Knowledge Is Power [Morgana]

[Catalina Regalis]

With the power to be powerful, believe we can make it better

It felt good to be able to relax without the constant fear of being discovered. Catalina's small band of nomadic druids had chosen to take rest with an already established group of druids that resided within the forests near Camelot. There was safety in numbers, thus why her Uncle had chosen to remain with the others for the next few days, giving both their horses and their people time to rest. There was talk amongst the other druids, fear in the insistent persecution of those with the gift of magic or those who were simply accused because Uther was a paranoid old man who was haunted by painful memories. Hatred was not the druids' way, they pitied the King and wished peace for him but they wouldn't subject themselves to his madness.

How could one remain sane when they surrounded themselves with so much death and despair? It was so foreign to Catalina really. Brushing a strand of golden hair behind her ear, she concentrated on the poultice she was making rather than daydreaming about problems that were not her own. She had days like this where all she could think about where the troubles of those that were in power and how it could be made better. "What are you doing Cat?" She heard a voice behind her and turned to see her sister standing there with her infant son on her hip. "I am working on making some healing poultices, never know when we will need some." Catalina replied with a soft smile, gesturing to the gathered items on the table in front of her.

"Always doing something. Can't you just relax?" Her sister teased as she shifted her son Ramos to her other hip as he had begun to fuss. Shaking her head, Catalina couldn't help but laugh. "Nope, now go away so I can finish." Sticking her tongue out at Catalina, Samara laughed and walked off to find her husband and hand the baby off to him.

How happy Ramos and Giron made her sister, her own little family. It was something that Catalina found herself envying at times and then there were times she was glad that she didn't have to worry about having a child and husband to care for. Not that she was selfish of course because her mind was constantly on the safety of her people but she liked not having to worry about her own actions directly affecting others. Looking to the ground, Catalina spoke a few ancient words, casting a spell with the flicker of gold in her eyes and suddenly an herb grew that she needed for her poultice. Magic truly was a gift.

If only someone could show Uther that, show him that it was not to be feared but respected. Maybe then things would change for him. Not that anyone would be able to show him this, no one had enough influence with him to get past that thick skull of his. That being said, Catalina was merely going on what she had heard and seen of the hard-headed King, she had no personal experience that didn't stretch beyond losing both her parents to the Great Purge. It still hurt, despite not knowing them, it still hurt and it probably always would hurt. She could easily hate Uther and wish his death as others did but what would that prove? Answering death with even more death. That wouldn't end the cycle.

Touching the amulet around her neck fondly, Catalina got back to work, humming to herself as she did. Every so often she could be seen magically growing something that she needed with a spell but for the most part she worked quickly and quietly at her little table beneath a great oak.

-----------------------------------

Tags; Morgana
Word Count; 637
Lyrics; "You're The Voice" John Farhman
Time-frame; Late Afternoon - During the episode 'The Nightmare Begins'

[mysery]

Algain had suggested walking around the Druid camp while she recovered. To also keep her occupied while he tended to other matters. Strangely enough, Morgana felt..... oddly at home in the camp. She had tasted true terror when those sekets had surrounded her while her vision darkened last nigh. Fear for her life had gripped her and, if not for Algain, she knew she would have perished. So she owed him a debt of gratitude, yet this felt deeper. Like a part of her had found a place here among these Druids.

Uther had spent most of her life in Camelot preaching about the Druids and their desire to see him fall, yet Morgana saw none of this treachery around her. They were peaceful. Stoking a fire, weaving fabric, cleaning boots. How could something so peaceful be bad? And they had saved her life. Even they had to know her identity, yet they risked themselves to help her. Those weren't the actions of an evil people. She had spoken, briefly, with Algain about her burgeoning powers and their meaning, and she had spent some time with Mordred while she rested.

It was good to see the boy again after so long and to know that he was doing well. The fear she had felt for him during those days in Camelot had put her at odds with the King, perhaps the most opposing she had ever been with her guardian, but one look at his smile and she felt it had all been worth it. Silently she had thanked Gwen, Merlin and Arthur all over again for helping her get him beyond Uther's reach.

