Fic: The Resilience of Dust

[luxorien]

Title: The Resilience of Dust
Characters/Pairings: Merlin, Arthur, Greco-Roman Gods
Rating: PG
Word Count: ~7400
Summary: Merlin can't save himself because Arthur is right there, so he has to put up with his king's attempts at a rescue. The result will surprise them both.
Notes: Written for the 2013 merlinreversebb. Based on this fantastic art by the_little_owl who is ten

Comments

[k_nightfox]

This is awesome!! I was just looking around for this story when you posted it! (I peeked at the posting schedule). What a wonderful interpretation of the prompt. Gorgeous!

[luxorien]

Got this one in right at the wire. Glad you liked it! xD

[faradheia]

Nicely done!! Great subtle twist at the end!!

[luxorien]

Thanks!

[riventhorn]

This is such a lovely fic! I love your take on the legend and it is so well written. Wonderful descriptions and dialogue that match the setting perfectly. I love all the hints at Arthur's destiny and how he is so committed to rescuing Merlin.

Arthur knew he would stand little chance of success...But it was Merlin.

Merlin had not planned on meeting that strength head-on...But Arthur needed him.

That was such a perfect juxtaposition and captures so well how they will take on impossible things for each other. I also loved when they're in Hades and Arthur is this burning light for Merlin and how the worst thing for him was that he had forgotten Arthur. ♥♥ And I also loved your take on why Arthur doesn't like magic--I think I will adopt it into my picture of Arthur's characterization because yes, that is exactly how he would feel.

Oh, and this: she slipped away, winding apart in the wind like the ribbon dolls children make for summer festivals.

Such an awesome simile!

[luxorien]

Thanks for the detailed feedback! I've always kind of felt that Arthur gets undervalued a bit, but I see them as equal halves of a complete whole. Glad to hear the bromance was working for ya. :D

[shes_gone]

This is utterly fantastic. :D <3

[luxorien]

Thanks!

[unbidden_truth]

This is fantastic! I loved the way you interpreted the prompt and tied in various Greek myths within the story (i.e. Apollo with the lyre and prophecy). And such lovely details and wonderful dialogue, especially the ending. I loved the tone and just your word choice overall---this was so well-written! The last several lines were just perfect.

[luxorien]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I struggled a bit with that ending, wanting Arthur to be accepting, but not senselessly so. Happy to hear it worked for you.