Merlin Holidays

2021 revealed!

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 17:29:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Hello, Merlin Hols creators and readers!

It's time to reveal whose name was on the tag. We hope you have all enjoyed the gifts created this year. Please leave kudos and comments, and especially thank whoever made a gift for you!

You can find them the list of works and creators here!

Thank you to all our participants for joining us this year!

Extra thank yous to our pinch hitters moonflower999, DevonShea, and Pelydryn!

We wish you a great year and hope you had fun!

Love,
The mods

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FIC: Excerpts From the Camelot Daily Gossip [T] Merlin/Arthur

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 00:11:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Excerpts From the Camelot Daily Gossip
Recipient: oestentia
Rating: PG
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 3524
Content Notes/Warnings: No warnings apply
Summary: Merlin arrives in Camelot. Arthur notices. A story told through newspaper excerpts.

Author's Notes: Dear Oestentia,
I was delighted to be able to write for you! Your suggestion of an epistolary took a bit of a strange turn and ended up taking place via the medium of a local alternative newspaper. The characters took on a life of their own. If they hadn't run up against a deadline, they might have carried on with their hijinks indefinitely.

I hope you enjoy this (and if you don't, I blame the staff of the Camelot Daily Gossip for running a shoddy publication. 😀).
Happy New Year!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/36100261

***

MOD NOTE: It's a wrap for Merlin Holidays 2021! Reveals will happen on Wednesday 5th January 2022.
Please be sure to let your gifter know you appreciate their work by leaving a comment on their work, and please enjoy the many wonderful works posted, and don't forget to be generous with your comments and kudos for our wonderful creators! Happy New year, everyone!

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FIC: Towards A Brighter New Year [G] Merlin/Arthur

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 21:39:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Towards A Brighter New Year
Recipient: Atlanta_Black
Rating: G
Pairings: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 1412
Content Notes/Warnings: None

Summary: Morgana has Arthur at the tip of her blade, but she's frozen between her affection for Arthur, and the hatred that has grown from her fear and jealously.

Author's Notes: Dear atlanta_black,
I was taken by your interest in the more complex feelings between Arthur and Morgana! I hope you enjoy this brief exploration of your first prompt. Wishing you a very happy, healthy, wonderful new year!

Thank you dear Mods for keeping this wonderful fest going. <3

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/36120412

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FIC: We Are the Pirates! [G] Merlin/Arthur

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 15:35:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: We Are the Pirates!
Recipient: TheOccasionalMishap
Rating: G
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 4559
Content Notes/Warnings: No warnings.
Summary: Arthur gets rescued from a deserted island by a bunch of pirates. Is he going from the frying pan into the fire?

Author's Notes: I hope you like the gift! I had fun writing it.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/36115015

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FIC: A Drop Of Shirley [E] Merlin/Arthur

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 01:12:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: A Drop Of Shirley
Recipient: geekslave
Rating: E
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Word Count: 4500
Content Notes/Warnings: Minor Character Death

Summary: Written for the prompt: Arthur is distraught when his fraternal twin sister Morgana dies. Her heart is transplanted and Arthur, still trying to process everything, tries to find who got her heart. When he finds Merlin, he keeps the truth about their connection. That becomes increasingly difficult as they forge a friendship.

Author's Notes: Happy Holidays, GeekLover! Your prompts were so lovely and good that they inspired so many wonderful ideas! I tried to get in as many of your likes as I could, and I really hope you like it.

Huge thank you to the Mods, who, despite their busy schedules, held my hand through this. I will forever be grateful to you. I love you so. And a huge, huge thank you to everyone who helped me out during the process, in every which way. Your contributions will always be remembered <3

Huge thank you to my lovely beta G, who looked over my first few drafts. I'm so sorry the fic ran away from me! *closes eyes and runs.*

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/36072445

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FIC: my first true friend [T] GEN, Arthur & Morgana

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 10:19:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: my first true friend
Recipient: Atlanta_Black
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences
Pairings: Morgana & Arthur
Word Count: 2260
Content Notes/Warnings: Canon-Typical Violence & Minor Character Death

Summary: Morgana pinned his head down by placing one blade on either side of his neck. Arthur awaited his fate, but she did not move.
“Having second thoughts, my Lady?”
“S-shut up.”
“You don’t need to do this. We can form a truce.”

