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IT’S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I’VE READ THIS OMG. AND THERE ARE THREE NEW CHAPTERS?? I just finished the chapter and I am a mess of emotions! I so dearly missed this story! Your characterizations of Arthur and Merlin are, as always, unbelievable -- I absolutely love how different their perspectives feel. Arthur is more of a loose cannon; he’s on the silly side, the righteous side, the proud side, and he seems more at risk of exploding at random people who get on his nerves. :P Merlin, on the other hand, is a poor, soft, sweet boy who deserves nothing more than all the love in the world! I love his sensitivity in his chapters. <3
OH. When Midge kindly requested that Merlin not die! I think my heart actually melted quite a bit -- small kindnesses that people in rough positions give are always the best. It’s honestly really shameful of the upper class because Midge is in such a low position, yet he’s the one helping Merlin… Ugh, I was so touched but saddd. :(
I love Arthur’s dedication to Merlin so so much. That charming moment when he was musing on how suddenly he’s magically a light sleeper made me chuckle! WHEN HE FOUND THE LITTLE KITTEN AND IMMEDIATELY WENT “Oh, Merlin would like this!” I WANTED TO WAIL.
I liked seeing the glimpse of the tactical side of Arthur, though -- at first, I thought nothing of the request for Arthur to join the knights in training. But when Arthur thought about how it could put his kingdom and their fighting techniques at a disadvantage, I was so impressed with him. It was lovely to see that!
POOR MERLIN. When will the poor thing be freed? :(
Wonderful chapter!! Thank you for updating!
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:EVA!!!! I could tackle you in a hug! Do you know how happy it made me to see you reading this again? One, I'd missed your reviews. They always make me feel so loved and like my story still matters. Plus, it wasn't spam, which is all I get nowadays! And they, YOU were so happy to see more chapters, so it just made me smile!
Plus, I'm now blushing. I love that you love my Merlin and Arthur. I know I throw them into some crazy situations, so I'm never sure if people will like that, or if they are coming off as OOC. Knowing you like them is such a comfort. And yes, Arthur can be such a dork, but he's a lovable one who is fiercly protective of those who are his... And Merlin - I've been so mean to him here. My poor boy.
You liked Midge! Awesome! And thank you!
I adore when Arthur gets to take care of Merlin, because usually its so much the other way around - Not that Arthur KNOWS that, but still. (P.S. If you like Arthur being dedicated to Merlin, you'll probably like that last chapter I have up. Arthur realizes a few things, not magical ones, but important ones.)
I couldn't resist the kitten. Though said kitten is actually an important plot point, if I could ever get my rear in gear and write more.
Thank you so much for reading! This made my day!
(P.S. I was spurred to get my heiny going and respond to reviews by the Sand Castle Building, which this response is for.)
Hi Jill! Back for RvG :)
Ah, I really enjoyed seeing Arthur's perspective at the start of this chapter. Your characterisation of him is really excellent. I felt sorry for him here, with his regret over how he'd treated Merlin and not knowing how to repair it. It's very in character for Arthur, especially with the way that he's grown up with everything and knowing that he was always in a position of power over others. I kind of wanted to reach through the screen here and shake him to say that he just needs to apologise to Merlin, even if he has to wait until the two of them are alone to do it. Merlin definitely deserves an apology! But I thought it was also kind of lovely and poignant how Arthur started to realise all of Merlin's good qualities in this chapter and the fact that he'd become the closest thing he'd ever had to a best friend. That was really poignant, and even though these two are great at miscommunication, I'm rooting for their friendship regardless!
While I felt sorry for Arthur in the first scene, I felt even more sorry for Merlin here. His anger was definitely well-justified, but even more than that, my heart went out to him when he started worrying about what Arthur was going to do. WHY CAN'T THESE TWO JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER?? He wouldn't have needed to worry about what punishment he was going to face if Arthur had just been a bit more honest. Although I can understand why he'd be so worried - Uther really doesn't have a great track record for how he treats people, does he? And I think that scene really drove home just how much fear Merlin has to live in, permanently under the threat of discovery for his magic, even though he's there to try and make sure that Arthur can fulfil his destiny. There's a whole layer of loyalty and friendship there that Arthur can't even imagine, isn't there?
And that ending! You really left it on a cliffhanger there. I can't wait to get the chance to read on and find out what happens - hopefully this will at least be enough to bring Merlin and Arthur together on speaking terms again!
