Time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted time

Merlin Bingo 2024

clea2011 — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:15:03 GMT

I've signed up for another year of Merlin Bingo, having failed to complete any squares at all last year.
Here's this year's extremely pretty card (which is a copy of last years as it seemed a bit horrible of me to ask the mods to produce a whole new one):

Details on their tumblr here: https://merlinbingo.tumblr.com/
And there's a dedicated Discord server: https://discord.gg/H6SvRu4VAB

I'll list the fills here:
M1 - Trapped Together -
M2 - Dysfunctional relationship -
M3 - Teachers AU -
M4 - Forced Marriage -
M5 - Soulbonds -
A1 - Dance AU
A2 - Clubbing -
A3 - Non-Consensual -
A4 - Napping
A5 - Atonement -
G1 - Divorce
G2 - Loss of powers
G3 - Free Square -
G4 - There was only one bed
G5 - Idiots in love -
I1 - Dystopia AU
I2 - Martial Arts
I3 - Deals with demons
I4 - Food
I5 - Depression
C1 - Merpeople AU
C2 - Assassins
C3 - Epistolary
C4 - Bathing together
C5 - Fights

And the badges (they are so cute!) won will be here (assuming I manage to write anything):

Merlin Bingo 2023

clea2011 — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 19:52:47 GMT

I've signed up for another year of Merlin Bingo, having failed to complete many squares at all last year.
Here's this year's extremely pretty card:

The Secret Life of Dragons - Merlin Fic

clea2011 — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 05:07:18 GMT

Title: The Secret Life of Dragons
Author: Clea2011
Pairing(s): Arthur/Merlin, Aithusa
Word Count: 9043
Rating: PG-13
Contains :No warnings required
Disclaimer: Merlin characters are the property of Shine and BBC. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: Many thanks to Wasp, Cam and LFB for their help and ideas.
This was inspired by LFB's adorable artwork 'Tangled' which is here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/43918842
Do go and leave it some love!

Summary Arthur barely tolerated living with Merlin's pet cat. (Merlin's clearly magical pet cat because how else was it scorching the dining table?).

Even in modern times, the trouble with dating a dragonlord-in-waiting was that sooner or later a dragon was bound to turn up.

In which Aithusa is living her best life and Arthur is in love.

LINK: https://archiveofourown.org/works/44049999

Afterlife ACBB 2020

clea2011 — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 05:02:31 GMT

Just checking up on all my past ACBBs and don't appear to have reposted this one to my journal, so just rectifying that before signing for this year. I am going to do an epilogue for this one at some point as well.

Title: Afterlife
Author: Clea2011
Artist: Merlocked18
Word Count: 124k
Pairings: Arthur/Merlin, past Gwaine/Merlin,
Characters: Arthur, Merlin, Gwaine, Leon, Hunith, Uther, Mordred
Rating: M (due to subject matter)
Warnings: Temporary major character death, death by drowning
Summary:
It was the photo that first caught Arthur’s attention. And then he read the accompanying advertisement:
“Meet Jacob.
He’s everything you could possibly want him to be, and more. The help you always wanted. Living, breathing, he can do anything a real human being can do. He’ll cook, clean, take care of your every whim, without complaint. He is the perfect companion. And he could be yours.Ever wanted to replicate a loved one who has sadly passed? Need help in the home? Or do you simply just want companionship? Look no further, with our bespoke range of Unique Clones ™, all your problems are solved. You can consign your tired, old-fashioned robot to the recycling.
Our clones won’t answer back, they will never complain, they are almost too good to be true…”

Link to Fic: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26653408/chapters/64999810

Rainbow is the Colour (the Red Thread Remix)

clea2011 — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 20:41:26 GMT

This was my entry for camelot_remix this year
Title: Rainbow is the Colour (the Red Thread Remix)
Creator:clea2011
Work Type: Fic
Work URL: https://archiveofourown.org/works/39597978
Remixee Name: scotscookie
Link to Work Remixed: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28242885
Pairings: Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Morgana
Length: 15.5k
Rating: Teen
Warnings: None
Notes: I was so pleased to get you as my remixee, Cookie. I had a great time reading through all your fics. I saw you were keen on a modern royalty remix and this one jumped out at me. Hope you like what I've done with your fic.
Many thanks to my beta readers for their help and encouragement. And a big thank you to the mods for running this fest again!
Summary: Merlin likes working for Prince Arthur.
At least, he does until the day that King Uther has his worst idea ever and uses magic to locate soulmates for Arthur and Morgana.
It's a terrible idea. Everyone tells him as much. But Uther wants grandchildren. And anyway, when did Uther ever listen to anyone else?

HC Bingo Card Round 13

clea2011 — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 16:31:11 GMT

It's the last one on LJ. All on DW next year.

crisis of faith	hunger / starvation	apocalypse	broken bones	arena
gaslighting	falling	bullet wounds	possession / mind control	stranded / survival scenario
counseling	backrubs / massages	WILD CARD	learning to be loved	mistaken identity
forced to uncover past trauma	tentacles	thirst / dehydration	desecration	pneumonia
loss of identity	lost childhood	surgery	body image issues	touch-starved

March Challenge - 15 Recs

clea2011 — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 00:42:04 GMT

Author: Clea2011
Fandoms: Merlin
H/C: Cursed, Abandonment Issues, Loss of Job/income

Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14019258
Title: Arthur Enchanted
Author: Platonic Boner
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Gen
Word Count: 4958
Summary: Arthur is cursed to obey Merlin’s orders.
Obviously this has very little impact on their lives, since no servant would ever dare give orders to a prince.
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, I think the summary speaks for itself. This is a lovely fluffy fun fic.

Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/966840/chapters/1897327
Title: Come Alive
Author: Kianspo
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 60302
Summary: Arthur Pendragon, the youngest Detective Inspector in Camelot, whose job is rumoured to be cursed, stumbles over a series of crimes no one can explain. Merlin Emrys, a constantly broke student working at a shady nightclub to pay the bills, comes in as a sketch artist - one with an unusual gift. The shadow of magic, supposedly eradicated centuries ago, makes things so much more dangerous for everyone. It's hardly a good time to fall in love.
Why I’m Reccing This: This one has Arthur’s job cursed rather than any particular character. I don’t really want to say more than that as it might spoil the wonderful story. Anyway, it fits the prompt and is a fandom classic. Also there’s some gorgeous art. If you haven’t already read it then you definitely should.

Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/397397
Title: From this day on
Author: Lady Ragnell
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 19301
Summary: While on a hike, Merlin and Gwaine stumble upon the Lost City of Camelot, cursed to wake up every morning a century in the future, and Merlin decides it's his duty to break the spell--with help from a prince, an imprisoned seer, and quite a few others. A Brigadoon AU.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is a modern AU with magic. The curse is on Camelot, and modern-day Merlin is around to try to break the spell. Really imaginative piece, very well done.

Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/30040746
Title: Sing me something brave from your mouth
Author: tehfanglyfish
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 7715
Summary: When Arthur rescued an old woman from a village mob, he expected to be thanked, not cursed. Now he has seven days to hear seven uncomfortable truths or everyone he's ever known will forget him. Can Arthur make it in time? And will he find the courage to share an uncomfortable truth of his own?
Why I’m Reccing This: Tehfanglyfish always has good things for us to read. This one has some great character development for Arthur, is well-written as always, and of course fits the cursed prompt very well.

Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/362891/chapters/589296
Title: Gadarene
Author: Unpossible
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 76831
Summary: “You’re the Prince?” Merlin says, eyeing him. He hesitates, then adds, defiant, “The Mad Prince of Camelot.”
Arthur doesn’t move. There’s quiet for a long time, then he says it. “I am.”
“You don’t seem mad,” he says.
The smile wells up from somewhere deep, and very sad. “Well, Merlin,” he says, “give me time.”
Why I’m Reccing This: Well I can’t not include this absolute classic cursed Arthur fic! This is a long, satisfying read. Arthur appears to be prone to fits of madness and so Agravaine is acting as regent. Then Arthur rescues Merlin from a group of slaves brought to the castle and things move on from there. Love this fic, I’ve read it a few times.

Prompt: Abandonment Issues
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15940508/chapters/37170473
Title: Will you search through the lonely earth for me?
Author: Camelittle
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 54763
Summary: A modern-day retelling of the Arthurian legend of the sword in the stone.
A-level student Arthur Wildforest wouldn't mind being dyslexic if people didn't keep pushing him into writing essays. He dreams of being an artist, but his father, Hector, has other ideas. When Arthur sneaks onto a school art research trip to the local museum, he encounters Merlin— a curator with uncanny abilities. They quickly strike up an unlikely friendship, defying Hector's specific orders to the contrary. One day, while they are bumbling around the Somerset Levels with Merlin’s metal detector, they unearth a powerful artefact that overturns Arthur’s entire world view and catapults them both into the heart of a dangerous power struggle between warring magical factions.
Why I’m Reccing This: There are many good reasons to read this fab fic and admire the gorgeous art. However, from the prompt point of view, Merlin is orphaned and Arthur is adopted and they both have issues to some extent over this. Merlin isn’t abandoned but loses his beloved mother. Arthur’s situation is more complex but it would be spoilery to say more. It’s a great fic – give it a read.

Prompt: Abandonment Issues/Loss of income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15116384/chapters/35050130
Title: The long way home
Author: Polomonkey
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing/Characters: Arthur, Merlin, Uther
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 17933
Summary: If someone had asked Uther a week ago whether he’d be willing to take a homeless person in, he’d have laughed in their face. But fate seemed to have pushed Merlin into his life and the boy needed help. Help that Uther was capable of giving. What better reason was there?
Uther takes Merlin in off the streets and a new life begins for them both.
Why I’m Reccing This: This one has a nice Uther! Though he does remain in character – it’s quite a feat! From the prompt point of view, Merlin really is in a bad way when Uther finds him on the streets and gives him a home because Merlin has nothing. Merlin finds it hard to trust him after bad experiences in his previous home. It’s an angst-fest, great h/c in this one, do give it a read.

Prompt: Abandonment Issues
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1776268
Title: Waiting in the Dark
Author: Kriadydragon
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 8623
Summary: Merlin made a promise.
Why I’m Reccing This: The promise in question was to stay wherever Arthur put him, and unfortunately Arthur didn’t realise this when ordering Merlin temporarily to the darkest reaches of the dungeon. And then Merlin sort of gets forgotten about, hence fitting the prompt. Very angsty fic.

Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/762333
Title: Ears
Author: Retroelectric
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 2225
Summary: Merlin walks into a goblin trap and inadvertently develops cat ears and tail. Arthur laughs at him at first, but then finds it really hot.
Why I’m Reccing This: Merlin is cursed to have cat ears, which is cute in itself! Arthur finds it a bit more than just cute!

