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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 9, 2011 19:59:07 GMT -5
It made sense. He was not her only duty; even with Morgana gone, there was plenty of work to be done. It wasn't important, he was not in great need right now. What he did need, no one could fulfill for him. He wanted Morgana back, he wanted things to be as they were. He did not want to believe she was truly attempting to kill him. He wished he were stronger, that he could go and search for her himself if everything else failed. Perhaps things would be different if he'd done things differently, but it was too late now."No...I will be fine."
He saw Merlin repel the spirit with a torch, and it frightened him more. It made it more obvious that this wasn't his mind. It was real. Someone was using magic against him, and he couldn't stop it. He feared it was her, but he did not know. He could make sense of so little these days, many times.
"I think so. So it is real...not the same torments again. But what...? Someone endangers the whole of Camelot in their anger? It must be stopped...how can it be stopped? Perhaps they will not, until they have my life."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 7, 2011 23:54:48 GMT -5
She's probably enchanted...she wouldn't do it willingly, I agree.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 7, 2011 19:55:00 GMT -5
It's all going so fast! It's so short that we don't really get to enjoy it as much as American shows with 22 eps or so. Although hopefully it means they work harder on the plot since there's less time to put it into.
When Sir Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera) returns from the dead, old feelings reignite, as the drama continues. Gwen must fight temptation before she commits an unspeakable act of betrayal; one that would destroy the legacy of Camelot forever.
With heads and hearts thrown into turmoil, Merlin becomes suspicious. Can a man really defy death, or is there something more sinister at play?
Lancelot Du Lac is written by Lucy Watkins.
I sense Zombie!Lance or Magic!Fake!Lance (it could be a glamor, a magic creature...IDK)....but it's Gwen I'm curious about. This has to be the ep the jail scene came from.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 7, 2011 19:42:45 GMT -5
Uther knew that he was essentially caught in the middle, without an easy way out. If he did not produce a son, Camelot would be in danger after his death. If he gave his life, it would still be in danger, albeit much sooner. The king trusted Ygraine to raise her son, but the other kingdoms would take advantage of a woman ruler very easily. They would see her as weak and easily conquered. There was her brother, Agravaine, but Uther was not sure he trusted him. It was not something easily described, but Agravine seemed ambitious...there was little to say he wouldn't try to take the kingdom for himself long before the prince grew old enough to defend it. Ygraine's other brother, Tristan, was a possibility, but Uther was uncertain still.
"I seem to have little choice. Either way, the kingdom is in danger. If I die without an heir, it will be conquered by someone else. And if I do this and give my life, it is in danger while my son is young and unable to defend it. I know that women are not looked on well by male rulers and that they won't take kindly to Ygraine."he said."But then, how do we know? It is not certain who will be chosen. It could just as well be someone unimportant. If we are fortunate, both of us will live."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 6, 2011 21:09:22 GMT -5
Uther felt a crushing blow, though he did not shed tears right now. He shuddered, fists clenched. Lifting his head, he gave a cry that was half anger, half grief. He had everything he could want in the world. He had wealth, power, servants, every physical comfort he could want. He had the power of life and death over his people. But now, it all seemed worth nothing. None of it would bring Ygraine back.
Part of him was aware that magic couldn't be harnessed or controlled. But, like so much in his life, he'd been too stubborn, and was still too stubborn, to accept that fact. He hated not being in control, knowing that there was something he could not bend to his will without dire consequences.
He felt joy at having a son and heir, but the price had been too great. He would not wish that his son had not been born, but he wished it could have happened another way, a way that would not have left him alone. He felt as though something inside him had died in this moment. His eyes held fire....rage...a cold, numb feeling combined with a deadly fury.
"My son has brought me great joy. But I was a fool. I should have known that I was toying with dangerous forces. That magic itself is dangerous, and brings only evil and destruction."he said."This will not go unchecked. I *will* take drastic action. I must, for the protection of Camelot and all its people. I cannot turn a blind eye to something that endangers the kingdom by its very existence."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 4, 2011 1:17:31 GMT -5
Uther was essentially caught in a state between, a state of flux. Sometimes he was perceptive and able to discern things that might have surprised others, but other times, the brokenness and insanity tightened their hold and Uther slipped further into darkness and confusion. He tried to hold onto the clearer times, the times when he could hold onto reality and focus his mind. He wanted badly to recover, to keep himself from dying a broken old man, but it was not an easy path.
"I am glad. And pleased. You are always willing...you will protect the kingdom at any cost. But I fear for myself if I were to lose you. "
In his already broken, depressed state, the loss of Arthur would push him into insanity all the way, if not cause him to give up altogether and wait to die. It was a difficult thing to grapple with. He would not want Arthur to do any less than give his all for the kingdom, but he knew he could not bear the price it would exact from him. If Uther had known, he would have went, would have given his life. There was little left of it anyway, and it would have been better than the slow death of grief and insanity that was currently doing its best to destroy him. But he said nothing, it was over now.
