Lancelot and Guinevere
Merlin stands in smoke as always.
'In a land of myth, and a time of magic the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulder of a young boy. His name? Merlin,' the great dragon intones as Merlin's eyes flash.
'Why do your eyes go gold when you use magic?' asked Percival.
Merlin shrugged, 'they just do I don't know why.'
'Nobody does,' admits Gaius, 'it's the way they've always done some say it's because magic comes from the dragons and they have golden eyes but nobody knows for sure.'
'Kilgharrah probably does,' Merlin said.
'Probably but he'll never tell you,' Gaius said.
Merlin nods.
Arthur helps Morgana up into her horse. His eyes connect with Gwen's across the courtyard.
'I hope your trip isn't too upsetting,' Arthur says turning his attention to Gwen.
'Well that went well,' smirked Merlin.
'Thanks Arthur,' smiles Morgana.
'Make sure you return to Camelot before dusk,' Arthur said.
'You really should shut up Arthur,' Merlin said.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
'Yes, sir,' one of Morgana's guards nod.
The group rides off. Gwen looks back and Arthur looks at her. Their eyes connect and they share a look of forbidden love.
Lancelot scowls jealously he tenses up but doesn't say anything knowing Gwen has no feelings towards him anymore.
Elyan groaned, 'you think you can tone down the loving looks with my little sister. I'm okay with you but it's awkward for me.'
'I'm a big girl now, Ellie,' Gwen rolled her eyes at her brother.
Merlin comes running down the castle steps carrying training things, 'where are they going?' he asks.
Arthur looks at his servant finally breaking eye contact with Gwen.
'She's going on a pilgrimage to her father's grave,' explained Arthur.
On Morgana's journey they are riding through a green valley.
'You look troubled, Gwen,' Morgana commented.
'That obvious?' asked Gwen.
'Yes,' Merlin said.
'I'm fine,' Gwen assured her lady.
'You're very secretive these days,' Morgana comments.
'Hark whose talking,' muttered Arthur.
'There's nothing wrong with being secretive,' retorted Merlin. 'You didn't go around shouting about being in love with Gwen.'
'True,' said Arthur.
'I'm beginning to think there's a man involved,' Morgana said.
'When do I get to meet any decent men?' asked Gwen.
'Oi,' Gwaine, Lancelot and Arthur said.
Merlin rolled his eyes.
'Is everyone in love with my sister?' asked Elyan.
'I'm not,' Merlin retorted.
'No you just kissed her,' Elyan said drily.
'She kissed me,' Merlin retorted, 'I was barely conscious!'
'That's not the point,' Elyan said.
'Elyan shut up,' Gwen snapped.
They continue along the path when a bunch of men in dark attack them. Morgana and Gwen are pulled off their horses. Gwen somehow gets away from them. Morgana sees this, 'head up the path, go!' orders Morgana.
Morgana too tries to run but run's into the head man.
'I warn you I am the King's Ward he'll have your head if anything happens to me!' Morgana warned.
'Even if you hate him,' Arthur said.
'I have no intention of harming you. At least not yet. You're much more valuable alive, Lady Morgana,' the man grins.
Morgana and Gwen are watching from the tent.
'He's coming. You know what you must do?' asks Morgana.
Gwen nods as the man comes to them, 'I trust you are comfortable.'
'I demand to know where you are taking us!' Morgana demands.
'You'll find out soon enough,' assures the kidnapper. 'We have a long journey ahead of us you should rest.'
'How courteous,' muttered Lancelot offended.
Morgana follows after the man.
'I wish to bathe,' she informed him confidently.
'Is she scared of anything?' asked Percival.
'Apart from her own magic, no,' Merlin said grimly.
A bunch of me surrounded the lady; the one who appears in charge asks incredulously 'you wish to bathe?'
'I'm the King's Ward,' the lady reminds her kidnappers. 'I'm accustomed to certain standards. You may be contented to stink like a pig,' she insults.
'Ouch,' laughs Gwaine.
'And how many times have you been asked that?' laughed Gwen.
Gwaine looks affronted.
'But I am not!' the lady says proudly.
In the council chambers there are a few knights, Merlin, Uther and Arthur on the right of the long table that the nobles usually eat at.
'Morgana's party hasn't returned to Camelot,' Arthur informs his father. 'There's no sign of her.'
'Send riders to the outlying villages!' orders the king. 'I want every guard, every sentry searching for her!'
'I'll dispatch them immediately,' the crown prince says.
At the edge of a river Morgana takes off her cloak as the outlaw watches her.
'You might find the water a little icy,' warns the outlaw.
'I'm sure I'll manage,' Morgana assures him.
The outlaw has one arm on Gwen.
Arthur and Lancelot look ready to kill something.
'If you were any kind of gentleman you'd give me some privacy,' the girl says.
'Well, unfortunately for you, I am no kind of gentleman. Get on with it,' ordered the leader of the outlaws.
'That's terrible,' Lancelot said outraged. 'Glad someone locked them up with Wildren,' Lancelot gave Merlin a sly look.
Merlin grinned.
'What?' Arthur asked.
'You'll see,' Lancelot replies.
Morgana begins to slide off her dress into just an under dress whilst the outlaws smile creepily at her, 'you can at least turn your backs,' Morgana requests.
'So you can make a run for it?' suggests the man.
'Do you thing I'm that stupid?' asked the man.
'I think you're very stupid,' replied Morgana as Gwen slides the sword from the outlaw's belt.
'Yay!' cheered Gwaine, 'go Gwen!'
Gwen grinned at her friend.
Gwen throws the sword at Morgana who catches it, 'run!' she orders.
The two run through the woods whilst the bandits chase after the girls. Gwen goes one way but Morgana shouts, 'no this way,' and the two run.
