This was absolutely the most brilliant modern AU I have ever read. I have never seen a story where the characters were SO in character - each and every one of them - (except maybe Gwen, who you wrote better than the Beeb does) - or a modern AU that was so true to canon, there are canon era stories that are far less true to canon than this. And you nailed the magic reveal - even though it was a flashback, all of the fallout was so true to the show, you could have written the show itself.
You took the show, and transplanted it into this chilling modern setting, took the characters and made each and every one of them more insightful, more expressive of themselves. Took the story of the series and made it more chilling, more terrifying.
I love the lead role you gave to Leon. This is the smart, perceptive, loyal and courageous Leon I believe in. Morgana - you captured what the show tried to hint at but failed to convey - how a confused and lost Morgana with magic was lured by the love and acceptance of family, and turned her fury on the man who perpetuated crimes against her kind. The way you conveyed this is SO much more convincing than the show - your Morgana is a villian who earns my sympathies and emotional understanding. Arthur's reaction to his discovery of her betrayal and hatred - I hurt for him so so deeply. You were amazing conveying the numbness and horror of that discovery.
The three boys - just. Just. You've nailed them - their characters - and you've nailed their reactions and feelings and motivations and choices. My favourite Merlin is the confident complex Merlin that Arthur FINALLY sees when magic and savings of life have been revealed - this is the one you have given us - so believable. Even more believable is Arthur's perplexity in the face of this Merlin. He's always loved Merlin, now he can believe in him too. I love how you wrote a post-reveal Arthur who maintains his arrogance and prattish demeanor, who knows he has to change everything he's ever believed, but still holds tight to his pride. Depressed drinking Arthur is perfect too - the hurt and betrayal would go so deep. But he'd keep up the front. Everything about this reveal is so True.
And Gwaine accepting the reveal on the fly, taking it in and going with it - bristling at Arthur, the rivalry, yet knowing that both Arthur and Gwaine would trust no one but each other with Merlin's safety. This trio's dynamic is my favourite on the show - loved the Fisher King ep, and how Arthur & Gwaine compare in it... I just soaked up every instance of banter and rivalry and mutual trust. You had so much of that, I'm almost sated. Almost.
But if you don't write that threesome - the one we ALL KNOW HAPPENED (what with the sleepy morning at the hotel) then I shall perish. I really really will. I need that scene like burning. How am I going to know when you post it? (Because I have total faith that you will - exhausted scared-to-the-core trusting boys needing that connection - it's just burning a hole in your brain waiting to get out, isn't it???) I'll love you forever if you write it. (Longer if you mention Gwaine's necklace?)
Anyway, thank you for this fic. I'm on a high from it like I haven't gotten from a story in ages. You've renewed my enthusiasm for the show. I don't know HOW they're going to pack this much depth and emotion into their reveal, how will they ever touch what you have done here?
You took the show, and transplanted it into this chilling modern setting, took the characters and made each and every one of them more insightful, more expressive of themselves. Took the story of the series and made it more chilling, more terrifying.
I love the lead role you gave to Leon. This is the smart, perceptive, loyal and courageous Leon I believe in. Morgana - you captured what the show tried to hint at but failed to convey - how a confused and lost Morgana with magic was lured by the love and acceptance of family, and turned her fury on the man who perpetuated crimes against her kind. The way you conveyed this is SO much more convincing than the show - your Morgana is a villian who earns my sympathies and emotional understanding. Arthur's reaction to his discovery of her betrayal and hatred - I hurt for him so so deeply. You were amazing conveying the numbness and horror of that discovery.
The three boys - just. Just. You've nailed them - their characters - and you've nailed their reactions and feelings and motivations and choices. My favourite Merlin is the confident complex Merlin that Arthur FINALLY sees when magic and savings of life have been revealed - this is the one you have given us - so believable. Even more believable is Arthur's perplexity in the face of this Merlin. He's always loved Merlin, now he can believe in him too. I love how you wrote a post-reveal Arthur who maintains his arrogance and prattish demeanor, who knows he has to change everything he's ever believed, but still holds tight to his pride. Depressed drinking Arthur is perfect too - the hurt and betrayal would go so deep. But he'd keep up the front. Everything about this reveal is so True.
And Gwaine accepting the reveal on the fly, taking it in and going with it - bristling at Arthur, the rivalry, yet knowing that both Arthur and Gwaine would trust no one but each other with Merlin's safety. This trio's dynamic is my favourite on the show - loved the Fisher King ep, and how Arthur & Gwaine compare in it... I just soaked up every instance of banter and rivalry and mutual trust. You had so much of that, I'm almost sated. Almost.
But if you don't write that threesome - the one we ALL KNOW HAPPENED (what with the sleepy morning at the hotel) then I shall perish. I really really will. I need that scene like burning. How am I going to know when you post it? (Because I have total faith that you will - exhausted scared-to-the-core trusting boys needing that connection - it's just burning a hole in your brain waiting to get out, isn't it???) I'll love you forever if you write it. (Longer if you mention Gwaine's necklace?)
Anyway, thank you for this fic. I'm on a high from it like I haven't gotten from a story in ages. You've renewed my enthusiasm for the show. I don't know HOW they're going to pack this much depth and emotion into their reveal, how will they ever touch what you have done here?
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