The reactions were well done on this chapter in particular. I also enjoyed the way the you had Merlynn describe magic. It was a nice touch.

And in response to your Author's Note: I don't believe that the majority of people who make fem!Merlin (Merthur) fics make it because they hate slash pairings. The reason I read them is to understand and view the impact that changing the character's gender can have on their world and the people around them. I like to see how this impacts perspectives, what the character can and can't do, and the overall plot. Given the era that this show is set in, changing it can impact a lot of things, like, for example, their reactions to certain things, the consequences of certain actions, and even the broader part of a character's personality (which is impacted by nurture). It's also interesting to see where a writer falls on the nature vs nurture belief spectrum.

I believe that many writers also write genderbender fics to explore the impact that gender roles might have in a particular story. Though, of course, like you said, there are those who write stories such as this because they dislike slash. To expand on that, some writers seek to erase the challenge of a relationship that could get Arthur overthrown, others are incapable of staying plot-focused and writing a believable relationship between Arthur and Merlin (if they were overly focused on staying true to the era of the time). Some don't believe the two would take the risk. I also believe that some make genderbenders to explore the change in dynamic of certain relationships. As much as I enjoy slash myself, in this particular fandom, I enjoy genderbenders equally as much.

Pulling a knife on the Prince of Camelot would've probably killed most of the admiration that the people had for Merlynn. Uther would take a threat on Arthur's life seriously and the people might fear her for being bold enough to react so insanely with the prince (she did pull a knife on him). I also feel that Arthur would never (in this time period) risk Uther's wrath and the respect of his people and fellow knights, along with any nobles that may hear about this fight, by picking a fight with a girl (I also doubt the crowd would be cheering as most women during this era were untrained so even with a weapon she wouldn't be expected to be able to do much). As a knight a certain degree of chivalry is expected and trying to take off the head of a female citizen (viewed as helpless) because he didn't like her wittiness doesn't seem like something even Arthur could get away with...

I believe this to be true because if I recall correctly, Arthur and Uther tried to find a way for Morgause to not fight Arthur even though she threw down the gauntlet. I don't believe it was from fear as Arthur seemed to underestimate her, but Arthur was known to participate in battles to the death before (with a king's son) and was only stopped from participating when his opponent seemed immortal (the wraith, Tristan). Even with Uther and Arthur knowing that Morgana (another female) was able to beat Arthur in a sword fight some time when they were younger, Arthur didn't want to fight a girl, because it'd be seen as inappropriate. Another example is that even when Ealdor was on its last leg and being terrorized by bandits, Arthur still didn't want the women to fight.

I guess you really shocked me with the knife scene. With that being said, I can't wait to see your changes to the original story.

PS- I apologize if you find any of this offensive. I don't think you write bad at all, since I can follow everything pretty well, so far. Those two scenes of violence, though, I didn't find believable. This is not because they were not well-written; they were written fine, they just wouldn't make much sense in the story's setting.

I doubt that someone pulling a knife on Prince Arthur would warrant the same punishment as simply trying to punch him. The knife is lethal; pulling a knife on Arthur is a surefire way to get executed.

It's also a very extreme reaction. Sure Arthur was being mean to his servant, but pulling out a knife and holding it at Arthur's throat because of he made you upset/mad is extreme.

I thought the dog's name was Terri?

This always drives me nuts. This is the prefect place for Merlin to reveal herself/himself. In the show I thought it was one of the biggest mistakes ever made in the storyline. Yet every one who writes a fan fic makes the same mistake. The betrayal of merlins secret would be felt a lot less here than later in tthe story especially after he/she had tried to tell Arthur earlier. I have loved the story up till now and will continue reading but I had to say how everyone says they are going to do the story differently but they all leave this scene the same.

Could you post this story ( the series) on archive of our own because I read mostly on there. Fanfic doesn't work sometimes on my wifi. Thanks

I love this story so much.

yeah no your story needs serious overhaul that abuse, needs to be addressed not jus ignored and yeah no you not putting much dimensions into the characters sry

Loved it off to read the next one

Please continue the series

I just realised we both share an unhealthy obsession over British tv shows, we are sisters in arms!.

P.s love ur writing

Ok I finally finished reading that, it was a lot harder to read than your other one that I love sooooo dearly. It just felt slow. But still I favourited it and enjoyed their banter

I have totally done the hug thing to both of my siblings, in various states of undress, before. The reactions are hilarious. My sister, after I got out of a shower, made fun of me and ran off screaming while I followed (holding a towel to my body) screaming "LET ME LOVE YOU!" My brother walked in on me changing before a church service, his eyes got wide as he backed out, I followed saying, "Hug me, you mannerless douchebag. I'm your sister. I LURVE YOURRRR JOSHIE!"

This was amazing. I just couldn't stop reading.