But Gwen trips on a root, 'ow,' she cries.
'Come on, Gwen, put a hand on my shoulder,' Morgana directs the girl.
'No, no, no, we'll never outrun them. Go!' Gwen ordered. 'You must go on without me.'
'Don't leave her,' Arthur said.
'I'm not leaving you behind,' Morgana said.
'Morgana, go, please, you must get help,' Gwen said.
'As she did,' grinned Merlin.
'Take this,' Morgana thrust the sword into her maid's hands.
'Go!' repeated Gwen.
Gwen sits behind a tree not able to put any weight on her ankle but holding the sword firmly.
Morgana looks back to where she left Gwen with pain on her face.
Arthur, some knights and Merlin inspect the bodies of Morgana's dead guards and the weapons which killed them.
'This is Mercian craftsmanship,' Arthur said.
Merlin walks forwards, 'Arthur,' he calls picking up a piece of parchment, 'it's a ransom note. They've taken Morgana hostage!'
In the woods the patrol is searching for Morgana.
'The tracks lead off this way,' Arthur is saying.
The knights hear a rustling in the pushes. Arthur signals for a crossbow and sneaks up to the bush were the rustling is coming from. He jumps about to shoot when he sees its Morgana Arthur looks around, 'where's Guinevere?' he demands.
Morgana's chine wobbles. Arthur stares at her hurt and pain clear on his face.
'You really love her,' sighed Lancelot.
Merlin gave Lancelot a sad look.
Gwen is on her knees before the outlaws.
Lancelot and Arthur sit up sharply hoping she is okay.
'How could you let her escape?' demanded the leader. 'Eh?' he begins smashing up the camp. 'You bring me this servant. She's worthless to us.'
Then he goes up to Gwen who is shaking and grabs hold of her face.
'Don't touch her!' Arthur and Lancelot shouts and reach for their swords.
'Arthur, Lancelot, it's over I'm okay,' Gwen says calming the two men.
Then looking between Morgana's clothes and Gwen he grabs the clothes holding them up to Gwen's face.
'Put them on,' he orders the servant.
'What are you going to do with me?' Gwen asks.
'Hengist has never met the Lady Morgana for all he knows you could be Uther Pendragon's ward,' the man explains.
'There will be no ransom money, though,' said Arthur, 'and that's all Hengist wants!'
Gwen and Lancelot nod.
Uther is sitting on his throne when Morgana walks to greet her guardian after being kidnapped. Uther stands up when he sees her.
'It is such a relief to see you safe,' he walks towards the girl. 'I couldn't bare the thought of anyone harming you,' he sees the cut on the side of her face.
'The bandits still have Gwen,' Morgana says.
Arthur, Elyan and Lancelot tense up.
'I believe they were Mercian,' adds Arthur, 'we've had reports that Hengist has crossed the border!'
'Hengist?' asked Uther.
'You must send a rescue party,' begged Morgana.
'He'll never do that for a servant,' sighed Gaius.
'If Hengist is holding her it will take a small army to rescue your maid,' Uther informs his daughter.
'We can't abandon her!' Morgana retorts. 'Gwen gave up herself so I might escape I owe her my life!'
'She did so willingly and will be honoured for it,' Uther tried to comfort the girl.
'I don't want her rescued – I want her rescued!' Morgana retorts. Morgana grabs the king's arm.
Gaius watches the girl worriedly.
'Please, she's more than just maid she's my friend,' Morgana begs.
Gwen looked very sad, 'how things have changed.'
Merlin nodded thinking of Gwen's execution attempt at the hands of Morgana.
Arthur frowns as Morgana runs to him.
'Arthur, please,' she begs.
'My father's right,' Arthur said.
'What?' shouts Elyan.
'I thought you loved her!' Lancelot snaps whilst thinking, why did she chose him?
'I do,' Arthur assures him.
'Wait,' Merlin said.
'I'm afraid there's nothing we can do,' Arthur lies.
'How can you say that?' demands Morgana. 'How can you live with yourself?' she changes her demands.
'Hark whose talking,' muttered Percival.
'All of you,' she looks around at the council gathered.
Gaius walks to her and removes her from court.
'Was that in case her magic got out of control?' asked Merlin.
Gaius nods, 'I didn't think Uther needed to know that!'
Arthur looks at her sadly.
Gwen, dressed in Morgana's robes, and the outlaws ride up to the castle. After Gwen has dismounted she is steered before Hengist who looks at her.
'Ah Kendrick I was beginning to think you had failed me,' Hengist greets his minion.
'You have,' Gwen said.
'May I present the Lady Morgana,' Kendrick lies.
Hengist laughs, 'you're as beautiful as they say, Lady Morgana.'
'I demand that you release me immediately!' Gwen portrays an accurate impression of Morgana.
'That's not a bad impression of Morgana,' Arthur says.
'Just as soon as Uther Pendragon pays your ransom,' Hengist replies.
'Which he won't,' muttered Gwaine.
Kendrick looks worried and Gwen's throat tightens.
'In the meantime you are here as my guest,' Hengist offers.
'Do not flatter yourself,' retorts Gwen. 'I'm not your guest I am your guest.'
'I don't think you should have said that,' Lancelot warns knowing what Hengist was like.
'As you wish,' Hengist nods to one of his employees. 'Take her to the dungeons!'
Arthur doesn't like the idea of Gwen being in a prison so scowls whilst keeping a hand on the pommel of his sword.
One of the outlaws drags Gwen away from Hengist.
Morgana storms into Arthur's chambers where he is packing.
'How can you be so heartless?' she demands of her brother. 'Gwen is the most loyal, kind you'd ever meet
'Unlike you,' Arthur scowled.
and she's been more than a friend to all of us,' Morgana reminds her brother.