Prompt: Loss of Job/income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/167156
Title: Finding Home
Author: Riventhorn
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 7857
Summary: When Gaius retires a new physician takes over and quickly kicks Merlin out of his room and takes it for himself. Arthur finds Merlin sleeping in the stables...and it's winter.
Why I’m Reccing This: This fandom classic does fit the prompt as Merlin loses his job as Gaius’ assistant (although he retains his job with Arthur). Love this fic and can’t rec it enough. Great piece of hurt/comfort and Arthur is lovely once he realises something is wrong.

Prompt: Loss of Job or income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2566784
Title: Arthur and Merlin make a movie
Author: Winterstorrm
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Explicit
Word Count: 3363
Summary: Merlin gets fired and goes to Arthur Pendragon for legal representation; whereby boundaries are definitely overstepped.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is a fun (and hot!) fic. Merlin loses his job. By the end of the fic both Merlin and Arthur are extremely glad that he did.

Prompt: Loss of Job or income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29112645/chapters/71465391
Title: How to win a debate in thirteen easy steps
Author: Junkshopdisco
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Merlin/Morgana, Arthur/Gwen
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 61810
Summary: Time is running out for the United Albionists to field a candidate to stand for election against Morgause’s harsh regime. It falls to Merlin to find someone. Arthur Pendragon—a lawyer with an impressive streak of magical and worker’s rights victories against the government—seems to fit the bill. Only problem is, the last time Merlin saw him, Arthur had him fired for beating his sister Morgana in a debate.
Has Arthur changed enough to make him tolerable, and has Merlin changed enough to not only tolerate him, but propel him to victory?
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, it fits the loss of job prompt because Arthur had Merlin fired in the past (not just because Merlin had beaten Morgana in a debate though!) so Arthur’s not ideal as Gaius’ choice of potential candidate. Very well-written fic, though bittersweet ending.

Prompt: Loss of Job or income
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1314367
Title: Soul Music
Author: Kriadydragon
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 11218
Summary: When Arthur Pendragon is assigned the famous pianist Merlin Emrys as a client, he thought for sure he'd be getting a spoiled diva, not a depressed, anxious mess. Modern AU.
Why I’m Reccing This: Merlin spends the fic terrified that he’s going to lose his job/income. Arthur takes care of him. It’s a great fic, tender and well-written. Well worth a read.

Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13974270/chapters/32172804
Title: Sometimes when I fall asleep (your eyes close)
Author: Schweet Heart
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 2000
Summary: Arthur’s manservant has been unconscious for days, the victim of a curse that had been meant for the king, but sometimes in his sleep he wanders into Arthur’s dreams, calling for his lost prince, and his voice lingers.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is really angsty for something so short. Schweet is always worth a read, very good. (It’s extra-angsty because we know that one day Merlin will lose Arthur)

Prompt: Cursed
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2193282/chapters/4803375
Title: The Frog Prince
Author: Clea2011
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 58133
Summary: A teenage Arthur is hit by a mutation spell intended for Uther. Unable to speak and hidden away by his father because of his appearance, Arthur is left lonely and isolated. A few years later Gaius takes on a new apprentice, someone who can understand Arthur and see through the enchantment. Someone with magic.
But breaking the spell was never going to be easy.
Why I’m Reccing This: Because I am a terrible person and have stuck one of my own fics in. But it fits the cursed prompt very well.

Dreamwidth

clea2011 — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 19:39:07 GMT

Hi all

Okay, I have migrated my journal over to Dreamwidth. I am here if you want to join me: https://clea2011.dreamwidth.org/

I know a few people have been having problems with the migration. Under the cut is a VERY rough guide (now edited to include community imports).

ADDITION - instructions on how to claim your LJ ID - this will allow you to edit the entries you've transferred to DW properly. Very useful. https://www.dreamwidth.org/support/faqbrowse?faqid=84

How to save your scrapbook pics - https://siderea.dreamwidth.org/1754427.html - I have tried the second method halfway down the page and it works (basically go to an album in your scrapbook, click on publish all to entry, select 'original' as the size, set journal entry to private, name the entry the album name, post, scroll down the post to load all pics then right click save as web page. It's all downloaded on your computer.

To get a Dreamwidth account sign up here: https://www.dreamwidth.org/

What you then do once you have an account is this:

1. Click on 'Home'

2. Then click on Organise and Import content on the dropdown list

3. Scroll down and select Start another import - it may say something slightly different for you as you've not done one yet.

4. Click on live journal as the type and put in your LJ username and password then press continue

5. Select everything including icons (which I haven't below)- if you have too many for a free account only the first 15 will come over. Then press continue.

6. Then press start import

You'll get a page something like this:

You can click on Refresh to see how it's doing. It will likely fail quite a few times and you'll need to try for a few days, but it will do it eventually. It took me about a week.

Good luck

Added:
For importing comms you need to be a mod or maintainer of the comm on both Dreamwidth and LJ.

What you then do differently is
At point 3 above, where it says Work as [Clea2011] instead of [Clea2011] in my image, click on the dropdown on the first username field and select the comm name that you want to import. Click on switch.
When you move to point 4 above, still put in your LJ username and password, but a new box will appear asking if you want to import a community. Write the Live Journal community name in that box.
Everything else is the same.