Siân :)
Author's Response:Hey Sian! It was so fun to have you stop by my story for these reviews! Made me smile so much! And knowing you are a Merlin fan (we really need to do another episode watch sometime) makes me so happy when you tell me that my characterizations are on. Because I do worry so much about that. What if I'm writing characters no one will recognize?
Ah Arthur - we love that boy, but he is rather thick sometimes, isn't he. And yes, he's a lovable thick who is trying pretty hard, and so even when he's being annoying and a prat (to steal Merlin's term) we are still rooting for him. Applogizing is so hard for him - much harder than just wacking things with swords.
And it doesn't matter how much he tries to deny it, Merlin is his friend.
I was a little more worried about the path Merlin's thoughts went down. We don't often see him scared in the series, but I figured he has to have some worries living around Uther. And he really has only known Arthur for a year here, so he probably would entertain a worried thought or two.
And I agree. 100 percent. THESE BOYS JUST NEED TO TALK TO EACH OTHER!!! It would solve 3/4 of the show's problems in 10 minutes. hehehehe
Sorry for the cliffhanger. Maybe someday you can come back and see what happens next!
Also, funny that you should mention "speaking" terms.... (runs off with an evil laugh.)
Oh, yeah, please count this review for the Sand Castle building for 2020 House Cup. Go Gryffies!!
Hi Jill! Here for RvG (and because watching Merlin last week inspired me to finally make it round to one of your fics!)
I thought this was a really great introduction to your story. The opening scene set us up with a lot of sympathy for Merlin from the start, with the poor man being stuck in the stocks and having rotten fruit hurled at him, but it also did a great job of capturing the friendship that already exists at this point between Arthur and Merlin, even though they'd both hesitate to call it that.
In the series, Merlin's punishments are always portrayed as something humorous, but this was really interesting because it explored the reasons behind it more and made me realise how much poor Merlin actually has to suffer to be able to fulfil his destiny and help Arthur fulfil his. He shouldn't be subjected to punishments like this over something so small, and his anger is definitely understandable. Right from the start I knew that Merlin wouldn't have been the one to steal the pin, if anyone had, so I was glad to be proven right.
The switch from Merlin's perspective to Arthur's was really well done! I was sad that Arthur didn't take Merlin at his word and believe him when he'd denied taking the pin, but we all know that Arthur can be a little... stubborn at times, to say the least. What I really enjoyed about his scene was the fact that you showed how hurt he was by the idea that Merlin didn't trust him enough to ask for help, and the sense of friendship and care which came through when he thought about Merlin getting stuck in the rain while he was in the stocks. Even when he asserted that Merlin deserved it, it was clear he was only trying to convince himself that he was doing the right thing.
I was so glad that Leon found the pin and pointed it out to Arthur. The story behind how Arthur came to lose it was so sweet too, as another mark of their friendship and how much Arthur actually cares about Merlin, despite his pretence at being higher and mightier than his manservant. I'm glad that Merlin was let out the stocks at the end - it's kind of typical Arthur that he sent Leon to do it, but I'm hoping that he does apologise properly to Merlin in the morning. Having said that, from the story description I have a feeling they're about to get into even more trouble together, so we'll see...
Siân :)
Hi, Jill! I'm here for the menagerie! :)
Let me first of all commend you for your incredible descriptive skills. Description is hard enough without completely cutting off the sense of sight, so I'm thoroughly impressed by what you did here. Arthur's inner thought was brilliant, the way he tried to determine his surroundings and situation based only on the sounds and smells is great. What an awful situation to wake up to, as well, tied up and blindfolded and with no clue who the enemy is and what are their intentions...
And Merlin, of course! The way you write the bond of friendship between Arthur and Merlin is absolutely wonderful! It's sort of sweet that Arthur is mostly concerned about Merlin's fate and that he puts so much effort in trying to get signs of his presence nearby. I'm wondering what happened to him, too, btw. I remember him attacking the soldiers with magic at the end of last chapter, but it's pretty vague, I've been away from this story for too long, apparently... I know for a fact that Arthur's captor is lying, though. Merlin can't be dead. You wouldn't have a story to tell otherwise, right? Right!
Once again, you capture Arthur's pride and sense of honour so well. I loved his protest about Merlin's murder being that he surrendered for his safety. Unfortunately, not everyone shares his same sense of honour... the retort was so good, too. We get to learn that the captor has now a personal reason to hate Arthur, which is... interesting. I wonder how things will develop from here.
