works, mixed with a rewrite of the “Tristan en prose”, an old novel of the Tristan and Iseult cycle (and the first that links the legendary duo with the Arthurian world).

# The Roman de Perceforest is a quite unique work designed to unite the “romans d’Alexandre” (Alexandrian novels, a big branch of medieval French literature centered around the adventure of Alexander the Great) and the Arthurian novels - more importantly, Perceforest is the oldest known literary version of the fairytale Sleeping Beauty.

# A section should be left here for the various novels involving the fairy Mélusine, one of the main characters of the French medieval legends. In fact, she is recognized (by Georges Dumézil’s work and those that continued it) as one of the two archetypal fairies of the middle-ages (the Melusinian fairy being the fairy entering the human world to live with humans, opposing the Morganian fairy who snatches humans into the otherworld). The legend of Mélusine was most notably recorded in Jean d’Arras “Roman de Mélusine”, and in Coudrette’s own “Roman de Mélusine”.

# There are many, MANY more literary works of medieval France, but to stay in the angle of “ancient fantasy” I will merely quote two more. On one side, la Chanson des quatre fils d’Aymon, a famous medieval epic which notably depicts the figure of Maugis the Enchanter, the other main sorcerer of medieval texts alongside Merlin (he has his own poem, La Chanson de Maugis d’Aigremont). On the other, the one one, the classic, the best-seller, the unavoidable Roman de Renart, the Novel of Reynart, the tentacular set of texts depicting the numerous adventures of the most famous European trickster in an animalistic parody of the Arthurian world.

If we jump outside of France to England, we have a different set of texts:

# The works of Geoffrey of Monmouth. This man wrote some of the earliest works part of the “Arthurian myth”, and from which a lot of elements were taken to create the “Arthuriana”. While his most famous work is “Historia Regum Britanniae”, a semi-historical chronicle of the kings of Britain which contains one of the earliest appearance of King Arthur as we know him today, he also wrote two texts fundamental to the figure of Merlin: Prophetiae Merlini, and Vita Merlini. 

# Otia Imperialia, by Gervase of Tilbury. It was a work created as a gift to emperor Otto V, and it was supposed to be an encyclopedia of geographical, historical and scientific matters - but it is actually containing a LOT of mythical and legendary elements, including entire part of the “Arthurian myth” presented as historical facts - hence its latter name “The Book of Marvels”. 

# Of course, we can’t list the major Arthuriana English works without talking about the most famous one: “Le Morte d’Arthur”, the final result of the “evolution” of the Arthurian myth. Thomas Malory’s attempt at creating a complete legend uniting all of the English and French Arthurian texts (though heavily inspired by the Lancelot-Graal cycle I described above). This text became the “definitive Arthurian text” in England for a very long time - and in more recent days, it was the main inspiration for the famous Arthurian novel “The Once and Future King” by T. H. White.

And while the Arthurian corpus is mostly made of English and French texts, you also have Arthuriana sources in other European countries - such as in Germany, where you can find Lanzelet, by Ulrich von Zazhikhoven, which marks the first apparition of Lancelot in German literature. 

[wolfxkissed]

four episodes of merlin down — greatly enjoying it so far <3

gwen is so sweet,, love her sm — also her and morgana 👀 living for the banter between merlin and arthur, and merlin and gaius' dynamic is so fun lmfao. typical found family shenanigans hsjwhs

[ivy-recs]

THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF PICTURE-PERFECT FLUFFY CHAOS!

“Hello, dove.”

Soft. Tender. Perfect.

“Would you two stop being so sickeningly sweet?”

Typical Sirius energy. I can hear the dramatic eye roll from here.

“Don’t worry about m-me, Moony.”

PETE, SWEETHEART. Also, the fact that he throws up a silencing charm so he can sob in peace? Painfully iconic.

“I should’ve known, you little minx.”

PLAYFUL REMUS SUPREMACY. This line is so soft and teasing, and it shows how well he knows you. Like, of course you were going to crawl into his jumper. He knows he’s wrapped around your little cat paws, and he doesn’t even care.

“Some would be honoured to be her warm jumper, Moons.”

JAMES OUT HERE SUPPORTING YOUR CAT-SHENANIGANS.

“Wait, we can do that?”

