icarusancalion

I'm still here, in the Merlin fandom. I'm being very disciplined about finishing my SGA WiPs first.

Quite disciplined. I deserve a prize.

However, none is forthcoming. Instead I shall remind you all I'm still a Merlin fan with a rec or two:

Needlework by zarathuse, Merlin/Arthur, NC-17

Needlework will make you shiver, in that beaming way that comes with a good story told over a campfire, snuggled in your sleeping bag. Let's face it, most Merlin fics use "magical misadventure" as a mere ploy to get Merlin and Arthur into the sack. (Not that I don't enjoy that, too.) Here, I believe the medieval magic. I was utterly involved in the plot, almost confident that all would be well, eventually. Almost. Merlin was so clearly over his head.... At the end, zarathuse gives us far more than just the start of a relationship. But I won't spoil that for you. Toasted marshmallow, anyone?

But hey, I'm also devouring SGA fic, rumors of SGA's demise being greatly exaggerated, etc., etc.. After some hibernation, the SGA authors are putting out nice, long rich fics:

Should've Been My Girlfriend by crysothemis, John/Rodney, NC-17

... Like this meta-rich story. I can see John just this foolish, just this absorbed in one thought -- we've known for some time he can be obsessive -- and nothing goes as planned. In fact, Crys bounces off the gender tropes like billiard ball from one unexpected turn to another. And need I mention that it's hot? It's written by crysothemis after all, and she wrote Fix, which is my candidate for the hottest fic in the fandom. The best part of "Girlfriend" (other than John's utter foolishness -- I mean, the fool!) is that Crys does what she does best: inner monologues in a note-perfect character voice, and the contrast with the total lack of communication between John and Rodney. Oh, John. Never change.

Where are the long fics, you ask, in this fresh new fandom? Well, until we get a Merlin Big Bang fest going, please enjoy:

Quickening Days by fahye, Arthur/Merlin, R

22,000 words of playful fun. Witty, amusing -- and did I mention fun? We have the slash dragon, pillowfights, dangerous creatures, and a mystery to solve. Pranks and impishness abound. Arthur is very Arthur, and Merlin is very Merlin, there's plenty of magic, and, oh yes, Merlin wears a dress. I can't wait to put him in one myself.

Includes the second best Arthur reaction to magic I've read.

Second best, you ask?

Well, there is this:

To Be Known by esohpe, Merlin/Arthur pre-slashy, PG-13

A powerful fantasy story that will twist the blade in your gut. So this is what it felt like to be normal. Merlin opens his eyes to the cool, shining metal of Arthur's unsheathed blade. "Sorcerer," Arthur spits. I don't know if I love the beginning or the ending more.

Oh, holy Hannah, this is hot.

Who's Counting Anyway? Arthur/Merlin, NC-17, by phantomjam.

Merlin and Arthur tease, and tease, and tease, until neither can stand it any more. Heady and masculine, complete with manly sweat.