Without realising it, Morgana had wandered right over to someone and was only broken from her thoughts when said person cast what she assumed to be a spell and a herb sprouted from the ground. Her eyes widened momentarily in surprise, but then she concluded, why shouldnt they use magic? They had gifts, and Uther wasnt standing over their shoulder with a watchful eye. It was different here. A good different.

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Setting: The Druid Camp

Tag: Catalina Regalis

Timeline: During 'The Nightmare Begins

[Catalina Regalis]

With the power to be powerful, believe we can make it better

It was a quiet day, the excitement of the Lady Morgana’s presence within the druid encampment had long since faded and soon everyone had gone back to what they normally did. Titles, royalty, such things did not matter to the druids nor did the fact that Morgana was the ward to King Uther and therefore her presence was an ever-present danger to them all. Even with that known, they had still helped her, not because they sought anything in return but because it was the good and decent thing for them to do. Uther may persecute their kind and wish death upon them all due to his fear and anguish but nothing he did would change their ways, nothing. All Morgana had done was cause the druids to be more wary and on the lookout for soldiers. Her Uncle Aldriv was already gathering their supplies up so they headed out, he was not one to bide in one place for too long. It was always good to be with other druids, felt safer the more that there were but it also meant a larger target and that worried Catalina to some degree.

Still, Morgana wouldn’t be turned away and it seemed that she and Mordred had a friendship. Not that Catalina knew Mordred very well, there was something a bit eerie about the little boy. Besides, she had too many chores to see to while she was in the encampment. If she wasn’t making poultices or studying her magic than she was running around after her little nephew who was just learning how to crawl. He was such a sweetheart, her little nephew and she loved him dearly. He was also very lucky; he had both his parents in his life along with a devoted aunt as well and great uncle who cared deeply for him. He would hopefully grow up without the fear that Catalina had grown up with. Fear of being burned or beheaded for what he was, fear of having to hide himself away because he was able to do what others could not. The thought of anything happening to her nephew caused a shiver to run down her spine. It was the only thing that would cause her to act in anger, if Uther’s reign of tyranny on magic somehow affected Ramos…

Such a horrid thought. She needed to stop thinking on things that may or may not come to fruition and focus on her poultices. It was a menial task at best but it was soothing and she enjoyed it. Catalina was unaware that the Lady Morgana had wondered out of the tent where she had been spending time with Mordred and was simply wondering around the encampment. Out of many of the druids, she had figured that she would prove to be all that interesting to Morgana, so she figured that their paths wouldn’t really cross but it seemed that she was wrong in that regard. Peering up from her workings, she offered a gentle smile at the Lady Morgana. She could see the surprised look on her face and it was most likely because of the magic she had just done. Having grown up in a world where magic was considered evil must have really messed up her thoughts on the noble craft.

“It’s not evil.” She said after gesturing for Morgana to take a seat if she wished. “Magic is a lot of things but it’s not evil.” Catalina was unaware of Morgana’s own magical abilities; she was merely seeking to alleviate the woman’s possible fear of magic as a whole. “It’s neither good nor evil, it all depends on the person using it.” She said with a shrug as she magically grew another herb. “I apologize for my rudeness, sometimes I speak without thinking.” It wasn’t Cat’s right to lecture anyone no matter what she may think. “My name is Catalina, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

-----------------------------------

Tags; Morgana
Word Count; 670
Lyrics; "You're The Voice" John Farhman
Time-frame; Late Afternoon - During the episode 'The Nightmare Begins'

[mysery]

Morgana hesitated for but a moment, and that was more a moment to realise the young woman had spoken, before she approached her and took the seat she offered. A very small part of Morgana still worried over magic, but it was quickly stamped out by her curiosity. Never had she met a person who could show it to her without fear of repercussions. A million questions ran through her mind as she listened to the woman talk and finally give her name. She herself had wondered about magic.

"Please no," she said hurriedly, shaking her head. "There is no need to apologise. I am the Lad-" Morgana cut herself off as she considered her name. She didnt want to be held above these people. These innocent people who had helped her. "I am Morgana," she finished finally. She didnt need that title here. "It's nice to meet you Catalina," the dark haired young woman added, smiling. A new friend, or at least she hoped so, was a good start but Morgana had to hold herself in check to not bombard this young woman with questions about her magic.