SIRIUS IS JEALOUS NOW?! Sirius, my love, why are you acting like a rejected dog? You just know he’s planning to bribe you into turning into a cat and cuddling him next.

“I wanted to cuddle with my girlfriend, not be smothered by her.”

Remus is SO DONE, but he loves you too much to stop you.

“You’re stretching the neckhole out!”

Peak Remus energy. Out of ALL the things happening—your transformation, the cuddling, the teasing—he’s focused on his jumper. He’s so dad-coded, and it’s perfect.

“Come now; you know you’re nothing but a warm jumper to me.”

YOUR CATTY (pun intended) SASS. This had me giggling.

“Merlin, dove. No.”

You can feel the exact moment Remus regrets everything. Like, yes, this is my girlfriend…yes, I love her…no, I was NOT ready for this level of chaos tonight.

“Fine. Fine. Shit, you’re a nuisance.”

HIS LOVE LANGUAGE IS RELUCTANT ACCEPTANCE. This line is so Remus. He grumbles, he complains, but ultimately, he lets you have your way because he loves you too much to resist. It’s the softest form of surrender, and I’m MELTING.

This is the Marauders fluff I didn’t know I needed today, and it’s pure serotonin. Remus being bullied into love is my new favorite trope. 🖤

I'M BACK AGAIN!! And this time I was wondering if you could take me in cause:

☃️ baby it's cold outside: "so, how much longer do you plan on using me as your personal space heater?" with Remus?

AGAIN CONGRATS ON 5K!! ε(´｡•᎑•`)っ 💕

thanks for your patience, and thanks for celebrating with me Ivy! hope I did this justice <3

Remus Lupin x animagus!reader who only sees him as a warm jumper [789 words]

CW: fem!reader, end of term mental breakdown, friend's being cheeky, fluff

It was one of those incredibly unusual evenings where the boys’ dormitory was full yet quiet. 

Sirius was lying upside down on his bed; long hair trailing off the foot of the bed where he hung his head as it bobbed to the music playing in his headphones that Remus had gotten him for his birthday. 

Peter looked to be about 12 minutes away from bursting into tears as he sifted through his Herbology text in a last ditch attempt at boosting his grade in that class.

James was currently laying on his stomach as he watched the Marauders Map, waiting for Lily to finish her prefect rounds so that they could sneak off to the headboy and head girl’s common room. 

And Remus? Well, Remus was sitting up against the headboard of his bed with a book in his hands. Or at least that’s what he appeared to be doing.

What he was actually doing was waiting for you. 

And sure enough, approximately 37 seconds before Peter would have burst into frustrated tears, the dormitory door that had been left cracked open was nudged open further by an entity that none of the boys could see from their current positions, but the tell-tale brrpp gave away your arrival. 

Remus was smiling before he felt a small body land on the foot of his bed, prompting him to move the book out of his line of sight so he could see the small, calico cat kneading biscuits into the throw as you slow-blinked at him. 

“Hello, dove.” 

“Would you two stop being so sickeningly sweet?” Sirius scowled at him as he lifted one of the speakers from his ear. “Show some respect; Pete’s on the brink of a mental breakdown.” 

“If they wait for Pete’s mental stability to be affectionate, they may be waiting until next term.” James offered without looking up from the map. 

“Don’t worry about m-me, Moony.” Peter snuffled through a hiccup before the curtains surrounding his four poster bed shut, a silencing charm being thrown up moments before the Marauder’s knew a sob spilled out of him. 

As bad as Remus felt for his friend, he was glad you didn’t seem too worried about Pete, quickly shoving your head under the hem of his jumper and eliciting a disbelieving laugh from Remus.

“I should’ve known, you little minx.” He chided as you slithered your lithe feline body under the fabric before poking your nose out of the neck hole. “I’m nothing but a warm jumper to you, am I?” 

You responded by purring rather loudly and kneading the fabric of the shirt separating you from his bare chest. He was happy for that barrier when your claws caught on the stitching. 

“Some would be honoured to be her warm jumper, Moons.” James scolded playfully, offering your feline form a smirk and a wink when you poked your head out to blink at him thankfully. 

“I’m sure you would, Prongs.” Remus chuckled. “Come on, how much longer do you plan on using me as your personal space heater?”

“Wait, we can do that?” Sirius asked quickly, sitting himself upright to look at Remus eagerly. Remus responded by closing the curtains of his own four poster bed.

