Right on, girl! BBC- ample male chauvinism in Merlin.
One version of legend says Guinevere was a Triple Goddess (Irish myths) and another a seer.
How could BBC give her a subservient role? There is so much more to her character!
Was the casting for Guinevere before or after the scripts were done?
Author's Response:
The casting was after the scripts. I remember reading somewhere that they really liked how Angel embodied humility and elegance and regality all at once. I sincerely wish they used her character more though. Thanks for your thoughtful commentary!
Reviewer: darkbeauty Anonymous
[Report This]Date: May 01 2012 09:05 am
Can ARWEN get more steamier? Melwas, go to Hell! Mithian may stay as long as she is OK with ARWEN or she may GET LOST!
Reviewer: ARWENLOVER Anonymous
[Report This]Date: May 01 2012 08:59 am
You have an amazing way with words. I have so enjoyed reading this and cannot wait for your next update!
Reviewer: Lynn Anonymous [Report This]Date: May 01 2012 05:48 am
Oh I haven't forgotten that an Arthur-sponsored ass-whooping is suppposed to becoming Melwas' way.
Author's Response:
Don't worry dear, I'm saving that up especially for you ;)
Reviewer: AGDoren Signed [Report This]Date: May 01 2012 12:56 am
Melwas, Mithian go away, go away!!Actually Mithian can stay, but no marrying Arthur.
Such Arwen intensity beautifully written, I am angsting again. So Morgause is pushing for Morgana to kill Gwen and Morgana is torn perfect. I love that your Morgana is conflicted about killing her childhood friend and the woman who stood by her during that awful pregnancy. I hope she sees that Morgause is just using her and switches sides.
Author's Response:
I'm glad people are enjoying the angst! :) As for Morgana, yea I just couldn't stomach making her the cartoony villian from the show. Despite her despicable tactics (on the show) she did experience some legitimately shitty things, and I wanted to be able to contextualize that some more in my fic (yknow, cos unlike the Merlin writers I actually care about the women in the story **eye roll**).
I really want to write another story that's all about Morgana and Guinevere's friendship, solely from their perspective, exploring their different destinies and the complex realities holding them together. Maybe someday...:)
Reviewer: AGDoren Signed
[Report This]Date: May 01 2012 12:54 am
love the angst myself. will make their getting together so much sweeter. i did fid find myself worried about Arthur's response to Mithian and i'm so holding my breath although i know Arwen is probably end game it
Author's Response:
Why did you find yourself worried? I'm just curious :) I know a lot of fans felt this way about the show too, but the moment Arthur found Gwen's ring in the forest, it was like Mithian didn't exist anymore. Anyways, I was wandering if there was any part of my writing that made you worrY :)
Reviewer: angelmygirl Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 30 2012 01:18 am
Excellent update and thank youfor the small Arthur and Guinevere moment. I want to know how this ends but at the same time, i don't want this to end. You are a very talented writer.
Author's Response:
Thank you! :) I can't believe it's nearing the end either! I've grown attached to this story and this AU. Thank you so much for your review.
Reviewer: sallysparrow Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 29 2012 03:51 pm
AMAZING!!!
love the passionate Gwen and Arthur action, you can feel the love :) cant wait for the next update!
Author's Response:
Glad you enjoyed the ARWEN moment :) It was certainly fun to write! Thank you for the review!
Reviewer: Teges Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 29 2012 12:14 pm
OMG; the plot thickens!
I so love the interaction between Gwen and Arthur; they are so hot together, and you can just feel the passion they have for each other!
I think the princess realises that Arthur's heart is taken; that's why she insisted on them dancing together.
Melwas is really scum; hope someone takes him out soon!!!
Loving this story; hope you update soon!
Author's Response:
Thank you for your review! This chapter has received so many lovely reviews that I'm truly touched. I'm so glad the Arthur/Gwen chemistry works for you :)
Reviewer: Amiefuzzy Signed [Report This]Date: April 29 2012 09:41 am
Mithian is wonderful, but she's too perfect! Almost faultless. What is she doing marrying Arthur? Arthur belongs to Guinevere! What is taking Arthur so long to clear things with Mithian and tell her his heart is spoken for?
