FIC: Between the Salt Water and the Sea Strand [T] Merlin/Arthur

[merlin-hols.livejournal.com]

Title: Between the Salt Water and the Sea Strand
Recipient: paintedpigeon
Rating: Teen and up
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Word Count: 13K
Content Notes/Warnings: AU, Selkie Merlin, Angst with a Happy Ending, Drama and Romance, H/C, Pining, Good Morgana. No Archive Warnings Apply.

Summary:
Arthur encounters the intriguing Merlin and falls deeply in love. Their time together is magical, filled with joy and wonder. All too soon, though, the revelation that Merlin is a Selkie brings dark family secrets into the open and forces a heartbreaking choice on Arthur and Merlin. For a Selkie reunited with his skin will always yearn for his true home, the sea.

The story takes place more than a hundred years ago on the imaginary Camelot Island, inspired by the Hebrides and Coastal Norway.

Author's Notes:

Dear Paintedpigeon, you gave me such a wealth of inspiring prompts that I had a hard time choosing, but once I saw the Selkie prompt, I knew that was the one. I think the dramatic events and mystery in this fic go with the Selkie territory of myths and old ballads, so I very much hope you will enjoy it. Happy Holidays to you!

My helpful beta deserves lots of thanks. And a big thank you to the MH mods for organizing the fest! Disclaimer and more notes can be found with the fic on AO3.

AO3 link to fanwork: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35086378