“Come’on, dovey. What if I wanted to cuddle with my girlfriend?” He pouted.

And Remus Lupin was sure he'd never felt more dumb than he had at that moment; hadn’t he ever learned to let sleeping cats lie?  

Opting to give Remus probably exactly what he’d asked for but certainly not what he wanted, your feline form stretched back into your human one; a cheshire cat smile on your face that was merely centimetres from his own as your neck was still protruding the neck hole of his jumper.

“Merline, dove. No.”

“What?” You asked innocently. “Didn’t you want to cuddle with your girlfriend?”

“I wanted to cuddle with my girlfriend, not be smothered by her.”

“I don’t know, Moons.” You murmured, narrowing your eyes at him playfully. “I’m getting mixed signals here.”

“You’re stretching the neckhole out!” 

“Right, and what do you suggest, Remus? That I vacate your jumper?” You scoffed as if that was the most ridiculous thing you’d ever heard. “Come now; you know you’re nothing but a warm jumper to me.” 

“For Godric’s sake, fine. Fine. Shit, you’re a nuisance.” He conceded, though you seemed to know it was all good natured by the smile on his face.

“Thanks Moons.” You cheered before pressing a hard kiss to his lips and then melting back into your cat form. 

Remus settled back comfortably into his bed, relishing the warmth of the tiny space heater you created on his chest and the rumbling purrs your happy form emanated. 

He was sure that if he was a cat, he’d be purring too.

[sociallyanxiouspyrate]

Incorrect merlin quotes~

Arthur: i'll go get Gaius father

Uther who accidentally drank an oversharing truth potion: Gaius. You want to know something about Gaius?

Arthur: you probably don't want to spread this information father please-

Uther: i thought he was very handsome when i first met him. I mean i was a little obsessed.

Arthur: o h m y g o d

Merlin, popcorn bucket in hand: do tell more your highness

+

Arthur: Merlin i'm plagued with the idea of my father and (psuedo) uncle kissing. Make it stop.

Merlin: me too u aren't special

[kokorowoutsu]

-- Ashe: Tidbits

Ashe is a Half-Fae or a Changeling that was raised by Morgan. Ashe was once fully human but Morgan invoked a sacred rite that changed that and somehow made her a half-fae. No one is completely sure of the details.

Ashe’s first pokemon and her partner is Lucky the Sylveon.

She has a phobia of Milotics that was from the same one on two separate occasions. Each time ended up with it using Scald on her and burning her hands, resulting in her having to be under extensive physical care. She can and will react violently if she is in the presence of one. She also shows a fear when in the presence of a pokemon that knows the move Scald.

The reason Ashe refused to challenge Elite Fours is due to her disinterest in them. Her interest would only skyrocket after being married to Leon.

She loves double battles and really only battles as such. Single battles are seen as "sparring".

Ashe’s favorite gym leader, if asked, would be Raihan from Galar. It can be assumed she has/had a romantic crush on him as well.

She's selective about what pokemon she catches -- normally only catching those that interest her or she forms a bond with. As a result, she has no expertise in certain kinds of pokemon and typically has to learn on the fly.

Ashe has medical issues like every other person, but she doesn’t let them define her. Her most noticeable ones are that she struggles with weight and she has high bouts of anxiety. She also had childhood PTSD.

Ashe’s triggers tend to be the thought of being ‘tied down’ ( creativity, being confined to one area for too long against her will ), alcoholics, recreational drug users, and smoking, as well as being confined in small spaces for too long. 

Ashe is the wife of Leon, and mother of Willow. Her outlook on kids changed once her daughter was born.

Ashe is a Gemini.

Ashe dreams constantly at night. She rarely gets a restful night’s sleep.

Ashe’s RotomPhone is distinctly pink-cased. Merlin likes to take over it and use it when his trainer isn't watching.

First impressions upon meeting used to be a thing with Ashe, and while they still are, she more or less vibe checks someone to get an outline of what she’s dealing with when talking to someone. It helps her understand people better, but she will admit she does make a lot of mistakes and so she relies on the person’s pokemon partners instead. Usually a pokemon doesn’t lie, after all.

Ashe tends to give nicknames or codenames to her friend’s pokemon if they don’t already have them and record them in notebooks to help her keep track of who is who. 