Merlin Bingo 2022

clea2011 — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 19:02:05 GMT

I've signed up for another year of Merlin Bingo. Here's this year's card:

Details on their tumblr here: https://merlinbingo.tumblr.com/
And there's a dedicated Discord server: https://discord.gg/H6SvRu4VAB

I'll list the fills here:
M1 - Good advice - https://clea2011.tumblr.com/post/677451130339475456/good-advice-rec-list-for-merlin-bingo
M2 - Set in a different time period -
M3 - There was only one bed -
M4 - Loss of voice -
M5 - Blanket forts
A1 - Deaf/hard of hearing
A2 - Ice Skater AU
A3 - Quarantine -
A4 - Historical AU
A5 - Mute
C1 - Eating Disorders
C2 - Forced marriage
C3 - Free Square -
C4 - Modern no magic
C5 - Loss - All Those I've Loved Before https://archiveofourown.org/works/38086156
I1 - Seasons
I2 - Depression
I3 - Blind
I4 - Epistolary
I5 - Bookstore AU
G1 - Soulbonds
G2 - Resurrection
G3 - Trapped together
G4 - Hatred
G5 - Clones

And the badges (they are so cute!) won here:

Poker Face - Merlin Drabble

clea2011 — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 20:47:51 GMT

Title: Poker Face
Wordcount: 100
Rating: Teen
Pairing: Morgana/Elena
Warning(s): None
Author's note: A little drabble for the femslash badge on Merlin Bingo.

Morgana, who hadn’t lost a single item of clothing yet, spread out her hand on the table – all clubs, a straight flush (though there was nothing straight about her plans for Elena).

“I don’t have a poker face,” Elena sighed, already down to her knickers and deliciously straining bra, “I should know better than to play against you, I always lose.”

“Oh let me help you,” Morgana purred in anticipation, smiling wickedly as Elena wriggled around trying to unhook herself, “and believe me you’re not going to feel as if you’ve lost when I’ve finished with you, not at all.”

Light of the Sun - Merlin fanfic

clea2011 — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:01:39 GMT

Title: Light of the Sun
Author: clea2011
Artist: lfb72
Pairings/Characters: Arthur/Merlin, Hunith/Ygraine
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 111k
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Shine and BBC. No copyright infringement intended.
Author's notes:
I think the idea for this came from something Camelittle asked for as one of her ideas for last years Merlin Holidays. Thankfully her gifter used one of her other ideas and I was able to pinch it.
Thanks to Wasp and Cam for betaing this thing and coming up with lots of great ideas. And a huge thank you to LFB for putting up with me for yet another year and providing such amazing art. LFB has been slightly distracted with her brilliant channel swimming achievement this year, she is amazing!

Artist's notes:
I was delighted when Clea asked if we could work together. We've collaborated before so to be asked again is a good sign. She promised dragons and dinosaurs and Arthur in an Indiana Jones outfit, running around in tight trousers and getting all hot and bothered - how could I refuse?
So, this is the bit where I say my dog ate my homework except I have not got a dog, just two cats that sit on my artwork but they are not responsible for me being very behind. Anyone who read my previous art post for ACBB will know I said I took on a physical challenge that took up all my time and energy - I swam the English channel. Even when I'd completed it time ran away and I really struggled to knuckle down and get things done which is no reflection on Clea's fic which is absolutely stunning. So here I am at 3am having worked all weekend trying to post in the last few hours of amnesty... it is what it is, I'm determined to produce something.
Summary:
In a world where everyone knows that creating Jurassic Park was a bad idea...
Just because it could be done, that didn’t mean that it should. It was a pity that Cenred King didn’t get the memo. And that he ever got Ygraine DuBois involved.

This is the story of two generations of palaeontologists. A tale of love in a time of dragons. And dinosaurs.
A fanfic 65 million years in the making.

Story link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/34112614
Art link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/34115293

HC Bingo Card Round 12

clea2011 — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 17:45:19 GMT

It's that time of year again!
I have until 5th January 2022 to get at least a line. Which means that on 5th January 2022 I will be writing 3 or 4 fics in the wee small hours and trying to get them posted. I'll have to fit one of these into my ACBB. And then find 4 more fics...

exhaustion	substance addiction	depression	accept injury to protect someone	restrained
muzzles / gags	cramps	apocalypse	hallucinations / illusions	ostracised from society
lost childhood	loss of voice	WILD CARD	nightmares	buried alive
poisoning	ritualized pain / injury	abandonment issues	forced marriage	magical trouble
near death experience	telepathic trauma	flashbacks	trust issues	fire

Nightmares: https://archiveofourown.org/works/32182615 Own The Night
Wild Card - Cats and Prats and Books and Hearts (the Singularly Aware remix) - Clea2011 - Merlin (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
Loss of Voice - The Beautiful Game
Lost Childhood - Light of the Sun https://archiveofourown.org/works/34112614/chapters/84867739
Buried Alive - Dark of the Night https://archiveofourown.org/works/36209254

All done by the start of October, then procrastinated for 3 months so that the final one (backdated as it spoilers Light of the Sun) was posted with only a day to spare. Still, no panic and no going right down to the last few hours.

Constellations - Atlantis fanfic

clea2011 — Mon, 31 May 2021 21:29:48 GMT

Author: clea2011
Fandoms: Atlantis
H/C: Family, Runaways
Title: Constellations
Medium: Fic
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Summary: Icarus wonders about his place in the world.

