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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jan 24, 2012 2:12:54 GMT -5
It was always procedure to thoroughly question palace workers, to get a feel for how they might be as people, to avoid any with bad backgrounds, and minimize danger to the royal family. Uther asked her a bit about her background, beyond what was obvious, and her family-the class situation was obvious, but sometimes associations with or even relation to unsavory types could be a sign of trouble. It did not hold true for everyone, obviously, but it was better to proceed cautiously and take as few chances as possible.
He didn't think he had to mention the kingdom's magic ban, anyone who lived there for any legnth of time knew of it, and anyone practicing wouldn't last long before they were reported. He did take note mentally of her personality and mannerisms, expecting less refinement than the nobility generally had, but still knowing how annoying an incompatible servant could be sometimes. If they kept quiet and did their duties, fine, but too often it led to unnecessary difficulties, especially if someone snapped after a while. It was best if Morgana could at least get along with her. He also was usually able to pick up on cues as to whether someone would be competent or not-nothing worse than an incompetent, dim-witted servant who couldn't do the job right. She did have the recommendations in her favor, at least.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jan 16, 2012 0:35:46 GMT -5
"Yes, we must."
He knew that Nimueh might not agree easily. She, above all people, knew of the power being used and the risks involved. He hoped she realized that he knew just as well what he was risking. Uther was simply a man driven to desperation. He did not want to die or see someone close to him die, but he could not die without an heir, either. The important thing was that no harm came to Ygraine...losing her would destroy him, and he knew it.
He smiled to see the happiness that came to her face when she thought of having a child. For so long, she had been heartbroken and depressed, hoping desperately she would be a mother one day and mourning the children who had not even made it to be being born. He'd felt helpless, unable to do anything to ease the pain. Perhaps, if all went well, it would finally be a little more joyful for both of them from day to day.
"Although magic is not something one can hope to control...I will plead with her to see if there is a way to know you will be safe...if anything were to happen to you, my heart would die as well."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jan 15, 2012 1:56:30 GMT -5
Uther knew that things were not as ideal as if they had been able to take more time courting. They were both certain enough to go through with everything, and it was definitely better than being forced into an arranged marriage. Uther knew that he wanted this, more than he'd ever wanted anything in his life. Ygraine seemed, to him, to be just a bit more reserved, but he was certain that her love, like his own, would grow only stronger over time.
Uther, of course, was the first of the two to enter the hall. He was announced and the guests stood, showing their respect as he made his way toward the front of the hall. There, he waited, happy and a bit nervous, for Ygraine to walk down the aisle with her brother at her side. Uther knew that Tristan's feelings about the union were mixed, but he hoped there would not be a great deal of family tension in the days to come.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jan 14, 2012 21:54:31 GMT -5
Uther noticed Caitrin's hesitation and took a mental note, though he didn't react outwardly. He hadn't been intending such a reaction, it would be more tense if Caitrin were constantly on edge around him. Fortunately, she didn't question it or speak about it, as he'd feared might happen. There was little speaking for a few moments, as Caitrin seemed to be thinking, contemplating something while they ate.
They were finishing with the main part of the meal now, and moving toward the end, the dessert part of the meal. Naturally, that would involve a selection of sweet items like pies and cakes, many of them usually restricted to the wealthy because they were harder to make-often, ingredients had to be imported from other lands or they were simply too costly for the common people.
Caitrin asked if there were any celebrations coming up, and Uther answered her. "There'll be the harvest festival soon, quite naturally." It was nearing the end of summer, though still rather hot out, but in a couple of weeks' time, the first chill of autumn should be coming and the crops would be brought in.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Dec 28, 2011 0:01:05 GMT -5
Uther thought of the past,of the elation he and Ygraine had felt,and of the crushing sadness that had replaced it when the pregnancies had failed. Gaius knew she was ill,but it was not something easily cured. Gaius and Alice had both tried many things but to no avail. Uther knew that Ygraine was in a bad place...he knew how desperately they needed an heir,but he did not want to see her hurt or killed as a result.
