(no subject)

[katia]

So I accidentally deleted my poll while trying to fix the formatting of my post and now I feel utterly stupid, so here is a poll again and my apologies to those who already voted![Poll #1362070][Poll #1362070]

Comments

[kuteki.livejournal.com]

Certainly you can! :) The poll was motivated by all the fics I've been reading referring to Arthur's looks as out of this world beautiful and always leaving poor Merlin feeling awkward and plain and I just wanted to see I am not alone in disagreeing.

[sally_maria]

I can see that what you're saying but somehow it feels more in character to me for Merlin to be mentally rhapsodising about Arthur's looks, rather than the other way round. I suppose that could just be the effect of the many fanfics you mention.

It's not that Merlin's not physically attractive, he is, but to me it seems as if Arthur's probably more interested in his loyalty, his friendship and his willingness to point out when Arthur's being a prat - after all, he's the Prince, if he just wants pretty there are probably a lot easier conquests.

Whereas it seems to me that Merlin is hero-worshipping Arthur, even though he's aware of his faults, and his looks are part of that, as well as his hidden depths. :-)

Maybe I'm just rationalising, but it all seems to make sense in my head.

[kuteki.livejournal.com]

Yeah I agree with you, of course it is more than just looks and Merlin is a lot more likely to be insecure about his while Arthur is only used to praise, so if it is Merlin's pov and canon compliant sure, but all the AUs I've been reading sort of have that too, and a part of me just goes, but Merlin is pretty and Arthur should appreciate that!

[sally_maria]

That is a good point - I suspect it's something that carries over from canon, and people don't even think about the fact that it doesn't work as well in an AU context.

Merlin is very pretty - you are not alone. And I look forward to reading your Big Bang story pointing out the fact. ;-)

[kuteki.livejournal.com]

Hee, I am glad! As for Big Bang, I still can't quite believe I signed up, but hopefully there will be something to read!