So, she started off small. "How long have you been doing magic?" she asked softly, glancing at where the herb had sprouted up. If herbs could be grown, could crops? Could magic be used to enhance farming and prevent poverty amongst the people? If so, how could Uther honestly say it was evil.

The only person she had discussed anything to do with magic with had been Merlin, yet even he seemed unknowledgable in most regards. That was why she was here; to gain some kind of insight into her gifts and hopefully learn to control them. It was too dangerous for her to remain in Camelot when she could kill somebody by accident with a stray thought. Morgana feared this and herself for what she was becoming.

She did need help.

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Setting: The Druid Camp

Tag: Catalina Regalis

Timeline: During 'The Nightmare Begins

[Catalina Regalis]

With the power to be powerful, believe we can make it better

Perhaps Catalina was more like her Uncle than she would care to believe. The audacity she had, launching into a lecture without it being asked for. Morgana had not asked any questions, she hadn’t spoken a word and yet Catalina had felt the need to spout off unnecessary words of borrowed wisdom. She quickly apologized to the Lady in hopes that she hadn’t irritated the woman but it seemed that Morgana didn’t mind all that much. That was quite a relief really since Catalina didn’t wish to offend her. Not because she was a Lady of great standing but rather because that was not how Catalina was. She was normally very polite and soft-spoken, waiting to be spoken to before she spoke back. That was how her Uncle had raised her but there were times when her mouth seemed to have a mind of it’s own and she had no control. Not like she had said anything that could be seen as offensive to the Lady but still, it wasn’t her place.

There was hesitation on Morgana’s part to give herself a title. Did she not wish for Catalina to know who she was? Such would be a moot point if that were the case since all within the druid encampment knew of the Lady’s presence. Perhaps that was not the reason for her hesitation; maybe she felt there was no need for the use of titles and ranks. It was not as though such things mattered to the druids. She could have been a penniless beggar and they still would have helped her. The fact that she was the ward of the man who had ordered the deaths of so many made no difference to them either. Of course Catalina had already known the Lady but she said nothing. Offering Morgana a nod of her head as acknowledgement, Catalina waited for Morgana to take a seat before giving her her full attention. “A pleasure to meet you as well Morgana.” It would have been rude to simply return to her poultice making when there was another present, she could resume that once Morgana left again.

"How long have you been doing magic?" Morgana’s question was not too much of a surprise, pleasantly received really since Catalina loved to talk about magic. She thought back for a moment, remembering when she had first learned of magic and than when her Uncle began to teach her the noble art. “I was apprenticed to my Uncle Aldriv when I was eight years of age.” Such fond memories that she had. It hadn’t been easy of course since magic was not the most tame and it had to be respected as well, not used flippantly as Catalina sometimes did. “Even before that time, I knew of magic. I’ve known of it as far as I can remember.” Being born into the peaceful druid community had given her an advantage because she had learned at a young age.

“What do you know of magic?” She asked after a moment, smiling at a possible new friend. Her tone held nothing but warmth and genuine curiosity. She held nothing against Morgana for what her ward had done to her people or her parents. Not like Morgana could have stopped it. There was a good chance that Morgana knew very little for her knowledge of magic surely had to be tainted with the hatred that Uther displayed towards it. Evil magic. Corrupting the soul of its user. Such falsehoods as that. Magic did not corrupt. Feeling the need to be a bit of a show off, Catalina looked to the ground and whispered, “lindrycg.” Unlike before when she had caused herbs to grow, slowly a closed bud rose from the ground in front of Morgana, it didn’t grow too high but once it stopped growing, two leaves folded out on the stem and the bud opened up to reveal a beautiful white rose that seemed as pure white as snow. “I’ll never understand how something so beautiful as magic could be so hated or thought to be evil.” Of course there was those who used magic for evil but that didn’t make the magic itself evil.