Get the feeling had Arthur never met Guinevere, his marriage to Mithian would have been at best tolerable, and he would grow fond of her but NEVER love her in the same manner as he does Guinevere. The love Arthur bores for Guinevere is those that come by once in a lifetime and it's a rarety!
Author's Response:
I really like Mithian! I don't read her as too perfect, I think she's lovely and courageous just not the person for Arthur. I'm really excited for potential interaction with her and Guinevere in S5. As it is, I really enjoyed writing the scene with the two of them.
As for Arthur, well he has to be a good host etc so he can't spurn her and show her the door right away...royal obligations and all that. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
[Report This]Date: April 29 2012 07:42 am
Can you send your stories to BBC? Your ARWEN version so full of love, raw desire, and unfulfilled passion! Their writers could learn from you.
Guinevere's character was portrayed beautifully. She's no servant either. She was never one in the legends!
Absolutely ARWEN aching for each other! Keep up the excellent writing!
Author's Response:
"Can you send your stories to BBC? Your ARWEN version so full of love, raw desire, and unfulfilled passion! Their writers could learn from you. "
**blush** Thank you! I'm so flattered by your review. I do wish the BBC would explore her character more fully, give her a fleshed out back story etc. Oh well. That's why we have fanfic ;)
"Guinevere's character was portrayed beautifully. She's no servant either. She was never one in the legends! "
Thank you so much for this! I love Guinvere and it's very important to me that her character is portrayed respectfully and creatively.
I have several feelings about BBC's decision to make Gwen a servant: I think Angel Coulby's race adds a layer of significance and depth to the character that's both positive and problematic. It's problematic because I think as a culture we're extremely comfortable with seeing women of color in subservient/powerless roles, and I don't know that enough fans question this aspect of the show. On the other hand, Gwen's marginalization (both in the show and in fandom) is part of why so many of us relate to her (I know it's certainly why I relate to her). Of course, her beauty and strength and grace are remarkable too, but it's her empathetic plight that's really the hook for me.
When I began this story, I didn't know if I wanted Guinevere to be a servant, but I did know I wanted her positioned within the context of marginalization: hence my decision to make her a Pagan. It's Guinevere's resilience and courage in the face of oppression I find most compelling, whether she's a serving girl with strong ideas about justice, or a noblewoman who remains loyal to the gynocentric pagan tradition in the face of incursive patriarchy.
Sorry for the super long-winded response! :)
[Report This]Date: April 29 2012 07:26 am
Beautiful ARWEN moments as usual. So sad and yet so romantic at the same time!
Did Arthur explained to Mithian that his heart belongs to another? Mithian is a charming woman but she is not for Arthur. True love will come to her someday!
It's not too late for Arthur to call off his upcoming nuptials with Mithian! It wouldn't be fair to her if he married her for duty alone!
Somehow I suspected Melwas was collaborating with the Triple Morrigan in their quest for power and dominion over all! When will Guinevere learn of Melwas' s treachery and evil alliance with the Dark One?
Is there the slightest hope for Morgana to redeem herself? She hesitates when Morgause opts to kill Guinevere! Knew Melwas had something to gain by marrying Guinevere. He wants Eirinn!
Will Arthur and Merlin find out Melwas's betrayal and come to Guinevere's rescue before it's too late?
Author's Response:
Lara, as always your reviews are wonderfully detailed and they make me smile :) I'm so glad you like the Arwen interaction! As for the questions: all in good time, my dear. All in good time :)
Reviewer: lara smith Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 29 2012 07:20 am
Love the angst in the chapter. I find myself hating Melwas and his treatment of Gwen. I can't imgine how she would fare being wife to someone so cruel and vile. I can't wait for the return of Arwen. there do end up together, don't they? i'm glad that things have improved for wome since those days when they were treater like commodities. You nailed it though, I can just imagine how Gwen is feeling being forced to marry someone she doesn't love like that. Enjoying your writing very much!
Reviewer: angelmygirl Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 25 2012 09:59 pm
Loved it!!!
Reviewer: Annie Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 20 2012 02:18 pm
Arthur is a descendant of the Old Religion? What about Gwen's maternal lineage? This could mean they have more in common than they thought at first! ARWEN ARE destined to be for each other and no one else!
Reviewer: clarencestew14 Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 13 2012 03:27 am
More ARWEN! Mithian is not welcome! Arthur, behave!
