nyxelestia (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
nyxelestia) wrote2010-10-24 01:18 am
nyxelestia) wrote2010-10-24 01:18 am
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Merlin Episode Review - 307: The Castle of Fyrien
I'm doped up on acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and antihistamines, not to mention I'm sick, so my review may be quite rambly and incoherent in comparison to what I usually write. So, yeah, sorry about that.
Servants must have bad hours, going home so late at night and having to be in their masters' rooms so early in the morning. Poor Gwen. And this time, she goes home to a strange and scary looking guy in her house! Props to her for grabbing a poker and ready to fight off the guy, but she didn't see the guy behind her with the medieval chloroform.
I've pretty much lost all hope that Morgana might still have some love left for Gwen the moment I saw her smirking evilly as Gwen was carried off by her kidnappers. Damnit.
Yay for shirtless Arthur in the sunlight!
Apparently a touch hungover (or maybe he just hates waking up as much as I do, regardless of time of day), he complains to Merlin about the way he wakes up Arthur every day.He wants to wake up with your lips around his cock, Merlin, not spouting at him to get up.
At the royal breakfast, we see leftover hints of Merlin's poisoning of Morgana in that she would rather not have anything to drink than have Merlin pour hers. Immediately she starts her manipulation, commenting on Gwen not showing up for work. You can just see the "we must find her!" look on Arthur's face even as Uther says they can replace Gwen if she's no longer reliable.
When Merlin goes to her house, she's not there, but her traveling cloak is, there's a poker on her table next to a toppled over breadbowl, and a rag on the floor that smells like Not Good Business.
In a prison cell faraway, Cenred and Morgana look in on a prisoner that Cenred says was where Morgana told them he would be. Gwen is brought to Cenred's court, and reunited with her brother, Elyan. But, she isn't told what the king wants, and when the siblings are given a moment alone, she seems to immediately think Elyan was responsible for their capture, and seems to distrust him.
Merlin returns to Arthur's room, giving him the rag, and upon smelling it, Arthur swayed and half-passed-out, not falling to the floor only because Merlin enchanted a chair to move across the floor to catch Arthur. Two things one this - one, he is getting more and more reckless with his magic. Two, why didn't anything happen to him when he smelled it? I'm assuming it's magic, but...Merlin knows the herbs that it's made of, though he won't comment how he knows. Magic, or experience? Or has he just been studying his books from Gaius a lot more, lately?
Cenred makes his demands to Gwen: bring Arthur back, or she watches her brother die. Arthur manages to scrounge up a guard squad to search for her only after making the argument that she was the servant of the king's ward. But, the next morning, she returns at work like normal. Morgana basically gives her the day off, on the surface to let Gwen recover the sickness she claimed she had, and obviously in reality to give Gwen more time to lure Arthur to Cenred's.
When she runs into Merlin in the hallway, dropping his laundry, he quickly sees through her lies (takes one to know one?). Merlin makes her some drink (I suspect there's some brandy in that tea?) and talks it out with her - convinces her that Arthur's sheeridiotic nobility is common knowledge, not that Cenred knew anything. (Does Merlin suspect Morgana? Is just speculating? Hm...) And in the end, he gets her to talk to Arthur.
As Arthur explains what he knows of the castle - an old trading outpost built to withstand anything - and says that they will go, despite Merlin saying that they would basically be walking into a trap. Morgana, of course, has been listening outside the whole time, as Arthur says they wouldn't necessarily be walking into a trap, she walks away with an evil smirk yet again. God, I hate all her issues that the smirk represents, but it's so fucking sexy!I'd tap that smirk. Or the face. Or the lady. I'm really not that picky when it comes to Morgana. Dear god, her clothes...*drools* *ahem*
But alas, she is taken - as I'm reminded of when she goes out into the forest to meet with Morgause (what are my chances of an epic threesome?) around large and quite phallic stones and confirms that not only has Gwen spoken, but Arthur rides as good as alone, with only Gwen and Merlin. (Apparently, they've forgotten how much of a nuisance to their plans Merlin has been thus far).
Next morning, Arthur lies to Uther, claiming he lost a bet, and he owes 'two silk dresses'. At Uther's questioning, he says this was all somehow Morgana's idea, to which Uther laughs and says he should've guessed and that Arthur should know better than to bet with her, despite his remarks earlier about disapproving of gambling. When Arthur says he'll have to leave the city, Uther tells him to get going, or else Morgana will have his guts.
