Fic: Trembling on the Edge (4/?)

[dk323]

Title: Trembling on the Edge (Chapter 4)
Author: dk323
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 6,225
Characters/Pairings: Merlin/Arthur, Lancelot/Gwen, Will Stanton, Bran Davies, Mordred, Freya, OC 
Warnings: Character death (off-screen; not Merlin or Arthur), unsettling scenes, swearing
Disclaimer: The show Merlin is property of the BBC. The Dark Is Rising book

Comments

[archaeologist_d]

I liked how Mordred was using his blood to keep Arthur from getting the sword. Good job.

[dk323]

Thank you. :) That was Bran's blood, but yeah...Mordred couldn't resist. ;)

[a8c_sock]

Oh poor Arthur and his nightmares.

I liked the blood being used to stop Arthur pulling the sword out of the stone.

[dk323]

Thank you! :) Yes, Arthur just isn't going to catch a break soon. :(

I'm glad you liked what the blood was used for. I had another idea for it, but I decided that the simpler approach would be better.

[reni_m]

Mordred's ambiguity is really interesting to read.
And that Merlin who Arthur and Mordred talked to has me intrigued.
Especially when he was talking about his memory going funny.

Oh man, I think vampire!Arthur is going to be a problem down the line.
He should really think about telling someone about that.

[dk323]

Thank you! That's what I wanted to get across. Mordred is a rather frustrated child, and though he seems to want to help the "good" side, he still can't resist causing mischief (Bran's going to be so annoyed by him, or at least more so ;)).

The memory going funny comment was a reference to "The Once and Future King" by T.H. White. I haven't read the whole book yet... but that's the book where Merlin -- or Merlyn as I believe it's spelled in that book -- is living backwards in time and as a result, he contends with memory loss. I was implying that that was the text this Merlin was pulled from. But it doesn't matter too much in the long run.

Oh boy...Arthur's going to hate vampires after all this.
Yeah, you know...I realize that he really should inform someone about that, but maybe he finds it a bit weird and embarrassing too. His pride might stop him.

[reni_m]

Ah! Ironically I haven't read that much Arthurian Legend. That was a nice little detail to put in though, for the more literary savvy crowd. :)

Arthur and his pride, he really doesn't learn at all does he?

[dk323]

Thank you. ♥ I think I've seen more Arthurian-inspired movies rather than read any of the books. I should get on that. I'm sure they'll prove inspirational to me. ;) I've seen the "King Arthur" film and "The Mists of Avalon" miniseries...and then I've read a few book summaries for books with twists on Arthurian legend. I've seen Disney's Sword in the Stone multiple times. :p Sword in the Stone is the first part of "The Once and the Future King."

No he doesn't unfortunately. :( Hopefully by the end of all this, he learns a valuable lesson regarding pride. At least he'll have Merlin to help him out. :)

[merryrose11]

Sorry to be so slow in posting a comment. I read chapter 4 before and just re-read it again (now that RL has slowed down a bit). Just wanted to let you know that it's still a great read!! It's got just the right amount of 'spookiness' and drama and a few snippets of humour too (skinny dipping to get excalibur as a children's story :) )

[dk323]

That's all right. I appreciate any comments no matter when they're left. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. That's what I was going for -- to balance out the drama/spookiness with the humour. I'm glad it worked for you. :) I couldn't resist writing that bit about the skinny dipping. lol!

I've had to delay updating this story due to school commitments. :( But I'll be able to work more on the next chapter next week. This is my final week of the class I'm taking. :) I'm looking forward to returning to this story. Thank you for your continued interest in it. :D I appreciate it.

[magog_83]

Ooooh what is Mordred up to? Can he really be trusted? I am still sceptical!

I'm glad they have excalibur now at least, but I am still intrigued as to Arthur's strange dreams and visions. Still so many questions! Loved the update <3

[dk323]

I feel like no matter how I write Mordred, everyone will still remain suspicious of him. I myself would be sceptical of him. ;) Poor kid being named Mordred -- can't help but be wary of his intentions (and wonder when he's going to kill Arthur like in the legends).

Yes having Excalibur definitely helps. Arthur's on a bumpy ride now and the next chapter (most likely will be posted next week to allow time for edits) isn't looking too good for him. At least he doesn't turn into a vampire. There's that. :p

Thanks for reading! I'm glad you enjoyed this update. :)