Author's Notes:
Prompt: Morgana has a sword to Arthur's chest, and this time there's nothing to stop her. Merlin doesn't get there in time, her sword just is steady against Arthur's chest. She can't bring herself to push it through.

My multichapter WIP still exists! It's just on my account now. I wrote this and swapped the other out because I didn't realize a lot of fests don't allow WIPs. Big thanks to my beta follow_your_fire. Happy holidays!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/36047092

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FIC: Maybe You Could Be Mine [E] Merlin/Arthur

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 20:18:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Maybe You Could Be Mine
Recipient: merthurallure
Rating: E / NC-17
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 11k
Content Notes/Warnings: Homophobic language, stereotypical 80s bullies, underage drinking
Summary: Merlin is busy with school, work, and a mom who wants him to go to prom. He doesn't have time for dating any of the rich kids at school, but he hadn't considered that Arthur Pendragon isn't quite what he expected. The differences between them threaten to keep them apart, but maybe they can find a way.
Or the Pretty in Pink AU where everyone is queer

Author's Notes:

Dear MerthurAllure/Kirbymatsu) <3
I was so excited to write something for you! I ended up running with your 80s prompt and have done a Merlin/Arthur version of Pretty in Pink. I've had the best time jamming to 80s songs while writing this and I hope you enjoy it. Hope you have had a good holiday period if you celebrate and I wish you a happy new year!

Thank you to my trusty beta and sounding board (you know who you are!), and to the mods and the community!
I hope everyone puts on an 80s playlist and has a good time <3

CONTENT WARNING: This is complete with 80s bullies and one of these bullies uses a homophobic slur. Most characters are in high school, but are over 18.

Title from Kiss by Prince!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/36026944

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FIC: The Power of Being Known [M] Merlin/Arthur

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 20:02:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: The Power of Being Known
Recipient: princessoftheworlds
Rating: Mature
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 42.6K
Content Notes/Warnings: Mentions of homophobia, internalised homophobia

Summary: After a PR disaster that provokes public backlash, movie star Arthur Pendragon needs to fix his image, and fast. His sister's solution? Set him up with an eligible man. Cue Gwen, who has a single, available friend who’s a fundraising coordinator for a prominent LGBT rights group. It seems like the perfect solution.

But Arthur finds he’s not quite ready to be out, and fake-dating can only get you so far when there are real feelings involved...

Author's Notes: Dear princessoftheworlds,
Thank you for your prompts! I had a lot of fun thinking about what to write. From the looks of them, I feel like you were very interested in a Ted Lasso AU. Unfortunately, I’ve never seen the show and I don’t really get American Football 🙈, otherwise I would have obliged.

Given that I’ve not seen the show, I have taken your fake relationship ‘oops we caught feelings’ prompt with a celebrity AU. I hope that what I’ve written works for you.

Wishing you all the best for the holiday season! 💗

A HUGE thank you to the mods for their patience and understanding, and to my beta reader for their helpful suggestions and hard work getting this into shape! Any remaining mistakes are my own.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35887279

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FIC: When the Masks Come Off [E] Merlin/Arthur

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 00:48:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: When the Masks Come Off
Recipient: furloughday
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 8.2k
Content Notes/Warnings: None
Summary: It was Morgana's crazy plan, but Arthur was so desperate to find out where things stood with Merlin that he went along with it. Sometimes crazy is what it takes to get results.

