Beauty and the Beast Part One
'In a land of myth and a time of magic,' Kilgharrah says as Merlin appears surrounded in mist. 'The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulder of a young boy.'
'I know,' Merlin groaned.
'His name: Merlin,' Kilgharrah finishes as Merlin's eyes flash gold.
In a cave a man is enchanting over a metal pot; using a ladle the man pours some of the potion into a container. In the corner someone in a cape sits.
Merlin giggled, 'oh I think I know when this was.'
'It's not funny,' retorted Arthur.
'It was actually,' laughed Gwen.
Arthur scowled.
'What was so funny?' asked Gwaine.
'Mistress,' the servant walks over to the other person revealing a troll.
'Is it done?' demands the troll.
'Yes, mistress, the potion is prepared,' agrees the troll's servant.
'Then soon Camelot and all its riches will be mine,' the troll takes the potion and drains it laughing.
The troll then begins screeching as the potion takes affect. The troll falls unconscious and the servant removes the bottle from her hand which is no longer that of a troll. But that of a woman!
Outside Camelot the troll's servant and a lady in cloak approach on horses.
'Camelot,' the trolls' servant informs the lady.
Gaius is walking through the town, 'keep up, Merlin. We've got a busy day ahead of us!' calls Gaius.
'Don't I always,' muttered Merlin.
'It's a busy day everyday you and Arthur work me to the bone,' Merlin replies.
'Do stop moaning,' retorts Gaius. 'At least the work's interesting.'
'Gaius we're collecting pots,' Merlin says.
'You have strange definition of interesting, uncle,' Hunith says amused.
'Just like we do each and every other Thursday at the same time nothing interesting ever happens,' Merlin reminds his mentor.
'Then comes the troll,' Gaius raised his eyebrows.
Then the troll's servant knocks into the prince's servant.
'Wee seek an urgent audience with the king,' the man says.
Gaius hears, 'if you have business with the king you pursue it through the usual channels,' Gaius informs the man then takes the seal. 'But this is the seal of the house of Tregor,' Gaius says in surprise. 'Where did you get this?' Gaius demands.
'It does not belong to me,' the servant admits.
'It belongs to me,' the auburn haired woman pulls down her dark green cloak.
Merlin's eyes soften.
'Don't tell me you have feelings for her now,' groaned Arthur, 'can't you just like a normal human, non-magical girl?'
'I don't know,' Merlin admitted. 'But I haven't had any feelings for anyone since Freya,' Merlin sighed.
Gaius bows, 'my lady, Merlin,' he hisses at the boy still standing gaping at the apparently beautiful lady.
Merlin also bows.
Uther stands as Lady Catrina enters.
'Lady Catrina is it really you?' Uther asks.
'I can hardly believe it myself,' Catrina bows.
'We had tidings from the north that the house of Tregor has fallen to invaders,' Uther informs her.
'All that you heard was true, my Lord,' Catrina bows. 'And worse,' she adds sorrowfully.
'Your father – the king?' asks the king of Camelot.
'Gone sire,' Catrina shakes her head. 'The enemy attacked without warning we were outnumbered five to one; he could not endure. I only survived because of my faithful servant, Jonas.'
The king nods at Jonas.
'But we did survive. And we have made it this far,' the troll pretends to faint. Uther starts towards her and catches her in his arms.
'Forgive me, my lord, I fear my trials have taken their toll,' she admits.
'Your sufferings are beyond imagining, my lady,' Uther looks her in her eyes.
'It would seem Merlin isn't the only one who's taken a liking to the troll,' comments Lancelot.
Arthur scowled.
Uther helps her up, 'it would be an honour to help you in anyway we can.'
Catrina pants, 'a bed for the night would be most welcome.'
'Even if you hate beds,' Gaius said.
'She has to keep up appearances,' Merlin reminded him.
'Then consider yourselves our esteemed guests it's the least we can do,' Uther says.
'Thank you,' whispers Catrina.
Merlin and Gaius walk through the corridor.
'She's very brave,' Merlin said.
'Yes,' Gaius frowns.
'You're suspicious,' Hunith notes.
'It's terrible what she's been through,' Merlin says.
'Yes,' Gaius repeats, 'terrible indeed.'
Merlin looks at Gaius, 'what's wrong?'
'You really know him,' laughs Hunith.
'Nothing,' Gaius lied.
Arthur comes up behind the two sorcerers.
'Merlin!' he calls gesturing for the servant to follow him. 'I've got a job for you.'
'Work, work, work,' Merlin leaves his mentor.
Gaius walks in the opposite direction looking worried.
Merlin enters a room in the palace with Catrina and Jonas following after him.
'I'm sorry if it's not quite what you're used to,' Merlin said.
'Of course not,' Gaius said, 'trolls prefer caves.'
'Forgive me but I did not get your name,' Lady Catrina says kindly.
'Merlin,' the boy smiled stupidly.
'Well Merlin considering we spent last night in a cave,' the troll says honestly.
'Well that's true,' muttered Gaius.
'Probably the only honest thing she said,' Merlin said.
'This will do nicely, thank you,' she smiles.
Jonas looks at Merlin suspiciously, 'well if you need anything just ask. My master's chambers are only upstairs.'
'My mistress and I could not be more grateful for the kindness you have shown us,' the servant thanks.
'Which I come to regret,' Merlin muttered.
Merlin continues to grin stupidly, 'you're welcome,' he finally says and leaves.
Soon as Merlin leaves the troll's lady like posture drops to that of the beast she is, 'well I can't stay here this whole place stinks of cleanliness.'
'You say like that's a bad thing,' Gwen grimaced.
'For a troll it is,' Gaius explains.