Another wonderful chapter, my dear! Hopefully I'll remember to come back to this story sometime soon!
Lots of love,
Chiara
I know Merlin can't possibly be dead, but Arthur's reaction nearly broke my heart. I love when we see evidence of how much he cares for Merlin, since he never shows it to Merlin's face. So where is Merlin??? I hope he's okay but I know he's going to have to go through a lot before this story is over! Awesome work, Jill. Can't wait to read more!
I think I'm more angry at the man who has Merlin for cutting off Arthur's apology, rather than the fact that he has a knife to Merlin's throat lol
Boo, I hate when Arthur's strengths are used against him. He's really been backed into a corner here! USE YOUR MAGIC MERLIN.
Oh, good, he did! And I actually let myself think they were maybe going to escape from this one, but nope. Wouldn't be a story if that happened, haha. Ahh! So what do they want with Arthur? Did that last man see Merlin use his magic? What will that mean? I'm excited to find out!
So reading Arthur’s thoughts was SO FUNNY, like even when he’s just thinking to himself he can’t bear to admit he’s wrong. It’s just not in him to do that. And poor Merlin! It makes me sad to think he’s actually worried about what Arthur might do with him. There’s little trust between them still and it just makes me want to shake the both of them into their senses. Gah! A cliffhanger! I can’t wait to find out what happens!
I saw that you updated and I had to come and read it!
After reading this, I have a suspicion that our lovely Princess Bodil is a magical being, and that the rooms in the castle that have hints of magic in them are from when she needed to practice. (I don’t even know why I’m guessing this; there’s honestly no evidence for it, and I’m not even sure if the magical rooms are important haha.)
Anyway, from the beginning! I’m always going to love Arthur standing up for Merlin (who has gone through so much, the poor boy). Literally every time that happens in one of your stories, my heart just warms so much, and ahhh I just love it. What I find particularly tragic is that Merlin has been rendered mute, so we get none of his sassy quips towards Arthur. Sometimes we get glimpses of them, but other than that, the poor boy has to be quiet. I hope for his sake (and also mine, because I really miss Merlin’s speech <3) that he gets to speak soon!
I JUST LOVE THESE TWO AND THE WAY YOU WRITE THEM SO MUCH. <3
Sometimes, I just really want the Steward to fall into the moat. (Is there a moat? Idk.) He’s a terrible person. And that’s that.
The feast was really interesting to read. My blood was boiling as the king lied to his people about how the road came to be blocked by the snow. And with every custom of these people that Arthur and Merlin didn’t know, I just got more and more furious with the king. Princess Bodil is so intriguing though. I really want Arthur to get to know her better, so that I can get to know her better hehe. Like, I want these two to become very good friends so that we can see what she’s like underneath that mask! I’m sure she hates what her father is doing to her. I hope so. I really hope she’s not secretly evil. AHHH WE SHALL SEE.
ALSO THAT ENDING LMAOOO. Arthur, you dork. After all of Merlin’s rule-breaking, and attempts to get him to do his job, that’s what he opens with?? I laughed so hard at the ending there.
Once again, a wonderful chapter. I really, really want to know what continues from here!
~Eva
Hey Jill!
I've been in a real Merlin mood lately, but my DVDs are back at my parents', I can't find episodes online anywhere, and I've been listening o the soundtrack on Spotify... What's a girl to do?
Then I saw your post that you updated this story, and HOW COULD I FORGET ABOUT FANFICTION?! I've read Some Things Are Meant To Be, and I'm super excited about how many Merlin stories are on your author page, so if you don't mind, I'm going to get comfy right here.
Oh goody, it just wouldn't be a Merlin fanfiction without me going, 'Aww, Merlin' straight away :P But seriously, what little thing did he do to end up in the stocks this time?? SO typical of Arthur to not listen or trust Merlin, to blame him straight away when the missing pin was an accident that whole time. I love how you write these characters, you've done it so well. It's like watching a new episode in my head, my craving is satisfied :P
Bless Leon. Always.
Hi, Jill! I came here to cheer you up. I'm very curious to know how you will put Fairy Tale, like a princess or something into this fic. I guess you prepare the episode later. Can't wait!