"He was not always...but at least he fought well. Did have honor in the end."
The king could not forget Lancelot's first appearance in Camelot, but at least he had given his life for the kingdom. That would not be forgotten.
Arthur asked if he'd eaten. Just getting Uther to have a decent meal wasn't easy these days between his depression and periods of confusion, but he somehow kept himself alive, at least.
"A bit. But little...I was ill at ease and had little appetite."
He asked the other question that never stopped haunting him. He still longed to save his daughter, to bring her back from what he still desperately tried to believe was Morgause's doing. His rational mind knew it was Morgana herself, but he could not let go of his desires for her.
"What of Morgana? Has she been heard from at all? I cannot believe there is no hope...I still wish to save her..."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 1, 2011 23:39:11 GMT -5
Uther had been expecting her, though he did not intend to linger too long with this meeting. His mind was truly on other matters right now. Gorlois was dead and his emotions were in turmoil. No one would ever know that Uther had manipulated and tweaked, setting up conditions to cause his friend's death. He took no pleasure in it, it hurt him greatly. But, his knowledge that Gorlois was on the verge of finding out the truth was frightening to Uther, was something that could not happen. Uther rationalized that he had not taken Gorlois's life himself, but he knew that did not matter to some. The whispers were circulating, but no one had proof or dared speak against him.
Morgana was here now with him, and Uther's feelings about it were mixed. He could be the father he longed to be to her, could see her grow into a fine Lady. But she would do so believing that Gorlois was her father, because Uther could never tell her the truth. She was like him in so many ways, and deep inside, he feared what she could accomplish if she ever chose to rise against him.
For now, he had to help her settle in, comfort her as she mourned Gorlois, and take care of the matter of getting her a maid. There were plenty of female servants around;washerwomen, dancers,seamstresses,cooks. But Morgana needed a maid closer to her own age. And Uther always needed to know that those interacting most closely with the royal family could be trusted. He'd considered a number of girls, and this one seemed a likely candidate. She was not of noble blood, but her father's name was not unknown given that he was the kingdom's blacksmith and therefore, maker of the swords, daggers,armor,shields and other objects used by the knights and Uther and Arthur themselves. Uther did recall speaking with him several times and being fitted for armor by him.
"Yes. As is known around the kingdom now, the Lady Morgana has come to live in the castle with the Prince and I. Naturally, she will be needing a maidservant to attend to her. You are spoken well of, and I wish to see if you are a fit for the job."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Nov 1, 2011 0:59:37 GMT -5
Arthur had indeed not revealed the true purpose of his trip in exact words before he'd left. Uther had simply been aware of things in his tone and demeanor, although his troubled mind had difficulty processing them. He did take comfort in Arthur's assurance that the spirits were gone. A part of him questioned whether it was Morgana's work, but he was unsure of her abilities, if she truly had magic herself or it was Morgause helping her when magic was used against him. He knew only that someone had done something, and it had been something terrible. Arthur had been uneasy while facing it, but he had prevailed.
"I fear it was more...there were things unsaid. I recall your face. Your actions. But whatever it was, your return brings me relief."
Arthur spoke of the funeral, and of Lancelot. Uther had never agreed with Arthur knighting these commoners, but he'd been in no position to argue or demand otherwise. He did recall the griffin, and arguing with Arthur, but Lancelot hadn't stayed in the end.
"At least he died well. I never agreed with your actions, but chose not to argue. I was not in a position to do so. It does attest to the goodness of your judgements."
Uther was still stubborn, even in his broken state, and he couldn't make himself say outright that he'd been right about Lancelot, but he was still admitting something, in a more roundabout way.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 27, 2011 23:43:59 GMT -5
Uther wanted to believe her. He had little doubt that Arthur would give his life for the kingdom if it were necessary. He had been brought up knowing the importance of the kingdom and the good of the people over one's own life. And that was what his words had sounded like. Even with the horror of the spirits and the disarray of his mind, Uther wasn't certain she was telling the truth.
"It did not sound that way. It is difficult to recall his words, but I do recall his tone. And his eyes. It sounded as though he were facing something...something frightening. Like he might not return."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 27, 2011 1:00:03 GMT -5
Uther was well aware of the potential consequences of what he asked. He knew full well that a life had to be taken for a life to be given. He was saddened by the thought that he would not see his son grow up, that the boy would never know his father. But Uther felt it a sacrifice worth making. The good of the kingdom must always come before one's own desires. He had expected Nimueh to be surprised and uneasy about his request, as it was a powerful type of magic he wished to employ. He nodded in reply to the question she asked. Of course, in his desire for an heir, Uther did not realize that there were no guarantees, that the magic would choose its own sacrifice, and he could not assure things in such a manner as he wished.