'Do not worry, mistress, I will find some place more suitable,' the servant assure his mistress.
The troll breathes green air on the plate of food that has been left for her. The food rots and Lady Catrina begins devouring it.
That evening Arthur, Uther, and the ladies Morgana and Catrina are dining with a maid attending to them and a guard present.
'Well this is wonderful,' Catrina is saying.
'Not to you,' Gaius said. 'Trolls only like rotten food.'
'It is an honour,' Uther assures her. 'The Houses of Tregor and Pendragon have been allies for as long as anyone can remember,' Uther says.
'My father often spoke of you,' Catrina lies.
'And I will remember him always,' Uther sighs.
'I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet him,' Arthur interrupts.
'I'm sorry too,' Catrina smiles at him.
'But the house of Tregor is no more,' the troll uses this as an excuse to be put off her non-rotting food and pushes her plate away.
'That's not true it lives on in you,' Uther corrects her.
'Not really,' Arthur says, 'considering she's a troll!'
'I only wish that were true,' sighs Catrina.
'It is my lady,' Uther comforts her. 'Your courage, your modesty, and you are as you always were as a child.'
Arthur looks slightly nauseated by his father's new found romance.
'I fear that I have changed since then,' Catrina says.
'You could even say you're a whole new person,' Merlin mutters.
'Your sense of humour,' Arthur shakes his head.
'Well yes it's true,' Uther agrees. 'You're even more beautiful now.'
Morgana laughs and Arthur looks quite disgusted at his father. He fakes a yawn and everyone turns to stare at the prince, 'I'm sorry. Hard day's training,' he lies. 'If you excuse me,' he begins to leave the table.
'Of course,' nods Catrina.
'Arthur,' Uther says goodbye.
'I should retire myself,' Morgana says quickly.
'Morgana,' Uther picks up his goblet of wine.
Morgana leaves.
'Can I get you anything else?' asked Uther. 'You've hardly touched your food.'
'Troll's prefer rotting food,' Gaius says.
'And animal waste,' Leon grimaces.
'I'm sorry. I find I have little appetite ever since that day,' Catrina sighs.
'I wish I had been there for you,' Uther says.
'But you are helping me now,' Catrina places her hand in Uther's. 'Your kindness, your companionship,' the two smile at each other. 'I must also bid you goodnight, my lord.'
'Of course, goodnight, my lady,' Uther says.
She kisses his leather gloved hand and leaves.
In the physician's chambers Gaius has a test tube of cloudy liquid which he shakes.
'There's something really different about Catrina,' Merlin says.
'Not you too,' groaned Arthur.
'Oh,' Gaius asks.
'Most of Uther's guests treat me like dirt on their shoes,' Merlin explained.
'That's the life of a servant,' Gwen said.
'Which is why I dislike most nobles,' Gwaine adds.
'But she was really nice even after all she's been through,' Merlin said.
'Yes she was always very gracious,' Gaius nods.
'You've met her before?' asked Merlin.
'Oh it was many years ago,' Gaius says.
'Before the purge,' Gaius murmurs.
'I doubt she would remember me,' Gaius says.
'She was just a child,' Gaius explains.
'Now I have a job for you,' instructs the physician.
'Does it ever end?' Merlin asks rhetorically.
'Give this to the Lady Catrina,' Gaius hands his servant a bottle.
'What's that for?' asked Arthur.
'A test,' Merlin said.
'With my compliments,' Gaius says as Merlin takes the bottle.
'What is it?' asked Merlin.
'She'll know what it is,' Gaius said.
'Or not,' Merlin said.
'But what is it?' asked Merlin again. Gaius just looks at him, 'okay, okay,' he says quickly leaving.
Catrina re-enters her chambers and immediately hunches over where Jonas is waiting for her, 'what's that?' she demands of her servant.
'Compliments of the king,' Jonas replies.
'Revolting,' she sits at the table and breaths green gas on the fresh fruit turning it to maggot ridden rotten fruit. 'Uther's so stupid,' she says beginning to have her dinner.
'He is not!' Arthur said outraged.
'He is very ignorant,' Merlin said.
Arthur glared at his warlock friend and Merlin quickly shut up.
'So blinded by pretty things; he has fallen for me already. It is only a matter of time before he is completely under my control,' she laughs.
Jonas too laughs, 'excellent.'
There is a knock at the door and Merlin enters with Catrina leaping up away from the food, 'Jonas, you must take these back to the kitchens completely rotten.'
'I'm sorry did not mean to intrude,' Merlin said.
'That's quite alright,' Catrina says. 'At least I wasn't undressing.'
'Unlike with Morgana,' Gwen reminds him.
Merlin blushed.
Merlin gets a silly grin on his face.
'Do I want to know what you're thinking about?' asked Arthur.
'Er no,' Merlin blushed bright red once again.
'The court physician asked me to give you this,' Merlin said.
'What is it?' Jonas demands.
'Gaius prepared it for you,' Merlin nods at Catrina. 'I'm terribly sorry there must have been some mistake I requested no medicine,' Catrina says.
'Oh,' Merlin said surprised. 'Are you sure?'
'Quite sure,' Catrina nods. 'I am in perfect health.'
Merlin frowns confused and then leaves. Jonas and Catrina glare at the door.
Back in the physician's chambers Merlin puts the potion on the table before Gaius.
'She didn't ask it! She doesn't need it! She didn't even want it!' Merlin said.
'Interesting,' frowned Gaius.
'If you say so,' Merlin looks unconvinced.
'When I treated her as a child it was for an incurable disease,' Gaius explained. 'She had a rare bone disease effecting bones and joints. She often had problems walking especially after a long ride.
