merlin_holidays | Entries tagged with 2019

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Secrets
Recipient: Moondustings
Rating: G
Pairings: Gwen/Morgana
Medium: Digital painting
Content Notes/Warnings: None
Artist's Notes: In which Gwen knows, and Morgana knows that she knows.

Prompts: emotional intimacy, exploration of loneliness, cozy, established relationship

One of the things I mourned the most in the canon version of this story as presented by the show was the loss of the friendship, and the chance for something more, between these two. I took this as an opportunity to wonder what might have been, if Morgana's burden had been shared by someone who loved her for her entire self.

I drew inspiration for the composition and style from Alphonse Mucha's "Quill and Primrose," as well as Klimt's "Girlfriends" and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I".

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21502426

***And that's a wrap for the 2019 fest! Thank you to all of our participants and everyone who has been reading and especially leaving kudos and comments for our brilliant artists and writers! Reveals to come soon!***

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Christmas Eve Surprise
Recipient: little_dhampir
Rating: Explicit
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Medium: Digital Art
Content Notes/Warnings NSFW
Artist's Notes: Summary: Merlin has been racking his brain on what to get his friend and boss, Arthur Pendragon, after he spent most of the last week doing the Grinchy Prat's (albeit astonishingly handsome prat) Christmas shopping. That is until Arthur's big sister finally snaps and clues Merlin in on what Arthur really wants for Christmas.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21988906

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Love came down at Christmas
Recipient: Glayvas
Rating: Explicit
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 28,433
Content Notes/Warnings: Past abusive relationship references, Past character death references
Summary: When Merlin takes his boss, Arthur to the office Christmas party to prove to Cenred his evil ex that he’s completely over him, little does he know that he’s an unwitting party to a matchmaking scheme. And, in the days that follow, what starts off as a mutual fake relationship starts to take on a more serious note as Merlin’s feelings grow. Not only that, but he suspects that the feeling might be mutual. Or is that just wishful thinking?
Author's Notes: Glayvas, I hope that you enjoy this fic, I’m not entirely sure I fit any of your briefs, but I tried my best and then the boys ran off with the story.

Thank you also to my fantastic beta reader, S, for all their hard work and advise to make this into a readable story. I value your input so, so much! And thank you to the mods for being understanding and accommodating me with such a late posting date. Plus a special thanks to C, even with half a bottle of wine and a Bailey’s in you, you’re still a much better summary writer than I’ll ever be!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22006609

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Love in a Cold Chalet
Recipient: rainbow_porcupine_ninja
Rating: T
Pairings: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 18,800
Content Notes/Warnings: None
Summary: Arthur hated Christmas. But, most of all, Arthur hated the Camelot Christmas Markets.
He didn't think much of the clumsy oaf who'd tripped him up the day before the markets started either. At least, not at first...
Author's Notes: Dear rainbow_porcupine_ninja, thank you for your prompts. I took the one about Arthur being Merlin's boss and gave it a seasonal twist - I do hope like what I've done with it. The very happiest of holidays to you!
Thank you to W for the super fast beta, and to the mods for their infinite patience and for running this fabulous fest every year. <3

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22010623

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Return to the Tidepools
Recipient: Vanhelsing019
Pairings: Arthur pendragon/Merlin, Gwaine/Percival
Medium: Traditional
Content note Warnings: none

Artists Notes:

Dear Vanhelsing019,

When I read your merman prompt I fell in love with it instantly! Then my muse took 'merman' and 'skinny dipping' and went in a totally different direction than I had originally planned, so I hope you don't mind two mermen. :) I left it open as to whether or not Arthur and Percy are pirates or sailors. Also, I had planned to do another piece after this (more smutty), but didn't have time, so I hope these mermaid kisses will do for now. - Happy Holidays!

Link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21758737

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: In Darkness, In Silence

Recipient: Tayathestrange

Rating: PG-13 (just to be safe)

Pairings: Merlin/Arthur

Word Count: ~2500

Content Notes/Warnings: references to torture

Summary: Merlin gets abducted and Arthur needs to get him back before it's too late.

Author's Notes: Dear Tayathestrange, I hope my offering will please you and at least somewhat satisfy your hurt/comfort needs. Happy holidays!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21964777

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Dirty little secret
Recipient: fifty_fifty
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 20k
Content Notes/Warnings: Public sex
Summary: Arthur does what he has to in order to keep the kingdom safe.
Author's Notes: fifty-fifty, I absolutely loved your prompts and had such a hard time choosing from among them so here's a smush of most of them. Happy holidays! And to my live-in beta and cheerleader extraordinaire, thank you. You're the best.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21890164

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: A Little Bit of Tinsel Magic
Recipient: Clea2011
Rating: General Audiences
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 3,066
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Summary: Arthur Pendragon is finally entrusted with his first writing assignment from his father, Uther Pendragon, editor of The Camelot Times. What's his first assignment? The Tinsel and Turkey festival. Every hotel is booked, but luckily Arthur meets Merlin, who graciously offers to share his room. Arthur soon realizes that Merlin could mean more to him. But will Merlin feel the same?

