Comments | eloise_bright: Merlin fic - Instruction

eloise_bright

Merlin fic - Instruction - PG13 gen

Oct 29, 2008 00:15

TITLE: Instruction
RATING: PG13 Gen
CHARACTERS: Uther & Arthur
DISCLAIMER: Not mine.
NOTES: 1370 words. Set pre-series. Arthur receives some instruction from his father.

( Uther hears Arthur before he sees him, as always. )

merlin fic

Comments 25

lonelybrit October 29 2008, 01:41:40 UTC

Of course this is lovely *g* Though just because I do remember the original Daddy!angst, I do find myself comparing your Uther to your Roger Wyndam-Pryce. It's odd that despite the fact that Uther is the one who burnt who knows how many of his fellow humans or put them to the sword, he is actually the softer of the two. For one thing I like his genuine pride in Arthur and the way he does feel the odd pang about what he sees as a necessary evil.

And oh Arthur. Growing up in some ways far too quickly *pets him*

eloise_bright October 29 2008, 01:52:47 UTC

No petting of wee!Arthur! Uther does not approve of coddling. *g* I think it's Arthur's interactions with Uther that let me write him softer than Roger. It's clear Uther loves and is proud of Arthur, and I don't think there's the same fear of his father that we saw in Wes.

But the lovely hints of darkness around the time of Arthur's birth just beg to be explored, and I can imagine Uther's feelings of paternal pride warring with the demands of raising a suitable heir for Camelot. And I wonder how much Arthur would detect that, how much he would think Uther's attention was focused on Camelot, rather than Arthur himself.

Ah, I look forward to more backstory...

bleu4bleu October 29 2008, 03:29:59 UTC

Aw, Arthur! I understand the point of what Uther does but it still makes me want to pick little Arthur up and hold him.

Very nice. :D

eloise_bright October 29 2008, 23:37:55 UTC

Thank you. I love the little hints we're getting in the show about their relationship. Arthur feeling he has to earn his father's pride, and Uther slightly ambiguous about whether his concern is for Arthur his son, or for his heir to the throne.

And Uther would certainly disapprove of any picking up and holding of wee Arthur. *g*

bleu4bleu October 29 2008, 23:40:59 UTC

It's ok, we just wouldn't tell him. :D

(The comment has been removed)

eloise_bright October 29 2008, 23:39:19 UTC

Thanks, honey! I do hope you get to see it - the Beeb does tend to send this type of show stateside. I don't think I've seen dloads on LJ, but I'll let you know if I find them.

mellaithwen October 29 2008, 07:24:47 UTC

amazing. and i love the little details like owain :):)

eloise_bright October 29 2008, 23:40:34 UTC

Thank you! I spent a couple of hours searching the medieval name database, and various sites dealing with knight training just to get the right feel for this. *g*

julesoh October 29 2008, 07:46:24 UTC

I love pre-series Arthur, and this is like a punch to the gut - but a really well-written and enjoyable one, if that makes sense! You write Uther incredibly well, the way his concern for Arthur means that sometimes he acts like a total dick, like in the show, and young Arthur is gorgeous.

Really good, thanks!

eloise_bright October 29 2008, 23:44:25 UTC

Thank you! I haven't seen much pre series fic so far, it all seems to be Arthur/Merlin or het pairings. I do like the Arthur/Merlin vibe, but what fascinates me most on the show is Uther and Arthur's relationship. It's clear that Uther cares for his son, but I think Arthur isn't sure of it. And yes, I love the deeply flawed nature of Uther's character, how much of a bastard he can be.