"Yes. You said that for a life to be created, a life must be taken. I know that a sacrifice must be made, and I am willing to make it. It is not an easy thing to offer one's life, to want something so much it is worth dying for, but I am prepared to offer myself...if it will allow Camelot an heir, it will be worth it. I must put the future of the kingdom above myself."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 23, 2011 16:04:07 GMT -5
Uther looked to her when she could be seen, his eyes dark and empty. She asked what had happened, and he fought to restrain his emotions long enough to speak. He knew that no hope remained, but he did not want to accept it. Surely something could be done, something could bring her back. It could not end like this...
"That is what I ask you. Her labor...it seemed to progress fine, and the baby lives. He is strong and healthy. But the bleeding was far too great. The physician could not help her. Please...there must be something that can be done. I cannot lose her."The thought hammered at the king's mind, relentless, almost mocking. The knowledge of the price."My life was to be the price. This was never to happen! She was not to die!"Uther said with a furious, helpless roar in his voice.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 23, 2011 0:17:10 GMT -5
Uther would not forget their past, either. He was young then, and more carefree. His father had taken him to task a few times about dabbling with non-royals. Even as third son, he was still expected to marry a woman of royal blood and further alliances with the kingdom's allies. Nimueh wasn't a servant, but she wasn't royalty, either, and even when he had become king of his own land, he was still inclined to marry properly and strengthen his claim with new allies. It had not been a difficult thing, Ygraine had stolen his heart. She had become everything to him, and he had put any other romantic feelings aside.
But now, the hurdle he faced seemed insurmountable. He turned to what he believed was his and Camelot's last hope.
"It is good to see you again. I only wish it could be under better circumstances."He said with a sigh."I have done well for myself, I have almost all that I could want. But what I desire most, I fail to achieve. Camelot must have an heir, but nothing has worked. The physician has tried everything, and Ygraine remains barren. Please...there must be something you can do. Some way magic can be used to give us a son."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 21, 2011 13:14:49 GMT -5
King Uther felt a terrible wave of anger and despair. Today should have been a day of joy and celebration, welcoming the newborn prince into the world. But instead, it was a day of mourning. He was alone, empty...Ygraine lay lifeless in the bed where she had given birth.
The labor had gone fine at first, and Uther was summoned with the news that he had a strong, healthy son. But then, Ygraine had begun to hemorrhage. Gaius tried desperately to help her, but he could do nothing to save her. Even Alice, his companion, had been unable to save the queen.
Uther felt a wave of rage at Nimueh and at all who practiced magic. It was his life that was to be taken, not Ygraine's. Nimueh had deceived him. Magic had betrayed him. Tears stung his eyes, his fists clenched in rage and helplessness, his emotions beyond control.
Now, he waited for Nimueh to arrive, pacing, desperate. Deep inside, he held little hope for Ygraine, but he had to plead. He had ordered her left in her chamber, with no one else to enter, until Nimueh arrived. If she could not help....all who practiced magic would pay.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 20, 2011 19:39:59 GMT -5
King Uther stood on the balcony, waiting anxiously for the arrival of the friend he'd summoned. He did not wish to discuss this matter in the grand hall, it was only to be known to Nimueh, aside from the king himself and Gaius.
It was the desperate measure of a man who believed himself without recourse that drove him to this point. He had conquered this land, had brought peace and prosperity to its people. But, he and Ygraine had failed to produce an heir to solidify his place as king. She failed to become pregnant, even with Gaius's remedies helping her, and the few times she had conceived, she had failed to carry the child more than a few weeks.
The council had advised him to send Ygraine away and take another wife, so that he could produce an heir, and Uther would have no part of that. Ygraine was everything to him, and he felt as though he would not be able to live if she were not with him. And now, with all other recourses having failed, he had summoned Nimueh to assist with the one thing that would still work: magic. Ygraine knew it would be dangerous, though she did not know the true cost of the venture. Uther knew what would be required, and he was prepared to give himself for a son. Ygraine would then be able to raise him and Camelot's future would be secure after he was gone.
Now, he waited for her arrival, under no impression that she would enter by normal means. She had a way of appearing suddenly, and leaving just as suddenly, while being seen only by those she wished to know of her coming. He readied himself, knowing that she would not agree easily to what he asked, but knowing he would not have her refuse him.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 16, 2011 22:34:35 GMT -5
Uther knew that Morgana was doing things solely to torment and agitate him. He'd been helpless as she'd had more and more of those loyal to him executed, able to hear their shouts of loyalty and the sounds of flying arrows and dying cries. Some of his knights were imprisoned with him, but Uther knew that it was only a matter of time before they died as well. She would only kill him in the end, after everyone else had died. He knew she wanted Arthur dead as well, but he held out hope that the Prince would come and rescue him, that he was not dead. He would not believe Nimueh's repeated taunts unless he saw a body.