-----------------------------------

Tags; Morgana
Word Count; 713
Lyrics; "You're The Voice" John Farhman
Time-frame; Late Afternoon - During the episode 'The Nightmare Begins'

[mysery]

Morgana tried not to let her eagerness to hear the answers to her questions show too much on her face. Ever since Mordred's appearance in Camelot, she had spent more and more time considering what she had said to Merlin. There was no way for him to know at that time she had been thinking of herself. Now he did and she knew she'd drive herself mad if she hadnt told someone. As such though, there was nowhere in Camelot for her to learn anything about what was happening to her. No old teachers to impart their knowledge, or show the way of anything magic related. Uther had made sure of that.

These thoughts filtered through her head quicker than a flash and she refocused on Catalina's reply. Eight years old? Such a young age, but then, from what she had seen so far, the Druid's raised their young on magic. It was everywhere and in everything for them. Still, to begin practicing at such a young age was a surprise for Morgana.

"Very little I'm afraid," she replied with a shake of her head and a sad smile. "In most of my experiences the magic has been used to hurt.... to harm others," she added, thinking over some of the evil beings who had come to Camelot for whatever reasons. The young woman was grateful that Catalina seemed just genuinely curious. She wanted to simply be here. She didnt want to be treated for what Uther had done. The whisper was so soft from Catalina that Morgana almost missed it, however she didnt miss the product of it. The rose was gorgeous, flawless even. That such wonder could be created with a few syllables astounded Morgana.

She was tempted to reply to what the other woman said, but Morgana didnt have the strength to defend Uther. She didnt understand it either. "It's beautiful," she breathed, not quite sure whether she was simply talking about the flower or magic in general. She then smiled. "I've never really seen it performed before me like this. Thank you."

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Setting: The Druid Camp

Tag: Catalina Regalis

Timeline: During 'The Nightmare Begins

[Catalina Regalis]

With the power to be powerful, believe we can make it better

To have magic and not know how to use it, that would surely have to be a hard existence. It was worse for Morgana especially since she was the ward of the King and thus around him a great deal. Still, despite others knowing what Morgana was capable of, Catalina was mostly in the dark in those regards. Morgana’s eager questions in regards to magic were looked on more as just simple curiosity from the young Lady. It was not a surprise really, it had to be liberating to ask questions to those who openly used their magic regardless of whatever decrees the selfish King of Camelot happened to make regarding those who used magic. Yes, he was King but his reign would end with his death and a new one would begin. Magic never faded. Never.

Poor Morgana, Catalina felt bad enough for the young woman who had suffered from the injuries she had sustained before arriving in their camp but had Cat known of the struggle she went through on a daily basis… Hiding what she was in plain sight, hoping that she wasn’t discovered and hating what she was because she was taught that it was evil. What kind of existence was that? Catalina had been lucky in being allowed to express herself and study her craft without fear of persecution except when they traveled to Camelot. Morgana had not been given that opportunity. Catalina was the friendly sort that didn’t mind talking with someone she didn’t know, answering questions on magic and anything else that Morgana may choose to ask her. Cat was a very open and warm person. It was no surprise when Morgana gave her answer in regards to magic. Of course she knew very little, magic wasn’t allowed in Camelot on pain of death. Such foolishness. Magic being used to harm others, such a waste of the magic and it wasn’t helping Uther’s view on magic either. Yes, she agreed that Uther was a tyrant who needed to be taken out of power but multiple attempts on his life via magic surely has only further hardened his heart against the noble craft. “That is so wrong.” She said after a moment, shaking her head sadly. “I have no love for a King who persecutes the people he is supposed to serve and protect but using magic to try and harm him or those closest to him…. I just do not understand that.” Than again, Cat didn’t understand wanting to harm anyone, using magic or any other means.

Such beauty and elegance, her rose represented what magic was to Catalina. So beautiful when used in the right way. That being said, the long stem of the rose slowly began to grow little thorns that were sharp to the touch, another side of the magic. The side that could hurt. Used for good or used for evil, it all depended on the person using it really. Perhaps Catalina had no right to speak against Uther or his decrees but she could not help voicing her inability to understand the man. Morgana offered no defense for her guardian nor did she condemn him, she simply focused on the flower though whether she simply spoke on the rose or magic in general, Cat wasn’t sure. Not that it mattered really. "I've never really seen it performed before me like this. Thank you." Her gratitude was touching; Cat hadn’t been around too many people who didn’t know much about magic. “You’re welcome. I don’t mind at all. My uncle would tell you that I simply like to show off but don’t believe a word of it.” She said with a beaming grin. “I love magic, I love everything about it but I cannot stand having to hide myself away as though I should be ashamed.” She sighed and looked over at her Uncle in the distance. “It’s one reason it’s hard to be a druid sometimes. We are supposed to be secretive and hide from people but I don’t want to be that way.”