'That's what put you on to them,' Hunith understands.
'My tonic was the only thing that brought relief.'
'The test,' Gwen nodded.
'She walks as well as you or I,' Merlin says.
'So I noticed,' Gaius said.
'So the tonic was some kind of test,' Merlin realised.
'Indeed,' Gaius nods. 'And I'm starting to wonder if the Lady Catrina is really the Lady Catrina at all.'
Gaius and Merlin exchange a look.
The next day Catrina is on her horse whilst Uther prepares his horse.
'What a charming idea this is, Uther,' Catrina says.
'Yes, a ride before breakfast always gives me a healthy appetite,' Uther explains.
'He's like Arthur,' Merlin said.
'I've had the kitchens prepare us something special,' Uther nods at the picnic.
Catrina too looks and doesn't appear thrilled by what she sees, 'oh how sweet of you.'
'I don't think she's too appetised,' Merlin laughed.
'You think,' Merlin raised an eyebrow.
Uther smiles contentedly whilst Catrina doesn't look pleased.
Merlin carrying a basket frowns looking down at the king and the so called lady riding off.
Merlin then enters Catrina's room and begins investigating until he realised that the bed hadn't been slept in.
'Can I help you?' Jonas says suddenly.
'No… I… was… I was just changing the sheets,' Merlin lied badly.
'He's so going to see through that,' Arthur said.
'I know,' Merlin groaned.
'Please go ahead, don't let me get in your way,' Jonas said.
'All done, thank you,' Merlin grins and hurries out the door.
'Merlin, aren't you forgetting something?' asks Jonas turning around revealing a bright green tail.
There was a silence, 'was that a tail?' asks Hunith slowly.
'He wasn't human,' Merlin said.
'What was he?' asked Percival.
'I have no idea,' Gaius said.
The beast turns back with Merlin's basket, 'right,' Merlin quickly takes the basket leaves.
Merlin returns to his chambers without the basket. Gaius is waiting for him, 'what did you find?'
'Something wasn't right in there,' Merlin said.
'It stank,' grimaced Merlin.
'There was this strange smell and I could swear that the Lady Catrina's bed hadn't been slept in,' Merlin said. 'And there was something else,' Merlin adds walking over.
'Oh,' Gaius asks.
'Jonas,' Merlin says. 'As I was leaving I thought I saw something. This is going to sound mad but I could swear that Jonas had a tail.'
There was a silence then Gaius looking incredulously, 'a tail?' he asked.
'Are you sure?' asks the man.
Merlin nods, 'well I mean I only glimpsed it for a moment I could be wrong.'
'You weren't,' Gaius said.
'I know,' Merlin nods.
'No, no, I believe,' Gaius assures his ward. 'We must keep a close eye on her, a very close eye.'
'So that's what you were doing,' Arthur suddenly understood.
Merlin nods.
By the river Uther and Catrina are picnicking, 'how wonderful to sit here with you, Uther,' lies the troll. 'It is a terrible thing to find one's self alone in the world, suddenly cruelly alone.'
Uther nods, 'when Ygraine died I feared I' never recover.'
Arthur's eyes flashed, 'well who's fault is it she died?'
'But as time passed on I became used to being alone,' Uther said.
'But you have Arthur and Morgana surely they are a comfort you?' asked Catrina.
'Morgana,' snorted Arthur, 'caused father's mind to snap.'
Uther nods in agreement chewing his food, 'of course they are. Both of them.'
'Not Morgana,' muttered Arthur.
'It must be hard to be father and king both,' suggests Catrina. 'To shoulder all that responsibility by yourself. But I believe,' she goes to hold his hand. 'That we will not always be alone in life. We will find a kindred spirit to share the burdens of our life anew.'
'I believe we will,' agreed Uther.
They smile at each other.
The king and the troll arrive back at Camelot where Uther helps Catrina off her chestnut horse with a lot of giggling.
Arthur looks disgusted.
Arthur's lip curls in disgust as he watches his father and future step mother.
'Honestly look at them,' Arthur said in disgust.
Uther and Catrina continue giggling together as the king asks, 'are you alright?'
'Don't you think it's odd how quickly they've become close?' Merlin asks.
'There's nothing odd about that,' Arthur replies. 'My father's a wealthy and powerful man.'
'That's what worried me,' Merlin said.
That evening Uther is walking when Gaius meets him, 'good evening sire,' greets the physician.
'A very good evening to you, Gaius,' greets the king.
'You seem him high spirits,' Gaius notes.
'He thinks he's in love,' Gwen said.
'I am, I am,' smiled Uther.
'The Lady Catrina has struck a cord with you,' Gaius said.
'That's one way of putting it,' Arthur grimaced.
'Catrina is a remarkable woman,' Uther said.
'Whose a troll,' Gaius said.
'That she is, sire,' Gaius agrees. 'Such courage in the face of her condition.'
'Condition?' asked Uther. 'What are you talking about?'
'Oh I thought you knew, sire,' Gaius lied.
'No you didn't, uncle, your just stirring trouble,' Hunith rolled her eyes.
'I don't want a troll for a queen,' Gaius said.
'You didn't yet know she was a troll,' Gwen reminded him.
'I know but I knew she wasn't what she appeared either,' Gaius said.
'I diagnosed Catrina with an incurable bone disease,' Gaius explained.
'Well evidently you were wrong,' Uther said. 'There's nothing wrong with her now.'
'It has been a miraculous recovery, I must say,' Gaius agrees.
'What are you suggesting?' asked Gaius.
'Oh I'm not suggesting anything, sire,' Gaius lied. 'It's just a little strange that's all.'
'The only strange thing I see is that you won't admit that you were wrong,' Uther snapped.