Written for the HC Bingo May challenge - small fandoms. The fandom has to have less than 500 fics on A03, so Atlantis falls into that category. It's for the square 'Family' (and also fits runaways too).
Not betaed, hopefully not too many errors.
This is a gift for deinonychus_1, who loves this show and did the old pleading puppy thing when I mentioned that Atlantis was an option again. Hope you like it!

HC Bingo May Challenge

clea2011 — Thu, 06 May 2021 23:22:30 GMT

Three challenges down, one left to do for the hc_bingo mini challenge. This one involves writing for a small fandom. They've changed the rules slightly this year so it no longer includes anything on ffnet, and is for a fandom with less than 500 works in English on A03. So, bit of a relief as this means I actually have a choice of fandoms to write for. Obviously Bounty Hunters is eligible, I'll need to double check but I think that also Humans, Atlantis and even seaQuest qualify under the new rules. These are my prompts, I only have to write 500 words for one of them:

medication	runaways
wasteland	family

April Challenge - Half a World Away (Merlin/Primeval Crossover)

clea2011 — Wed, 05 May 2021 17:45:39 GMT

Author: clea2011
Fandoms: Merlin, Primeval
H/C: Major illness or Injury
Medium: Fic
Warnings: None
Pairings: Arthur/Merlin, Becker/Jess
Summary: Merlin and Arthur go through an anomaly (a rift in time) and find themselves in the present day.

Link to fic: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31113068

Authors notes: Well, we knew this would happen eventually! For those unfamiliar with Primeval, I've put a note on the A03 fic. Huge thanks to tari_sue and camelittle for the beta!

HC Bingo April Challenge

clea2011 — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 23:51:21 GMT

Two challenges done for hc_bingo, two left to do. April is always crossover month. I have to write a crossover of at least 500 words in length using at least one of these prompts:

bargaining for protection

major illness or injury

forced to uncover past trauma

robots / androids / AIs

I loathe writing crossovers. :-(

Fic is here:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/31113068

And here's the banner I won:

HC Bingo - March Challenge

clea2011 — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 18:27:05 GMT

This is the March challenge from hc_bingo
You have to rec 15 fics on the 3 themes that you're given. My themes are:

skeletons in the closet

nervous breakdown

undeserved reputation

Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1136045
Title: Arthur’s Scandal
Author: digthewriter
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: M
Word Count: 4330
Summary: Arthur's been caught in a scandal, and he needs to establish a prominent relationship with someone who will help him with his image.
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, I liked this one so much I did a remix of it back in the day. It has my favourite fake relationship trope, but as the title suggests Arthur needs to repair his image. In fact there is an excellent twist to all this which Merlin discovers later on. Very enjoyable fic.

Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/10582059
Title: Unexpected Memory in the case of death
Author: derryere
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: E
Word Count: 74987
Summary: Tony O does not befriend losers. Tony O is not gay, not crazy, he is not particularly nice and he is most definitely not royalty. Destiny disagrees.
Why I’m Reccing This: I’ve done five recs for each prompt. This is the only one where the undeserved reputation is Merlin, all the rest are poor Arthur. Anyway, in this one Merlin’s character has the nickname ‘Heineken’ due to something he’s supposed to have done with a beer bottle. I *think* it turned out to be undeserved anyway. This is an old fandom classic – unusual in that Arthur and Merlin have been reincarnated with different names, not something you often see in fic although of course it’s probably a more realistic way to go. It was one of the first Merlin fanfics I read, ages ago now. I think it’s a good measure of a fic if the story sticks with you.

Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/563953
Title: To fall and rise again
Author: kriadydragon
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: None
Rating: G
Word Count: 2841
Summary: Funny how it's always the little things that undo us.
Why I’m Reccing This: This one shows Merlin struggling to cope with his destiny and all it entails during canon times. I particularly like the way that everyone is there for him, Arthur, Gaius, the knights, all appreciative and supportive.

Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/6126080
Title: Grief
Author: polomonkey
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: G
Word Count: 2267
Summary: Arthur has a breakdown after his friend Leon dies.
Why I’m Reccing This: Because it’s the best description of how it feels to have a breakdown that I’ve ever read. That’s it really. Heartbreaking. And you really feel for Uther in this one too, trying his best to deal with his son’s breakdown.

Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1399588/chapters/2934145
Title: How Deep the rabbit hole goes
Author: Detochkina
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: E
Word Count: 69267
Summary: After the untimely death of his father, Arthur Pendragon's left in charge of the family company and he is a mess in every sense of the word. When his sister Morgana offers him a harmless herbal remedy to help him deal with his stress, she unwittingly starts a downward spiral in Arthur’s world - just as Arthur’s love life seems to look up after meeting Merlin, a pyrotech hired for Morgana’s party.
Dreams turn to confusion, confusion to paranoia, until Arthur is forced to pick up the broken pieces of his reality and try to fit them back together - but that's not an easy task when everyone, including Arthur himself, doubts his sanity.
Why I’m Reccing This: Oh goodness, this one. What a ride! Love the way you’re not quite sure what’s happening with Arthur, who is being treated for mental health issues – is he drunk? Is he stoned? Is he being set up? Is Morgana good or bad? Is Merlin just a figment of Arthur’s imagination? Lovely artwork as well.

Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11428671
Title: Between the lines of fear and blame
Author: Michaelssword
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 3095
Summary: The first lesson you learn is that in an OR, everything is under your control... to an extent. Your skill can only go so far, and when you step inside, things don't always turn out the way you were expecting.
And sometimes, when you are least prepared, the very worst can happen.
(Or alternately, Merlin loses a patient on his table, and tries to deal with the consequences)
Why I’m Reccing This: I have recced this one before but not for this prompt. It’s a very good fic (Tee’s work is always worth a read), heartbreakingly sad. The patient that Merlin loses is Will and he finds that he just can’t cope. Arthur supports him.

Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2814248
Title: New Beginnings
Author: clea2011
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 1173
Summary: Today was the day that he had to do it, had to go out and face the world. He had an appointment to keep.
Why I’m Reccing This: Oh I hate doing self-recs. But it fits the prompt, okay? Everything got too much for Arthur. Morgana persuades him to try therapy.

Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1055542
Title: Acts of Man
Author: Wreck
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 5165
Summary: On the morning of their Annual pre-Christmas Dinner, Merlin is shocked to find out that Gwen thinks his boyfriend, Arthur, isn't good enough. But after a glimpse into Merlin's quirky flat, Gwen realizes that she might not have the whole story.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is a lovely piece of holiday fluff. Merlin’s friends aren’t impressed with Arthur, getting completely the wrong idea about him. Gwen goes to talk to Merlin, and then sees how things really are.

Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12054900
Title: Clumsy only goes so far
Author: Dragonstorm
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: None
Rating: Gen
Word Count: 2771
Summary: The other servants see how Merlin's constantly injured.
They jump to the natural conclusion.
Why I’m Reccing This: Love this. It’s written from George’s point of view – Merlin is injured and George has to stand in, working for a king whom all the servants believe is harming Merlin. Arthur’s realisation is more horrified at what is happening to Merlin than the unjust assumptions against his own character.

Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/5862799/chapters/13513474
Title: Hive Mind
Author: polomonkey
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 5517
Summary: Arthur's the most hated person in school, and a Geography field trip only gives his classmates a chance to stick the knife in. At least until he ends up sharing a tent with Merlin...
Why I’m Reccing This: Because there are BEES! No, because I am a terrible person and love to see poor Arthur suffer. He is still at school (A levels so around 18) in this one, suffering because of what his father has done. I really do try to stick to one rec per writer each year but it doesn’t always work so this time there are two from Polo. (Do heed the warning tags though.)

Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1053889
Title: Over You
Author: Thursday Next
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: M
Word Count: 5854
Summary: Merlin sees Arthur at a party for the first time since their break-up two months ago. He has every intention of pretending his heart isn’t broken –- especially since none of their friends even know they were ever together. But when he has to contend with Arthur unexpectedly bringing a date, Gwaine deciding to be his fake boyfriend, and a good deal of sniping, it soon becomes apparent that Merlin’s not as over Arthur as he tries to pretend.
Why I’m Reccing This: Breakup/makeup, the fake relationships, neither of them being as secret as they thought, modern au, Gwaine being the best friend possible – what’s not to love? Plenty of UST and a satisfying ending.

Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2024493
Title: Ain’t Nothing but a heartache
Author: Argentsleeper
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 8493
Summary: Merlin and Arthur have been secretly dating for months when Arthur hits his head ice skating. Now the past two years are forgotten, including their relationship.
Why I’m Reccing This: Honestly, it’s as if I love the secret dating trope or something! Merlin has to keep secret from Arthur the fact that they’ve been dating (a relationship that started by Arthur shoving Merlin into an actual closet and snogging him) for months. A lovely romantic ride, both of them being self-sacrificial for the sake of the other. Gorgeous fic. Aggy was a lovely writer, much missed.

Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/5163125/chapters/11891219
Title: In Lieu of Cake
Author: malu_3
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 10617
Summary: A kidnapping changes things between His Royal Highness Prince Arthur of Camelot and Merlin Wyllt, his irreverent valet.
Why I’m Reccing This: Ah Malu, always a treat to read. Lots of hurt/comfort in this one, Merlin is captured and experimented on because of his magic. The skeleton in the closet being Merlin’s magic of course. Modern AU, Merlin can’t expect help from Arthur because Arthur and his family are anti-magic. But of course, Arthur is better than that… Fab fic.

Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/701942
Title: Mango
Author: rotrude
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: M
Word Count: 13667
Summary: Written for this prompt: Secret relationship: they've been together for years without telling anyone, and something gives them away. Mordred, the new quantitative modelling researcher at Albion Ratings, develops a crush on Merlin. So he starts nosing around to find out whether Merlin's free to date.
Why I’m Reccing This: Rotrude’s fics are always good, and this one is no exception. I know my recs here are heavy on the secret relationship trope, but it’s a favourite of mine so I make no apologies. This one is written mostly from Mordred’s point of view, gradually revealing the truth of the situation. A very well-written fic, there are little hints as to the true situation all through the fic. Very enjoyable read.

Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/6111254
Title: Love Letters Straight from the heart
Author: camelittle
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 7091
Summary: After seven (mostly) blissful years, their relationship is finished, and Merlin tells himself he's over the clotpoll. But then he finds a box of Arthur's old love letters, stashed at the back of the cupboard. When the box is finally opened, secrets spill out. Secrets that maybe should have been aired a long time ago.
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, these secrets are literally in a cupboard! This is a lovely bittersweet tale of a breakup and then… well, let me tell you, I like a happy ending and I love this fic! (Cam is a fab writer and if you haven’t already discovered that for yourself then it is time for you to dive into her impressive body of work!)

