Merlin leant back in his chair. “Well, I guess if it’s you vouching for him, I can at least meet him. And you’re sure he needs a flatmate?”

Gwen smiled brightly. “He does, really. And Morgana thinks—well, never mind that. Shall I give him your number?”

“Might as well do,” Merlin said. “I mean, it’s not like my situation can possibly get any worse.”

Merlin really should have known better than that, by now. His situation could always get worse. ***

Merlin's got no flatmate, no stipend, and nowhere else to turn. Enter Arthur, who's a bit of a mess himself. Who knows ... it just might work. ***

Did I write an "and they were ROOMMATES" fic for Glompfest? Yes, yes I did.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53475988

Golden and Glowing

By Camelots_Daffodil (me)

Written for Merthur Glompfest for MZsD22

Merlin/Arthur, Knights

Summary

Merlin's been kidnapped, and everything hurts. Held against his will and without his magic by Camelot's enemies, Merlin has no idea how he'll escape this one. But he does know one thing - Arthur will come. Arthur is coming.

Rating: M Words: 5000 Completed: Yes

Guess what, Merthur fans? We’re back!

Yes, Merthur Glompfest is returning in January 2024 for another round of fabulous fanworks, just for you 😘

What is a Glompfest, you ask?

A Glompfest is a gifting fest designed as a way for fandom creators to give back to those fans who wouldn’t usually be eligible to take part in a typical exchange fest.

How does it work?

Glompees (readers, lurkers, commenters, or fandom supporters of any stripe) will be asked to provide a prompt or prompts for glomping, which will then be claimed by Glompers (fandom creators, fic writers and fanartists) and filled according to the Glompee’s request. Completed works will then be posted to our AO3 Collection and shared here on Tumblr for everyone’s enjoyment!

For more information on how the fest works (and whether you qualify as a Glomper or a Glompee), check out our FAQ or send the mods an ask here on Tumblr.

💕 Don’t forget to follow @merthurglompfest for fest updates, and help us spread the love by spreading the word! 💕

SIGN-UPS OPEN: 1 Jan 2024 SIGN-UPS CLOSE: 15 Jan 2024

Title: Tell, Don't Show By: Cithara Gift for: LikeAPaperPlane Word count: 5,278 words Warning(s): None Creator Notes: Thank you to LikeAPaperPlane for their excellent prompt - Arthur asking for Merlin's neckerchief before a tournament. I really hope you enjoy the fic A massive thank you to Excited_Insomniac for not only betaing this for me, but for brainstorming it and helping me to come up with the idea to flesh it out properly. Thank you as well to my wifey MayaPleiades for being the world's best cheerleader. I hope you all enjoy the story. Comments and kudos are very welcome. Summary: After five failed attempts (courtesy of his friends' suggestions) to try and show Merlin his true feelings, Arthur decides to listen to his sister and ask Merlin for his favour before the start of a big tournament. Or 5 times Arthur tried to show Merlin how he felt and 1 time it actually worked. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53989465

Title: Instead of Roses By: @paceprompting Gift for: DarKymi / @rehaliahdrarys Rating: Mature Word Count: 14, 371 words Warning(s): Merlin gets a bit ill in the beginning, nothing serious, but otherwise No Archive Warnings Apply Creator Notes (Optional): If I could add and add to this prompt forever, I really think that I would. It was lots of fun to write and be a little extra! Thank you to DarKymi for such a creative prompt, and helping me write outside my comfort zone. ❤️❤️❤️

Summary: After Merlin mistakenly eats a poisonous flower, the only cure involves him losing control of his magic. The chaos that ensues leads Arthur to several conclusions: 1) he needs to legalize magic in Camelot, 2) he enjoys watching Merlin's magic more than he ever thought he would, and 3) he can't keep pushing down his feelings for his loyal sorcerer for much longer.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54663001

Title: Gifts of Gold By: MerlinLikeTheBird Gift for: Alehalebane Rating: Teen and Up Word Count: 16,205 words Warning(s): None Summary: “I’m the king,” Arthur says grumpily, swallowing around the stone that has settled in his throat, “I can wear what I want.” “What about what I want?” “I’m the king,” Arthur repeats slowly, since Merlin is being particularly thick, “and so you can also wear what I want.” Or, Arthur dresses Merlin, which goes about as well as you would expect. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54308713/chapters/137544148

🆘 EMERGENCY PINCH-HITTERS WANTED! 🚨

We currently have two (2) prompts in need of emergency pinch-hitting.

What is a pinch-hitter?

A pinch-hitter is a wonderful, kindhearted soul who volunteers to fill a prompt at the last minute after another participant has dropped out of a fest.

Who can be a pinch-hitter?

You can! And you can! And—basically anyone who wants to can, as long as you’re able to submit your work before the deadline below.

What are the minimum requirements for a pinch hit?