Merlin seems to have escaped from the hard mines work, thanks to Twyford. I'm very impressed by your method, how to set tasks for the main characters to face one after another. I have a question, may I ask? Do you prepare in advance before starting to write, such as the plot, what will happen next or the goal to make the readers enjoy? Or just Muse appears suddenly every weekend? If you don't mind, please enlighten me!
I really like how Arthur recognizes the scenery of Tharennor. I can visualize what a beautiful country it is from your wonderful descriptions. Expectation for the next scene gets high, wondering what a beautiful princess (or ugly one)will wait for Arthur. The king of Tharennor seems to be awful to the weak like Merlin. I hope not worse things will happen to him again. At least Arthur can see him this time. Friendship is hard to break. I'll send lots of cheers to your Merlin and Arthur!
K
Author's Response:Hi Kenny! Thanks so much for coming back again, and for leaving this great review to cheer me up! You are so thoughtful and I really appreciate it!
This is not actually the story I was going to write for the Fairy Tale challenge. That was a totally different one, and then I ended up not doing it after I outlined it and saw how long it would be. I wasn't sure it would still work for the challenge. Still, I will write it someday because I still really like the idea.
Yes, Twyford helped Merlin not have to go to the mines, for which he is very grateful. I'm glad you enjoyed that twist.
As for writing, I used to just start writing when an idea hit me and go where the muse wanted, but I have since learned that is not an effective way to do things as I get stalled in the middle and never finish. So, on this story and a lot of my newer ones, I do outline before I start writing. Doesn't mean that I don't still have to take things apart and re-outline in the middle of the fic, because that's what I'm doing right now for this story, but it does help guide me and keep me from falling apart too much.
Yes, Arthur and Merlin are in a very precarious position here, aren't they. But friendship is VERY strong and will help them through it.
Thanks again for the review! They are always wonderful to receive.
No magic and no voice?? How could you do this to him? It does explain why he was so quiet last chapter. But, why!
Distantly, he wondered what could make his master so angry, and also sad. -- Um. Arthur is tied to a tree and blindfolded and also he thinks his BFF is dead. Even if Merlin doesn't suspect the last reason after his misunderstanding with Arthur, the first two are enough to make a person angry. Methinks that some of his brain power was taken along with the magic and the ability to speak. That, or the rusty manacles have given him tetanus and he's already having adverse effects... I mean, he has these open wounds, so it's a real worry. (For me as the reader, but not for him probably)
Random musing: I assume the glowing eyes when he does magic is something from the show and I'm really curious about it. Having not seen that, I kind of imagine him looking like a Goauld System Lord. And this mental image made me laugh so I wanted to share it with you. Now you know. :P
Ahh, though, that's so sad - that he reinforced the collar that is restraining him from using magic. How is he ever going to get it off? I honestly feel so bad for him and you do an incredible job of detailing just how horrific his situation is here, enslaved, in pain, and robbed of his ability to speak and do magic (with possible tetanus). And all alone and unable to communicate with Arthur. I hope things turn around for this dynamic duo soon! They deserve some peace after everything that's happened to them in the past few chapters.
Great chapter!
I'm baaaaack!
I love that Arthur is naming the soldiers in his head because he has nothing else to do. And that he names them after dogs he doesn't like.
MERLIN IS ALIVE MERLIN IS ALIVE !!! I knew I could count on you ;) This scene was everything. The depth of their friendship here is amazing. Arthur can't see, Merlin can't speak, and they still have this conversation. That alone says so much about both of them. And I am so glad Arthur took that chance to (finally) apologize to Merlin. This makes me feel so much better. DID I MENTION HOW HAPPY I AM THAT MERLIN IS NOT DEAD
And the way you wrote Arthur's confused tangle of emotions throughout those few minutes is brilliant too. I just loved everything about this reunion.
Except they're still trapped in a camp and Arthur is tied to a tree and WHY IS MERLIN SILENT.
HOORAY LOOK IT'S NOT SPAM :P
Um, so I totally meant to review the first chapter but then I got sucked in. And then you just gave me a bunch of cliffhangers and thus here we find ourselves at chapter five and I'm only just now leaving my first review on this. Sorry. Anyway, I guess that should tell you how addicting this story is. Even for someone who's never seen the show. All I know about the show is what you told me and the two 3-minute clips from somewhere in the timeline. And this is still perfectly easy to follow along with, so props to you for that.