Author's Notes: Happy holidays, furloughday! You had such great ideas and I tried to incorporate many of the tags that you requested. I hope you like it!
Thank you mods for running the fest again and for such immense patience! Very appreciated!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35892772

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FIC: Livewire [E] Merlin/Arthur

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 10:14:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Livewire
Recipient: ext_4137531
Rating: E
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 8.8k
Content Notes/Warnings: None

Summary: Arthur tries to come to terms with Merlin's magic.

Author's Note: Dear fifty_fifty, I hope you enjoy! Happy holidays and happy Merlining. <3

Link to Fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35755999

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FIC: Any Companion in the World but You [T] Merlin/Arthur

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 21:19:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Any Companion in the World but You
Recipient: lfb72
Rating: Teen
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 3.3K
Content Notes/Warnings: Modern AU, fluff, only one bed trope. There is some accidental cuddling while both are asleep but nothing sexual.

Summary: Merlin has worked for the Pendragon Conservancy for four years, but this is the first time he's been chosen to present at a conference. He's thoroughly excited, right up until the moment he finds out he's sharing a room with none other than Arthur Pendragon.

Author's Notes: Happy Holidays LFB72! The moment I read your prompt for a one room scenario I knew I had to fill it! I hope you enjoy this little piece of fluff. And many thanks to the mods for running such a fun event :) Title taken from The Tempest, full quote is: "I would not wish, / Any companion in the world but you."

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35838979

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FIC: The Love Spoon [T] Merlin/Arthur

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 21:52:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: The Love Spoon
Recipient: chamaenerion
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 12.2k
Content Notes/Warnings: N/A

Summary: Arthur decides to cheer up a homesick Merlin by making him a holiday gift. The significance of this specific gift, however, completely escapes him.

Author's Note: This idea was based on the Welsh love spoon. I took liberties! Thank you to my fellow Merlin holiday buds for your help writing and editing this.

Link to Fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35580946

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FIC: Lights for Christmas [M] Merlin/Arthur

Sat, 25 Dec 2021 20:24:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Lights for Christmas
Recipient: merlin_holidays community
Rating: M
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 36k
Content Notes/Warnings: None

Summary: Merlin has come from his tiny town of Ealdor to the big city for a job interview. Museum-owner Morgana Pendragon asks for his help tutoring her brother in magic. His magic is out of control, and she's willing to pay quite a lot for the help. Merlin accepts the challenge and moves into the Pendragon household, but Morgana's brother is nothing like he expected.

Author's Notes: To the Merlin Holidays community, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. This is my first year doing this fest, and I had a lot of fun making this Christmas-y story. It started out as a simple idea and just kept growing from there. I'm so excited I finally got to write some tropes that I've been wanting to for a long time. Thanks so much to the mods for hosting this fest and happy holidays!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35461033

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FIC: The Ghosts of Lothian Hall [M] Merlin/Arthur

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 23:58:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: The Ghosts of Lothian Hall
Recipient: to the merlin_holidays community.
Rating: Mature
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 15,000
Content Notes/Warnings: Minor Character Deaths,
Summary:
1837: Orphan Mordred, now a ward of his aunts, isn't very happy with the upcoming Christmas celebrations or the state of his world in general.
1851: The Caerleons struggle to come to terms with the strange events happening in their newly-bought mansion right around Christmastide.
Present Day: Paranormal Investigators Merlin and Arthur set out to research Lothian Hall, which has a long history of supernatural occurrences.

Author's Notes: (i) To the merlin_holidays community, wishing all Merlin fans a very happy festive season.
(ii) Many, many -- really a boatful -- of thanks to D, for beta reading this at such short notice. You are a definite champ.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35482864

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FIC: The Book of Love [T] Merlin/Arthur

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 21:20:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: The Book of Love
Recipient: mithian
Rating: Teen
Pairings: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 28.5k
Content Notes/Warnings: None
Summary: Arthur isn't interested in Jace Storm, the superstar actor who apparently just ran past his bookshop. Arthur is interested in books – and maybe the slightly strange man hiding in the self-help section.
In which Gwaine signs knickers, Morgana kicks arse, and Cenred is a cheating thieving scumbag. Business as usual.