Link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21726541

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: A Pinteresting Life

Recipient: GeekLover

Rating: Teen

Pairings: Merlin/Arthur

Word Count: 3160

Content Notes/Warnings: none.

Summary: Arthur will do anything to stop Uther sending him links to progressive nurseries and pins of spring weddings.

Author's Notes: This is the second time I am writing this fic as I read the initial prompt wrong (sorry). But I love this trope, so enjoy. No smut, because I ran out of time, but if you’re desperate, I’ll do a smutty sequel involving a candy cane and eggnog.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21705010

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: I'll Catch You When You Fall
Recipient: indyonblue
Rating: Teen
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Word Count: 9688
Content Notes/Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Summary: After discovering Merlin's magic, Arthur needs time alone to sort through his conflicted feelings. With the Winter Solstice rapidly approaching, Merlin leaves clues to show Arthur that magic isn't inherently evil. Will Arthur be able to overcome his sense of betrayal and confess his own secret?

Author's Notes:
Happy Holidays indyonblue !
You gave me the brilliant prompt: Canon-Era Arthur knows about Merlin's magic now and still doesn't know how he feels about it. Merlin gives Arthur his space but tries to show him that he uses his magic for good. It's not until the winter solstice that Arthur starts to get it. Would love to see repentant Morgana, with Gwen helping her (because she wants to, not as a servant).

This was a lot of fun to write, so thank you! I hope you enjoy what I came up with.

Many thanks to my awesome beta, achrilock-orbicular

__________________________

Obligatory disclaimer: I do not own these characters or this franchise. Written for the love of Camelot and its fandom, never for money.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21666769

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Someone Who Loves You
Recipient:

elirwen
Rating:T
Pairings:Merlin/Arthur, Merlin/Mordred/Arthur
Word Count: 6064
Content Notes/Warnings: None
Summary: Arthur and his Court Sorcerer, Merlin, have a secret admirer.
Author's Notes: Happy Merlin Holidays Elirwen! Wishing you a lovely winter and a beautiful new year!
Thanks for your wonderful prompts. I hope you enjoy this very mushy mush.

Thank you also to the mods for running this wonderful fest which I look forward to all year, and for your tremendous patience and kindness.

And undying thanks and appreciation to @Diana_Prallon for holding my hand and going above and beyond to get me unstuck when I hadn't written a word for so long.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21869506

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Round Table for Two
Recipient:

slantedknitting
Rating: G
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 2k
Content Notes/Warnings: None!
Summary: Merlin feels bad for his loneliest customer.
Author's Notes:

Happy Merlin Holidays, SlantedKnitting! I have absolutely adored your fics for eons, and was so excited to be assigned as your Secret Santa and to get to write for you this year. I loved your prompt about restaurant server Merlin trying to cheer up stood up Arthur, and I tried to incorporate a few of your likes, as well. I hope you enjoy, and that your holiday season and your new year are merry and bright <33

Thank you to the mods for running this wonderful fest for another year, and for everything you do <33

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21944257

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: A Pregnant Pause
Recipient:

rotrude
Rating: E
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: ~13k
Content Notes/Warnings: None
Summary: On their way to college, Merlin and Arthur get thrown a curveball neither of them is prepared for
Author's Notes: See AO3

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21932293

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Here Endeth the Lesson
Recipient:

lairofthedragon
Rating: Explicit
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 2.7k
Content Notes/Warnings: Kidnapping, drug induced heat
Summary: Lord Favian did not know what it meant to separate an omega from their alpha. He was about to find out.

Merlin is kidnapped. Arthur goes to get his true mate back.

Author's Notes: TheDragon, thank you so much for your lovely prompts, they were delightful! I combined two to give you a kidnapping fic with alpha!Arthur and omega!Merlin - I hope you enjoy it and merry Christmas to you <3

Huge thank you to the mods for accommodating my personal circumstances - you guys are diamonds

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21898114

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: To Strike Fear In The Heart Of Men (A Canon Era/Hunger Games AU)
Recipient:

oddishly
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Pairings: Merthur
Word Count: 6,149
Content Notes/Warnings: depictions of violence, injury, mentions of blood
Summary: They meet their fate just before the Games will make them enemies.
Arthur, a well trained carrier of eighteen years, joins voluntarily to prove his worth.
Merlin, a seventeen year old mage of the weakest rank, is reaped and forced to fight for his life.
On the training grounds the first wave of resentment turns into overwhelming attraction that leads to an affair under the cover of night.
Both revealing deeply hidden secrets in youthful ignorance, they say goodbye, knowing only one of them can survive.
But will they be able to let the Games run their course when they meet again?
Author's Notes:There's much I'd love to say here but can't just yet. So let me just say this much:

Thank you my beloved giftee oddishly for providing me with the buzzword <b>Hunger Games</b> in your prompt. It gave me the perfect opportunity to think of a scenario including elements from one of my most favourite franchises. And since you wrote, that you love canon era fics, I thought I could write you some Hunger Games during the Merlin era. I'd love to write the whole story one day, seeing all the ideas I came up with while writing. Ideas that I could unfortunately not include. Right now I can only give a glimpse into the scenario that's been building in my head since I started writing this short scene. But I hope you'll like it nonetheless.

