Brilliant penmanship again! I just love your prose, your dialogue, well, your everything really. Thud, Loved the story, too. Extremely titillating to watch the relationship evolve, to watch Arthur transform from obnoxious prat into a loveable man, all under Merlin's watchful care. Parts of the story broke my shippy heart, but it was nicely mended by the love fest at the end.
Merlin being shot....twice.....almost killed me. No one should ever, ever hurt Merlin. Arthur blasting Nimueh into oblivion was so satisfying. :soothing myself with images of a content, unharmed and healthy Merlin:

Thank you for the emotional fic ride!