Fic: A Creature in its Abstract Cage Asleep (Merlin/Arthur)

[b_hallward]

AN: Companion/sequel to The Wandering Years.

Summary: Arthur dreams.

Comments

[stand_december]

That's so sweet and amazing and sad. I love how it's flashes and not one continuous story. Poor Merlin, all alone. D:

[b_hallward]

Thanks! They're so adorable together that you want them to have a happily-ever-after, but it's hard to see how the myth's ending isn't going to catch up with them, sooner or later.

[p_zeitgeist]

There. I knew there was no point in forcing yourself into the patterns of conventional narrative: not when you can do this.

It is possible, I suppose, that somewhere there's another Arthur-in-Avalon story that's as stunning as this. (After all, the Matter of Britain has been around for a long time.) But if so, I've never found it.

[b_hallward]

no point in forcing yourself into the patterns of conventional narrative

But you can see why I was nonplussed. To actively aim towards a conventionally turned scene and end up here is about as lost as you can get.

Arthur-in-Avalon

I hoped desperately that people would understand this, dreams and memories blurring together in a land where time has no meaning; in fact I nearly broke down and changed the summary to In Avalon, Arthur dreams. I'm still not sure I made the correct call, but when in doubt trust your readers, right? And the framing of this is so different if you give people the punchline first. Why, yes, I am neurotic.

[p_zeitgeist]

You made the correct call. At least, I think it's the correct call, and not being the author, I am able to have a strong opinion about it without a whole lot of the inevitable second-guessing.

Nor do I think you were lost, exactly. This strikes me as a case where your instincts as an artist knew better than your intentions did. I adore the way what's happening here emerges, like a reflection in a lake as the ripples still and what's above them comes clear; and at the same time, like a sword rising from the water.

[normalhumanbein]

The are some absolutely gorgeous images in here. There isn't space for me to quote back all the ones that I want you to take and make into whole stories.

[b_hallward]

Thank you! The trouble with this form is that it can't really get beyond a teaser. But I'm so glad you liked it.

[souzoukyuuketsu]

That was lovely. and poetic. and sad.

[b_hallward]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

[b_hallward]

Thank you!