'Sire, this is not about me this is about the lady Catrina,' Gaius said.
'The Lady Catrina is our honoured guest and you will show her the respect she deserves,' Uther argued.
'None,' Merlin said.
Gaius doesn't reply.
Uther and Catrina are lying on some cushions before a fire. Uther is nursing a glass of wine.
'Is there something wrong my lord?' asked Catrina.
'No it's nothing,' Uther didn't look at her.
'Speak, my lord,' Catrina said.
'Is it true that as a child you suffered from a terrible illness?' asked Uther.
'Who told you that?' demands Catrina.
'Gaius, the court physician,' Uther said. 'He said he treated you for it.'
'Yes, my lord,' Catrina admits. 'It was true. But as you can see I do not suffer from it anymore.'
'And for that you must be eternally grateful,' agrees Uther. 'After all Gaius said that your condition was incurable.'
'Well, fortunately for us, physicians are often mistaken,' answers Catrina.
Gaius looked offended.
'Even you're famous Gaius,' Catrina adds.
'In all my time here at Camelot I've never known Gaius to be wrong,' Merlin said.
'It is unusual, though, for such a serious illness to cure itself,' Uther said. 'Almost a miracle,' he frowned.
'Father does not believe in miracles,' Arthur said.
'I can neither deny, nor explain it,' agrees Catrina.
'Easy you're not the Lady Catrina,' said Merlin.
'But miracles do happen after all is it not a miracle that we've found each after all this time,' she suggested.
Uther asks.
'And so my good fortune continues. For you are a remarkable man: Uther Pendragon. You are brave but compassionate.
'I wouldn't call him that,' muttered Merlin.
'She is trying to seduce him,' Arthur said in disgust.
You are powerful but modest. But most of all you are very, very handsome,' the troll puts her arms around the king's neck.
Arthur looks slightly nauseated.
It seems their about to kiss then Uther breaks it off, 'I'm sorry.'
'No my lord it is I who must apologize,' the troll shakes her head.
'It is a long time since Ygraine, since anyone,' Uther said.
'Vivienne was the last one he had any relations with,' muttered Arthur. 'And that was over twenty years ago.'
'I understand completely there's no hurry,' Catrina assure the king. 'We have all the time in the world.'
Uther takes a drink of his glass of wine, 'and that time will come,' Uther assures her a hand on her arm.
Catrina smiled. Outside she knocks over a platter.
'No fury like a troll scorned,' smirked Merlin.
Merlin hears and watches her return to her chambers. Merlin enters Arthur's chambers where the prince is sleeping. He picks up a mirror and takes it to the window. Arthur murmurs in his sleep. Merlin looks at him before he whispers, 'sceawere folgie min bebeod,' Merlin's eyes flash gold and the mirror floats down. Merlin turns it so he can see the troll in it.
Catrina stares and grunts when she realises her true form has been realised.
'Merlin,' Arthur has woken up. 'I'm sure you have a very well prepared explanation for this.'
'You usually do,' Merlin said.
'Yes, no… I…er…' Merlin stuttered.
'Apparently I'm wrong,' Arthur shoves the powerful warlock out of the way.
Looking out the window Arthur sees the remnants of the smashed mirror. He turns back to Merlin.
'Please tell me you weren't spying on Lady Catrina,' Arthur looks at the servant.
'It's not what it seems,' Merlin said quickly.
'It is exactly what it seems,' Arthur closes the window turning around. 'And if I ever find you doing it again I'll feed you to the dogs. Do I make myself clear?'
'Yes, absolutely, sire,' Merlin said.
Merlin ran off leaving Arthur to stare after him wrinkling his nose.
The troll is making her way to where she sleeps when Merlin follows her. He watches as she lies on straw with flies and rotting fruit all around her. Merlin places a hand over his mouth as she grunts and passes wind.
Back in Gaius' chambers, 'what you saw was a rare and seldom seen thing,' Gaius is explaining.
'I wish I hadn't seen,' Merlin muttered.
'Troll's prefer to remain in the dark and forgotten places feasting on the rot and filth,' Gaius explains.
'And Jonas?' asked Merlin 'is he a troll too?'
'Who can tell what manner of creature he is?' replies Gaius.
'It makes no sense if trolls like to lurk in their caves so much why is this one in Camelot?' asked Merlin.
'Good point,' nodded Percival.
'Trolls are greedy. And Lady Catrina is like the rest of her kind,' Gaius explained more. 'She lusts after wealth and power.'
'Father,' Arthur said.
'You were disinherited,' Gwen reminds him.
Arthur winced at this.
An understanding light dawns in Merlin's eyes, 'Uther's wealth and power.'
Arthur grimaced.
'We have reached the point of no return,' Gaius said. 'Uther has to be told,' Gaius stands up.
'A little bird tells me that's not going to go well,' Arthur says.
'Tell me about it,' Gaius said.
'You're going to tell Uther that his new lady friend is a troll?' asked Merlin incredulous.
'That doesn't sound the best of ideas, uncle,' Hunith laughed.
'That's exactly what I'm going to do,' agrees Gaius.
Merlin laughs, 'good luck.'
Gaius looks like he agrees with the boy.
'Thank you, Merlin,' he agrees.
Uther watches Catrina walk down the steps from the upper castle window.
Arthur grimaces once again, 'out of all the women he could fall for it would be a troll!'
Gaius comes up to him from behind.
'My lord,' he says respectfully.
'Yes, Gaius?' asks Uther.
'I have served you for many years now. I have advised you on many things and I like to think that my advice has been of some value to you,' Gaius says.
'When he listens,' muttered Merlin.