FANFIC: 500 words minimum (no max). Must be beta’d. FANART: One (1) completed piece. OTHER: Please contact the mods for info.

When do I need to have it done by?

The deadline for your completed work is 15 April. We know it’s a lot to ask on short notice, so we’re happy for you to create something based on a specific scene or idea from the prompt if necessary (provided it works as a stand-alone).

We will also check in with you on 10 April to see where you’re at with your fill. If you need an extension or have to drop out for any reason, you’ll need to let us know on or before this date so that we can find another pinch-hitter if needed.

Sounds good! How do I get my hands on a prompt?

You can find the prompt details here.  If you’d like to put your name down as a pinch-hitter, please fill out this form ASAP to claim a prompt.

Otherwise, please hit the reblog button and help us spread the word to make sure all of our wonderful Glompees get a gift this year! 💝

Pinch-hitters needed!

We currently have two (2) prompts in need of pinch-hitting!

What is a pinch-hitter?

A pinch-hitter is a wonderful, kindhearted soul who volunteers to fill a prompt at the last minute after another participant has dropped out of a fest.

Who can be a pinch-hitter?

You can! And you can! And—basically anyone who wants to can, as long as you’re able to submit your work before the deadline below.

What are the minimum requirements for a pinch hit?

FANFIC: 500 words minimum (no max). Must be beta’d. FANART: One (1) completed piece. OTHER: Other formats are welcome, but please contact us for specific info.

When do I need to have it done by?

The deadline for your completed work is 31 March. There will also be a mandatory check-in on 15 March to see where you're at with your fill.

If you need to drop out for any reason, you’ll need to let us know by or before this date so that we can find another pinch-hitter if needed; alternatively, if you need an extension, please contact us ASAP so that we can modify the posting schedule accordingly. Given the time constraints of the fest, we may not be able to accommodate every extension request, so please only claim the prompt if you’re confident you will be able to fill it in time!

Sounds good! How do I get my hands on a prompt?

You can find the prompt details here. Prompts will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis, so if you’d like to put your name down as a pinch-hitter, please fill out this form ASAP to claim a prompt.

Otherwise, please hit the reblog button and help us spread the word to make sure all of our wonderful Glompees get a gift this year! 💝

🆘 EMERGENCY PINCH-HITTER WANTED! 🚨

We currently have one (1) prompt in need of emergency pinch-hitting.

What is a pinch-hitter?

A pinch-hitter is a wonderful, kindhearted soul who volunteers to fill a prompt at the last minute after another participant has dropped out of a fest.

Who can be a pinch-hitter?

You can! And you can! And—basically anyone who wants to can, as long as you’re able to submit your work before the deadline below.

What are the minimum requirements for a pinch hit?

FANFIC: 500 words minimum (no max). Must be beta’d. FANART: One (1) completed piece. OTHER: Please contact the mods for info.

When do I need to have it done by?

The deadline for your completed work is 25 April. We know it’s a lot to ask on short notice, so we’re happy for you to create something based on a specific scene or idea from the prompt if necessary (provided it works as a stand-alone).

We will also check in with you on 20 April to see where you’re at with your fill. If you need an extension or have to drop out for any reason, you’ll need to let us know ASAP so that we can find another pinch-hitter if needed.

Sounds good! How do I get my hands on a prompt?

You can find the prompt details here.  If you’d like to put your name down as a pinch-hitter, please fill out this form ASAP to claim a prompt.

Otherwise, please hit the reblog button and help us spread the word to make sure all of our wonderful Glompees get a gift this year! 💝

THIS PROMPT HAS NOW BEEN CLAIM, THANK YOU 💖

Title: Mere Sight Make Obedient By: Elvenqueens / @translesbianlanwangji Gift for: @flossibelle Rating: Teen + Word Count: 5478 words Warning(s): Angst, Child Death, Non-Graphic Violence, Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Uther Pendragon's A+ parenting, Hurt Merlin, Whipping Boy AU, Mutual Pining, Pre-Relationship, Hopeful Ending

Summary:

A chance encounter.

A promise broken.

Arthur was the obedient child. He was the one who stayed in line. the one who would inherit the throne. Morgana was the one who spoke out, who questioned his decisions, who went behind his back and damn the consequences.

Uther had started to lose his grip on his son. Morgana may have influenced him more than he thought, or perhaps Arthur had been going behind his back this entire time. One to draw the attention and one he would never suspect.

He was losing control of his son, and for a King and his Heir to be at odds is a dangerous thing.