Author's Notes: Dear Mithian, I went with your cute bookshop prompt, although all of your prompts were tempting.Unfortunately Notting Hill was on the TV and things went a little awry from there.I do hope you enjoy this and have a lovely holiday season.
Thank you so much to my wonderful betas and cheerleaders for all your help and support. And huge thanks as always to the mods - you guys do a wonderful job running this fest, thank you for being so patient with me.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35809258

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FIC: Uther's Holiday Workshop [T] Arthur/Gwen, Merlin/Morgana

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 14:23:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Uther's Holiday Workshop
Recipient: ajsrandom
Rating: Teen
Pairings: Arthur/Gwen, Merlin/Morgana
Word Count: 5,786
Content Notes/Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Summary: In the spirit of Christmas, Uther Pendragon decides to plan an office Christmas party, and the employees of Camelot Entertainment, namely Arthur, Gwen, Merlin, and Morgana, come together to make it happen, maybe falling for each other in the process.

Author's Notes: Happy Holidays! I tried to hit all the tropes you requested, but couldn't work some in. Still, I'm quite pleased with how this came out, and I hope you liked it as well!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35455189

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FIC: It looks like we’re in love. [T] Gwaine/Percival

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 21:12:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: It looks like we’re in love
Recipient: candidlily
Rating: PG
Pairings: Gwaine/Percival, side pre Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 1.1K
Content Notes/Warnings: None

Summary: It looks like we’re in love. Or five persons that knew Percival were in love before them !

Author's Notes: Dear mixtapestar, I hope that you'll like this little fic! I loved so many of your prompts and ideas but I couldn't resist some Percy/Gwaine fluff! Happy Holidays!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35731363

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FIC: Molluscs for Breakfast [M] Merlin/Arthur

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 20:13:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Molluscs for Breakfast
Recipient: clea2011
Rating: Mature
Pairings: Arthur Pendragon / Merlin
Word Count: 18.8K
Content Notes/Warnings: tw for food mentions, some of them unmentionable (Merlin is a human dustbin)
Summary:
An uptight, out of work, disinherited clotpole and an overworked, stressed junior doctor are two things that should never be put together. Just like chocolate wafers and mayonnaise, or blackcurrant and egg, or molluscs with breakfast, or marmite and… anything. But sometimes things that shouldn’t work just sort of... do.

Or,

How does Santa like his pizza? The answer, of course, is deep and crisp and even. It is absolutely not with banana and pickled onions, no matter what Merlin thinks.

Author's Notes:
Dearest Clea2011, I squealed out loud when I saw that I'd been given you! Your prompts were all brilliant and I wanted to write them all, but I settled on weird snak boi Merlin with his odd food proclivities. So, I hope you like this little snackette of a gift. With huge thanks to my AMAZING beta who once again has saved my (streaky) bacon with their patience and brilliance. Without them, this story, much like its author, would have been a lot flabbier and less fruity - more overcooked brussels sprout than Waitrose all-butter mince pie. Thank you, dear beta, for helping me with the sugar and spices.

Dearest Mods. How wonderful that this warm, fluffy fest is still going strong after all these years. You're all brilliant. Thank you so much for everything that you do and Happy Holidays!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35427292

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FIC: At this moment, you mean everything [E] Merlin/Arthur

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 20:38:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: At this moment, you mean everything
Recipient: camelittle
Rating: Explicit
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 18k
Content Notes/Warnings: modern AU with magic, physically disabled character, widowed character, fairies & fae, kid fic

Summary: Merlin, a fairy who grants wishes to ill and disabled children, is assigned a new case with the Pendragons. All he wants is to give Mordred and Arthur their best Christmas ever, but he can’t figure out what Mordred wants, and he can’t get a read on Arthur, and he’s running out of time.