'Yes. This is true,' agrees the king still not turning to look at his friend.
'And so I must advise you that the Lady Catrina is not all she seems to be,' Gaius said.
Uther still watches Catrina who is in the courtyard.
'Oh,' Uther doesn't sound like he believes it. 'Then tell me, Gaius, who is she?' Uther finally faces his advisor.
'I believe her to be…' he trails off. 'She's… she's…' he stutters and trails of once again.
'Oh come on out with it!' snaps the king.
'She is a troll, sire,' Gaius finally says.
'I think you could have said it in better ways,' Hunith suggests.
'I think you are right,' agrees Gaius.
'I don't think there's any right way to say that the king's love interest is a troll,' Merlin laughed.
'It's not funny,' snapped Arthur.
'Oh come on, princess, it's hilarious,' Gwaine laughed.
'Your step-mother's not a troll!' Arthur snaps.
'Excuse me?' the king asked looking insulted.
'Some trolls have the power to take any shape they please,' Gaius informs his king. 'This one has taken a shape that pleases you. You are besotted.'
'Tell me about it,' Arthur scowled.
Uther laughed not believing him.
'You are in its power, my lord,' Gaius added.
'Gaius, this is utterly ridiculous,' Uther said.
'Please, sire, her whole family is wiped out but she miraculously escapes. She has an incurable disease but somehow makes a remarkable recovery,' Gaius reasoned.
'And that is nothing more than idle gossip!' Uther snaps.
'It goes from being a miracle to idle gossip in less than a few hours,' snorted Merlin.
'And is it gossip that she does not eat her food? Of course not, she feasts of rotten fruit and vegetables like any other troll!'
'Enough,' Uther finally silences his physician.
'This attack in unwarranted and malicious,' Uther said.
'Like the purge,' Merlin said coolly.
'Plus it's true,' Arthur adds.
'Sire, her servant is not human, he has a tale,' Gaius adds as the king walks off.
'I said enough!' the king says harshly.
'Sire, please, I just advise you not to do anything rash,' Gaius says respectfully.
'And I advise you to hold your tongue or I will indeed do something rash,' warns the king.
Jonas is sitting in his chair playing with his tail when his mistress comes in.
'Did you sleep well last night, mistress?' the troll's servant rushes to help the troll in disguise.
'Very well, thank you,' the troll takes her usual posture in the company of her servant.
'We have a problem,' the servant says as he goes to take Catrina's cloak. 'Last night you were followed.'
'Who?' demands the troll.
'The boy, Merlin,' explained Catrina.
'Sounds a lot like Aredrian when he accused you of sorcery,' Arthur said. 'I'm guessing he wasn't really a sorcerer.'
Merlin grinned, 'he tried to kill Gaius!' Merlin said. 'He wasn't going to get away with it,' his eyes went slightly gold and a gust of air filled the room before Merlin cooled down again.
The troll snarls, 'Merlin!'
'Shall I dispose of him, mistress?' asked the servant eagerly.
Hunith's heart raced, 'no!' she clutched at her son.
'I'm okay,' Merlin reminded her mother.
'No, that might arose suspicion,' the troll said.
'But it is time that Uther bent to my wishes,' Lady Catrina says.
'And if he does not?' asks Jonas.
'He'll have no choice, there's more than one way to enchant a man,' she sniggers foully.
In the physician's chambers Merlin is grinding something with the pestle when Gaius walks in. Merlin looks at him expectantly and the man holds up a hand, 'please, don't say anything, Merlin.'
'I wasn't going to say anything,' Merlin said.
'You were going to say I told you so,' Gaius sits down.
'Okay, I was. But I'm not now,' Merlin said.
'Uther didn't take to it well,' Gaius admits.
'Neither did you when it turned out your old friend was possessed,' Merlin said.
'I thought I knew her,' Gaius retorts.
'So did father,' Arthur adds, 'and whose this old friend?' he raised an eyebrow.
Gaius looks awkward, 'just a supplier.'
'Who you kiss,' Merlin smirked.
Arthur chuckled, 'I didn't know you had any lady friends, Gaius.'
'Let's just watch Merlin's life,' Gaius changed the subject.
'Oh, you see I told you,' Merlin couldn't help himself.
'Merlin, manners,' scolded Hunith.
'Sorry, mother,' Merlin muttered.
'The Great and Powerful Warlock who gets told off by his mother,' laughed Arthur.
Merlin rolled his eyes.
'Sorry,' Merlin said quickly.
'But I know him, Merlin, he's a proud man but he's not stupid,' Gaius was knowledgeable as always.
Arthur nodded in agreement.
'He'll reflect on what I've said. I know he will,' Gaius said.
'If he's not enchanted first,' Arthur scowled.
'Let's hope your right,' Merlin agrees.
In the night in Catrina's chambers Catrina and Jonas are enchanting a pendant with the troll's hair and green blood, 'Ic nemne þá grædige, yfele, formolsnung. Cume lǽn and mé getryme! Nu meaht þú begalan. Nu meaht þú begalan.'
The two non human creatures begin cackling as the red jewel on the pendant glows red.
The next day Uther and Catrina are once again dining together, 'isn't this perfect?' asked the troll her voice put on sounding sweet and very different to her real harsh, low and guttural grunt. 'You and me, together?' she asks.
'Not really,' grimaces Arthur.
Catrina picks up the metal goblet, 'a toast to us.'
Uther doesn't pick up his goblet in reply, 'I'm not sure everyone sees it that way.'
'Is it any wonder,' Merlin mutters.
'Well there will always be those who resist change of it,' Catrina says.
'We must be mindful of public opinion,' Uther says.
'What are you trying to say, my lord?' asks Catrina.