Your characterization of Arthur is wonderful. (I have assumed that it perfectly matches the show because you're good at that.) Despite him being kind of a blank slate apart from the general legends I know about him, he really comes across as so human in his flaws here, and you don't hesitate to show his flaws. But despite that there's all this misunderstanding between Arthur and Merlin, I love the way they jump to each other's aid without question despite it when the kidnappers come in. Ugh, stupid pride getting in the way of him apologizing to Merlin before then! (And now you're going to make me wait like 10 chapters for it.) Seriously, the kidnapper could not have come at a worse time. If only Arthur had thought to stall for time by telling the kidnappers GIVE US FIVE MINUTES OKAY CAN'T YOU SEE WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING. And then they could have talked and hugged it out and been okay.
But then we wouldn't have all this glorious angst and soul searching, as Arthur is left without sight or the ability to move, and all he can do is just reflect. He does some good reflecting, I admire the character growth he's achieved in only a few chapters, and how he's come to appreciate how important of a friend Merlin is, even though he's 'technically' his servant. All his emotions and his regrets here are so well written! I feel so bad for him being blindfolded and tied to a tree and then tied on a horse, with no idea where he is and not able to move, that honestly just sounds horrible. I'd go insane. I hope that he's able to find a way out of that situation soon, or that they at least take the blindfold off him!
Predictions: Merlin is totally still alive, because I know you better than that. You don't just kill off characters you love! ;) But, where is he then? Still to be determined. I will have to read on!
Great story so far! Congrats on your FROG nominations, by the way, and good luck! ♥
Oh, wow. This was intense. I wonder what the aggressors' plans are and what they want with Arthur...
Once again, I loved the bond of friendship between Arthur and Merlin and how they tried to protect each other. Also, I think you wrote the whole fighting sequence so well. Action scenes can be so tricky, but you pulled it so well, once again you have a really lovely writing style.
I'm curious to see what comes next, but I think I need to go now... I would love to come back to this story sometime, though, so feel free to remind me (I have a review thread on the forums. I currently put it on hold for FROGS, but once voting is over I would be happy if you stopped by with a request...)
Wonderful work so far!
With love,
Chiara
Oh, no! This doesn't bode well! Did you have to close it in cliffhanger?
I loved both thought processes. Arthur's guilt and his reasoning about how he was so quick at believing Merlin guilty... Was it because in the end everyone always did? No one had ever become close to him without having some hidden agenda of personal gain? This actually made me feel so bad for him... And the way Merlin completely misinterpreted Arthur's hesitance, and his fear of what happen to him... poor boy... (btw, the fact that Arthur couldn't think of a way to sincerely apologize that didn't imply blaming Merlin somehow anyway was sort of funny, and so very in character)
So, now I really want to see what happens next, so I guess I'll read one chapter more. This story is just so enthralling!
Great job once again,
Chiara
Hi, Jill! Here checking out FROGS nominees! Congrats, by the way! :)
And also, I think I've never read anything of yours, so I'm glad for this excuse to remedy... ;)
I really enjoyed this first chapter, I think you have a very nice style. The flow was great and you have some lovely description, really well done. :)
I'm not too familiar with the series, to be true, I've only seen a couple of episodes, I'm afraid... but from the little I remember of the characters I can totally imagine this situation happening. Poor Merlin... I love how they both felt betrayed by the other, not really because of the alleged theft in itself but more because of the lack of trust. They do care for each other, even if they probably would deny it right now... Arthur is so stubborn, though.
I guess I'll move on and read another chapter, I'm curious to see them meeting and how Arthur is going to apologize (is he going to? Because he totally should, but he's probably too proud to do so... and even if he did, I don't know if I would accept the apology... anyway...)
Great first chapter!
Lots of love,
Chiara
Omg, this is the last chapter so far. Thank you for the wonderful journey through this story. <3
I used to be a huge fan of Rick Riordan, and I can't remember that quote at all, from any of his works. (Clearly, I'm a failure as a former fan, hahaha.) But anyway, it's a good quote, and matches the chapter well.
I'm glad that Arthur apologized right after he realized his mistake against Merlin. (His apology came easier this time than before, at the beginning of the story, I noticed. Though I suppose wrongfully punishing your friend for stealing is just on an entirely different level of embarrassment and guilt than refusing to let him talk to you.)
Merlin's plan sounds so intriguing! I wonder what exactly will be in store for them, and whether Arthur will go along with Merlin's plan. If he does, will he able to court the king's daughter for long enough that they can come up with an escape plan? Ahhh, I'm so excited to see!