He knew of the whispers and rumors,the stories that he would send her away and take another wife. Many kings would have,but he loved her too deeply to consider such action,even if it were possibly best for the kingdom.
Ygraine asked if his intention was a dangerous one. He wanted to say no,to not worry her,but he could not. He knew that a life had to be given to create a life,that no one knew who would die. But he hoped it would not be one of them. And if it had to be,he would give himself in return.
"I will not lie, it can be. But it is my hope that it will not be,that all will be well. Magic does require a price...it is my hope that it will not be a price too high. I feel it is our last hope,the only remaining chance for a son.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Dec 23, 2011 15:05:34 GMT -5
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Dec 21, 2011 19:47:59 GMT -5
As weeks passed after Ygraine's death, it sometimes seemed the city was in chaos. Screams and outrage could be heard everywhere, and the air was filled with the smoke and smell of burning death pyres. The knights were hauling in load after load of magical objects to be stored safely in the vaults beneath the castle. Uther had a feeling that were it not for the knights cracking down to ensure that order was maintained, the castle might have been stormed.But Uther did not care how many hated him. He was deaf and blind, able to see only his rage and grief and the body of his beloved Ygraine, lifeless and cold.
By all rights, Gaius should have been one of the first to die. The king was truly surprised he was still here and had not fled in fear of death. Uther had planned to seize Alice, but she was nowhere to be found. Uther had his suspicions, but no clear idea of what had happened, only that she had evidently left Camelot. As for Gaius, Uther was torn. He had no hesitation about executing anyone who betrayed him, anyone who used magic and could be a threat, but some loyalties to old friends still pushed their way through his blood red haze. He had known Gaius a long time, knew he could be trusted. He may have ignored his friend's pleading about what he was currently doing, but had not been able to bring himself to order his death.
He had one idea that could allow him to spare his friend, one avenue he was willing to take. He came into the doorway, looking around to see if Gaius was in so they could speak. At least, he wanted to speak if Gaius was still willing to face him after the past few days' events.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Dec 20, 2011 2:07:18 GMT -5
Uther paced around uncertainly, still hesitant about what he was about to discuss with Ygraine. Things had been still developing in a sense when they had married but Ygraine had grown to love him just as much as he'd loved her from the beginning. He felt he had almost everything he wanted, all except one, the most important thing he needed: A child. A son, preferably.
It was not just a matter of personal desire for a man in his position. Camelot needed an heir to legitimize Uther's place as king and to ensure stability for the kingdom after his death. If he died without an heir, the kingdom would be fought over and all he had worked for would be for nothing. Uther and Ygraine had certainly tried, and it was always enjoyable for Uther, naturally. But she was barren. Even remedies from Gaius and Alice had done nothing. In those days, it was typical to assume the woman was at fault, but Uther had even accepted remedies and attempted solutions for himself, just to attack the problem from both sides. All of it had been in vain.
Uther felt there was only one solution, and he had to discuss it. It pained him, because he knew of the potential consequences. To create a life, a life must be taken. That was the law of magic. Uther was willing to let it take his, if necessary. He was caught-Camelot needed a strong ruler, Ygraine needed her husband-but Uther felt an heir was needed most of all. He feared greatly for the kingdom and felt he was doing what he had to.
"I wish to consider a last resort." he said. "I believe we should consider the use of magic to help you conceive"
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Dec 19, 2011 0:49:34 GMT -5
The anniversary was now a cold day, a heart wrenching parade of memories that refused to leave the broken king's mind. Once he had cherished him, but now they were simply a bitter reminder of how much he had lost, and yet still, he could not keep them away, seeing them as vivid now as the day they had taken place.
The castle was buzzing with activity, and Uther was feeling a mixture of emotions-impatience, nervousness, a bit of fear, and great joy. He was about to make official his pairing with Ygraine, and she would be crowned as his queen. Uther felt very lucky-had he been the oldest of the princes of Dumonia, his home kingdom, he would have had little say in who he was paired with, it would have been up to his father. But, Uther had done things for himself all along.