'Perhaps it would be best if you visit you cousins for a while to show the people that we're not rushing into anything,' suggests Uther.
'You would let yourself be bullied by some petty minded fools?' asks Catrina. She then laughs trying to belittle her angry outburst, 'but if that is what you wish then that is what I shall do,' my lord.
'It is as you say we have all the time in the world,' Uther says.
'Using her, own words against her,' Arthur cheered.
Catrina smiles and then takes off her pendant, 'before I go there is something I wish to give you. It belonged to my father and his father beforehand.'
'Catrina I couldn't possibly,' the king denies.
'No, no, my Lord I want you have to remind you of me and the times that we have spent together,' she places it around the king's neck where the jewel glows.
'He's enchanted,' groaned Arthur.
Uther raises his head towards the troll in human form.
'I shall where it always,' he promises her.
'For while others doubt me, you must not!' she says moving closer to him.
'For am I not beautiful, my lord?' she asks.
'You are beautiful,' agrees the king.
'Am I not you heart's desire?' asked the troll.
'No, that would be Ygraine,' Gaius shook his head.
'You are my heart's desire,' he stands up.
'Then seal it my lord,' she say suggestively.
'Do we have to watch this?' Arthur asked disgusted.
'Seal it with a kiss,' she says.
'Yes a kiss,' agrees the king.
The troll and king kiss Catrina's hand showing her true nature.
Arthur looks like he's about to throw up.
The sun rises over Camelot the next morning.
Catrina is sitting eating her rotten fruit as Jonas approaches her.
'Good morning, mistress,' greets Jonas.
'It is, indeed, Jonas,' agrees Catrina.
'The king was receptive to your advances?' asked Jonas.
'How could he resist such beauty?' asked the tusked creature.
'Oh I don't know by not being under a spell,' Merlin suggested.
'The enchantment proved effective then,' Jonas said.
'Oh he is but a puppet in my hand,' the troll said happily.
'Tell me about it,' scowled Arthur, 'father would never have disowned me otherwise!'
She grunts and laughs chewing the food whilst Jonas looks disgusted at this.
'Even her servant thinks her diet,' Gwen wrinkled her nose, 'is disgusting!'
'Doesn't everybody who's not a troll?' asked Merlin disgusted.
Uther stands in the throne room when Gaius enters, 'you sent for me,' the advisor said.
'Ah Gaius you will be delighted to hear that none of the worries you brought to me you brought to me had any truth to them whatsoever.'
'I don't think delighted is the word I would have used,' Gaius sighed.
'Sire?' asked Gaius.
'I hope that over time you will come to see Lady Catrina as she really is,' Uther informs his friend.
'He already does,' Merlin said, 'and soon you will do to.'
'Thank goodness,' Arthur said.
'Over time?' asked Gaius warily.
'I've asked Catrina to extend her stay indefinitely,' the king explained.
'But-'Gaius began.
'I consider the matter closed and I hope you do me the courtesy of doing the same,' Uther continued to smile in a love struck kind of way.
Gaius nods and bows.
Back in Gaius' chambers Merlin and Gaius are talking.
'It's no use,' Gaius says. 'I can tell him that she's a troll until I'm blue in the face all he sees is a charming, beautiful woman.'
'He is under a love spell,' Arthur said.
'You Pendragons and your love spells,' laughed Merlin.
'Yeah, with the body of a tree trunk,' Merlin says.
'But we only know that because you saw her,' Gaius reminds him.
'So what do we do?' asked Merlin.
'We must open Uther's eyes. Show her for what she really is,' Gaius sits down beside Merlin.
It takes a minute to sink in, 'using magic?'
'He can't,' Hunith says paling, 'not in front of Uther. He'll kill him!'
'It's the only way to her reveal her true form,' agrees Gaius.
'But she never leaves his side,' Merlin said.
'I know,' Gaius folded his arms.
Gaius and Merlin look at each other, 'you want me to use magic in front of the king,' he whispers.
'You're really scared of father,' Arthur says.
Merlin nods, 'I have good reason to,' Merlin reminded Uther's son.
Arthur nods frowning, 'how many people like you are there?'
'I don't know,' Merlin sighed. 'People like me are hardly going to shout about having magic being terrified of execution.'
Arthur nods.
'Yes, Merlin, I do,' agrees Gaius.
'I'd never get away with it,' Merlin begins pacing.
'I'm sorry, Merlin, I know how dangerous this is,' Gaius agrees also standing up. 'But we cannot allow her to gain further control over the king. There's no telling what she could do?'
'Take over the place as the heir of the throne,' Arthur scowled.
Merlin nodded looking scared but determined, 'just one problem I know nothing about troll magic.'
'That is rather a big problem,' Percival commented.
Gaius slams a pile of books onto the table, 'then we have work to do.'
Outside on the palace terrace Catrina joins Uther.
'A beautiful day,' smiles Catrina.
'The first of many I hope,' smiled Uther kissing the troll on the cheek.
'How fine it must to have all this at command,' the power hungry troll looks out across the city of Camelot.
'Which you crave for your own,' Arthur frowned.
'It can be a burden sometimes,' the king admits.
Catrina turns to the king.
'Then let me share your burden,' suggests the troll.
'And get the power which all trolls crave,' Gaius says.
'Together we can achieve so much,' Catrina puts an arm on the king's chest.
'You know there's nothing I would like not,' Uther puts an arm around the troll.
'And my lord would it not be a good idea to send a message to all those who doubt us, the strength of our commitment, out love,' as the troll begins to talk the magical pendant glows red.
'Yes,' the king had no choice to agree. 'What did you have in mind?'
'I was thinking of something traditional, something permanent,' suggested Catrina.