I'm going to be trying to keep track of this story, so that I can see if a chapter updates, but please give me an insistent poke if I don't review once you post the next chapter. Because if I don't review, I probably won't have seen it.
I love this story so much, Jill, omg. This is just a stunning piece. <3
~Eva
SOMETHING I FORGOT TO DISCUSS LAST CHAPTER (I think): Arthur's fear and distrust of magic has always struck me as somewhat strange. I understand that the king outlawed magic, and that there's this sort of stigma against it, but for Arthur to distrust so wholly something that he hasn't really properly witnessed before (though I'm speaking as someone who hasn't watched the majority of the show, so perhaps I'm totally wrong) is just so weird to me. But now I really understand Merlin's lack of desire to tell Arthur the truth about himself, especially since Arthur is so against magic.
The opening moments are so cute. Every interaction you write between them is filled with playfulness and happiness and genuine trust and camaraderie. Each time you write in a moment between the two of them, I just soak in all the goodness I can get, because I know there'll be worse things to come.
I just wanted to talk about Arthur (for once, lol, since I spend so much time on Merlin). I think his unwavering defense of Merlin throughout has really separated him as someone who is genuinely good. His horrified thoughts as he viewed the brand on Merlin's arm highlighted everything wrong with slavery, and condemned it. I would say that Arthur is actually a better person than even Twyford, because he's been sacrificing so much to keep Merlin from hurting even more than he already is.
This friendship gives me feelings. <3
Also, the comfort described by Merlin upon entering the magical room made me feel really comfortable and happy too. It's great seeing Merlin reunited with magic, even if it's just for a short while. And his analogy with the dragon and the tree, omggg. So, so sweet. So, so touching. <3
So many things just happened omg. My brain is still trying to catch up with the story; it's a lot to take in, especially emotionally. Even though Arthur's basically only sat in his room and then discussed things with the king over dinner, I feel like I've been hit over the head by a baseball bat.
Because finally the reason for this madness comes to light. I'd thought that the king wanted Arthur as his own son, but that wasn't exactly right; he needed a man to give him an heir. No wonder why Arthur was treated with so much respect on the way here. So many of my questions hav been answered, haha.
(I don't actually know the canon development of Arthur and Gwen's relationship. I know that it happens, I just don't know how it happens, so I'm going to carry on assuming that the two already love each other. I hope I'm right omg.)
So Arthur first thinks of Gwen when the king mentions him siring an heir, and I thought that it was cute, the way he described it as "Gwen's sweet face." But more importantly, Arthur's being forced into a marriage while he's still in love with Gwen. I am actually quite concerned about the condition of Arthur's hopefully-not-bride-to-be-but-currently-kind-of-a-bride-to-be, Bodil. Is her father treating her alright? Is she willing to go through with this? Is she just as mad as the king?
I'm really excited to meet her. I hope I do. She sounds interesting already.
I wonder if Sir Einar understood the possible danger he would be putting Merlin and Arthur in by telling the king about their closeness. Though I suppose anything's better than slavery. It's just, seeing the king use Merlin to threaten Arthur like this just makes this horrible feeling form in the pit of your stomach, you know?
I'M SO WORRIED ABOUT EVERYTHING GAH.
Phenomenal chapter, like always. <3
Even when Merlin is struggling through the toughest of times, he still manages to affectionately insult his prince in his head. Every so often, after he's been through possibly the worst ordeal ever (so I think, until the next one happens), he'll just suddenly have a small, small burst of indignant, wry humor. And if that's not inspiring, I don't know what is.
His thoughts on being branded were exactly mine. Right as the blacksmith moved to touch the hot iron to his skin, I felt so ill. Humans are not to be branded (as the blacksmith said, which I thought was a kindhearted thing for him to imply while defending Merlin), and to treat Merlin like he isn't human is just disgusting and immoral. I see that the usage of "it" to refer to him has once again come up; I get so furious at the speaker, whether it be the king or the Steward, whenever I see that word. Humans are humans, and they deserve to be treated like humans, period.
How tightly does the king rule his people? Everyone seems to be scared of him to some degree. Twyford feared for his wife and children if he disobeyed (though that could just be normal anxiety), and now there's the blacksmith going against his morals in order to appease the king. Granted, most kings in history have a record of imposing fear upon their people, but this king just seems...different. He doesn't seem to have a complete grasp of the reality around him, instead allowing hatred to blind him into being horrible. I could be imagining it, though.