“What’s it like?” She asked softly after a moment, wishing to hopefully change the subject from her whining. “The court and the people in it? Is it really grand to see the ball gowns and the jewels?” Perhaps it wasn’t right to be asking Morgana about the life that she had possibly left behind but there was never anyone she could ask and such a life fascinated her. “I’m sorry to question you but I’m so curious about that kind of life. Balls and beautiful gowns, being surrounded by lords and ladies.” It was like a fairy tale really or it sounded like one anyway.

-----------------------------------

Tags; Morgana
Word Count; 803
Lyrics; "You're The Voice" John Farhman
Time-frame; Late Afternoon - During the episode 'The Nightmare Begins'

[mysery]

Morgana was quiet for a moment as she considered how to answer Catalina. She understood that which she was talking about, but she also understood the other aspect as well. "When people think they're fighting for their lives, they will use whatever means is at their disposal, I suppose," she replied finally. In Merlin's home village, the people had taken brooms, rakes, anything they could use to protect themselves. People who had magic simply utilised it, like a soldier did his sword, the way she saw it.

The lady touched the rose petals softly. She had been pricked by enough flowers in Camelot's gardens that she knew never to grab any flower by its stem, lest you wanted to get jabbed by thorns. A lesson one had to learn first hand, she noted. This flower however, despite its thorns, was still beautiful. How could something so wonderful, so beautiful, be evil? Catalina herself seemed nice, patient and kind. Yet she had magic, had been learning it since childhood. Uther declared magic corrupted its user. Catalina did not seem corrupted to her.

A grin made its way over Morgana's face as Catalina mentioned her Uncle. The affection in the other woman's voice was unmistakable. She must love him very much. "I shall endevour not to believe everything I hear," she chuckled, withdrawing her hand from the bloom. "People shouldn't have to hide who they really are," she added, her tone sombering a little. She hated having to hide herself, that she couldn't go to anyone about what she was experiencing, and what she hated most of all was that, thanks to Uther, she was afraid. Afraid of herself and for herself.

Morgana was a little taken aback by Catalina's sudden questions about the court, but she didnt mind. She had after all asked questions, it was fair she answered some as well. With a smile, she nodded. "I was only a child when I was taken in by the King. The court was scary for me at first. Uther held a feast for me and I was so frightened I was going to trip over my dress, but once I got into the hall, I forgot all about being nervous. Everyone was so lovely," Morgana explained, her face taking on a soft look as she remembered. "The women wore their best dresses, and the men wore their cloaks and armor. It was all perfect. Even Arthur was nice.... and let me tell you, that was rare in itself," she finished with a laugh.

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Setting: The Druid Camp

Tag: Catalina Regalis

Timeline: During 'The Nightmare Begins

[Catalina Regalis]

With the power to be powerful, believe we can make it better

There was so much about life that Catalina still didn’t understand or know, she was young after all and had a rather sheltered view on a lot of things. Morgana had an advantage in many ways despite how it tore at her, she could see from both sides of a war that never should have happened in the first place. The fact that she was here in the camp now surely meant that she was more open-minded than the man who surely was going crazy looking for her. Catalina had been rambling without even realizing that she was not just talking about the King but also a man that Morgana most likely cared about. Cat’s eyes widened and she clamped her hand on her mouth to shut herself up before letting it fall to her side. “I’m sorry, I often speak without thinking. I do not wish to make you listen to my mindless rambling.” She smiled as she tried her best to not be such a blabbermouth but it wasn’t easy since her Uncle had once said she could talk the stars into falling, whatever that happened to mean.

It was very true, her Uncle was a big influence in Catalina’s life. Her teacher and mentor as well as father figure since her own father had died. He was the voice in her head when she did wrong and the outstretched arms when her world seemed to be collapsing around her. Cat couldn’t help but smile when she spoke of the aging druid. Cat laughed a bit before focusing on the rose, whispering some words under her breath and caused the rose to slowly fold up into a bud before zipping back into the ground. “I suppose you could believe that much, I am a bit of a show off.”