The two kissed.
Back in the physician's chambers Gaius is snoring on his book while Merlin turns the page of his book tiredly.
'You stayed up all night,' Arthur asked.
Merlin shrugged.
He then stops and wakes Gaius up.
'Here, the spell of revelation,' he says. 'With which the true nature of the thing may be revealed.'
'But this applies only to objects,' Gaius pointed out.
'That's quite a flaw,' Percival said.
'It was the best I could do at such short notice,' Merlin said. 'Not that it fully worked.'
'Not to living creatures,' Gaius said.
'I know,' admitted Merlin. 'But the principals the same,' Merlin said hopefully. 'Isn't it?' he asks hopefully.
'So you hope,' Hunith smiled.
'I have to try it,' Merlin said desperately.
'Desperate times call for desperate measures,' Merlin said.
'What other choice do we have?' he demands.
'Very well,' agreed Gaius. 'But choose your moment carefully,' warns Gaius.
'I don't want to have you executed,' Arthur said then realising what he had said, 'it would be dead embarrassing to have to execute my own servant.'
'There's nothing wrong with admitting to caring for Merlin, you know,' Gwen said.
'Trolls are viscous creatures,' Gaius warns him.
There is a knock at the door.
'Come in,' called Gaius.
A guard comes in, 'the king requests your presence in the council chambers.'
Gaius and Merlin share a look.
Uther and Catrina walk into the council chambers hand in hand, 'thank you all for coming. You are, no doubt, wondering why I have gathered you here today. Though we live in dark times, today I bring you light, and love. It gives me greatest pleasure to inform you that the Houses of Tregor and Pendragon are to be united in the closest bond of all. I am to marry Lady Catrina of Tregor. I am to marry Lady Catrina tomorrow. This union heralds a new dawn for the kingdom, a new beginning.'
Arthur doesn't look pleased.
'Someone isn't impressed with their new step-mother,' laughed Gwaine.
'She's! A! Troll!' Arthur said frustrated.
Morgana and Gwen began laughing. Gaius nods to Merlin who moves away and begins enchanting, 'hierste thaet cicen sona.'
Catrina stiffens obviously feeling the effects of Emrys' magic as Uther says, 'and a future queen of Camelot.'
Merlin repeats, 'hierste thaet cicen sona.'
'I could not hope to make a better match,' she says.
'I think you could somehow,' Gwaine laughed.
'Any human,' Merlin said.
Catrina's face seems to move.
'It's working,' smiles Hunith proudly.
'Not enough,' Merlin says grimly.
Jonas notices this and looks to where Merlin enchants again, 'hierste thaet cicen sona.'
'He knows,' groaned Hunith.
'And soon Catrina will too,' Percival said grimly.
Merlin's eyes glow gold as Catrina's face once again shifts as the troll magic and warlock magic fight.
'I hope you all share our joy,' Uther says.
'No we don't,' Arthur said.
There is applause from the courtiers.
'Thank you,' Uther takes Catrina by the hand and though she walks off not looking happy she goes with him.
Catrina and Jonas enter Catrina's chambers. Catrina automatically hunches over, 'what happened?' she demands.
'I'm sorry I was not prepared,' Jonas admits.
'Quick the potion,' orders the so called lady.
The troll's servant hurries with the potion, 'it was the boy Merlin. It seems he has magic.'
'Do not concern yourself,' the troll clutches the curtain. 'I resisted him easily enough.'
'But there's no telling what he could do next,' Jonas argued. 'He could ruin everything!'
'Which he did,' Gaius smiled proudly.
'What does Jonas get out of it?' asked Percival.
Merlin shrugged, 'never figured it out.'
'That cannot be allowed to happen,' snarled the troll.
Jonas jumps back, 'what would you have me do?' asked the servant.
Catrina thought for a second, 'I think it's time we set a trap,' she smirked.
Jonas had a sly smile on his face.
Gaius and Merlin enter their shared chambers.
'I'm sorry,' Merlin said. 'I tried. I gave it everything I had.'
'It's not your fault,' Gaius said.
'The Spell of Revelation is powerful magic,' Merlin said. 'She could feel it,' Merlin said.
'Yes he could,' Gaius nodded.
'But it wasn't enough,' groaned Merlin.
'You did your best,' assured Hunith with a smile.
'I could see she could feel it,' Merlin said.
'Her magic must be powerful indeed if she could resist you,' Gaius said.
'It was the potion,' Merlin, 'if she had just used a spell I would have been able to show them all.'
Merlin then turns to leave.
'Where are you going?' demands Gaius.
'To see Arthur; he's our only hope,' Merlin explains.
'I really should start listening to you,' Arthur said.
'You should,' Merlin agrees.
'Merlin,' Gaius calls but Merlin ignores his mentor.
Arthur is pulling on his jacket when Merlin stands there but doesn't say anything.
'Yes?' asked Arthur putting his sword into his belt.
'Arthur, I'm going to tell you something,' Merlin said. 'It's not going to be easy.'
'Right,' Arthur said.
'It concerns the Lady Catrina,' Merlin admits.
'You're not using my chambers to spy on her again,' Arthur said.
'Never again,' Merlin grimaced.
'Oh no trust me I saw everything I needed to say,' Merlin looked disgusted.
'And more,' Merlin grimaced.
'Arthur,' Merlin says. 'She's a troll.'
Arthur begins to laugh turning to face his friend.
'She's not that bad,' the prince laughed.
'I'm being serious, she is, she's an actual troll,' Merlin says.
'Merlin I know what you're trying to do. You're a true friend but it's not about me. It's about my father's happiness. And when father announced the wedding I realised that Catrina does just that she makes father happy,' Arthur says.
