Fic: Along a Wandering Wind (Merlin (BBC), Gwaine/Merlin, NC-17)

[hope]

Title: Along a Wandering Wind
Author: hope / angstslashhope
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Wordcount: ~64,000
Rating: Mostly PG-13, eventual NC-17
Pairing: Merlin/Gwaine, peripheral Arthur/Gwen/Lancelot
Notes: This story could not have been completed without the support of my various alpha, beta and gamma readers: winterhill, vanessarama, true_statement, doro, msilverstar and the amazing neifile7, who helped me make the major changes that carved the story into a much better shape (and also came up with the summary. Seriously, thank you). Title is from Tennyson.

Summary: Just when Gwaine finds a reason to end his roaming, he must leave Camelot again, this time on royal orders. Whether and how he returns may depend on the secrets Merlin—and others—are keeping from him. (A romance of letters, intrigue and knightly apprenticeship, set post-S3.)

Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six

Note: due to length restrictions of LJ posts, all parts are posted on Dreamwidth. Please feel free to comment on the Livejournal masterpost if LJ is your preferred feedback space!

Or

Read the whole thing on the Archive of Our Own

ETA: Also check out the lovely fanart by waltzing_mice: Thinking of the Quill and Merlin's Letter.

Comments

[myworldmytrue.livejournal.com]

OMG, this was perfect. PERFECT. I've been waiting for someone to write a long Merlin/Gwaine fic for...God, forever, and now it's here and it's JUST. SO. EFFING. BEAUTIFUL.

I mean, seriously, I love everything about this fic. Gwaine's doubts about his knighthood and his first fumbling, unsure attempts at wooing Merlin, their long separation and the letters and the ardour and earnestness that came with them, Gwaine's friendship with Lancelot (also, really appreciated the Arthur/Gwen/Lancelot arrangement, since I don't like to see Lance unhappy :)), and the trials and hardships that befell all of them during the year. Also, GUH, the reunion, with Merlin all BAMFy and dominant (OM NOM NOM). ♥________♥

I really loved the OCs, particularly Lady Bronwen and Gareth (didn't see that twist with Gareth coming at all, and it was a wonderful surprise! I really like the idea of Gwaine having such an...unusual squire. :)).

Such an engaging, compelling and rewarding story! Thank you so much for writing this and sharing it with us. ♥

[hope]

Yay! Thanks so much for reading, and leaving such a lovely comment! I'm really glad you enjoyed it :)