tlk never beating the queer show allegations 🌈 part 3/? | the life of a queen can be somewhat lonely, at least until you find the pious lesbian you are willing to die for
It's almost 2023, so I figured I'd share my updated The Last Kingdom fic recs since I have been meaning to do that all year. Below the cut you will find some shippy stuff, some introspective pieces, and a variety of characters featured (several of whom rarely get fanfic). I hope if this post crosses your path you may find a new favorite! I did limit my selection to complete fics, but you can find more recommendations, both works in progress and complete, under my ao3 tlk bookmarks. Happy New Year, and happy reading!
the leap by @irisdouglasiana
Season 5 cottagecore nuns fixit for Aalys and Aelflaed. Fixit fics are not usually my vibe tbh but this one is perfectly complex and bittersweet.
A Hard Story to Know by @wildwren
Post Season 5 fic. Aelfwynn processes her grief at the loss of her mother with the help of Aldhelm and Eadith. This fic broke my heart and mended it several times over.
no escape by @volvaaslaug
Wonderful Eadith character study and I adore the prose style as well.
come go with me by @wendy-daahling
Aethelflaed x Aldhelm political marriage (for MERCIA of course), slow burn with lots of delicious pining.
the drowned and the damned by @irisdouglasiana
Canon divergent AU centered around Osbert, Uhtred's youngest son. Addresses family trauma, cycles of violence, and legacy within the world of the show and does it in such a thought provoking way.
and, lord, she found me just in time by @jeynepoole
Hild x Iseult hurt/comfort bathing fic...so tender and so lovely.
a rope in hand for your other man by @jeynepoole
This fic is definitely for a niche audience, but if the idea of an Aethelflaed/Aldhelm/Aethelred threesome intrigues you, check it out...and there's more where that came from.
Meanwhile in Mercia by @skatingthinandice
This series is an absolute staple of Aethelflaed x Aldhelm fanfic and I am very grateful for it. Essential reading!
Daughter of Darkness by @ulfrsmal
Gen fic focused around Brida and Thyra's relationship and trauma that I, for one, desperately needed. *this fic is locked, you will need to be logged into your ao3 account to access...I still have a few invitations to send, if you need one feel free to DM me!
I go you go, my dear by alittlebitalexis
Two Osferth x Eadith fics for the Eadsferth truthers among us (no for real they were cute). Fluff and smut.
When the Party's Over by @wildwren
Aethelflaed x Erik College AU. Part of a series, read Part 1 first, I am just particularly attached to this part for...reasons.
The Maiden by @wildwren
Pirate/Witch AU for Aethelflaed x Skade. This fic is HOT and creative and HOT and gorgeously written and HOT.
To Curse a King by @pokeasleepingsmaug
Skade x Sihtric smut fic featuring magic and knife play. Very fun and sexy.
Saint of Shitty Reasons by @volvaaslaug
Edward Modern AU character study that hits 95% of my kinks.
Most CURSED among God's kin are aethelings by @wildwren
Aethelwold character study. A masterpiece though and through.
Lay Down Your Arms by @skatingthinandice
Aethelflaed x Aldhelm post Tettenhall smut, and a most worthy entry for the #GET IT AETHELFLAED tag.
clever-tongued by @tsukkinami
Aethelflaed x Aldhelm smut with wonderful tension and intimacy, it's just top tier! A classic.
in my dreams we survived by @irisdouglasiana
Hild character study, really lovely angst that makes me tear up every time.
poison by @irisdouglasiana
Brida x Skade enemies to lovers...need I say more?
fortune cookie by @jeynepoole
Competent stepdad Aldhelm, Modern AU Aldhelm & Aelfwynn bonding. A warm blanket of a fic.
no but honestly it is so sad how aelflaed finally escaped what must've been such a constraining situation at court and a husband who dislikes her, to go on a simple pilgrimage with aalys only to be killed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time :(
