I highly enjoyed this version of the Hollow Queen. I really liked that you made Daegal an actual druid and enhanced his character. If this story continued, I wouldn't be surprised to see him promoted to Gaius's assistant while Merlin moved on to be Arthur's adviser. I loved the bromance and the banter between Arthur and Merlin and I enjoyed Gaius' successful plans of evading the truth. You write beautifully well. My only wish is that there was more of the story; more details, more chapters, etc. Regardless, thank you for writing this.

Oh this was so great! Way better than elderly female Merlin. I loved Mordreds reaction. It was so worth it for you to take the time and share this PIC with us.

Wow! I love that magical retreat idea! This is a great story!

I swear I was at chapter 27 5 minutes ago. Nooo, I love this story.

Interesting

Arthur is so such a great friend, I knew that Arthur would give magic a chance/or just deal with it if it would save Gwen, Merlin, or Camelot during that scene in The Labyrinth of Gedref

oh you are a horrible horrible person for putting poor Merlin through this

Mate, this fanfic is amazing! Damn! Please write more merlin whump stories!

Loved it looking forward to more, many, many, many more!

Brilliant! Lovely! Fantastico! Really great story, just the right amounts of angst, hurt/comfort, friendship, bromance, humour and love included. By the way, I laughed way too hard at Merlin's and Kilgarrah's conversation in the magical place of refuge. And Arthur's bit at the end "You're making me feel fat" -oh lords, that was funny. xD

I realized that Merlin actually had quite some whumpage to deal with in series 5, but I think what still didn't make it enough for us whump-loving fans is that it never really got noticed - gets poisened and thrown down a ravine: "Tell us about the girl Merlin!"; has a crossbow bolt embedded in his torso: Nobody evennotices his absence. I could goon a bit longer like this, but just know that I really loved your take on this episode and that your writing as always is rather beautiful.

kkkkkkkkkkkkk
Merlin only get fucked, and still manages to save Arthur's skinny ass!

I imagine my very tormenting him Arthur after complete recovery, and Gwen just laughing face of the two, but missed they start a fight of some sort and someone enter the room just to get something on my face. (Mordred imagining taking a pants Gwen's face and and almost exploding the brain itself in shame).

Loved the fic, congratulations and always remains so.

Kisses.

This was brilliant and beautiful! Just so you know.

Helloooo :)
Just wanted to let you know that I read (and liked- DUH) this story _
Of course, I always enjoy some Merthur bromance (like, who doesn't?) and this story excelled in this area.
Keep up the good work :) !

Oh what an awesome rendition of that episode , I must admit I love your tale better than the original hehe

Although I love this story and it's angst I couldn't help but laugh my head off as I pictured merlin between Arthur and Gwaine and all those fics of them as lovers - a sign I read too much fanfic I think you did it on purpose to appease those so inclined lol