And here's the banner I won:

HC Bingo February Challenge/Banners

clea2011 — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 04:15:55 GMT

Well, it's another February, time for another hc_bingo mini challenge. I managed all four of the Feb-May challenges last year so hoping to keep that up.

Starting off with the 4 square postage stamp challenge for February. You have to use all four prompts in a single story. This is my card:

septicemia / infected wounds	cursed
strapped to a moving vehicle	WILD CARD

Deadline is March 5th. This one was actually quite easy to come up with an idea for, plus I can use it for a Merlin bingo square and for Merlin HC bingo as well. All I have to do is actually write it...

On the subject of HC bingo, here are my banners for round 11. For the first time I won one of the competitive banners - the longest journey (the most words written to get a bingo) with 134,217 words. This was almost entirely due to using my 123k Merlin big bang in one of the squares! The others are for various criteria such as all in a single fandom (steadfast), post in amnesty (forget me not), all in a TV fandom (serial pleasures), do all 4 Feb-May mini challenges (Feb-May) and do at least one of the mini challenges (Passion).

I usually put them on my profile, but I've been doing this for years now and there's rather a lot on there.

Merlin Fics for HC Bingo, Finish that fic

clea2011 — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 03:14:00 GMT

Title: Two Roads Diverged
Wordcount: 2014
Rating: Teen
Arthur/Merlin
Warning(s): None
Author's note: Written for HC Bingo square 'family' - it originally started off with the prompt 'Rescue' but diverged...
Summary: Merlin really believed that Arthur's father had accepted him. How very wrong he was.
Link to fic: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28533978

Title: Healers
Wordcount: 2323
Rating: Gen
Warning(s): Canon compliant
Author's note: Warning - this is set immediately after the end of the series and is canon compliant, including all deaths that happened in 5.13. Not betaed. Written for HC Bingo square Healers
Summary: Hunith had missed her son every day since he’d left home all those years ago. That didn’t mean that she wanted to see him come back like this, heartbroken and grieving.
Link to fic: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28559832

Title: Atonement
Wordcount: 3760
Rating: Teen
Arthur/Merlin
Warning(s): None
Author's note: Written for HC bingo square Atonement
Summary: Merlin gazed in horror at his screen, unable to believe he’d been so stupid. But there it was in black and white, sitting in his sent items folder.
An email, intended for his mate Gwaine. But somehow it had gone to Arthur Pendragon instead.
Link to fic: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28579902

Title: Under your Skin
Wordcount: 2248
Rating: Teen
Arthur/Merlin
Warning(s): None
Author's note: Written for HC bingo square 'bodyswap'
Summary: Uther hated sorcerers. He particularly hated ones that he caught in bed with his son. Burning was probably too good for them, but the crowds always seemed to enjoy it and Uther liked to think of himself as a benevolent king. But burning powerful sorcerers can sometimes have unexpected consequences.
In which Uther gets a taste of his own medicine.
Link to fic: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28583793

Merlin Bingo

clea2011 — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 21:18:03 GMT

Unsurprisingly I've joined the stampede and signed up for Merlin Bingo.
Arthur doesn't look very pleased about it...

Folks, we're all posting these without giving details of where our friends can sign up!
It's here: https://merlinbingo.tumblr.com/ (I had to go back 9 pages to find a post with a link for Dig! Thank goodness for Schweet!)

Also, for anyone interested, The Tavern on Discord is hosting a Merlin HC fest for February and it looks as if we can combine the two! https://merlinxarthur.livejournal.com/4278728.html

Here are the squares/fills:
M1 - Music
M2 - Steampunk au - FILLED - https://clea2011.tumblr.com/post/660856004238540800/steampunk-au-reclist-for-merlin-bingo
M3 - Magical Pregnancy
M4 - Mythical creatures au - FILLED - https://clea2011.tumblr.com/post/651361647750938624/water-beings-rec-list-for-may-merlin-bingo
M5 - Modern with magic - FILLED - Light of the Sun https://archiveofourown.org/works/34112614/chapters/84867739
A1 - Soulbonds
A2 - Bird Merlin - FILLED - Arthur Pendragon, Poet. Or Something... https://archiveofourown.org/works/34348735
A3 - Magic is legal
A4 - Mutation
A5 - Fear of being left behind
G1 - Seasons - FILLED - Autumn - Clea2011 - Merlin (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
G2 - Slaves - FILLED - https://clea2011.tumblr.com/post/666527369367076864/slaves-rec-list-for-merlin-bingo
G3 - Wild card - FILLED - Cats and Prats and Books and Hearts (the Singularly Aware remix)
G4 - Tattoo Shop AU
G5 - Sunrise - FILLED - Half a world away
I1 - Action Figures
I2 - Fireworks - FILLED - Own The Night
I3 - Abuse of power - FILLED - How (Not) to Win Tavern of the Year
I4 - Pandemics and epidemics
I5 - Things not going to plan - FILLED - The Beautiful Game
C1 - Hostages - FILLED - The Road Not Taken
C2 - Aliens - FILLED https://clea2011.tumblr.com/post/648182646569123840/aliens-rec-list-for-april-merlin-bingo
C3 - Electricity - FILLED - https://clea2011.tumblr.com/post/666585815878615040/happy-halloween
C4 - Chocolate - FILLED - https://clea2011.tumblr.com/post/666521025490616320/merlin-bingo-mood-board-chocolate
C5 - There was only one bed

And here are the badges won so far, look how cute they are:

Happy Christmas

clea2011 — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 17:17:52 GMT

I know it's a bit late...

https://instagram.com/p/CJRNklzHq5w

Perfect 10 (The Affectionately, Adoringly Remix)

clea2011 — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 15:18:19 GMT

Title: Perfect 10 (The Affectionately, Adoringly Remix)
Work URL: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24634141
Remixee Name: violeteyedhair / KimliPan
Link to Work Remixed: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21608626
Pairings: Gwaine/Leon, Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lance
Length: 9500
Rating: Teen
Warnings: None

Summary: Merlin works in Gwen and Lance's coffee shop. And what every coffee shop needs is a postcard exchange, obviously.

