PL 2013: That Age-Old Lament ~ Masterpost ~
Title: That Age-Old Lament
Author: dk323
Artist: superfluous_emi
Pairings/characters: Arthur/Merlin, Hunith/OC, Mordred/OC, Gwen/Lancelot, Gwaine, Freya, Morgana
Original Characters
Faeries: Pip (aka Philip), Clara, Bran, Desmond, Ciaran
Humans: Char, Rilian, Ophelia, Matthew Stanton, Tancred, Valerius, Merida, Colin, Timothy
Rating: R
Word Count: 64,160
Warnings:
Minor character death, prostitution and underage sex, attempted non-con of 14-year old (involving OC), OC contemplating suicide (doesn’t go through with it), infidelity, unwilling possession
Summary: Weeks after Merlin reveals his magic to Arthur, Merlin is frustrated when Arthur keeps him waiting about what he plans to do with Merlin and the magic ban in Camelot. Leaving Camelot to investigate a powerful magical feeling, Merlin doesn’t expect to reunite with a now grown-up Mordred. Or that he’d be looking after a Faery-possessed five-year old blond boy, and venturing into the Faery Realm. With Merlin away, Arthur is trapped in his own castle by an aging spell cast by a spiteful Morgana. Merlin seeks help from the King of the Faery Realm's Thistlewood to cure Arthur. Unfortunately his plea for aid has unforeseen consequences.
Author's notes:
This story takes place two months before the start of S5 making it a Series 5 AU (magic reveal done earlier). I wrote this story during a busy time in my life, but since this is the last Paperlegends, I couldn't resist participating.
Since this story deals with death (with a light at the end of the tunnel ;)), I thought to look up quotes relating to death and found it interesting that there were quite a few quotes from JK Rowling's Harry Potter book series. I'm one of those who was a big HP fan back in the day (just as Merlin has won me over heart and soul for these past four years ;)).
I dedicate this story to my love of HP and the excitement I had for the series as the books were released and the movies came out. That's why I took out and dusted off my hardcover copy of the final HP book and chose the quote from The Tale of the Three Brothers -- consequently a favorite sequence of mine from The Deathly Hallows Part 1 film.
First, I want to give a very big Thank You to the_muppet for running this challenge these past four years. You're amazing with how smoothly you run this challenge. Your excellent modship will be missed. :( I appreciate your willingness to accommodate when this story didn't want to cooperate with me. You're a star. :)
Also, thank you so much to my amazing artist, Superfluous_emi. I'm in awe of your beautiful work that you drew for this story. You're a true art wizard. Each art piece inspired me and motivated me to continue writing. *three cheers for you*
I'd like to thank my betas: Rotrude, Aaweth_edain, Kleinefee92 and tu_es_mi_amour. Thank you for your support and invaluable feedback! Your advice was very helpful and helped me to reevaluate certain scenes of the story.
Artist's notes: Available at Artist's Masterpost.
Story link: AO3 (Two Chapters)
Art link: Artist's post on LJ | Artist's post on AO3
Disclaimer: The characters depicted herein belong to Shine and BBC. I make no profit from this endeavor.