So this is a beautiful fic. Writing it in 2nd person was a stroke of genius. It drew me in completely. I thought it captured the deep caring friendship between Arthur and Merlin. It also was so well balanced. I've read a lot of whump that is ridiculously over the top or if it includes flogging makes it unbelievable-either the punishment so awful the character would be dead or the effects of an actually lighter punishment being illogically brutal. I loved that instead you made it believable, showing Merlin's strength and resolve in the process. He isn't a weakling. I also love the way you trace Arthur's thoughts, showing how he has come to care for Merlin, so much so that by the end we believe he would sit by Merlin throughout his recovery and not be ashamed to show his care.

Great story!

This was really good! I like how you captured how strong Merlin was, but that he can only hold out for so long. Great job!

Okay...*stops very important research*
um... They didn't tell me what a medieval flogger-guy is called, so... Torturer maybe?
I kinda like Lictor, though. Let's go with that. In fact, i think I'm gonna start using it;)
Sorry I couldn't be very much help.:S
I blame the Internet. It is out to get me, I know it.

I don't think you need constructive criticism!
It was really good!
You really pulled the ol' heartstrings with this one. Also, extra points for the second person narration. There aren't many fanfics that have that.
So, very creative work! I don't know the term for someone who floggs people, but I am looking it up now...

This was so good; I frekin' loved it!

Typically, the executioner also administered punishments in the Medieval times. The inquisition did not exist in Camelot, so there would not have been much executions. Of course, with Uther's ban on magic, that would be different; but that's beside the point. The executioner administered most punishments. The head of the guards probably could probably administer punishment as well, but usually it was a station on its own.

I am ninety percent sure that this is correct-I love information, and especially information on or about medieval times. I hope this helped you. However, lictor works perfectly fine in this instance as many people wouldn't know whether or not it was correct and the story is placed in Camelot, which is in a world on its own.

This was an incredibly interesting story! Most remarkable was how you placed the reader in Arthur's place, quite literally. This story was written so that the reader was easily able to place themselves into the scene and feel the emotions. Magnificent job!

Thank you for posting this!

I like this story a lot! It would be kinda fun to know Uther's reaction to Arthur spending that long with Merlin.

lol *hinthint* but omg i loved it.
srsly tho, in *my* point of view? :P
this was so good. and i love how you referenced: "no man is worth your tears."
well written. *slow clap for the merlin fandom*

Hello again )
I loved how you put us in Arthurs place in the story. It kept me attentive and painted a beautiful, if not tragic, picture. Great job. I'm also only in season 2 of Merlin, but I adore the relationship between these two and I think you did a great job of portraying that relationship from inside Arthurs head.

Well done :-)

Very nice! Very sweet bromance :)

I liked your one shot :D It was very good :D

Really liked the style, the use of "you" really pulls the reader in. Nice story.

Hey this was pretty good! :)
I don't know if it was purposeful or not, but letting the reader be "you" in terms of Arthur was pretty cool; it made us feel more connected with Merlin like Arthur would be :)
I hope you keep writing some stories and watch the rest of the seasons! Season 5 has already started, and it's pretty epic! :D