Her family, friends, and pokemon are very important to her. Insulting them is a surefire way to piss her off and earn her acting violently.

Lental and Paldea have special places in her heart due to one being just absolutely amazing in her eyes in seeing how diverse and wild the ecosystems are and one being the thing that changed her outlook on life. If she had to pick a region she hated however, it would be Hisui. All she’ll say is ‘time travel shenanigans’ and how ‘Dialga fucked up’. Area Zero, however, is another story she won’t talk about.

She hates having her picture taken and if she shows up in a picture, it isn’t uncommon to find her face distorted. Hypocritically, she does like keeping pictures of her travels with the camera she kept from Lental.

Ashe was once completely pure of body and took pride in it, but upon entering a relationship with Leon, has found that that pride ill-founded being intimate relationships in her eyes really aren’t as bad as she thought they were.

Ashe vibes with Team Instinct.

[alovesongshewrote]

Hello! I really like your writeing it's very entertaining , I was wondering If I Could request a Douxie x reader Where they have like a family after the events of the shows?

Are Ya Winning, Son? | Hisirdoux Casperan HCs

i hope this is what you were looking for anon!

Taglist:  @furblrwurblr​ @sorrels-scribbling​ @anxious-stitcher​ @alive-and-afraid​ @animedweeb333​ @douxiesdamsel​ @saroski05 @blixeon​ @mxcheese​ @prismarts

Headcannons

Ok, you’re getting headcannons because i have many ideas about this

So

After trollhunters, 3below, wizards, rott

And any time shenanigans that came after

You and douxie finally get some time to settle down

Y’all can buy a house and decorate it weirdly!

Y’all can fix up the bookstore!

We stan a small business!

You can learn how taxes work

That one doesn’t get an exclamation point

And then you can just

Live your lives

And yes!

You can have a family!

If you adopt or biologically have a baby, you can bet your ass that you and douxie decorated that kid’s room together

And whether adopted or biological, that kid is 100% learning magic

Their dad is a master wizard, you’d better believe he’s teaching them this

And he is

Much more gentle about it than merlin was

He does teach them the whole

“Magic is not a permissible shortcut to hard work”

Thing, though

Personally, I think your kid’s magic would be the same blue as douxie’s

Or like

At least the same colour as his hair

Because i feel like douxie’s magic (and hair) would leave a big impression on the kid

The other option is whatever your eye colour is

Because douxie’s magic is supposed to be blue because it was his mother’s eye colour

And we love a good parallel, so

Magic the colour of your eyes

You can’t tell me that douxie wouldn’t be in awe of that

I mean

He’s in awe of that kid in general

Whether they’re biologically your kid, or whether you adopted them

He loves them so much

And he’s so proud of them, always

And he lets them know it

He supports their interests, drives them to extracurriculars, takes them places

He’s just

The best dad

He’s very much the, “are ya winning, son?” dad

And like, shit, so is everyone else in this kid’s life

Archie is the best cat-uncle in world history

Which makes sense considering he kind of raised douxie

Zoe is a fantastic godmother

It’s very

Child: “Auntie Zoe lets me commit crimes”

You and Douxie, concerned parents: “WHAT CRIMES???”

Zoe, drinking a smoothie: “embezzlement.”

She’s still the best god mom ever, tho

ALSO, CLAIRE, JIM, TOBY, AND THE OTHER GUARDIANS ARE ALL JUST

The best aunts and uncles a child could ask for

They will take your child on adventures should you ever need a break

And! They keep them safe!

when/if they’re old enough, jim teaches them to sword fight (kind of like how draal taught him)

Toby gets burritos with them

Claire takes them into the shadow realm (SAFELY)

Krel introduces them to good music, Aja teaches them what it’s like to be a warrior/royal heir depending on their interests

Varvatos Vex teaches them about glorious death, which normally you’d be a little nervous about, but then your kid learns about draal, and merlin, and everyone who died in rott, and their father and they’re like, “So, that’s glorious death, right?”

And you're too busy crying to say anything other than “Yep!”