Reviewer: darkbeauty Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 13 2012 01:53 am
Can't blame Arthur's disappointment in his father. Did Uther really thought he could hide the truth from his own son? Uther has been nothing more than a tyrannical and oppressive hypocrite who had gained enemies where he should have made friends with those who practiced magic! He sought his own death when he slaughtered their kin!
Arthur is quite romantic when he is open and frank with Guinevere! Will ARWEN become more comfortable with their confidences to each other? Will Arthur's love for Gwen withstand the temptation of the beautiful and charming Princess Mithian? Is marriage the only solution to resolve land disputes? Does Uther expects Arthur to marry every princess whenever the kingdom is in danger of going to war?
Looking forward to ARWEN intimate moments and Melwas and Mithian better stay out of the way of their destined love! Arthur better honor and cherish his love for Guinevere by NOT being overfriendly with Mithian!
Reviewer: lara smith Anonymous
[Report This]Date: April 13 2012 01:52 am
Your updates make my day! Thank you!
Love the update. I loved Igraines background story and now Arthur's struggle with his "bloodline". I hope this comes back up in the story.
Melwas and now Mithian in the mix???? Ugh!
Author's Response:
Thanks so much! Melwas and Mithian (funny I just realized both their names start with M)...haha. I'm glad you liked the backstory I created for Arthur's bloodline, it's important for me that the OT4 are all connected to Avalon and the Old Religion in some way. I can't stand the magicphobic side of Arthur in the show. I mean, I understand it, but I really wish the show would allow his character to evolve more. Anyway, thanks so much for reading!
Reviewer: sallysparrow3 Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 12 2012 04:53 pm
We must be on the same schedule, haha. Great to see Guinevere and Merlin working together, I liked Merlin's hesitation about whether or not Uther should be saved,
Wonderful work pulling in Arthur's mother and establishing Ygraine's lineage as a link back to the founding of Avalon. And of course we are all waiting for those steamy scenes between Gwen and Arthur.
Author's Response:
Haha we must be :) Thanks for the review! I'm really glad you liked the Igraine connection: I really wish the show would delve into that some more **rolls eyes** Oh well. That's why we have fanfic ;)
As for steamy ARWEN scenes...hehehe **rubs hands together diabolically**
Date: April 12 2012 03:23 pm
great story ,please get rid of melwas soon.
Reviewer: lailastar Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 12 2012 02:49 pm
Wow! I really love your story. Please continue. Can't wait for the Steamy A/G scenes.
Author's Response:
Thank you! I look forward to writing those scenes XD
Reviewer: queengwen Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 12 2012 01:15 pm
I really like the way you presented Arthur being magic! Maybe it will finally change his outlook on the matter. I fear Morgana is no longer redeemable. More please!
Reviewer: Elle Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 12 2012 12:17 pm
Like actually. this story is amazing. keep going. I just love it all and the slow development of arthrur and gwen is awesome but also the story is freaking amazing. The deteriotaion of Morgana and gwen. Gwen and Merlin BFFs. The foreshadowing of Melwas (can't wait for arthur to kick his ass). This is everything a story could hope for. You rock. Don't stop!
Author's Response:
Awww thanks hun! That means a lot to me. I'm excited to get back on a more regular updating schedule too. Thanks again for the review!
Reviewer: Poppy Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 12 2012 07:11 am
Short and sweet, Uther is still a cold bastard. Need a update soon. Thank you
Author's Response:
Thank you! :)
Reviewer: Bain Anonymous [Report This]Date: April 12 2012 06:40 am
You've got some interesting twists and turns in this. I wonder how Morgana will be damaged by injesting the mandrake root ? Given what it did to Uther its kind of scary.
Onto the Arwen moments. Am I excited or am I excited I see an Athur delivered ass-whoopin' in Melwas's future? :) Either that or Gwen could stab him, I would approve of Gwen knifing the bastard as well. A marriage to him would be tantamount to rape. I can't wait for her to get away from the bastard.
Author's Response:
"an Athur delivered ass-whoopin'"
Hahahahahaha! Yea that Melwas is really asking for one of those isn't he? Glad you liked the Arwen moments :) and thank you for the review!
Reviewer: AGDoren Signed [Report This]Date: April 04 2012 02:46 pm