'Not that you'd know it with the way you treat me,' Gwen frowned sadly.
Arthur continues to pack.
'And you'd leave her at the mercy of those animals?' Morgana continues to rages.
'Morgana,' Arthur tries to reason with the sorceress.
'Have you no shame?' demands Morgana. 'Do you think of no one but yourself?'
'Morgana,' Arthur tries to halt her tirade again.
'I knew you were many things, Arthur Pendragon, but I did not know you were a gutless coward!' Morgana rages.
'And you'd know all about being a gutless coward,' Lancelot adds.
'I don't think she's a coward to risk execution for your misdeeds you can't be a coward,' Merlin said.
'Why do you defend her?' demands Lancelot.
'Because I pity her,' Merlin shouts. 'She's the equal and opposite to me. She's the personification of what I could be!'
Everyone stopped and stared at the angry warlock.
'You're nothing like her,' Gaius says quietly.
Merlin smiles sadly but says nothing.
'Morgana!' Arthur finally turns to face his future enemy. 'Perhaps if you stopped shouting at me for one moment you'd notice I'm packing,' he shows her his bag.
Morgana stops, 'you going after Gwen,' she says.
'Of course I'm going after her. What do you take me for?' asks Arthur.
'A gutless coward didn't you hear,' grinned Gwaine.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
'I couldn't disagree with my father,' Arthur explained.
'Why?' asked Percival, before Morgana had killed his father, he had always argued with his father.
'Bad for public moral,' Arthur explained.
'Arthur?' asked Morgana.
Arthur turned to look at his sister whilst in the door way, 'bring her home,' Morgana requests.
Arthur nods.
In Gaius' chambers Merlin comes down the stairs carrying a bag. Gaius sees him, 'I suppose you and Arthur are going after Gwen,' the old man states.
'Don't even think about telling me not to go. There's nothing that you can say that will stop me,' Merlin says.
'I wasn't going to try and stop you, Merlin. All I ask is you come back safely too,' Gaius assures the boy.
Hunith nods in agreement.
'I always do,' Merlin smiles.
The two of them share a farewell hug.
Outside the castle Arthur and Merlin are looking for a way out.
'I'll fetch the horses you distract the guards,' orders Arthur.
'Key word distract not knock out,' Arthur raised an eyebrow. 'I take it you used magic.'
'Don't I always?' asked Merlin.
'Wha, how do I that?' whispers Merlin.
'Magic,' suggests Percival.
'I don't know, do I have to think of everything?' Arthur turns to leave.
'You did get the easy part,' Gwen says.
The two guards stand then Merlin begins to enchant, 'binne tófléon,' the barrels roll towards the guards.
The two guards start and look at the barrel.
Merlin whispers, 'alíese,' the barrels suddenly jump up.
The guards start forward towards the barrels.
Merlin uses more magic, 'swertha.'
More barrels come rolling towards the guards; which knocks them out. Arthur comes with the horses, 'What did you do? I said distract them not knock them out,' he tells his servant.
Merlin looks at Arthur, 'there's just no pleasing you sometimes.'
Hengist is having a feast with Gwen when Hengist suddenly stands up, 'silence!' he commands of his people.
Kendrick looks at Morgana's imposter.
'Our royal guest; the Lady Morgana,' Hengist places a hand on Gwen's shoulder.
Lancelot and Arthur look less than pleased at this.
'Has grown bored she needs some entertaining,' he laughs.
'I know men like that,' frowned Gwaine, 'his form of entertainment is never suitable for a lady.'
Lancelot nods in agreement.
Hengist's crowd cheer. In the cage a tall, muscular, bald man appears, 'yeah!' he cries holding up his hands.
Hengist smiles, 'bring on the challenger!'
Lancelot appears and sees Gwen; he and Gwen's eyes meet.
Arthur scowls jealously.
'Do you accept the challenge?' questions Hengist.
Lancelot nods and the future knight begin. The two fight and Lancelot quickly gets the upper hand. He's about to kill his opponent when he sees Gwen staring at him. Lancelot shakes his head and walks out of the fighting cage. Hengist observes him and chucks a small sack of gold at the man.
'What is your name?' asks Hengist.
'My name is Lancelot,' Lancelot introduces himself.
'You have proved yourself to be a skilful warrior,' nods Hengist.
'That's why he's one of my knights,' Arthur says proudly.
'I believed you may have even impressed my royal guest, the Lady Morgana,' Hengist gestures to Gwen.
Gwen and Lancelot's eyes meet. Gwen looks nervous that Lancelot is going to reveal her true identity.
'My lady,' Lancelot nods and kisses her hand.
Again Arthur scowls at the familiarity between the two.
Hengist laughs at the familiarity between his guests.
'Next time you fight don't expect any mercy,' warns Hengist. 'Release the Wilderin!' he commands.
'That's what happens if you loose,' Lancelot says grimly.
'No!' cries Gwen distressed turning to her kidnapper.
'He's not going to listen to you,' Arthur says grimly.
The looser is come upon by the beast. He backs into the corner. Gwen looks at Hengist in shock.
Arthur and Merlin are riding through the forest when Merlin falls off his horse.
'What are you doing?' demands the Pendragon prince.
'I must have fallen asleep,' Merlin says from the forest floor. 'Oh I'm so tired,' he lies down closing his eyes. 'I can barely keep my eyes open.'
Arthur looks at him then chucks water from his water skin over him. Merlin sits up, 'oh I feel much better, thanks!'
'Guinevere's life is at stake,' Arthur reminds Merlin. 'We can't afford to waste a second.'
Merlin groans but gets up.
Gwen is in her cells trying to keep warm under Morgana's cloak.
'Gwen,' Lancelot calls.