Or, I write a whipping boy au cause its a royal drama so why not

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54666655

Title: as good as a cure By: @schweetheart Gift for: Fnickx Rating: Mature Word Count: 8630 words Warning(s): N/A Creator Notes (Optional): Dear Fnickx, I started working on this fic back in 2022 on the principle that someone really needed to give Merlin a hug after all of the trauma he goes through in canon, but I never ended up finishing it, so when your Glomper had to drop out of the fest at the eleventh hour, I figured it must be fate 😄 It might be a bit different in tone than what you were originally intending with your prompt, but I hope it meets enough of your likes for you to enjoy it anyway. Thanks again for signing up to Glompfest 2024, and thank you to ExcitedInsomniac for the beta! 💝

Summary:

The second time Merlin falls asleep during a council meeting, Arthur has had enough. “All right, that’s it,” he says, grabbing Merlin by the collar and dragging him out into the hallway behind him. The meeting is already long over, and the fact that Merlin didn’t notice either the scraping of the chairs or Uther’s pointed remarks makes it clear that Something Has To Be Done. “You’re coming with me.” 

Or: after the dragon attack, Merlin's guilt and grief have been keeping him up at nights. Fortunately, Arthur takes it upon himself to help.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/55547887

Title: Fool for You (Sucker for Pain) By: @Salamandair Gift for: Alduade (BlooperDooper3000) / @bilan-igg Rating: Teen and Up Word Count: 6313 words Warning(s): N/A Creator Notes (Optional): 

[This one was so much fun to write! I always adore writing a BAMF Merlin who’s trying to tough out his bad injuries and failing to in the end. I tried not to get TOO graphic with the injuries here, but apologies if they were still gross for some anyway!

I hope you enjoy this little thing I got kinda carried away with, Alduade! I love writing it, i hope you love it!

Disclaimer: I don’t own any part of BBC and Shine’s Merlin. Richer people do.] Summary: 

While searching the Valley of the Fallen Kings after reports come in of seeing Cenred’s men there, Arthur, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table are separated by a rock slide.

That’s just the start of Merlin’s really bad day.

Written for Merthur Glompfest 2024 AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54974164

Title: You only feel it when it’s lost By: MyKingdomComeUndone Gift for: childofmagicandmagicschild Rating: Teen and up Word Count: 14,048 words Warning(s): temporary character death, implied suicide attempts, whump Creator Notes (Optional): Dear childofmagicandmagicschild, I absolutely loved both your prompts (so much angsty goodness!), and I was so happy I managed to snag one of them! I tried to add as many of your likes as I could, and I hope you enjoy what I’ve come up with! Summary: When Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic by accident, he is both furious and hurt by the apparent lack of trust between them. A truth potion seems the perfect way to finally discover what else Merlin has been keeping from him—until everything goes wrong, and Arthur is left with the shattered pieces of the life he used to take for granted. But fate has other plans and, on the battlefield at Camlann, a mysterious sorcerer appears and fights on Camelot's side... Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54274948

It’s check-in time!

GLOMPERS:

You should now have received an email from us with a link to the check-in form. Please complete it ASAP to confirm that you are still participating in the fest and to let us know where you’re at with completing your fill(s).

This check-in is mandatory for all Glompers. The form will remain open until 1 MARCH 2024. If we don’t hear from you by then, we will assume you have dropped out of the fest and your prompt(s) will be put up for pinch-hitting.

––

GLOMPEES:

You should also have received an email from us, this time containing a link to the Glompfest Progress Tracker for 2024. This will allow you to see when your Glomper has checked in, submitted a draft, or posted their fill(s).

We will also be in touch once we have organised the posting schedule so that you know when to look for your gift(s) on AO3.

––

If you have any questions or concerns (in particular, if you need an extension or have to withdraw from the fest for any reason), please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

You can send us an ask here on Tumblr or email us at [email protected].

Cheers, —Glompfest Mods

Title: Always His Destiny By: LeMightyWorrier Gift for: a13merlinfan Rating: T Word Count: 16,571 words Warning(s): No archive warnings apply

Creator Notes (Optional): This was a joy to write, the trope of true love's kiss was so sweet and fun. I hope it rescues a13merlinfan and other readers from the utter tragedy of the canon events.

*Spoilers* - A few minor changes to canon to fit the narrative and/or prompt: Kilgharrah doesn't fly away before Merlin sends Arthur off, Gwen's got her own thing going on but its only hinted at and one character other than Arthur who dies canonically, lives.

Summary: Before committing Arthur to the lake, Merlin kisses him. Arthur was always his destiny and true love gives them the chance to face the future hand in hand.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53231713/chapters/134702440

Title: A New Trick in an Old Book By: serpentinefiend Gift for: glade_days / @gladedays Rating: G Word Count: 2,684 words Warning(s): None Summary:

When Arthur nobly accepts and promptly fails the not-so-complicated task of delivering a medieval manuscript across campus, it's up to Merlin's apprentice book restoration skills to save the day. Not that Merlin would call helping the handsome student who's been lingering in his library as of late all that arduous a task... Well, for the most part, anyway.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Merthur_Glompfest_2024/works/54515134