'But,' Merlin begins.
'She's the future queen of Camelot whether you like it not,' Arthur said calmly.
'Unfortunately,' grimaced Merlin.
Merlin is walking down the corridor where he hears sobbing, 'hello?' he called.
Jonas is sobbing when he sees Merlin.
'Master Merlin I'm sorry,' the creature apologises.
'What's wrong with you?' asks Merlin suspiciously.
'I'm a slave, a prisoner,' he answers.
'Don't believe him,' warns Arthur.
Merlin blushes.
'What are you talking about?' asks Merlin.
'My mistress is not as she seems,' Jonas informs him.
'I worked that out,' Merlin said.
'But you know as much,' Jonas said.
'Go on. I'm listening,' Merlin didn't approach him.
'She is a cruel and viscous creature. She keeps me in chains binding my magic. She twists my mind like she is twisting the mind of your king,' Jonas said.
'Why are you telling me this?' asked Merlin.
Jonas looks around, 'I can help you.'
'How?' asked Merlin.
'Below the castle, where she sleeps, she keeps her potions there. Every night she must take these potions, it is the magic that transforms her from beast to beauty. If you were to take these from her, she must remain as a beast, and then your King would not be so keen, I think,' Jonas says.
'Tell me, Jonas, why should I believe any of this?' asks Merlin.
'You shouldn't,' Gwaine said.
'You must do as you see fit, master Merlin,' replies Jonas. 'But if my mistress is not stopped by morning she will be queen!'
Merlin is walking down the corridor with a torch to where the troll usually sleeps. He enters her sleeping place and begins looking through everything whilst trying to ignore the smell and the rotten fruit.
'You won't find anything in there,' the troll comes up behind him.
'Oh no,' groaned Gaius.
'You may possess some magic, wretch,' snarls the troll.
Merlin stands up suddenly.
'But you are no match for me,' she makes the wall crash in on the warlock.
Gaius is looking for Merlin up in his room.
'Merlin,' calls Gaius.
He looks around at Merlin's empty bedroom.
'How many times does this happen?' asked Hunith.
'That Merlin is missing without realising,' Gaius asked.
Hunith nods.
'Too many times,' Gaius answers.
Merlin is on his side he groans and gets up.
The castle progresses from day to night.
In Catrina's nest Merlin is still trying to escape, 'ic ábíetee pæt stánhol,' he repeats again and again. Merlin finally gives up and collapses on his knees.
In Lady Catrina's chambers the troll back to looking like a human, calls, 'Jonas. Have I ever looked more horrible?' she asks.
The troll's service looks up from his bottles, 'no mistress.'
'Oh Jonas,' Catrina cries with rapture. 'You always say the right thing,' the troll takes her potion.
The throne for the king and queen are placed as the people enter.
Merlin is still trying to break out, 'ic ábíetee pæt stánhol,' he says again and fails.
Uther and Arthur enter the hall for the wedding as they pass there are bows from their wedding guests. The Lady Catrina too enters in a white wedding gown.
Merlin finally breaks out with one last shout of, 'ic ábíetee pæt stánhol,' he runs off.
The Keeper of Records is performing the marriage of the king and the lady, 'my lords, ladies and gentleman of Camelot. We are gathered here today to celebrate by the ancient rite of hand fasting.'
Uther and Catrina stand hand in hand.
'The union of Uther Pendragon and Lady Catrina of Tregor,' Geoffrey says as Merlin runs dirty over those making final preparations for the wedding. 'Is it your wish, Uther, to become one with this woman?'
'It is,' Uther agrees.
'Is it your wish, Catrina, to become one with this man?' asked Geoffrey.
'It is,' Catrina agrees.
'Do any say nay?' asked Geoffrey.
'Yes,' Merlin said.
Gaius looks behind him.
'Waiting for Merlin?' asked Hunith.
Outside the ceremony hall Merlin runs into the troll's servant, 'master Merlin,' he greets. 'Can I help you? Are you lost?'
'After two years of living in the palace I think even Merlin would know his way around,' Arthur rolled his eyes.
'Step aside, Jonas,' warned Merlin.
'The King's wedding is by invitation only,' Jonas informed him.
'And as the prince's manservant he's invited,' Arthur said.
'But the bride hates me,' Merlin said.
'I said get out of my way,' Merlin starts towards him.
Jonas grabs Merlin by the arm.
'I'm so sorry but I regret to say you are not invited,' informed the servant.
Jonas flings Merlin onto the floor baring his teeth at him. Merlin gets up and runs at him again only to be once again to be flung on the floor. Jonas then picks up Merlin and shouts at the warlock, 'leave my mistress alone!' the room shakes.
Arthur shivers, 'he's very powerful.'
'But loyal,' adds Lancelot.
'To the wrong people,' Merlin says.
Merlin kicks Jonas in the stomach and the two fall at opposite ends of the room.
'I, Uther Pendragon, King of Camelot, I will not seek to change you anyway. I will respect you as I do myself,' Uther is saying.
'Ic the widraf,' Merlin says.
'Why didn't you do that in the first place?' asked Percival.
'Magic in the heart of Camelot?' asked Merlin.
'You've done so before,' Arthur pointed out frowning.
'I prefer not to unless I have to,' Merlin said.
'I think now constitutes a time when you have to,' Gaius says.
'Yeah,' Merlin agrees.
Jonas is flung into a tapestry as Merlin runs off to attempt to stop the wedding.
'I know pronounce you husband and wife,' the Keeper of Records completes the ceremony.
The new Queen of Camelot kisses her husband as Merlin runs in looking desperate he shares a look with Gaius who looks very serious.