Artists lie, cheat, and steal.

I like both too. They each have their good qualities. I agree that the second one is more powerful and striking because of the darkness -- especially with the contrast of the white paper and dark shading. But I think I prefer the soft tone of the first piece. It depends on what you want to portray - the intenseness of the moment in the second picture or the more subdued nature of the first piece...like it's a bit of a twisted, quiet secret. Poor Merlin. :(

Now I'm tempted to write a "Merlin dealing with his evil twin" fic...oh the possibilities. ;)