This story kept me up half the night reading! Entirely tense and gripping as it is, I still find it difficult to write an adequate comment, because the usual phrases somehow do not fit. This is not an easy or comfortable story, it's challenging me as a reader on many planes. And oh, I like that, very much so
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(Continued from previous comment, because I'm too wordy!)What also remains with me here is the way in which your story deviates from most Merlin fics in certain aspects of characterization of the main characters, and in treatment of the OCs. Both your Merlin and your Arthur are uncompromising, proud and vindictive to the point of harbouring a cruel streak. It makes them into more distinct personalities, more human and less out-and-out heroic... the portraits are strong and harsh rather than sweet and likable. I think that's a brave choice, and your consistent and rock-steady characterization gains from taking that risk, makes the fic quite unique, and certainly demands that readers reflect and *deal* as they read. I did shudder a little both learning about Morgna, Viviane and Mordred's fates at Merlin's hands, and even more so Lancelot and Guinevere's repeated punishment first from Arthur - and later Merlin. I wished the fic would have contained a reconciliation with those two in the current incarnation, - surely they have suffered
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Wow! Thank you for such a thoughtful, comprehensive comment. I am just blown away by it. I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you get it, that you caught on to so many of the running themes and nuances. It's always good to know that what was in my head communicated through the writing. Thanks again! *hugs you*
Coming late to merthurdom, I read this thinking, "I wonder if gilli_ann has read this... she'd love it. :D I should have known you would have, and done lots of erudite squeeing over it. I'm generally too tired to do erudite, so I'll just say I loved this fic. I'm a sucker for the mentally challenged beggar trope so what's not to love... :D For me, endings often make or break a story, and this ending certainly added to the pleasure in bucket loads in turning the Arthururian legend on it's head and saying "Yeh, Merlin, you're the warlock. You save the world!'
This story -- I knew it was going to be good and engaging, and WOW! Even for that, it totally passed my expectations! The Merlin and Arthur you've drawn in this story are so complicated, so real, with very human emotions and failings and goodnesses in them. Their charaterizations give this story so much depth and complexity that even though it was hours past my bedtime last night, I just kept reading and reading, unable to put it down. I could feel Merlin's 1500 year old bone-deep weariness, and Arthur, his fear of being boxed in was so well drawn. What an amazing journey you've given them both. How lucky for us! :-)
Oh, thank you so much! ♥ I'm beyond happy and relieved to hear you enjoyed it!
Yes, the Merlin in this story turned out far darker than I originally planned; the story got away from me in the first chapter and didn't return. You probably kow how that is, right? :D
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The artwork is also truly fantastic (I think the last one is my favourite)
I just love it all so much <3
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Thanks again! *hugs you*
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I feel really honored that you like it so much; I'm a bit teary-eyed these days.
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I'm beyond happy and relieved to hear you enjoyed it!
Yes, the Merlin in this story turned out far darker than I originally planned; the story got away from me in the first chapter and didn't return. You probably kow how that is, right? :D
Reccing would be awesome, thank you again! :)
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