He had made his own way, his own name, conquering this kingdom and establishing a name and place for himself, even though he was never expected to be a king. And although it was important that he marry a woman of high status, a woman of royal birth, he had been able to escape the necessity of having a bride chosen for him and had been able to marry for love as well as the political allegiance the marriage would bring.
Of course, their courtship had not been without its challenges. Uther had been one of two suitors courting Ygraine, with the other having been his closest friend, Gorlois. Ygraine had liked both of them, but it was Uther she had fallen in love with. Of course, Gorlois had been suitably distracted when Vivian came along, and stole his heart. But, things had already been well on their way to working out before then, at least in Uther's mind.
Had it been anyone else, Uther would have suspected she was marrying him for the money and status, the fact that she would become queen. But, it was obvious to him that Ygraine was not like that, that she was marrying for love, not solely because her father thought it would make a good political alliance.
To Uther, it felt good to finally be settling down from the constant unknowns and difficulties of battle, to be starting the business of ruling and gaining the respect of the people he now governed. It was stressful and not always easy, but war was far more brutal business indeed. Camelot was at peace, finally, and the people were happy and no longer living in fear.
The final peace of business yet to be taken care of would occur after the wedding, and would be the most enjoyable, Uther hoped, giving Camelot an heir to secure its future. For now, however, Uther's mind was on the impending wedding ceremony as the servants scurried about getting him ready and the nobles were shown to their seats in the grand hall.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Dec 7, 2011 16:27:29 GMT -5
A part of him knew that Nimueh was telling the truth, but in his rage and grief, he no longer cared. Her words were falling on deaf ears and a mind unable to think clearly anymore. Uther had always been a decent king, though a firm one, and had always been known as a fairly decent person. He did not hesitate to take tough action when needed, but usually did let go of rationality and clear thinking either. Ygraine's death, however, had broken him. Certainly, Morgana would break him much later, but that would only be the completion of the process. It was this day and this even that had begun his downward spiral.
And of course, he was too proud to believe he might have made a mistake, that he should not have played with forces he did not fully comprehend. He could not see the good she would insist there was in magic, and the fact that it was the user who made it good or bad, he saw only the bad, the danger, the potential for harm.
"Yes, I am the king. I am responsible for the safety and protection of the land I rule. And as such, I cannot allow more suffering such as I have experienced."he replied. "I must rid Camelot of magic, and all who use it!"
He looked at her with eyes that were filled with only rage and pain, knowing that even though he was doing what he was about to order, that he would likely not prevent her returning if she wished. That frightened him, but he fought to push it aside for now. He could not kill her, he knew that full well. a death penalty would mean nothing to her. But he would not say it that way. "And that extends to you as well. I cannot bring myself to raise my hand against you, but I will say this: I will not see your face in this kingdom again. And if I do, it will be on pain of death."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Dec 7, 2011 15:56:52 GMT -5
I just hope we get a decent place to rest before the finale.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Dec 4, 2011 19:56:52 GMT -5
Uther nodded. He'd keep an eye on her, but would hold the two of them to their word for now. Obviously, the laws themselves were a strong deterrent, few people would want to risk death if they could avoid it. That said, however, there were those who chose to break the law, either because they wanted to attack him or the kingdom, or because they were fanatics and were determined to practice magic despite the ban. But these were nobles and had shown no indication of problems at the moment. Uther had only his thoughts and suspicions, and that was all.
"I am certain she will. She is young, but she seems well on her way in the right path from what I have seen."
Caitrin asked about what there was to see and do in the kingdom, and Uther began to tell of some of the options. Camelot had grown much since Uther had restored peace, and there was far more to entertain and thrill visitors now. Uther was always pleased by visits like this, that showed him the kingdom was enjoying a better standing among people, not only here but in other lands as well.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 29, 2011 2:22:39 GMT -5
"Not in shape to now. Must get stronger first." came the reply. Uther knew he'd never get far now; he got tired just moving around the castle. But he could not give up on the hope that one day, if Morgana did not get rescued by Arthur or return herself, that he would search for her just as he had before, even if he had to do it himself. He did not realize the danger in his troubled mind.