Side track, but I love the hints what once was in between Arthur and Morgana, and what probably still is even though it's off screen and just Morgana's acting for appearances, not to mention the old hints of her badassery, and to that extent her badassery in character (rather than magic or weaponsor clothes and looks).
Back to the point! As it turns out, Merlin realizes full well Morgana is giving information to Cenred...but as far as he's concerned, she knows nothing of Arthur's plans. But when he goes out to prepare the horses, it turns out she demanded to come. The mind games and thelovehate hate in their eyes as they 'chat', both with dark looks and darker voices...I just...*flail*. Yes, I'm still a Merlin/Morgana shipper, and seriously, the mind-fuckery between them is freakin' awesome.
Merlin clearly isn't happy that Arthur didn't tell him she was coming. Arthur, of course, fails to see how this is relevant. I love him, but he really is an idiot.
On a side note, I do believe we have our answer to all the press reports talking about them riding somewhere together. It's like a bizarre parody of ep 111, when they all rode to Ealdor...but now, unlike then, they are all loaded down with history and secrets and lies and are just so much different, all older and jaded and a little bit darker and a little less idealistic since that last roadtrip three years ago. *sad!face*
Arthur is somewhat-flirting/chatting with Gwen, talking about his childhood in the woods they are riding through (aww, he admits he used to be afraid!) Behind them, Merlin and Morgana are giving each other dark!looks even as they laugh at Arthur and Gwen.
After getting Merlin to go after Morgana to see if she's getting firewood in case there are wolves about, he gets a moment alone with Gwen only to help her out with the saddlebags. Meanwhile, Merlin runs into Morgana well away from Arthur and Gwen, collecting firewood.
The mindfuckery going on as they talk about their friends is awesome. Merlin says he doesn't understand how she can hurt and kill such good friends like Gwen and Arthur. Morgana says he wouldn't, considering he just poisons them. Oh, the heartbreak - I love the pain they both show in this scene, and how they cover it up just as Morgana dumps to firewood at Merlin's feet and huffs off. It really does add to Morgana's motivations, though. Merlin was her most trusted friend, the one she even trusted with magic, and he turned on her - what could she expect of Arthur and Gwen? Especially with the stakes - the throne of Camelot - so high! Even if they are basically family (and they are actually family, which Arthur doesn't know!), how can she expect any form of compassion or loyalty once power of that kind comes into question?
Cut back to Arthur and Gwendoing their mutual wifely duties to their sorcerers and setting up camp, though Arthur proves incapable of starting a fire even with flint. Gwen reveals that Elyan if someone she worries about - follows his heart, doesn't think about the future, always in the wrong place at the wrong time. I wonder what has happened to him, her, and them? Gwen uses her skills - "I'm a blacksmith's daughter" - to start the fire, and slowly lean in for a kiss, only to be interrupted by Morgana and Merlin. Merlin tries to not-that-subtly offer to leave again by commenting on twigs, but this time it's unnecessary, as all four sit down to hash out the plans.
Of course, explaining about the secret tunnels has a downside in this case, as Morgana knows - and that night, tells Morgause, who gives her an enchanted ring so she and Cenred can find the secret entrance once Morgana and the team get there. Back at camp, it turns out Merlin knew she left. Poor Merlin, he's really got his work cut out for him, doesn't he? The next morning, they descend into context ridden bickering, Morgana snapping at Merlin almost cruelly. As they continue riding, the show makes use of imagery and has Morgana riding just a little bit away from the group, and Merlin in the middle of that gap, with only Arthur and Gwen close together. Both history and foreshadowing in one image - props, producers, I give you.
Merlin, upon seeing a snake in the grass (I see what you did there, show), enchants it to rear up, scaring Morgana's horse and throwing her off, and her ankle's hurt. But, to no avail - Morgana will still go on with them.
And, seriously, how is this a kid's show? Morgause shares the news with Cenred, and in the ensuing discussion, he admits that while he stands to gain a lot from Arthur's death, he is rich and powerful already, and he does what he does to please Morgause. And she says that if that's so...then please her (with an innuendo laden voice and look on her face). Sidenote - is this all Cenred's actual love/lust for her? Or is there a little magic going on behind the scenes? Though he's the bad guy, he has actually demonstrated quite a bit of logic and thoughtfulness so far - he doesn't think with his sword (I won't even go there on the puns), he doesn't make war lightly, and once his only advantage is lost during the battle of Camelot, he doesn't press forward, doesn't foolishly sacrifice his army's men to take the citadel. He admits right now, too, that he is already rich and powerful - he knows he doesn't need Camelot, only wants it - and apparently, not much. Is he just a once-good king that's now rash and prone to bad decisions/judgment? Or is he at least slightly, if not very, enchanted?