So douxie has to tell them, “Yes, but do not try to die gloriously”

Which is kinda hypocritical coming from him, but you don’t really care as long as it keeps your kid from self sacrifice

Speaking of which

Raising a child with douxie was the best idea you ever had

Not for any typical reason, although those all apply

But because now you have someone else who yells at Douxie whenever he puts himself in harm's way

Because CLEARLY, YOU, ARCHIE, ZOE, AND THE GUARDIANS WEREN’T ENOUGH

Maybe he’ll listen to his child, who knows

Anyway

Once the kid is old enough, you and douxie have to introduce them to human strangers as like

A family friend

But to any magical being it’s

“This is our child, and we love them, here are 12 of their best moments, yes there are slides”

Because you two

Love your fricking kid

So much so, that you might have/adopt another kid

And maybe a dog

Archie needs creature friends

And no matter how old your kids get, they know they can always talk to you and douxie

You!! Are their parents!!

And like

It means a lot that you two can have this

It means there aren’t any more massive threats

The world is safe enough for you to feel confident in raising kids

And it’s a lot for Douxie, who, in his own words, really only had archie

Like

He has a family

And he loves you all so much

He like, absolutely refers to you and the kids as his loves

Or his darlings

He’ll come in after a night of monster hunting, or a day of dealing with the public and he’s like

“Hello, my darlings!”

As he hugs his kid(s) and kisses you

It’s soft as hell, man

But y’know

For every soft thing

There’s something terrible

And here

That’s

The fucking dad jokes

DOUXIE IS NOT AFRAID TO PULL THE “HI HUNGRY, I’M DAD” THING

HE KNOWS IT’S OLD

HE STILL DOES IT

He’s also done the mug thing

Y’know

The

“It’s kinda muggy outside.” “Douxie, if I go outside and all of our mugs are on the lawn, we’re getting a divorce.” “You don’t mean that~”

Your child is the only one who notices he’s drinking his coffee out of a bowl

They say nothing, they just wink at their dad

You notice eventually, but you don’t say anything either

You just drink your coffee out of a bowl while your kid laughs at you

It’s soft, actually

So

Yeah

There’s a reason why there are like

At least three aus where douxie either is a father or works with children

HE’S SUCH A DAD

[just-1other-nerd]

That would have been hilarious and I also like this idea by @dollopheadsandclotpoles

You are so right, that would have been right up the ally for this show. I mean this basically scream family-friendly magical shenanigans with a sprinkle of action which must have basically been the whole pitch for the show. And just imagine the possibility for more queer subtext...

Like imagine having the one with the body swap happening before the one with the role swap: They have been cursed by this old cryptic witch who was like "to teach you a lesson" and it seems like it's done because she's petty and a typical foe. Merlin and Arthur pretending to be each other in a setting both of them know all too well, acting the way they know the other to act in front of others but also being idiots who can't resist to make the other one look bad or clumsy or like a caricature of themselves. But just never evoke enough suspicion to cause someone acting on that strange behaviour. And of course Gaius is helping them but only Merlin knows about that, because Arthur insists on keeping that magical mess between the two of them, and he acts as if this was because of pride but really it's just a cover for the fear of what his father might do and Arthur is concerned that Gaius couldn't keep a secret about magic because of his loyalty towards Uther (I need the angsty undertones). Merlin on the other hand went straight to Gaius because our boy (literally being the most powerful sorcerer ever) knows best that Gaius isn't a snitch even if it comes to magic. They solve the problem and at the end of the episode, Merlin hears a faint whisper saying something like "one day you'll thank me for this" because at the end of the day they reach a better understanding for the other one because they were forced to walk in their shoes for a while. But of course that understanding can't be too big yet because that would take away the tension of what's yet to come (that being the role swap several episodes later). So this is the fun one where the stakes are relatively low (like monster of the week low), we get all of the shenanigans and jokes and comedy that can come with a body swap, like absurd situations and arguments, other characters reacting to out of character actions by Merlin and Arthur and so on. And of course great performances by actors trying to mimic the way the other actor would play their usual character trapped in the body of the other character trying to act like said other character.