"Perhaps. I do not know. I feel I can trust no one. She changes her appearance, can look like anyone. No one can stop her. The magic is too powerful. She will not stop tormenting me until I die." he replied. It was hard to say if even Gaius could help him in this state. It was not only Morgana who was responsible for this, though no one knew the full story. Morgana had broken him, and Nimueh was finishing the job, driving him even further insane.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 23, 2011 14:26:35 GMT -5
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 23, 2011 0:37:44 GMT -5
"She must. If she does not, we will search for her...bring her home just as before. Would go myself if I could...but it is too dangerous." Uther would eagerly have ridden out to search himself, in both instances with Morgana. Before, it was only pleadings from Arthur and Gaius that had gotten him to accept that he was risking too much going anywhere with the knights when they searched. He had too many enemies and a kingdom still to run. Now, of course, he was too frail and out of it to get very far, so it wasn't as much of a worry.
He watched the boy drink the water, and was satisfied enough after a moment to take a few sips himself. He did hear Merlin's humor, and made a remark back after a moment.
"Sadly. I have no idea what he sees in you. He does well fighting...ruling...poorly with servants."
He was slipping again into the hazy imagined reality of his delusions, and there was a change in him as he tossed the water aside, looking at Merlin with eyes that saw him but not as he really was.
"You are deceiving me again. I was letting my guard down. Just what you want. You will not leave me in peace until I die, and I cannot stop you and your magic!"
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 22, 2011 12:03:02 GMT -5
Episode 12
With Morgana at the head of a vast Southron army, a deadly net is closing in around Camelot, as the drama continues.
When the sorceress strikes, the ferocity of her attack forces everyone to run for their lives – even Arthur. But Morgana won’t let him escape that easily. And so begins a chilling hunt.
Can Merlin save the King from Morgana’s clutches? Or has Arthur’s luck finally run out?
Colin Morgan plays Merlin with Bradley James as Arthur, Katie McGrath as Morgana, Nathaniel Parker as Agravaine, Richard Wilson as Gaius, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Tom Hopper as Sir Percival, Eoin Macken as Sir Gwaine, Adetomiwa Edun as Sir Elyan and Rupert Young as Sir Leon.
The guest cast for this episode are Terence Maynard, who plays Helios, Ben Daniels, who plays Tristan and Miranda Raison, who plays Isolde.
Episode 13
Morgana and Helios have successfully captured Camelot, and Merlin and Arthur are outlaws on the run, in the last episode in this series of Merlin.
Trapped in Ealdor with a ruthless army closing in, their situation becomes desperate. Arthur must take control before Camelot is lost forever…
But faced with Agravaine’s betrayal and the strength of Morgana’s force, the young King has lost his conviction.
Only Merlin can restore his faith, and only an extraordinary act can prove to the King that he was born to rule.
Will the young warlock convince Arthur before his dreams of Albion fall to pieces?
Colin Morgan plays Merlin with Bradley James as Arthur. Katie McGrath as Morgana, Nathaniel Parker as Agravaine, Richard Wilson as Gaius, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Tom Hopper as Sir Percival, Eoin Macken as Sir Gwaine, Adetomiwa Edun as Sir Elyan, Rupert Young as Sir Leon.
The guest cast includes Terence Maynard as Helios, Ben Daniels as Tristan and Miranda Raison as Isolde.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 20, 2011 17:10:49 GMT -5
The cold of winter had not yet set in, but there was a chill in the air, and the leaves had turned the forests brilliant shades of red, orange and gold. The crops had been mostly brought in now, and the food stores were being filled up for the winter ahead. The smell of smoke filled the nose as meat was smoked and salted to preserve it for the coming cold months.