He did not recognize the figure that came in, and at first, he expected it to be Morgana or Nimueh, or one of the guards, coming to continue their torments. But once she spoke, he did not know who she was. Lady Celta, she identified herself as. One of the nobles, though he was not extremely well acquainted with her. Still, she had risked her life sneaking down here, and he did not know what she hoped to accomplish, but he hoped something. He just hoped it wasn't magic; as desperate as he was to escape, he loathed the way he would appear a huge hypocrite if he should escape by magical means, and he could not trust a magic user as it was.
"What is it? Have you a way to help us?"
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 12, 2011 19:05:58 GMT -5
Uther took little notice of the figure in his room. It was not all of the time that he took notice of anyone these days. He would speak now and then, would sometimes even appear almost normal. Other times, he was obviously not lucid, or simply felt too depressed and broken to speak much. But he did know that something was very wrong. His mind was at least clear enough to see that.
The screams rarely stopped now, some distant and soft, others right here in the castle. Uther was not certain if the ghostly figures he saw were reality or not, but they taunted him, like pale skulls, forcing his guards to ward them off with light. Somehow, he did not think them more hallucinations. Word had gotten around of the toll they were exacting.
Arthur had said he was leaving, but the conversation was not completely clear in Uther's mind. He could not recall where Arthur had said he was going or when he was returning, only that he had not liked the way his son had sounded. It sounded almost like a goodbye.
The person here now wasn't him, but the servant girl, Gwen. Uther finally spoke, his voice containing the usual tiredness and strain it carried these days.
"Where is Arthur? Something is wrong. I fear for him."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 11, 2011 19:10:20 GMT -5
Uther moved a little bit when the door opened, but he didn't make much reaction to anyone coming in these days. Usually it was one of the servants, tending to one thing or another. Occasionally it might be Agravaine, Uther was uneasy at times with his presence, but had no inkling of the true ill will held against him or the collaboration with Morgana.
This time, however, it was Arthur, and the king tried to recall the earlier conversation through his troubled brain. He wondered if the torment of reality and hallucination blending and blurring would ever go away and if he would ever be left in peace. He thought he recalled Arthur saying a sort of goodbye, as though he would not be returning, but he also recalled the answer about the hunting trip. The funeral pyre made the confusion worse.
"Arthur. What happened...where did you go? We spoke...but I do not recall. I was told something about a hunting trip. But there is...was more. Something stopped the spirits. I no longer hear the screams. See their faces. But I saw the fire...who has died?"Uther knew he wasn't making as much sense as he usually did, but he hoped he was focused enough to be clear to Arthur.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 11, 2011 17:33:34 GMT -5
ontd-merlin.livejournal.com/306399.html?view=10794463#t10794463I won't know what's what until Saturday. We've had characters nearly die or seemingly die before-Morgana,a couple near-death Uther eps-and then there's a sudden twist to get him out alive. However, we also have the pic from episode 4.... *flails* I want Saturday here!!!!
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 9, 2011 20:14:12 GMT -5
Uther's broken mind had difficult remembering things for too long a time. Arthur had come to him before leaving for the Isle, but it had faded into the king's memory, and he could not recall where he had said he was going. It was hard to know what was real anymore, and what existed only in his mind, and it prevented him from grasping things very well.
A hunting trip. That's where someone had said he was going. Gwen, the servant girl, that was who had told him. He would be back in a couple of days. But there was something more, something Arthur had said that Uther wished he could recall. And the spirits, the screams...he had heard them everywhere. They had come for him at times, and he had only been spared because someone had pushed him out of their way or repelled them with fire.
Now, all was quiet. The smell of smoke filled the air, and he could see a pyre being lit in the courtyard. At first, he feared it was for Arthur, as words began to filter through his damaged mind. However, then saw the prince and knew he was alive. Uther wondered if Arthur would come and speak to him, wondered who it was for. Who had made the sacrifice?
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Oct 6, 2011 18:58:01 GMT -5
Uther listened, fairly quiet for a bit, eating as he took in the conversation. They talked slightly less too, as was natural during a meal-it's not exactly easy to eat while speaking, and still be proper, after all. Uther knew that Arthur would enjoy having Caitrin around, he just had to hope there wasn't another incident like there was with the earlier noble family who'd stayed in the castle. Arthur had wanted to marry her, and kept sneaking out to see her.
"I believe he will. Hopefully now, he will know to keep his head. Young men and young women..."Uther shook his head, not saying too much because he was young once, and guilty of many of the same behaviors. It was only time that could mature a man and settle him down.
Caitrin expressed hope that he would watch her progress and he nodded. After all, it would be impossible not to as long as they stayed here. Of course, Uther had other reasons as well, but he was not going to speak of that."I shall."
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