my heart goes out to merlin...

/sniffle... so perfect

/cries

Great Job!

That was excellent- You really nailed how I sorta see it in my head, that sometimes Merlin can't see through his mistakes to his accomplishments. He has such a hard time! :(

Very precise on the feelings that are not expressed too noticeably in the show. You've captured just the right words to say this, good job(:

Wow, I never thought of it like that. This is really deep, and beautifully written, and it fits his character so completely. Poor Merlin :'(

Beautiful piece :)

Impressive, and an interesting take on this whole reveal business. I could completely understand Merlin not being ready to tell; secrets can easily destroy friendships. I think part of the reason he isn't telling is because he'll never be sure how Arthur will take it. As is addressed in this fic, Arthur goes back and forth. When do you think was the right time for Merlin to tell him? because thinking about it I really don't know. Sometimes I wish Merlin would just stop angsting over it and just yell "I'm a warlock", but then, as is addressed in 'The Oblivious Prat' Arthur might not buy it. You've got me thinking, which as you can see makes me start waffling. In all seriousness this is a fantastic piece of writing. First person fics rarely work for me but this was miraculously in character and right on the mark. Merlin's thoughts and feelings were well interpreted from the show. Great job :)

You know what? I have also often wondered if it is in fact MERLIN who isn't quite ready for The Reveal.

While accepting the truth (and the lying that goes along with it) will be hard for Arthur - especially if his father is still alive because then duty will factor in - Merlin has kept his magic a secret since he could talk. It's obviously hard for him to tell anyone, even other sorcerers (it took him a long time to tell Gilli about it). So its understandable that he's reluctant to fully expose himself to everyone like that.

He's used to having the 'blanket' of people not knowing around him and I don't think he wants things to change quite yet, which they undoubtedly will once they all know.

I don't tend to enjoy first person stories as much. But this was really well written: congrats! ;)

XD :D XD

Awesome! I absolutely love it. I think it is so true. I love reflections.

That was very deep and well written. i would imagine Merlin having those thoughts floating around in his head before he sleeps. merlin is in constant dilemma, is he not?

Very well done!

The problem is, if Art's ready, then Merlin should tell him now. Because he's just digging himself deeper and deeper into a hole, piling up instances that Art will one day drag up and say, "Why didn't you tell me THEN?"

But I know that I wouldn't want to tell him, were I Merlin. I'd be scared, very scared, until one bright sunny morning when I popped and began screaming the truth for the world to hear. But that's not always the best way (rarely is, actually, I speak from experience), and it can ruin a friendship.

I think it's funny... as a reader/watcher, I scream, "Tell him, Merlin! He'll understand!" But then I realize... of course he'll understand. The legend is already made. THey are BFFs. He has to understand. But he, Merlin, doesn't realize that. To him, none of this has ever happened and the friendship IS actually capable of falling apart. He doesn't know the legend!

My advice to you, Merlin, is to tell him while looking very pathetic (examples, you could be captured by the bad guys or break a bone or be thrown off a cliff or something. Arrested works but only if you sport a black eye or split lip to show you've been roughed up a bit). Anything to get his sympathy. Then follow the revelation with several days of fast-paced action and a few plots against the throne that you must work together to foil, so even if he wants to punch you out, he'll be too busy running for his life and helping save yours to do so! Then save his life using magic in the end and almost die of it in a heart-wrenching finale (guilt trip! Yay!), then let him rescue you like a friend. 'Cuz honestly, how could he be mad after that? So you see. The fool-proof Kitty O's Guide to Revealing Your Innermost Secrets. (Does not apply with secrets such as "I am your father" or "I have a crush on your sister and I kissed her".)

Now that I have finished speaking gibberish... It was a good idea! Very original! Maybe Merlin isn't ready...

Like the story. Never thought of it that way.

Character: perfectly captured

Writing sytle: flawless

Spelling and punctuation: faultless

Senarios used: bang on

Score: 10/10.

BRILLIANT! So good. Keep this up and we'll have you published in no time! :D

A wonderful story, really! I can't find words enough to describe how much I liked this, but I think you chaptured Merlin really well and I can't do anything but agree - perhaps it is Merlin who isn't ready. GREAT STORY!

Hugs, Jenn

Really great chapter. I believe arthur and merlin is both not ready. After nearly killing his father arthur had truly believe magic is evil and all the attack on camelot had deepen that hatred. And merlin has lied to arthur for so long and had make mistake that make him fear arthur never forgiving him