Anyway, cue to the OT3.5 getting ready to sneak into the tunnels - despite Merlin attempting to, he can't talk Arthur out of it. At the entrance, just after the OT3 goes in, .5/Morgana leaves the ring on the ground, activating the enchantment. As she heads inside, it starts spewing a huge amount of orange steam/smoke. I believe this is how Morgause and Cenred will find the entrance. Uh-oh. They do, inexplicably, find torches, despite not having been carrying any - and they light them to see the skeletons of the men of the last invasion force, from Camelot long ago, that managed to attack the castle.
Only a little deeper into the tunnel, and they find out their element of surprise is lost, when they are surrounded, attacked, and outnumbered by Cenred's men. Brought up to his audience chambers, Arthur tries to talk Cenred into letting the other three go - of course, as Cenred said, "Fair is for fools", and has them all taken away, much to Arthur's blatant fury as he struggles against his captors. Probably rather sadistic of me, but I do love this scene, ranging from the innuendo of Arthur kneeling before Cenred at the perfect height of his mouth matching up to Cenred's crotch, all the way to the emotional depth of the fury Arthur shows when he realizes Gwen, Merlin, and Morgana will also be hurt because of him. Right after they leave, Cenred gives a flourishing actor's bow to Morgause, who was hiding above the chambers watching the whole time.
In the cell with her brother, even Elyan manages to figure Arthur and Gwen are in love by her revealing that Arthur came here with her. Morgana is brought up to Morgause and Cenred, and asks why Arthur isn't dead already - as it turns out, Cenred plans to use Arthur to get as much information on Camelot's defenses as he can...which Arthur knows, as he tells Merlin in the next scene where they are locked up together. But, he isn't afraid! Well, he is afraid of the potential torture, but he knows there won't be any, because they will escape and rescue the others.
Gwen and Elyan have a heart to heart - they haven't talked in four years, not even when Tom died. But luckily, Gwen has a forgiving heart.
As it turns out, though, Cenred is hiring idiots, who, upon Merlin banging for help on his cell door and shouting that Cenred has escaped, open the door and come barging in and put themselves in perfect position to be ambushed by the boys. Merlin manages to surprise Arthur by using a sword to strike down one of the guards. (I'm convinced that whatever Arthur's banter, Merlin is vastly improving with a sword, especially if his fight with Morgana is anything to go on.) When Arthur runs out of ideas on how to take out the next guard, Merlin solves it by shoving Arthur in front of him to duel, distracting them both enough for Merlin to enchant the guys' pants down right after he, his own sword against Arthur's, says he's really going to enjoy this. Arthur, of course, knees him in the balls and when the guy is shoved forward into the siblings' cell, I'm fairly certain that's a slice of the guy's ass we see. Again - there is no way this is still a freakin' kids show. o.O Once they establish Morgana is not with any of them, they run off, planning to find her and get out.
Upon hearing the warning bells, Morgana snaps that Cenred should've killed Arthur earlier, but Cenred has a plan - so long as Morgana plays her part.
Arthur tells Gwen, Elyan, and Merlin to go to the horses and ride for Camelot, then leaves. Merlin tells Gwen and Elyan the same thing and goes after Elyan, while Gwen and Elyan listen to them and run off. a.) hints of Gwen's love being more 99% than 100% for Arthur, or just her perfect-girlfriend syndrome? I really hope it's the former, but knowing the show, it'll end up being the latter. :|
Anyway, after several judicious shots of Arthur sneaking about the castle, he gets to the throne room to see Cenred with a blade at a whimpering Morgana's throat, Morgause by his side. She conjures a large column of flame and power, but Merlin, from behind another wall, manages to magically neutralize it, but causing it to release a huge blast of power, throwing everyone back away from it - and knocking out Cenred, and Morgause in the process. Arthur grabs Morgana, yells at Merlin for following him, but they all run out quickly. Morgana shouts about her ankle, likely trying to stay behind - but Arthur heaves her onto his shoulder, mention that he doesn't like it any more than she does, and continues running on. He really does seem to screw with everyone's plans, one way or another, doesn't he?
But, luckily, he's not the only one - Gwen and Elyan didn't listen to Arthur, waiting for them, and when they're all attacked, Elyan proves to be an excellent swordsman. "Practice makes perfect", he says - yet another clue to his past, if the look he gives Gwen as he says this is anything to go by. Really, what has he been up to? Why is he so estranged from Gwen?