She offered a grin as she sat back on the ground and sighed. “No they shouldn’t.” While it didn’t show on Morgana’s face, her tone spoke volumes to Catalina though she couldn’t understand why. The Lady Morgana was well known by so many and so very loved, what did she know of having to hide herself? That being said, Catalina only knew what she heard of Morgana, she knew nothing of her personal life. Perhaps there was more of a reason she was within the encampment then just being rescued from the sekrets… Not that Catalina would ask because it wasn’t her business but she couldn’t help but wander. “Perhaps there will be a day when those who use magic won’t have to hide themselves.” She could hope for that of course. “I hope for that day very much and can only hope blood won’t have to be spilled to achieve it.”

The topic of conversation switched to life in court, a place Catalina had never been and could never go. Of course she wanted to see it all, especially a gala event of some kind. She could only imagine that it was so beautiful, the castle all decorated in festive colors. If anyone could change a subject fast it was Catalina, one minute she’d be talking about one thing and then she’d deviate completely and go on another tangent. It was part of her charm…kind of. Thankfully Morgana didn’t seem to mind all that much and simply answered her questions. Cat listened intently to every word with a far off look in her eyes, as though she was imagining it all in her head. Catalina could tell from the look on Morgana’s face that it was a fond memory. “It sounds so lovely.” Arthur? Oh Prince Arthur Pendragon. It wasn’t often that she heard someone address the Prince so formally. Well…it wasn’t often that she heard someone address him at all really. The Pendragon family wasn’t exactly a fun topic within the druid community. “I know it sounds silly but I wish I could go to Camelot. I’ve seen it from afar and it’s so beautiful.” She was daydreaming again…that was rude to do when she was in the company of another.

“I know this may not be my business but what were you doing in the forest by yourself?” It didn’t seem right that the ward of the King be allowed to wander alone in a place as dangerous as the forest. “Or were you with guards and you got separated?” Uh oh, she was doing it again… “I apologize, I talk too much I know. I’m just curious.”

-----------------------------------

Tags; Morgana
Word Count; 742
Lyrics; "You're The Voice" John Farhman
Time-frame; Late Afternoon - During the episode 'The Nightmare Begins'
Comments; Sorry it took so long

[mysery]

Morgana, though only new to the idea that she herself could possess magic, found she could agree with Catalina's words. She did hope that one day magic wouldn't have to be relegated to the shadows and hidden away on pain of death. Unfortunately, part of Morgana knew that Uther would never allow the return of magic. Certainly not easily, if he ever did. If the King could execute Guinevère's father for nothing more than being seen with a sorcerer, then what hope did actual magic users have? She tried not to let herself dwell on those thoughts for too long.

"Camelot in all it's glory is a sight to behold," the lady replied, thinking to the celebrations that had been held in the kingdom and how the castle had been decorated to match. All the inhabitants were dressed up to blend in with the beauty of the castle. Not that Morgana minded that part so much. She was a lady and she enjoyed dressing up. And Guinevère was heaven sent as well. She was always invaluable to Morgana when it came to selecting clothing for feasts and the like. A fresh eye never hurt. "I think you would like Camelot Catalina," Morgana added with a smile. She could easily see the other young woman running around the courtyard exploring, or just wondering at anything and everything. If her enthusiasm here was anything to go by.

The sudden change in topic again, something Morgana was noticing Catalina did a lot of, made the lady quieten just a little. How did she explain what she had been doing in the forest? That she had been looking for this very tribe of druids when she had been foolish and gotten herself attacked by sekets? Perhaps she should take the escape Catalina offered. But Morgana didn't want to be dishonest. She had come here seeking help. Surely they wouldn't judge her?

"It's alright," Morgana said after a moment before she sighed. "I ventured out here looking for help," she explained as best she could. "For a while now I have been experiencing odd happenings and someone I know in Camelot suggested that the druids may be able to help me understand what was happening to me."

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Setting: The Druid Camp

Tag: Catalina Regalis

Timeline: During 'The Nightmare Begins