Gwen stands up and makes her way to the peeping hole where Lancelot's face is.
'Lancelot!' whispers the maid.
'I could not believe my eyes when I saw it was you,' Lancelot admits.
'I thought my mind was deceiving me,' Gwen reaches for Lancelot's hands.
'You really like him,' Arthur tried to make it sound like it doesn't bother him but everyone could see it did.
'Liked,' Gwen corrected.
Lancelot winced heart broken.
'Why does Hengist think you are the Lady Morgana?' asks Lancelot.
'Kendrick,' says Merlin.
'He believes he's holding Morgana to ransom,' Gwen explains. 'When no ransom his paid he'll realise the truth and then-'Gwen begins.
'I won't allow that to happen,' Arthur and Lancelot say at the same time.
There's then an awkward pause when Lancelot and Arthur realise they've said the same thing about the woman they both love.
'I will not allow that to happen,' Lancelot assures the girl.
'What are you doing here?' Gwen asks. 'Are you one of Hengist's men?' Gwen asks looking heartbroken.
'You better not be,' threatened Arthur.
'Lancelot would never be so low to be one of Hengist's men!' Merlin states.
'No I wouldn't,' agreed Lancelot looking at Gwen.
'No,' Lancelot answers quickly.
'What became of you after you left Camelot?' asked Gwen.
'There a few opportunities for me like me,' explained Lancelot.
Percival, Elyan, and Gwaine nod at this.
Arthur frowns, 'that's changing I knight anyone who has the strength, valour and courage to do so.'
'It seems to be my destiny to entertain men like Hengist,' Lancelot says hopelessly.
'That's not true,' Merlin says.
'Not anymore,' Lancelot agrees with a smile.
The door of Gwen's cell begins to unlock, 'someone's coming,' Gwen says desperately breaking free of Lancelot's hand.
Arthur looks relieved that the two have stopped holding hands, finally.
'No matter what it takes I will find a way to get you out of here,' promises the once and future knight. 'I will,' he repeats.'
Lancelot leaves and Gwen smiles.
Arthur frowned, 'do you really love me?' he asks, 'if you love him you can-'
'I had feelings for him once,' Gwen admits, 'but my feelings for you have overshadowed Lancelot.'
The Once and Future King and Queen share a passionate kiss with Lancelot staring jealously at them.
In the woods Arthur and Merlin have stopped.
'Merlin,' Arthur calls his servant.
Merlin is sleeping under an old, grey blanket when the prince walks up to the sleeping servant and pours water over his head. Merlin wakes with a start, 'eh, what's going on?' Merlin asks still half asleep. 'How long have I been asleep.'
'Long enough,' Arthur assures the boy.
'Did you get some rest?' Merlin asks.
'Couldn't sleep,' Arthur says.
Merlin sits up looking suspiciously at the prince.
'I've never seen you like this, about anyone,' Merlin says.
'What are you talking about?' asks Arthur.
'Your in love,' grinned Gwaine.
'Gwen,' Merlin states. 'You really care about her don't you?'
Arthur continues fiddling with the horse straps, 'what I care about is not wasting any more time talking.'
'It's not good to block out your emotions,' Hunith says quietly.
'You sound like Merlin,' muttered Arthur.
'He is my son,' Hunith says.
'I am here you know,' grinned Merlin.
'Let's get moving,' Arthur ignores his servant.
Merlin continues to watch Arthur as he stands up.
Merlin is sitting in her cell as Hengist enters, 'I have not yet received any word from Uther,' the ransom holder says suspicious. 'That he intends to pay your ransom.'
'He doesn't,' says Lancelot.
Gwen just stares at the man without saying anything.
'I was informed that the king was extremely fond of his ward,' Hengist adds.
'He is,' Gaius says.
'Considering she's really his daughter are you surprised,' Merlin asks.
Arthur once again winces.
Gwen tenses but doesn't look away from her kidnapper, 'are you not surprised that he is content to let you die?'
'How can I know the king's mind when I'm locked in your stinking cell,' retorts Gwen.
Hengist moves forward, 'if I do not hear from Uther by dawn tomorrow this "stinking cell"' he quotes, 'will be the last thing you ever see.'
Gwen refuses to look away or appear in anyway intimidated; Hengist walks away laughing. As the door slams Gwen sits down breathing heavily fear in her eyes.
'Don't worry Guinevere I'll be there soon,' Arthur assures her.
'And I'll get you out of there,' Lancelot promises her.
'Plus Merlin doesn't let anybody down,' smiles Hunith proudly.
In the woods Arthur is consulting the map, 'the ransom was supposed to be delivered to the Vale of Dinaria.'
Merlin comes to look at the map.
'Which means if he's holding Gwen anywhere it has to be here,' Arthur points at the map. 'Which means we'll save a days riding if we cut through the tunnels of Andor.'
They look towards the dark holes that lead them to Gwen. Merlin looks at Arthur.
'Oh no,' Merlin moans. 'I know that face. I'm not going to like this?'
'What now?' groaned Arthur.
'What's in the tunnels?'
'Accurate deduction,' nods Gaius.
'They're infested with wilddeoren,' Arthur admits.
'What are wilddeoren?' asked Merlin worriedly.
'They're like giant,' Arthur mimed with his hands. Then seeing Merlin's face he makes the size of his hands smaller, 'baby rats.'
Lancelot snorts, 'hardly.'
'Baby rats?' asked Merlin incredulously. 'They don't sound so bad.'
'Oh yeah,' Lancelot raised an eyebrow.
'Arthur was undervaluing them,' Merlin muttered.
'They feast on human flesh,' Arthur adds quickly.
'Maybe we should go over the mountain,' suggest Merlin.
Arthur hits Merlin with the map and goes over to a bunch of bushes.
