Oh...

I don't know quite what to say in this review. This started out like a standard, albeit excellently written, Merlin one-shot. And I was very much enjoying it.

But, something changed when it got to the paragraph about Merlin longing to have someone love him most in the world. It clutched my heart.

There's a power and a beauty and a deep, deep sadness in the last five paragraphs of this story. And a hidden, aching truth. Merlin, despite being surrounded by so many people who care for him, is so very alone.

Powerful writing. You made me cry.

Makes me want to cry, but I know how he fells. I felt the same after my divorce, when my children spent Christmas with their father and I was left alone. I've had many lonely holidays and birthdays since that time, but after a while you adjust and move on. I only really think about it now when I read something like this.

Beautiful and accurate story! Very insiteful!

I'll hang out
with Merlin.
:)

In love how you write. It's elegant yet blunt, getting the (heartbreaking yet wonderful) ideas across without dancing around the point too long... and yet you're not without your flare, either. It all flows together so nicely, and the emotions it is able to transfer directly to the reader... *falls out of chair and rolls around on the ground sobbing*

I loved this. A lot. Short yet brilliant.

Lexi

This was good. Very good.

Oh, so bitter sweet. I feel so bad for Merlin in this, to not have someone that he could be with and really be himself. Good story.

!

Great job.

Oh man, that was the best hurt I've read in ages! I need to go find some comfort now so I don't end up wallowing in a corner.

Good job! Very well done.

I thought this was so sad, but so very realistic. The Merlin we're seeing in Season 5 is certainly a much older, sadder Merlin, and this really fits in with it. Lovely little oneshot, nice job.

Emma

Wonderfully written, and a great summary. I really enjoyed this :)

Mayhem

Wow, that was moving

Oh. That is so sad. I like it when Merlin suffers ... * I am cruel*
Too bad it's already over. Like to read more ... especially when the others times to remember that Merlin was not doing what they think, what he should do

Poor Merlin, sad but true ...