#acbb 2024

[aftercamlann]

We Are Bruised But Whole Together

words by tansyuduri, art by GYRHS Summary: 

Arthur wakes up in modern Glastonbury and to his unfathomable relief finds Merlin. But nothing is simple. Everything he knew is gone, for one. He wonders what of his achievements were actually his own, and not just Merlin's magic, for another. Arthur also has to face the fact that he kept the ban on magic going. Was he ever truly a good king?

There is also the “I love you” he mouthed to Merlin before dying. Something he cannot afford to focus on, because, as Merlin tells him, Albion’s time of greatest need is upon them.

Then comes the unthinkable. Merlin’s magic, which has been growing over the last thousand years, is suddenly too strong for the sorcerer's human body to handle. Faced with the prospect of losing Merlin, feelings suddenly come out and Arthur realizes that if he can save the man he loves and the land of Albion, he might be able to forgive himself for his mistakes and everything he is not.

The question is, can he?

Expect fluff, angst, humor, banter, hurt/comfort, whump, and lots of Merthur!

Click HERE for the story and HERE for the art!

[myoonmii]

Art made for ACBB this year for @/egeria's story!! I unfortunately couldn't make as much art as I wanted, but the story premise had me hooked from the start and it was very fun to try out a different style for the header

Thank you to my writer for being amazingly patient and for also bringing this wonderful creation to life!!

Summary: When Nimueh saves Ygraine's life, she couldn't have imagined the far-reaching consequences. Really, the consequences might've been worse, if only a little peasant boy hadn't been born.

or: Merlin is raised knowing who he is and all of Albion looks a bit different as a result.

Read it here!

[ceesaltsanctuary]

my artistic contribution to the amazing story written by kettleknight titled "Whatever Keeps You Around" written for this year's ACBB! Check it out!

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[w-t-k-n-s]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Let me see you stripped down to the bone

Leeds, March 1986.

They're off to a strip night, and Gwaine has no idea how much it will change his life.

He falls head over heels for one of the dancers, and a random encounter lets them meet properly, and Gwaine realises it isn't just Percival's body he likes. Slowly, they become an irreplaceable part of each other's lives. However, Percival's job starts to get in between them, and Gwaine's insecurities grow.

Will they make it together?

Weclome to my After Camlann Big Bang piece! I have absolutely loved writing this, and I am so excited to finally share it with the world!

Please feel free to leave any comments or messages, I would love to hear from you.

Huge thank you to @pkrosche for being an absolutely incredible beta reader, I can't thank them enough!

And the amazing icebreak1010 on deviantart who created a gorgeous piece of art to accompany this work! I am so grateful! Link to their work is here!

This fest has been so brilliant to be a part of, I have really enjoyed being a part of the community on discord and can't wait already to get back to writing!

Here is the @aftercamlann account and here is the livejournal to check out the other pieces completed for this wonderful fest. So happy to have been a part of it!

Thank you for reading, hope you enjoy.

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10TH ANNIVERSARY RECS: In Spite of Everything, The Stars

This ACBB was recommended by PapySanzo and Clea2011:

Title: In Spite of Everything, The Stars Writer: Polomonkey Artist: mushroomtale Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur Rating: Mature Word Count: 82,243

Summary: London. 2015. The government is set to vote on ending the microchipping of magic users, and Arthur Pendragon has been tasked with kidnapping prominent Magical activist Merlin Emrys to influence the outcome.

Locked away in a house on the North York Moors, tensions rise and confrontation ensues as Arthur is forced to re-evaluate everything he’s been taught about magic, and Merlin finds himself in a struggle for his life. And the fact that they’re falling for each other doesn’t help…

Link: FIC: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4647243/chapters/10599906 | ART: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4647402

Why PapySanzo recommends this ACBB: One of the first ACBBs I read and it has remained in my heart forever. The way Polomonkey describes the violence Merlin suffered, the way she talks about Merlin and his always being worried and looking over his shoulder, and the way the one time he decides to trust he is kidnapped is perfect. 