As they ride back, Arthur says that Camelot was built on trust and loyalty, and says that so long as they stay true to those ideals, they'll never be defeated. What he doesn't see are Merlin and Morgana's faces behind him, both knowing the truth - Camelot is not the idyllic place Arthur wants to it be, and may very well never be.
Once they get back, Arthur's helped Elyan settle in, letting him get Tom's forge up and running, which Gwen thanks him for as she brings him two silk dresses in case Uther asks any questions.
Arthur tells her outright that he loves her - when she thanks him, he says it's nothing when you love someone. Awesomely enough, they don't kiss - I love the actors' skill in this scene, the way they let it play out and the depth of emotion their faces show, both in Gwen's hesitation and glance back at Arthur just before she leaves his chambers, and Arthur's forlorn look right after she leaves.
This episode was wonderful - I had much love for both my biggest Merlin pairings - Arthur and Morgana - and there was not only serious plot movement, but awesome character development, too. ♥ over all.
Servants must have bad hours, going home so late at night and having to be in their masters' rooms so early in the morning. Poor Gwen. And this time, she goes home to a strange and scary looking guy in her house! Props to her for grabbing a poker and ready to fight off the guy, but she didn't see the guy behind her with the medieval chloroform.
I've pretty much lost all hope that Morgana might still have some love left for Gwen the moment I saw her smirking evilly as Gwen was carried off by her kidnappers. Damnit.
Yay for shirtless Arthur in the sunlight!
Apparently a touch hungover (or maybe he just hates waking up as much as I do, regardless of time of day), he complains to Merlin about the way he wakes up Arthur every day.
At the royal breakfast, we see leftover hints of Merlin's poisoning of Morgana in that she would rather not have anything to drink than have Merlin pour hers. Immediately she starts her manipulation, commenting on Gwen not showing up for work. You can just see the "we must find her!" look on Arthur's face even as Uther says they can replace Gwen if she's no longer reliable.
When Merlin goes to her house, she's not there, but her traveling cloak is, there's a poker on her table next to a toppled over breadbowl, and a rag on the floor that smells like Not Good Business.
In a prison cell faraway, Cenred and Morgana look in on a prisoner that Cenred says was where Morgana told them he would be. Gwen is brought to Cenred's court, and reunited with her brother, Elyan. But, she isn't told what the king wants, and when the siblings are given a moment alone, she seems to immediately think Elyan was responsible for their capture, and seems to distrust him.
Merlin returns to Arthur's room, giving him the rag, and upon smelling it, Arthur swayed and half-passed-out, not falling to the floor only because Merlin enchanted a chair to move across the floor to catch Arthur. Two things one this - one, he is getting more and more reckless with his magic. Two, why didn't anything happen to him when he smelled it? I'm assuming it's magic, but...Merlin knows the herbs that it's made of, though he won't comment how he knows. Magic, or experience? Or has he just been studying his books from Gaius a lot more, lately?
Cenred makes his demands to Gwen: bring Arthur back, or she watches her brother die. Arthur manages to scrounge up a guard squad to search for her only after making the argument that she was the servant of the king's ward. But, the next morning, she returns at work like normal. Morgana basically gives her the day off, on the surface to let Gwen recover the sickness she claimed she had, and obviously in reality to give Gwen more time to lure Arthur to Cenred's.
When she runs into Merlin in the hallway, dropping his laundry, he quickly sees through her lies (takes one to know one?). Merlin makes her some drink (I suspect there's some brandy in that tea?) and talks it out with her - convinces her that Arthur's sheer
As Arthur explains what he knows of the castle - an old trading outpost built to withstand anything - and says that they will go, despite Merlin saying that they would basically be walking into a trap. Morgana, of course, has been listening outside the whole time, as Arthur says they wouldn't necessarily be walking into a trap, she walks away with an evil smirk yet again. God, I hate all her issues that the smirk represents, but it's so fucking sexy!
But alas, she is taken - as I'm reminded of when she goes out into the forest to meet with Morgause (what are my chances of an epic threesome?) around large and quite phallic stones and confirms that not only has Gwen spoken, but Arthur rides as good as alone, with only Gwen and Merlin. (Apparently, they've forgotten how much of a nuisance to their plans Merlin has been thus far).