Author's Notes: Happy Holidays, Camelittle! I hope you enjoy!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35189671

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FIC: Operation Woo Arthur [T] Merlin/Arthur/Gwaine, Merlin/Gwaine

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 09:29:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Operation Woo Arthur
Recipient: aeris444
Rating: General / Teen
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur/Gwaine, Merlin/Gwaine
Word Count: 5.3k
Content Notes/Warnings: None

Summary:
“Merlin! When Arthur gets here tonight, we tell him that there’s only one bed.”

Merlin blinked.

“But there isn’t.”

Merlin and Gwaine have a plan to woo Arthur at Christmas. It all goes horribly right.

Author's Notes: Dear Aeris, I loved your lovely prompts and it was a joy to write for you! I hope you enjoy it and happy holidays <3
Mods, you are brilliant and incredibly hard working to keep this wonderful fest going year on year. It wouldn't be Christmas without it!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35650828

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FIC: when i was younger, i should have known better [M] Merlin/Arthur, Gwen/Lancelot

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 21:25:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: when i was younger, i should have known better
Recipient: oddishly
Rating: mature
Pairings: merlin/arthur, gwen/lancelot
Word Count: 1,252
Content Notes/Warnings: This fic includes briefly described sexual content, mentioned alcohol, and infidelity.
Summary:
Two thousand years later, Arthur wakes up.
And so do the others.

Author's Notes:
To oddishly, I went with the "Two thousand years later, Arthur wakes up" prompt and tried to incorporate other elements you said you liked, so I really hope you enjoy it!!
Beta-read by the wonderful platycodon-platypus on tumblr.
Title loosely taken from "Ophelia" by The Lumineers.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35442829

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FIC: Here, There Be Dragons [G] Merlin & Mordred, Gwen/Arthur

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 14:32:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Here, There Be Dragons
Recipient: zoingeroni
Rating: Gen
Pairings: Merlin & Mordred (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Word Count: 1686
Content Notes/Warnings: N/a

Summary: Arthur is not jealous that Mordred spends so much time with Merlin. He's not.

Author's Notes: I really hope that you enjoy this fic, it was nice to continue exploring something different from what I usually focus on in this fandom. I absolutely love Mordred, so I liked making him feel like part of the family.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35529055

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FIC: Prevention Is Key [E] Merlin/Arthur

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 20:08:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Prevention Is Key
Recipient: polomonkey
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 4k
Content Notes/Warnings: very kinky, mind the ao3 tags
Summary: Sometimes 'playing doctor' is nothing but a code name for a good old vanilla sex. And sometimes it isn't vanilla at all.

Author's Notes: Dear Polomonkey, I picked your medical kink prompt because I just love to write that stuff, and then the fic turned out to be one of the kinkiest things I've ever written. I hope you won't end up getting squicked by any of it. Happy holidays!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35362120

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FIC: Love, Reawakened [G] Gwen/Arthur, Gwen/Lancelot

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 09:41:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Love, Reawakened
Recipient: starkidpatronus
Rating: G
Pairings: Gwen/ Arthur, Gwen/Lancelot
Word Count: 4297

Summary: When Lancelot returns, truly alive, after going through the veil, both he and Guinevere must deal with the resultant return of feelings.

Author's Notes: Thanks to the mods for their patience while I delt with a drawn-out technical issue! I love this fest and look forward to participating every year.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35606347

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FIC: Wishing Moon [T] Gwen/Morgana

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 22:15:00 GMT

Posted by: merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Wishing Moon
Recipient: greenforsnow
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Pairing: Gwen/Morgana
Word count: 2K
Additional Tags: Pining, Fealty, More or less canon compliant, Queen Gwen, Court Sorceress Morgana, Romantically charged binding of injuries

Summary: They’re riding to the sea, chasing a mermaid. Gwen hopes the arts of her court sorceress will prevail, and that she can find what's been lost between them.

Link to Fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35581345

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