'What are you doing?' asked Merlin calling after him.
'Wilddeoren are completely blind, they hunt by sense of smell,' Arthur explains.
Gaius nods, 'true,' he says.
'Gaia berries will disguise our smell and put them completely off our scent,' Arthur said.
'Does that work?' asked Lancelot.
'It could,' agrees Gaius, 'but I've never heard of anyone doing anything like it.'
'It works,' Merlin assures him, 'because someone had us test his theory!'
'It worked didn't it,' Arthur grinned.
Merlin rolled his eyes.
Arthur and Merlin began smearing their faces with the berries, 'ugh these stink,' Merlin groaned. 'They're really bad,' he groans.
'Perhaps you'd prefer to be eaten alive,' suggest Arthur.
'Not really no,' Merlin admits.
'Pass me some more,' Merlin said suddenly.
'You changed your tune,' comments Gaius.
Arthur walked up to Merlin and smeared the servant's face with berries.
In the caves Merlin and Arthur begin walking through. They hear the screams of the wilddeoren. Arthur and Merlin look at each other. Sometime later Merlin suddenly stops, 'I just stood on something,' he whispers.
'That was my foot,' Arthur says.
'Oh sorry,' Merlin hisses back.
'How much further is it?' whispers Merlin.
'You can't be scared,' Hunith said. 'You and Will spent half your childhood running through the caves around Ealdor.'
'They didn't have any man eating creatures around,' retorted Merlin,
'True,' Hunith nods.
'Ssh,' hisses Arthur. 'Wilddeoren are coming. Whatever happens keep completely still,' warns Arthur as stamped out the torches.
Merlin and Arthur hide behind a stone. The wilddeoren both come along and sniff at the boys. They obviously don't like the smell of the gaia berry so soon leave.
In Hengist's castle Lancelot sneaks up to Gwen's cell. Gwen is sitting on her bed with Morgana's velvet, red cloak.
'Gwen?' whispers Lancelot.
'Lancelot,' Gwen looks relieved.
'I was terrified I might find your cell empty,' Lancelot admits.
'There has been no word from Uther,' the king's so called ward whispers terrified. 'I fear Hengist is getting suspicious.'
'He was,' Lancelot said grimly.
'You must keep up the pretence,' Lancelot advises.
Merlin nods, 'see I'm not the only one who can hold up a lie in the face of death.'
'Not for my whole life,' Gwen reminds him.
'Be ready; I will come for you before midnight,' Lancelot promises.
Arthur and Merlin come to a river after making their way through the tunnels and begin cleaning themselves up.
'Gaia berries work, huh,' Arthur says surprised.
Merlin stops and looks at Arthur.
'You mean you didn't know if they worked?' he demands.
Arthur shakes his head, 'not for sure,' Arthur says calmly.
Merlin stands up angrily, 'and you tell me now!' he demands. '"Oh what's that wilddeoren eating, it's alright it's just Merlin?" Are you trying to get us both killed?' he demands.
Arthur laughs.
'It wasn't funny,' Merlin frowned at Arthur.
'I'm sorry,' Arthur's apology is ruined by his grin. 'I shouldn't have risked your life like that.'
'Well they do say love makes you do strange things,' Merlin suggest.
'Merlin,' laughs Hunith.
'What are you talking about?' asks Arthur.
Merlin grins, 'why can't you just admit your feelings for Gwen?'
'My father,' muttered Arthur.
Lancelot looks at Arthur he had no idea how hard it was for Arthur to show his feelings.
Arthur shakes his head turning around.
Merlin grinned, 'it's so obvious a blind man could see it! Why can't you admit you like her! Just say it!'
Arthur sheaves his sword, 'I can't,' retorts Arthur. 'How can I admit that I think about her all the time? How can I admit that I care for her anyone? How can I admit I don't know what I'll do if anything happens to her.'
Arthur and Lancelot both winced at that idea (well Elyan did as well but for different reasons).
'Why can't you?' asks Merlin innocently.
'Because nothing can ever happen between us!' Arthur snaps. 'To admit my feelings knowing that, hurts too much.'
'Tell me about it,' Gwen smiled sadly.
Lancelot didn't say anything.
'But things are coming together now,' smiled Arthur.
'Yeah,' admits Gwen.
'Who's to say nothing can happen?' asks Merlin.
'My father won't let me rescue a servant,' Arthur reminds his friend. 'Do you honestly think he'd let me marry one!'
'Take a chance,' said Hunith, 'if I know anything that love is worth it.'
'What happened to Merlin's father?' asked Arthur.
'Long story,' sighs Hunith.
'You want to marry Gwen?' Merlin seems surprised.
'Yes,' Arthur and Gwen say together.
Lancelot winces wishing he was the one who would be Gwen's husband.
'No!' Arthur lies.
'I do,' Arthur assures Gwen.
Lancelot sighs still in love with Gwen.
'No, I don't know,' Arthur explains.
'I'd only just started developing feelings for Gwen,' explained Arthur.
'Well look after her,' warned Elyan.
'She's worth it,' adds Lancelot.
'I'm sure you'll find the girl for you someday,' Gwen smiles at the man she once thought she was in love with.
Merlin puts his hands up in surrender.
'It's all talk and that's all it can ever be,' Arthur admits.
'Not anymore,' Gwen smiled.
'Not anymore,' agreed Arthur.
Lancelot looked at the happy couple; he was the only one who wasn't pleased at their love. Sure he was glad they were happy. But he still hoped it was different.
'When you are king you can change that,' Merlin said.
'Or reagent,' adds Leon.
'I can't expect Guinevere to wait for you,' Arthur looks down.
'I'd wait my whole life for you,' Gwen smiles.
Lancelot's heart breaks at this comment.
'If she feels as you do she'll wait,' Merlin assures his friend.
