Interesting. I almost didn't read this because of the description of the sacrifice. Glad the dragon saved Merlin.

Okay, so I have a confession to make. I've read this story probably 4 times now, but I don't think I've stopped to review. And I feel horrible about that, because this is SO GOOD! But I always get caught up in the story, and then look at the clock and see what time it is (like right now it's 2:30 AM and I'm so going to regret this tomorrow) and so just rush off to get a few hours of sleep and never review.

And here I am again, somehow drawn back to this amazing story and reading it yet again, only this time I decided when I went to click on that "next chapter" button, I should probably let you know how I feel.

First of all, you are a simply amazing writer! One of the best I've ever read on this site! You tell a story in a way that seems effortless and so easy, and yet is eloquent and so rich. Secondly, I absolutely love the way you can explore so many AU stories - weave in other myths, go completely off track, find an entirely different universe - and no matter what the setting your characters are true to the ones I know and love. That's incredible, and I'm not a little jealous, I'm a lot jealous. LOL

Thank you for writing and sharing these stories, putting them out there so I can read them again and again. I really do need to crash now, but as it seems I'm reading this story AGAIN, I shall try to leave you some reviews along the way this time like a decent human being would do. Hopefully that means you can forgive me all the times I read and never told you.

I keep forgetting to review because I'm so caught up in the story that I don't want to stop reading. I LOVE this story and I continuously find myself wishing the show's plot had been written by you! Beautifully done!

Terrific story!

I love your description of the treasure that is Merlin!
Exciting well paced adventure.

i have read this story roughly a thousand time and i have never gotten tired of it. the relationship between merlin and arthur is everything the show could have been but never was.

Wow that's really nice writing and grammar and stuff...and just dang! That stupid fricking Alvarr!

You're touching on all the bits of Merlin's story that the show missed and I love that.

Your writing is always so compelling. I was absolutely gripped by this (again!) and was completely enchanted by the idea of (even) young(er) Merlin and Arthur meeting like this. I'm so excited to see how you re-frame the stories from the series in the light of this - with Arthur knowing of Merlin's magic from the outset. You have made my list of planned reading for the foreseeable future extraordinarily long. Quite besides your Merlin fanfiction, I want to check out your original work too and you have inspired me to read around the Arthurian legends. I'm rather ashamed to be British (and an English graduate to boot!) and know so little about them, other than as background heritage. I looked up the legend of Vortigern because of this story and was intrigued.

Yep. This story explained a lot of things I encountered in More Things Change. Not sure how I ended up reading part of that before this one, but I'll enjoy returning to it now that I have the backstory!

I felt a bit sorry for Merlin and Arthur at the end there. Uther is as narrow minded as ever, despite seeing Merlin save his son's life. Arthur must be used to that kind of response, though. He took it pretty well when his father rendered his very unfair judgment on Merlin.

Your handling of the whole destiny issue is much more to my liking than the show's-nothing set in stone, but the classical cryptic speech of a prophet. You can never tell quite what it means until it plays itself out. I know we've discussed this before, but as ever, I always felt that the unavoidable destiny trope is not only annoying but pointless. This way, a character may have the prophecy in mind, yet not be bound by it. The final outcome still hangs on the choices made by people concerned.

I liked the way you developed the relationship between Merlin and Arthur, but I think one of my favorite things in this AU is Arthur's relationship with Morgana. Both are very in character and also spot-on for siblings. I'll look forward to seeing that develop. And it was interesting to get a little background on Morgana. I hope Morgana will be alright in this version of the story/ She's clearly still got some magic... and Uther isn't at all favorably disposed towards it. I'm not sure if it's any foreshadowing, but I noted the background on Morgana's mother. Hopefully Morgana's been away long enough and around others so she won't adopt her mother's calculated coldness. She seems more compassionate, and she cares for Arthur as more than a tool by which she can get ahead.

It's also nice to see a healthy, happy Aithusa here. She's such a wretched character in the TV show. I look forward to seeing more of her!

This was amazing! I wasn't too sure about reading it straight away at first (I'd just finished reading your reincarnation cycle, and really, really got into that) but it was incredible, and I quickly got into this one! The characterisation is amazing again, I loved the plots, and once again, the fact Arthur is so protective of Merlin (and vice-versa!). I can't wait to read the sequel! Your writing is excellent. Well done!

Wow. Great job with this story. I can't wait to read more. You must have a very creative mind to dream up this terrific story.

So I've pretty much read this fic in one go and I absolutely loved it. I'm so glad there is a sequel. You are a great writer!

The suspense...can't wait to read the next chapter.

Absolutely love this story! Thank you so much for sharing. :-D