In which Merlin tries a spot of matchmaking for lonesome Leon. Gwaine is not his first choice. And Arthur is absolutely not supposed to join in, whatever Gwen thinks. Of course, nothing goes to plan..

This was my fic for camelotremix this year.

Icon Meme #2

clea2011 — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 11:45:18 GMT

stellar_raven has put up a 2nd icon meme and asked for contributors. I am absolutely not doing that avoidance thing where you are supposed to be writing!
The meme is:
1. Reply to this post and I will pick five of your icons.
2. Make a post (including the meme info) and talk about the icons I chose.
3. Other people can then comment to you and make their own posts.
4. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ICONS!

stellar_raven picked:
This is actually part of a set of ten that I made for one of those land challenge things and it's a useful happy one of Merlin. I think they had to have some sort of texture on them and I took a few pretty space ones from spacealtie (doesn't seem to be an LJ user). Here are the rest of them - I'm using some but not all:

This one is also part of a set. There are a group of Merlin fans who were all on chatzy back in about 2014 and the lovely dylogger made us all individual user icons. This one is a frog in sunglasses and represents me. It's a frog because I wrote a Merlin big bang called The Frog Prince and it's wearing sunglasses and has a cigarette because it's supposed to be cool. I am not cool. However I am very snarky which I think is where that aspect comes from! *g*

The Dorset Knobs icon... Yes, fififolle made this one. This came from a conversation with celeste9 who got a little obsessed with the idea of Dorset knobs. (These are a round hard biscuit thing - there are knob tossing contests and things. There is a fic somewhere with links but I can't find it - would have been back in 2013 and it's not as well tagged back then as I would like). Anyway, there is all the info you might need here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-50040129

The lovely deinonychus_1 made this. I can't recall anything about it - it might have been part of an icon contest. Anyway, it is a fine icon and has obvious uses. That's Connor from Primeval on it, who is her favourite.

This one is entirely mine. It's a picture that I took some years ago while a friend and I were on a touring holiday of Finland. This was taken from the passenger seat of our hired (enormous) car as we were driving along. The roads up in the north of Finland (I think by this stage we were on the edge of the Arctic circle) were so empty and beautiful.

That's it. I think that's my part done unless anyone wants me to pick icons (I know stellar_raven does! *g*)

Icon meme

clea2011 — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 00:26:20 GMT

This was on stellar_raven's LJ as it looked fun.
I changed the animated one to 'best art related' as I don't have any animated icons. The source post says editing is allowed so I corrected the spelling.

My ICONS.

default	oldest	newest


saddest	happiest	angriest
This is actually the only Merlin/Arthur one I have

cutest	sexiest	funniest


fave ship icon	fave fandom	best art related
See comment above re Merlin/Arthur so no contest!

best quote	best textless	best stolen idea
		Fifi came up with this idea

use the most	favourite
	Well, I can't put the Jess one in a third time.

HOW MANY ICONS DO YOU HAVE: 136
OUT OF HOW MANY AVAILABLE ICONS SPACES: 146
IF YOU COULD BUY SPACE FOR MORE, WOULD YOU: No. I had more but have got rid of one extra package.
DO YOUR ICONS MAKE A STATEMENT: No
WHAT FANDOM DO YOU HAVE THE MOST ICONS OF: Primeval
AND THE SECOND MOST: Merlin
WHAT SHIP DO YOU HAVE THE MOST ICONS OF: Becker/Jess (My Merlin ones are generally of individual characters. Actually, so are my Primeval ones)
ARE YOUR ICONS MADE MOSTLY BY OTHER PEOPLE: No
DO YOU MAKE ICONS: Yes
ARE THEY ANY GOOD: No
ANIMATED ICONS ARE: Very clever I wish I could make them

DO THE MEME.
Coding can be found here

Hurt Comfort Bingo Card for Round 11

clea2011 — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 23:33:50 GMT

It's that time again!
Round 11 of hc_bingo has started and here's my new card. I have until January 5th 2021 to at least get a line. Which usually means frantic scribbling of a couple of short fills at the end of the Xmas/New Year holiday. I don't see why this year should be any different!

It's actually not a bad card. Nothing particularly thrilling but lots of quite straightforward prompts as opposed to bizarre things where you aren't entirely sure what you're supposed to be writing.

I guess ACBB this year will fit Rescue so that's one square down. :-)

bullet wounds	witch hunt	body / mindswap	grief	food poisoning
loss of powers	loss of voice	atonement	falling	pneumonia
backrubs / massages	mercy killing	WILD CARD	desecration	begging
falsely accused	on the run	healers	tyranny / rebellion	poisoning
hostages	eating disorders	rescue	serial killers	isolation