And to mirror this episode, we'd have the role swap one. Now all the funny scenarios are out of the way, and we can get to the gut-wrenching and really angsty stuff. Because now compared to the other episode which would start relatively serious, this one starts with them being in this hilarious situation that it's an order by the King and a ridiculous one on top of that (at least from Arthur's POV). The original plan was a knight taking over Arthur's role and the other way around but he surprisingly got food poisoning and can't do it now and the other nights accompanying them are either too old or don't match the whiteness of Arthur. While Merlin enjoys the chaos of Arthur trying to argue against his father being like "He looks like a twig, nobody would believe Merlin is the skilled knight they've heared of and I can protect myself pretty well for fuck's sake" and Merlin just side eyeing like "bitch, all the times I had to save your ass tell a different story but never mind that" knowing damn well that he could deflect every attack towards him thus would be safe anyways. And Uther is like, "His life is worth shit and it would be an honour to die in your place, and we really need to attend that meeting. And you're there anyways to secretly guide those important talks because Merlin of course can't be trusted not to mess up politics for Camelot, but he can be trusted to impersonate you because he is literally the person who spends the most time with you. Pretending to be a servant even gives you a better excuse to always be around him and talk to him than if you just acted as a knightly bodyguard because one of these might have been excluded from a meeting but as you know a sevant like Merlin is somehow always there and nobody even pays attention to him. And if the situation escalates, you can still fight. " But after Arthur's attempts to thwart this plan have failed, Merlin assures him that they can pull it off and reminds him about how they managed to get away with the body swap without anyone noticing it even happened. He tells him that it kind of prepared them for this, they can impersonate each other better now, and they won't make the same mistakes as before because they learned from them. So now the game is on, and this time it's serious. The stakes are high, and the characters really act like that. Arthur and Merlin don't make each other look like fools but treat their covers seriously, Arthur swollows his pride and the tention is high and there are some close calls but ultimately they're working together totally in sync. And when the assassin actually steps forward they get into a fight and win through teamwork but Arthur got a bit hurt and now he understands how dangerous it is for Merlin to get into all of those battles without protection or even a weapon. Merlin, the other hand, realises how hard diplomacy and being a leader (not just some overly confident person acting from the shadows) can be. At the end of this episode they get to understand each other even more because they had to experience what it's like for the other outside their comfort zone, outside of the normal monster of the week stakes without their usual helpers like Gwen and Gaius.

#local princess is feeling too special

[rageynerd]

Rageynerd's 12 Days of Tropemas Submissions

Day 1: coffee shop au

The Perfect Blend 1.5k, T, Merlin/Arthur, Modern Setting, Barista!Merlin, Bad Pick-Up Lines, Dirty Jokes, Fluff, First Meetings, Getting Together, Christmas Fluff Whether it was fate or the smell of roasting coffee beans, something lures Arthur Pendragon into the Sorcerer's Keep café one morning before work. This is where he meets Merlin, a cheeky, bloody gorgeous barista. Every time Merlin is his barista, Arthur ends up leaving with a delicious coffee and a bad pickup line on his cup. And he just can't seem to stop coming back.

Day 2: hurt/comfort

More Than a Crown 1.8k, G, Merlin/Arthur, Canon Era/Divergence, Jealousy, Prince Arthur, Hurt/Comfort, Season 1 Arthur tries to warn Merlin about that nasty rake of a prince relentlessly flirting with him, but unfortunately it comes out all wrong, and they end up having a spectacular row about it. When they finally speak to each other again, they attempt to rectify some misunderstandings.

Day 3: office au

your lips on my lips (that's a merry merry christmas) 2.3k, T, Modern Setting, Office AU, Christmas Party, Office Party, Enemies to Lovers, Getting Together, First Kiss Shenanigans at the holiday office party lead to Merlin and Arthur standing under mistletoe with a crowd of their coworkers cheering them on -- which wouldn't be so bad, of course, nothing wrong with a little fun at Christmas. Except for the very irritating fact that Merlin does not like Arthur, and Arthur certainly does not like Merlin.

Day 4: mutual pining

impossible to resist 1.2k, T, Merlin/Arthur, Modern Setting, Roommates/Housemates AU, Mutual Pining, Getting Together, Christmas Cookies, Fluff Merlin decides that a fun thing to do with his best friend would be to bake Christmas cookies together, because cookies are delicious and it also happens to be the three-year anniversary of Merlin and Arthur becoming flatmates. Arthur initially resists, but unfortunately he can never say no to Merlin and actually mean it, so he agrees. It's all fun and games until Merlin ends up with some dough on his face and Arthur-- in a stroke of idiocy and brash affection-- eats it straight off his nose.