'You really know me,' smiles Gwen.
'We don't even know if she's still alive,' Arthur says.
'Don't lose hope,' Gwen smiles.
'No she is,' Merlin said confidently.
'How did you know?' asked Lancelot.
'I'm optimistic,' Merlin replied.
'We will find her,' Merlin assured his friend.
Arthur nods, 'we'd better get going,' then Arthur turns back to Merlin.
'Oh and Merlin if you tell anyone about any of this I will personally make your life a living hell,' Arthur adds,
'You mean more than you already do?' asks Merlin cheekily.
Arthur smiles, 'yeah,' he nods/
Merlin stands for a moment, 'we could talk about your feelings while you walk,' Merlin calls.
'Shut up, Merlin!' snaps Arthur.
The two men walk off.
Gwen is shoved into the fighting cage where Hengist is. She looks out trying to get out.
'Morgana,' Hengist greets but Gwen doesn't answer Hengist's call, 'Morgana!' Hengist repeats.
Gwen spins around to see the man, 'I still haven't received any word from Uther. He's a rich man why does he leave his beloved ward?'
'He's working it out,' Gaius looked very serious.
'I don't know,' Gwen lied well.
'You lie well,' Merlin said.
'Please, please,' she begs backing to the edge of the cage.
Hengist walks up to Gwen and grabs her arm.
'Don't touch her,' shouts Elyan, Arthur and Lancelot.
'It must be very upsetting to know that he has abandoned you. It seems no one in the world cares for you,' he says coldly.
'That's not true!' everyone in the room shouts; Arthur puts an arm around Gwen's shoulder not noticing Lancelot's look of longing.
'I don't know why he doesn't pay,' Gwen lied. 'Please,' she begs. 'I don't know.'
'Take her to her cell,' orders Hengist.
Some of Hengist's men drag Gwen away. Hengist turns to another of his men.
'Bring me Kendrick,' Hengist orders him. 'I want him to explain why the Lady Morgana has the hands of a serving girl?'
'He knows,' Gwaine says.
Gwen nods nervously.
His men hurry to bring his lying accomplish to him.
Gwen is flung into her cell onto the cold hard cell.
'No chivalry at all,' frowned Lancelot.
She starts sobbing as she climbs up onto her bed and pulls Morgana's cloak around her crying.
Meanwhile Lancelot begins lowering some sedatives on string into Gwen's guards dinner.
Kendrick is flung into the wilddeoren's cage, 'wait, wait, Hengist, wait we did capture the Lady Morgana but she escaped.'
'The truth comes out,' Gaius says.
'It always does,' Merlin replies.
'So who is it exactly that I have in my dungeons?' asked Hengist.
'The lady Morgana's maid,' admitted Kendrick.
'Bring her to me alive!' orders Hengist.
Lancelot and Gwen are running through the tunnels.
'Follow this tunnel. It will take you out beyond the castle walls,' Lancelot orders her. 'I will buy you as much time as I can,' he promises.
'Thank you for looking after Gwen,' smiled Elyan gratefully.
'I owe you one,' adds Arthur.
'No problem,' shrugs Lancelot.
Run! Run!' he repeats.
Gwen runs and Lancelot begins to fight the guards.
'Go on you can beat these cowards,' Gwaine cheers.
Gwen hears the sound of the fight and turns to face the sound of the fight.
'No run,' Arthur and Lancelot shout together.
But then the girl continues to run.
Outside the castle Merlin and Arthur observe the fortress, 'we'll have to scale the walls.'
Gaius and Gwen raise their eyebrows.
'Really?' asks Gaius amused.
'The only way in,' Merlin groans.
'Perhaps there's another way in,' suggests Merlin.
'Why don't you go knock on the front gate?' Arthur suggests. 'I'm sure if you ask nicely they'll hand Guinevere over to you.'
Lancelot is tied in the Wilddeoren's cage with Hengist's men laughing and jeering at him.
'They'd never liked me,' Lancelot said.
'You were too good for them,' Merlin grins.
'Thanks,' Lancelot smiles good naturedly back at the boy.
'You can do what you will with me,' Lancelot says. 'I do not care; you can do no harm to Guinevere!'
'Did you get yourself caught to give me a chance?' asks Gwen.
Lancelot nods.
'Don't ever do that again!' she orders sounding very much like the queen she would become.
'I can't promise that,' Lancelot replies.
'Was that her name?' laughs Hengist. 'A serving girl.'
'There's nothing wrong with being a servant,' Merlin retorts.
'Indeed there's not,' agrees Gwen glaring at the knights.
The crowd laughs and cheer as another entrance to the cage is opened to reveal two of Hengist's men dragging Gwen roughly in.
'You thought she got away,' Hengist jeers as his men cheers.
'No,' whispers Lancelot.
Outside on the wall Arthur and Merlin attempt to scale the wall. Merlin almost falls which Arthur sees, 'you really are completely useless, aren't you Merlin?'
'How many times have I saved your life,' Merlin snorted.
'I know Merlin,' Arthur said.
Merlin almost falls again, 'it's… harder …than …it… looks…' Merlin pants.
Arthur hurries up the wall.
'Now you're just showing off!' Merlin shouts after him.
Merlin and Arthur are in the castle and they observe two guards.
'You distract them,' the prince orders.
'Why do I always have to think up the distraction plans?' groaned Merlin.
'Your good at it,' Arthur shrugs.
'Are you saying I'm good at something,' grinned Merlin.
Arthur rolled his eyes, 'don't get too excited Merlin we don't want something blowing up.'
'I don't blow up things accidentally,' retorts Merlin.
'I'll knock them out,' Arthur says.
'I.E. this time don't knock them out,' laughed Gaius.