Arthur's characterization is one of the things I like most in this story, how he always tries to keep his head down because Uther is right, how his spirit is somehow broken but not completely, how being close to Merlin helps him and how he finally sees how much of a villain his father is and tired to make the right thing.

Every now and then I keep thinking back to different scenes that touched me and I end up re-reading it. In addition, the drawings are WONDERFUL. Why Clea2011 recommends this ACBB: Polo's writing is always excellent and well worth reading. This is one of those can't-put-it-down stories, I think I must be due a re-read. Mushroomtale's art is beautiful. Want to rec an ACBB fic yourself that you feel deserves some more love? Feel free to send us your rec through our 10th Anniversary Rec form!

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10TH ANNIVERSARY RECS: A Song From Far Away

This ACBB was recced by Caethes:

Title: A Song From Far Away Writer: Polomonkey Artist: Mushroomtale Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur Pendragon Rating: Mature Word Count: 71,842

Summary: When Arthur is captured by an enemy king intent on conquering Camelot, his future looks bleak. For Cenred commands not only a clutch of sorcerers but a fearsome dragon trained to do battle and wreak destruction.

Then Arthur meets Merlin, a fellow captive whose magic has been bound to Cenred's will. But can Merlin resist Cenred's control long enough to help Arthur save Camelot?

Link: FIC: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8191642/chapters/18768382 | ART: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8192170

Why Caethes recommends this ACBB: A fantastic story, with brilliant writing. There's so much Angst with such an amazing pay off. Mushroomtale's art (and fanmix) is also a prime example of what fanart for an acbb can be.

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10th Anniversary Recs: Evil Overlord, Inc.

Our first rec comes from chaosgenes, shana-rosee & paintedpigeon!

Title: Evil Overlord, Inc. Writer: Footloose Artist: mushroomtale Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur Rating: Mature Word Count: 137,922

Summary: Merlin is a recent graduate with a double doctorate in metaphysics and physics. Arthur is a low-level paper pusher with a desk in the sub-basement of MI5. They live in a world with ridiculous laws and restrictions against anyone who might be supernatural in any way, shape, or design.

Merlin has huge debts looming over this head, a few quid left in his bank account, and no job prospects. Arthur is pushing thirty, in a dead-end job with no chances of promotion to fieldwork agent, and is thoroughly bored with his life.

One ill-advised Craigslist advert, five pushy mates, one nosy all-knowing sister, and a hacked email account later, Merlin and Arthur take the world by storm.

(Or, more precisely, they take over the world.)

Link: FIC & ART: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11774844/chapters/26547306

Why chaosgenes recommends this ACBB: Out of the 3-4 ACBBs I've read, this is my fav because it's one of the most unique fics I have ever read and that I still remember even years later. I liked how Arthur and Merlin are older in this one, each facing a career slump, and deciding that the best thing to do is to team-up and threaten their nation. When I recall this fic, it's of Merlin suddenly appearing on the Queen's throne looking every part an intimidating overlord (but we all know he's really sweet at heart and not evil at all). If the word count scares you, at least look at the art as the clothes are stylish and Arthur is in glasses <3 Why shana-rosee recommends this ACBB: When I saw the post asking for Big Bang recs, this was the first fic that came to mind! This story is so funny and charming! Merlin, as the reluctant Overlord, is so funny. I love how the author uses the position to make lasting good in the story. And I love how Arthur worms his way into Evil Inc and Merlin's heart! Why paintedpigeon recommends this ACBB: It's just all-round amazing. Excellent plot, worldbuilding and characterisation, and the writing is amazing. Want to rec an ACBB fic yourself that you feel deserves some more love? Feel free to send us your rec through our 10th Anniversary Rec form!

[aftercamlann]

the beginning & what follows

words by egeria, art by Myoonmii Summary: 

When Nimueh saves Ygraine's life, she couldn't have imagined the far-reaching consequences. Really, the consequences might've been worse, if only a little peasant boy hadn't been born.

or: Merlin is raised knowing who he is and all of Albion looks a bit different as a result. Click HERE for the story and art!