This work was created as a part of the Merlin Holidays Fest. A big thank you to the mods for running this wonderful fest once again~

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21758749

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Falling Into Place
Recipient: Polomonkey
Rating: Explicit/NC-17
Pairings: Arthur/Gwen; Arthur/Gwen/Merlin
Word Count: ~2,500
Content Notes/Warnings: Dom/sub, oral sex, blindfolds, slight humiliation (while playing), dubcon if you squint really hard (the consent isn’t explicitly stated, though it’s there).
Summary: Gwen didn’t expect Merlin to walk in on her and Arthur, but now that he’s here…
Author's Notes: Dear Polomonkey, I hope you like your gift! You’re a treasure in this fandom and I wish you the happiest of holidays!
Thank you to T for the super quick beta and encouraging words, and to the mods for their infinite patience and encouragement. <3

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21719152

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: All things Bright and Beautiful
Recipient:

delicirony
Rating: M
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 15k
Content Notes/Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Summary:

Attempting to capture a rogue Druid, Merlin is struck by a spell that was meant for Arthur. Afterward, things get a little... fuzzy.

In which Arthur grieves (though not for long) and Gaius frets (and Gwaine gets quite, quite drunk) and Merlin... Well, he learns that no matter what form he takes, his heart will always beat for Arthur.

Author's Notes:

deli, you left me with my absolute favorite prompt 'Magic reveal!' and an even lovelier 'carte blanche' of Likes: fluff, ridiculous situations, misunderstandings, thinking they have lost the other one permanently - all things that I have tried to incorporate into this fic. This was a joy to write, and I hope you enjoy, and happiest of (Merlin)Holidays to you!!

A/N: This takes place in that sort of vague 'between S4 & S5' time-frame, and assumes that Gwen and Arthur did not reunite at the end of S4 (although she is back in Camelot).

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21826258

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Guanxi
Recipient:

altocello
Rating: Teen and up
Pairings: Gwen/Leon/Merlin, hints at prior canon relationships
Word Count: 3322
Content Notes/Warnings: None
Summary: It took many years to rebuild their shattered hearts after Camlann, but gradually with time Gwen, Leon and Merlin have learned to find comfort and hope in one another.
Author's Notes: Dear Altocello - it was such a pleasure writing for your gentle prompts. I absolutely loved writing fluff and hurt/comfort for this older-character post-canon rare threesome. Wishing you a very warm and hopeful holiday season filled with comfort and joy. Sincerest thanks to C for beta reading and providing much-needed encouragement.
For the prompt: guanxi // 關係 (chinese, n.) - a network of social connections based on mutual trust and the balancing of debts by returning favors so that the relationship’s benefits are shared by all

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21859594

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: Merlin, Arthur and the Dildo
Recipient:

awyvern
Rating: Explicit
Pairings: Merthur
Word Count: 2894
Content Notes/Warnings: none
Summary: Merlin and Arthur are finally together but that doesn't mean Merlin's favourite toy will just disappear.
Author's Notes:
Thank you Wyvern for the lovely prompts! I had so much fun writing this fic (even if it did take a sudden turn I hadn't planned XD) and I hope you like the story even though I did my own thing a bit.
Big thanks and all my gratitude to my lovely beta (you know who you are ;))
And thank you lovely mods and fans, without you this fic and fest wouldn't exist.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21859888

merlin-hols.livejournal.com

Title: The perfect plan
Recipient:

moonflower999
Rating: PG
Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 1731
Content Notes/Warnings: None
Summary: In Arthur’s mind, his plan made perfect sense.
He had to come out to his father; he couldn’t keep lying to him.
But if he just went and told him, “Dad, I’m gay,” he was pretty sure Uther would dismiss it as a whim and wouldn’t take him seriously.
Inviting his boyfriend to the dinner Uther was organising for Arthur’s birthday should be proof enough for his father – the only problem being that Arthur hadn’t any boyfriend at the moment.

Author's Notes: Thanks to schweet_heart for the perfect beta reading! Thanks to the mods for organising this fest once again!
Moon, I hope you will like your gift. There were so many things I liked about your request but I had to choose... I would have like to expend this story even more but real life got in the way. Still, I hope you'll enjoy this story! I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21823258