Day 5: roommate au

in the middle of the night, we can form this dream 1.7k, T, Merlin/Arthur, Modern Setting, Roommates/Housemates AU, Mutual Pining, Sharing a Bed, Implied Getting Together Merlin's plans tonight consisted of pretending to do work, watching crap telly, and missing Arthur, but when Arthur stumbles home to their apartment drunk off his ass, mistaking his room for Merlin's, his plans are a bit foiled.

Day 6: soulmate au

Tell me all the things that make you feel at ease 1.5k, T, Merlin/Arthur, Canon Era/Divergence, Soulmate AU, Soulmate-Identifying Marks, Canon First Meeting (With a Twist) When you meet your soulmate, you'll know it as soon as they say your name. You're branded. For life. Merlin had always pictured meeting his soulmate as being the happiest moment of his life. He certainly did not expect to be wishing with everything in him that it wasn't this arrogant bully. When his stupid heroic instincts end up saving Arthur's life, Uther appoints Merlin to be his personal servant-- and Merlin resolves that Arthur can never know about the way their souls and destiny have bound together. He would die first.

Day 7: magic reveal

Tipping Point 3.4k, T, Merlin/Arthur, Canon Era/Divergence, Season 5, BAMF!Merlin, Protective Merlin, King Arthur, Merlin's Magic Revealed, Attempt at Humor, Minor Injury, Mentions of Torture (Flaying), Canon-Typical Violence, Light Angst, Getting Together, Ultimately a Crack Post When Merlin, Arthur, and the knights get captured by the Highway Hitman, a criminal they were meant to apprehend and bring back to Camelot, it becomes very clear that he wants something nobody is willing to give. In the struggle that follows, Merlin's secret is revealed. or, Arthur nearly gets tortured, and Merlin loses his shit.

Day 8: huddling for warmth

It's always darkest before the dawn 4.4k, T, Merlin/Arthur, Canon Era/Divergence, Episode s04e01-02: The Darkest Hour, Episode Rewrite, Huddling for Warmth, Pining!Arthur, Protective!Arthur, Getting Together When Merlin is attacked by the Dorocha, saving Arthur's life in the process, Arthur refuses to let him die. He's freezing to death, and they can't make it to Gaius in time, so he takes some advice Gaius gave him long ago. He strips.

Day 9: modern au

Where the Love Light Gleams 1.3k, G, Merlin/Arthur, Modern Setting, Home for Christmas, Meeting the Parents, Dorks in Love, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Christmas Fluff Merlin is home for the holidays, and he's brought Arthur, who is rather nervous to be meeting Hunith for the first time.

Day 10: canon au

skinny love 1.3k, G, Merlin/Arthur, Canon Era/Divergence, Prince Arthur, Oblivious Merlin Arthur asks Merlin to be his taste-tester of his Yule dinner-- because it could be poisoned, of course. He should have some mead, too, and rest his feet. It takes Merlin way longer than it should to realize that they're practically on a date.

Day 11: accidental/fake dating

in your eyes there's no lies, no lies (with no way out and a long way down) 3k, M, Merlin/Arthur, Modern Setting, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Friends to Lovers, Mutual Pining, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Angst With a Happy Ending, Jealous!Arthur, Possessive Sex (eventually), Slow Burn, Friends With Benefits, Oblivious Merlin When Gwen and Morgana both try to set Merlin and Arthur up with people they secretly hate, they hatch a plan to show up to the holiday party together so everyone thinks they're an item. What seems at first to be the perfect plan slowly goes haywire as Merlin's feelings he's been running from all this time come rushing to the surface, and Arthur discovers things about himself, Merlin, and their relationship he'd never allowed himself to think.

Day 12: enemies to lovers

i hate you, i love you, i hate that i want you 1k, T, Merlin/Arthur, Modern Setting, Enemies to Lovers, Rivals for Coveted Parking, Tired!Merlin, Asshole!Arthur, Sexual Tension Merlin has just about had it with the guy stealing his parking spot every fucking day he comes home from work. Honestly, if he wants covered parking, he can feel free to buy it. But Merlin is not giving up his space so easily-- he writes a strongly worded letter, planning to leave it under the tosser's windshield wiper and call it a day, except when he gets there... the owner has not left his car, and Merlin hates his life because good lord he is hot.

And that's a wrap! Thanks @merlin-fic-server for hosting this super fun event <3 Happy holidays!