Title: Destiny That Darkly Hides Us
Fandom: Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Categories: Edwardian/World War I Era AU with magic, romance, drama, angst, first time, post-canon reincarnation, university
Length: Epic (40,488)
Warnings: Wartime violence, mention of past temporary character death (reincarnation), minor original character death.

Author on LJ: nympha_alba
Author Website: Nympha_Alba

Author's Summary: It's 1913, the practice of homosexuality is unlawful, so is the practice of magic. When Arthur Pendragon and Merlin Emrys meet as Cambridge undergrads, they're both hungry for a real and true connection without secrets. For a short time they believe they may have found it. But war breaks out and separates them, and it seems unlikely that they will meet again. After all, what are the odds?

Review:
Destiny... is a slow build romance that's true to the period, beautiful to read, and — because Merlin devours books "like a thirsty man tips water into his mouth" — includes references to well loved writers. Life at Cambridge is made more compelling by the secrets both men keep; homosexuality is illegal, so there's a reason they're hesitant to open up to one another about the deep connection they feel.

I loved that even as they're both earnest about their feelings, Arthur's still a little arrogant, and Merlin's not afraid to stand up to him. The sharper edges to their characters keep this ticking along as their relationship changes. I also enjoyed Arthur's love of flying and Merlin coming to understand his magic.

That alone would be enough, but then Nympha_Alba does a terrific job of moving us believably into World War I, with Arthur flying missions and Merlin in the trenches. Merlin's magic lets him lessen a little of the misery around him, but for every life he saves, others are lost. He feels dwarfed by the conflict, and wonders whether he and Arthur can find each other again.

None of the angst — and there's plenty of angst — feels gratuitous. Between the war and the laws against homosexuality and magic, there's good reason for fear and doubt.

This has been around since Paperlegends 2011, but if you missed it, it's definitely one to check out for the quality of the writing and the "real and true connection" the author mentions in her summary and delivers in the story.

Destiny That Darkly Hides Us (AO3)
LJ masterpost
Fanfiction.net