The Steward is perhaps the worst person ever, in the world, and it makes me sad to think that there might actually exist people like him.
Merlin just went through so much in such a short period of time, and I don't see it getting better for him. I hope he'll stay strong and remain vigilant and motivated, though I know that's a lot to ask of him in his current state.
Branded, oh my god. That's just horrible.
Loved this chapter. <3
So I was thinking about this story while one of my teachers was lecturing today, and I thought about how easily I felt a sort of gratitude towards Twyford for taking good care of Merlin. And now that I've read this chapter, I really do think my gratitude had been given too easily before; previously, what he did was certainly kind, but there was no real risk involved for him. What he did for Merlin in this chapter, though, by "sleeping in" so that Merlin wouldn't have to go with the slaves, and taking lashings for it... That's genuine, selfless kindness. I was really touched while reading it. You've really written a wonderful, wonderful character.
Speaking of wonderful characters, Sir Einar is so complex. I find it hard to like him as much as I do Twyford, but he's definitely one of the only people in the camp who has a strict personal moral code. On the other hand, though, he has been leading the party taking Merlin and Arthur further and further away from home, so I'm still not entirely trusting of him. But his recent words to both Arthur and Merlin, to keep their chins up, to follow directions, to survive... It makes me wonder about his relationship with this king of his, and whether Sir Einar is planning something involving those two.
I'm more curious than ever about the purpose of Arthur's kidnapping now. You described the king as having a gaze so possessive that Merlin felt ill. (I'm not actually sure how old the king is, but I'm going to assume he's old enough to be Arthur's father.) Is this the king's way of obtaining an heir? By kidnapping a prince from a different kingdom?
This king, while I'm sure you will write him in such a fascinating way, will be horrible, I'm sure. Every time he called Merlin an "it," as though he were not a human being, I wanted to just slap him silly.
(If my guesses about the king are totally off, please just pretend I never said anything. :'D)
Okay, one last chapter before I go to bed. <3
I loved the gravity of this chapter, even with the short scenes where Arthur and Merlin finally have a little bit of fun together. It's just, everything sounds so final right now, and you wrote it in the perfect tone to make every emotional stab in the gut as painful as possible.
The parts that really got me are when Merlin knelt to clean Arthur's feet (and Arthur's complete shock didn't help my feelings, either, haha) and when Merlin bowed to Arthur at the end (right before he put on the circlet). I've always loved Merlin as a character, but this story has just amplified my love for him tenfold. You write him in such a lovable, awkward manner that it's impossible not to love him, and then when it comes to moments like this, when he's brave and calm and true to his allegiance, I love him even more.
Merlin is amazing. And so it broke my heart when he felt such a hopelessness that he was considering using the razor to end his life. But I can't blame him, after what he's been through, and based on what he will go through. He has suffered too much for a single life.
I'm also really sad that Merlin never quite told Arthur that the fate of a slave was waiting for him. Arthur never seemed to fully grasp that this was probably the last time he would get to talk to Merlin in a very long time (or possible, ever). I wish that Merlin had given a proper goodbye, so that my stressed-out, panicked heart can settle a little bit. But I can understand why he didn't.
YOUR CHARACTERS ARE SO GOOD UGH. <3
Things are happening at a faster pace now! And so we've arrived at the mountain. I thought it was really interesting the way you wrote the avalanche scenes, first from Arthur's masked point of view, and then from Merlin's point of view to fill in the blanks. I thought you did a really good job focusing on different aspects of the avalanche in the two different point of views.
Also, I would just like to say here that if I was writing a character who couldn't speak, and a different character who couldn't see, I definitely would have screwed up somewhere and accidentally given them speech and sight. But as I was reading this, I noticed that you're really good about remembering that Arthur can only use his four remaining senses, while Merlin can't actually say anything.
I thought the prospect of the avalanche was terrifying. Just imagine an entire mountain coming down next to you, all to cover a trail for a very, very long time. How powerful is Aram, omg. He's actually really scary. I bet he could do a lot of harm if he tried.
I'm excited to see where the next chapter takes us! I hope Merlin and Arthur will be okay... All of Merlin's fears about slavery seem to be based on fact, and I don't want him to be separated from Arthur. :(
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