Uther frowned on the common Samhain celebrations, given their close association with magic. Few in Camelot dared celebrate them, but he expected there would be those who would and kept a close watch, not hesitating to make arrests when needed. For the most part, however, there was an upbeat air, and the king had seen fit to take advantage of a chance to enhance his image a bit and of course commune with the nobles. This wasn't an inter-kingdom affair, though Uther would not prevent any shows of friendship that surfaced.
The peasants were mostly down in the courtyard, except for the servants of course, while the nobles talked and dined up on the balcony, generally having a good time. Uther just hoped Nimueh wouldn't show up to spoil it, she always did somehow. He was in a good mood for the moment, but it wouldn't last long with *her* around. He tried to focus on the festivities, but she was always try to push her way to the front of his mind.
When: SOmetime in season 1 or 2, while Uther's still alive and Morgana's less evil.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 16, 2011 0:30:25 GMT -5
If it wasn't one of them, it was the other. Mostly, aside from Nimueh, it had been either Morgana or the guards tormenting him, but now Morgause appeared to be ready to join in. The guards just taunted him physically and either tried kicking him or throwing rotten food and stones, but it was Nimueh and the sisters he worried about most. The three with magic. Nimueh had only talked when she had arrived, she had not used her magic against him, and he wasn't certain whether or not Morgana had magic. Morgause, however, was powerful, and he feared what she could do to him.
It was not surprising she'd hate him as much as Morgana. Both were close to Gorlois, and Morgause actually *was* his daughter. Besides, there was the matter of Vivienne, and what Uther had ordered with her. It had pained him greatly, given their history, but he'd felt he'd had no choice. He could not be seen as willing to bend the law. And besides, she'd likely try to use the truth about Morgana against him.
"I had little doubt you would appear eventually. That you would amuse yourself by tormenting me in some way."
Uther was trying not to show fear; he was a man who never showed fear. He wanted to show nothing that implied submission or cowardice, so he kept his head high, glaring at her.
"It is you who are the cause of all of this. You poison Morgana's mind, turning her against me!"he snarled."She will be free! If I cannot, Arthur will. I have not fallen, I am still the king. And you will be made to pay for this. My son will not stop until he has freed me."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 13, 2011 19:53:35 GMT -5
Uther was drifting, really, in and out of reality. He wasn't even sure it was really Gwen, although at least this time he'd stopped insisting she was Nimueh or Morgana. The spirits were attacking him and making things even worse;Merlin had already chased one away with fire, and Uther now refused to be without a torch nearby, although it was never certain he wouldn't sit there holding it, fall asleep, and start a fire. The guards watched him closely.
"I hope something is done...they torment me. The screaming spirits. They leave me no rest. I hope Arthur can stop it...I know he has gone to try. He would not do nothing while this happens."
For a moment, he seemed rather all right, but then he slipped into delusion once again.
"You only wish me to eat so that I will die...my food is never safe. You will eat first. Then we will see."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 13, 2011 0:51:11 GMT -5
"I still believe it a means of torture. They wish me to see my kingdom suffer and my people die. I fear it is Morgana..,Morgause...we must do something. Can't help Morgana...not while Morgause controls her. She must be controlling...she would not betray of her own accord. Or could Morgana...NO...I cannot fathom it."
Uther's rambling was a window to what he still believed. He still hated to believe that she was thinking on her own, that she was not enchanted. He was still not certain if Morgana had magic or not, could not imagine she would all these years. If anything happened, it was because her sister was using her.
Uther drank easier than he ate, because like anyone, getting thirsty made him uncomfortable a lot faster than getting hungry. But as with his food, he often feared it tainted. He was struggling again against the paranoia as he studied the drink Merlin held.
"It could be tainted...I can trust nothing. Sorcery and deception...nothing as it seems. One person masking themselves as another, hoping I will take the bait. I no longer trust my senses...they show me no truth. You will drink first. Then we will see."
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