'How do I distract them?' whispers Merlin.
Arthur puts his arm around Merlin in what seems to be a comforting gesture then shoves him out in front of the guard.
'I still can't believe you did that,' muttered Merlin.
The guards look surprised to see him there.
'What are you doing there?' demands a guard going for his sword.
'Nothing,' Merlin said instinctively backs away from them so they're by the archway and he's by the fire. 'Actually it's a funny story and I took a wrong turn,' he says thinking on his feet.
'A wrong turn?' Gaius raised his eyebrow.
Merlin shrugs, 'first thing that popped into my head. Hey it worked they didn't gut me.'
Hunith winced, 'how I wish you lot weren't so danger prone. I don't know which of the three of you are worse!'
Arthur, Gwen and Merlin looked at each other for a moment. Then Merlin grinned, Gwen laughed and Arthur gave a roll of his eyes.
'And here I am,' he turns to look at them. 'Do you know the way to the Vale of Dinaria?'
The bald one looks at him, 'who are you?' he demands sword pointing in Merlin's direction.
'Me?' asked Merlin. 'I'm no one.'
Arthur suddenly pops up behind the two guards which they fail to notice.
'Not very observant are they?' asked Percival.
'Not really,' Merlin agreed. 'Not too quick on the draw either.'
'Thank goodness,' Hunith said.
'It's him you should be worried about,' Merlin points at his master.
The two men spin around the see Arthur standing there. Arthur promptly clocks them both on the head. The two men fall in opposite directions whilst Arthur dusts his hands off.
'See planning and strength none of your tricks can do the job perfectly,' Arthur says.
'Magic's easier,' Merlin says.
'For you,' Gaius reminds the warlock.
'That actually went pretty well,' Merlin says as Arthur drags the unconscious body of a guard into a hidden spot.
Merlin and Arthur are both now dressed as one of Hengist's men.
Gwen and Lancelot are both tied up in the cage when Hengist stands up, 'what do you say?' he asks his people. 'Shall I spare them?'
The men laugh and jeer making their opinion known.
'I'm sorry,' Gwen cries. 'This is my fault.'
'No it's not,' Arthur says.
'You have nothing to be sorry for,' Lancelot assures Gwen.
'Release the wilddeoren!' orders Hengist.
'No,' Arthur shouts.
'Arthur,' Merlin says, 'you do remember this has already happened. There is nothing you can do to stop that!'
The crowd shouts their agreement as the gates are raised and the wilddeoren released. Gwen begins panicking.
Arthur's arm tightens around Gwen whether to comfort her or remind himself that she's safe and sound no one was sure. Lancelot reminds himself that she's safe, and happy, and in love with the prince.
Arthur and Merlin run in to where Gwen and Lancelot are about to be eaten by wilddeoren. Arthur jumps over the cage and Merlin blends into the crowd. Arthur cuts them free and throws Lancelot a sword.
'Arthur,' whispers Gwen in surprise.
Arthur pushes Gwen out the way.
'That wasn't very smart!' Hengist says in outrage.
'The affairs of the heart never have much to do with your intelligence,' Gaius sighs thinking of Alice.
Merlin nods thinking of Freya, Hunith agrees thinking of Balinor, Lancelot agrees thinking of Gwen whose heart belongs to another. Arthur and Gwen are just glad that they are finally beating the obstacles of their relationship.
Gwen looks outside of the cage.
'What are you doing here, Lancelot?' asked Arthur.
'Is now really the time,' Merlin asked.
'It had to be said,' Arthur shrugged.
'Maybe when you're not fighting flesh-eating-wilddeoren,' Merlin suggests.
'I came to save Gwen,' Lancelot explains. 'What about you?'
'Likewise,' Arthur replies.
'You certainly have enough heroes,' Elyan nods at the knight and the prince sitting on either side of Gwen.
Gwen was closer to Arthur but it was obvious both of them wanted the maid.
'Get behind us!' Arthur orders Gwen pulling her to safety as he and Lancelot continued to fight the beasts.
'Do what he says,' Elyan was anxious for his little sister.
Merlin makes a chandelier fall by saying, 'Ic bebíede fealle.'
'The tunnel that's our only chance,' Arthur decides. 'Merlin!' he calls.
Merlin who is trying not to be noticed doing magic by ducking under people around the cage his three friends are in. Arthur miss-interrupting shouts, 'don't sit there cowering let's go!' he orders.
'After them,' orders Hengist.
Merlin jumps into the cage with them but lands on his stomach. Arthur pulls him up and to safety pushing them into the tunnel whilst keeping the wilddeoren at sword's point.
'You could have had it in a second,' Arthur comments.
'Yeah I could,' Merlin agrees. 'And if I had seen things go badly for you I would have interfered but you were doing fine so I didn't. I can't do all the work for you, you know, or how else would you become Camelot's best warrior?'
Arthur rolled his eyes.
'What would your father say if he heard you telling someone off for not doing magic?' Merlin laughed.
'That I was possessed,' suggested Arthur.
'Probably,' Gaius said.
Gwen, Lancelot, Arthur and Merlin make to the tunnel as Hengist's men attempt to follow them.
'Take Guinevere,' Lancelot tells the other two men. 'I'll hold them off,' he promises.
'Or Merlin will,' Lancelot grins at his friend.
'No!' Gwen starts forward.
'Guinevere we have to go,' Arthur pulls his future wife away from her one time love.
Hengist continues to fight with the wilddeoren.
Merlin holds out a hand, 'lease fearr anga,' he incants his eyes shimmering gold.
The rope holding the gate snaps and the gate slams shut locking Hengist in with the wilddeoren. Hengist realizing what has happened looks suddenly fearful, 'open the gate,' he begs and turns around facing his death.
Merlin and Lancelot grimace as their foe is devoured.
'I see your still up to your old tricks,' comments Lancelot.
'I wouldn't be me without them,' grinned Merlin.
'That's true,' consents Lancelot.
'It's probably best you don't tell anyone about that,' Merlin suggests.
'And I never did,' Lancelot says.
'I know,' Merlin smiles.
Lancelot grins.
Arthur and Gwen have made it to the grate at the exit to the castle when Lancelot and Merlin catch up with them.
'It's good to see you both,' Lancelot says, 'where are your knights?'
'You thought Uther would send knights for a servant?' Gwaine raised an eyebrow. 'Arthur is one of the true noble, noble men.'
'You do remember you're a noble man too,' Merlin reminded him.
'What's that supposed to mean,' Gwaine said warily thinking it was a comment on his father.
'You're a knight now,' Merlin said.
Gwaine visibly relaxed, 'but I started out a commoner.'
'It's just us,' Arthur said whilst struggling with the grate.
Lancelot looks between Gwen and Arthur then helps Gwen up. When they hold hands Gwen's face lights up.
Arthur tenses up hating that he wasn't the only one Gwen had feelings for.
Merlin looks shocked then looks at Arthur. Arthur looks from Gwen to Lancelot.
'Well that was awkward,' Gwaine muttered.
Nobody else said anything to this.
'We better keep moving,' was all Arthur said getting the grate open.
Lancelot stops the future king.
'Thank you, Arthur,' he says. 'We owe you our lives.'
Arthur just nods.
Outside the castle a camp has been made. Arthur is playing with the fire when he looks up his eyes meet Gwen's. Lancelot watches their interaction, 'I am surprised you would take on such a rescue mission with the just the two of you,' he gestures at the two men.
'Father would not risk the lives of his men for a servant,' Arthur explained.
'Which is why I hate nobility,' adds Gwaine.
'Oi,' Leon and Arthur said.
'Not you but those who think because of their wealth, lands and titles they are better than everybody else,' Gwaine explained.
'And yet you disobeyed him, came here anyway,' Lancelot points out.
'Arthur is very different to his father,' Merlin said.
Arthur frowns, 'truth is I only came here because Morgana begged me,' he lies.
'Liar,' grinned Gwaine.
'Well Morgana did beg him,' Merlin adds.
'But that wasn't the main reason,' Arthur says. 'I would have come with or without Morgana begging me.'
Gwen smiled at this.
Merlin raised his eyebrows at this looking completely disbelieving. Gwen looks hurt and turns around, 'I think I'll get some rest.'
Arthur and Gwen share a look before Arthur too stands, 'we should all get some rest.'
'I'll stand guard for a while,' Lancelot says.
'Well that wasn't awkward at all,' Gwaine laughed.
'Tell me about it,' muttered Merlin.
Lancelot too stands taking his sword. The love triangle leaves Merlin sitting there, 'I'll just sit here then?'
'Merlin I always knew you were mad but talking to yourself?' Arthur raised an eyebrow.
Merlin grinned back at his friend.
Gwen is asleep on the ground when Merlin comes to talk to Lancelot, 'is it true that Arthur came to rescue Gwen only because Morgana begged him?' asked Lancelot.
'No,' Gwaine grinned.
Merlin doesn't say anything but the truth is clear on his face.
'What about you?' asks Merlin. 'Do you have feelings for Gwen?'
'It seems everybody has feelings for Gwen,' Elyan mutters.
'My feelings do not matter,' Lancelot finally says. 'I will not come between them!' he vows.
'Thank you,' Arthur smiles and Gwen nods.
'Tell Gwen,' here Lancelot paused. 'Tell Gwen that she has changed me forever but some things cannot be!'
In the morning Merlin is stamping out the fire when Gwen wakes, 'where Lancelot?'
'Your first thought was Lancelot?' Arthur asks hurt.
Nobody says anything there was nothing to say.
'Sorry,' Gwen says.
Arthur shakes his head glad that she has chosen him but wondering if there were any festering feelings towards the knight.
Merlin looks at Gwen sadly. Gwen's face falls.
Lancelot knows that this shouldn't make him pleased but it does. On the other hand, Arthur hates it.
'Where is he?' she asks standing up.
'He's gone,' Merlin said simply.
'No,' Gwen's face scrunches up pain clear on every plane of it.
'Sorry,' Lancelot couldn't bear to have caused Gwen such pain.
Arthur couldn't believe how much she had loved him. He'd known there was something between them. But not that deep!
'He said to tell you that some things can't be and he wanted you to know that you had changed him forever,' Merlin tells her.
Arthur comes to see Gwen's broken heart. She turns away from Merlin not wanting him to see her pain.
'We have a long walk ahead of us,' Arthur says.
'Which was really awkward with you two,' Merlin said.
Arthur walks off while Gwen cries. Merlin clearly doesn't know what to say so goes to join Arthur.
Arthur rides his chestnut horse, whilst Gwen has taken the black one Merlin had rid on the way there, Merlin is left to walk.
In the palace Morgana waits by the window when Arthur returns, 'Morgana,' Arthur greets, 'there's someone here to see you.'
'Gwen,' Morgana smiles. Arthur steps out of the way as Gwen and Morgana go in for a reunion hug, 'I thought I'd never see you again,' Morgana cries.
'She really did care,' sighed Gwen.
Arthur and Gwen share a sad look over Morgana's shoulder. Arthur turns to leave Gwen watching him go.
On the steps Merlin joins Arthur both back in their normal clothes.
'At least you've still got me,' Merlin smiles.
'Is that supposed to make me feel better?' Arthur asks.
'I thought it might,' Merlin says.
'You really are a complete idiot aren't you, Merlin?' Arthur retorts.
'Not really,' Merlin says.