Next morning, Arthur lies to Uther, claiming he lost a bet, and he owes 'two silk dresses'. At Uther's questioning, he says this was all somehow Morgana's idea, to which Uther laughs and says he should've guessed and that Arthur should know better than to bet with her, despite his remarks earlier about disapproving of gambling. When Arthur says he'll have to leave the city, Uther tells him to get going, or else Morgana will have his guts.
Side track, but I love the hints what once was in between Arthur and Morgana, and what probably still is even though it's off screen and just Morgana's acting for appearances, not to mention the old hints of her badassery, and to that extent her badassery in character (rather than magic or weapons
Back to the point! As it turns out, Merlin realizes full well Morgana is giving information to Cenred...but as far as he's concerned, she knows nothing of Arthur's plans. But when he goes out to prepare the horses, it turns out she demanded to come. The mind games and the
Merlin clearly isn't happy that Arthur didn't tell him she was coming. Arthur, of course, fails to see how this is relevant. I love him, but he really is an idiot.
On a side note, I do believe we have our answer to all the press reports talking about them riding somewhere together. It's like a bizarre parody of ep 111, when they all rode to Ealdor...but now, unlike then, they are all loaded down with history and secrets and lies and are just so much different, all older and jaded and a little bit darker and a little less idealistic since that last roadtrip three years ago. *sad!face*
Arthur is somewhat-flirting/chatting with Gwen, talking about his childhood in the woods they are riding through (aww, he admits he used to be afraid!) Behind them, Merlin and Morgana are giving each other dark!looks even as they laugh at Arthur and Gwen.
After getting Merlin to go after Morgana to see if she's getting firewood in case there are wolves about, he gets a moment alone with Gwen only to help her out with the saddlebags. Meanwhile, Merlin runs into Morgana well away from Arthur and Gwen, collecting firewood.
The mindfuckery going on as they talk about their friends is awesome. Merlin says he doesn't understand how she can hurt and kill such good friends like Gwen and Arthur. Morgana says he wouldn't, considering he just poisons them. Oh, the heartbreak - I love the pain they both show in this scene, and how they cover it up just as Morgana dumps to firewood at Merlin's feet and huffs off. It really does add to Morgana's motivations, though. Merlin was her most trusted friend, the one she even trusted with magic, and he turned on her - what could she expect of Arthur and Gwen? Especially with the stakes - the throne of Camelot - so high! Even if they are basically family (and they are actually family, which Arthur doesn't know!), how can she expect any form of compassion or loyalty once power of that kind comes into question?
Cut back to Arthur and Gwen
Of course, explaining about the secret tunnels has a downside in this case, as Morgana knows - and that night, tells Morgause, who gives her an enchanted ring so she and Cenred can find the secret entrance once Morgana and the team get there. Back at camp, it turns out Merlin knew she left. Poor Merlin, he's really got his work cut out for him, doesn't he? The next morning, they descend into context ridden bickering, Morgana snapping at Merlin almost cruelly. As they continue riding, the show makes use of imagery and has Morgana riding just a little bit away from the group, and Merlin in the middle of that gap, with only Arthur and Gwen close together. Both history and foreshadowing in one image - props, producers, I give you.
Merlin, upon seeing a snake in the grass (I see what you did there, show), enchants it to rear up, scaring Morgana's horse and throwing her off, and her ankle's hurt. But, to no avail - Morgana will still go on with them.
And, seriously, how is this a kid's show? Morgause shares the news with Cenred, and in the ensuing discussion, he admits that while he stands to gain a lot from Arthur's death, he is rich and powerful already, and he does what he does to please Morgause. And she says that if that's so...then please her (with an innuendo laden voice and look on her face). Sidenote - is this all Cenred's actual love/lust for her? Or is there a little magic going on behind the scenes? Though he's the bad guy, he has actually demonstrated quite a bit of logic and thoughtfulness so far - he doesn't think with his sword (I won't even go there on the puns), he doesn't make war lightly, and once his only advantage is lost during the battle of Camelot, he doesn't press forward, doesn't foolishly sacrifice his army's men to take the citadel. He admits right now, too, that he is already rich and powerful - he knows he doesn't need Camelot, only wants it - and apparently, not much. Is he just a once-good king that's now rash and prone to bad decisions/judgment? Or is he at least slightly, if not very, enchanted?
Anyway, cue to the OT3.5 getting ready to sneak into the tunnels - despite Merlin attempting to, he can't talk Arthur out of it. At the entrance, just after the OT3 goes in, .5/Morgana leaves the ring on the ground, activating the enchantment. As she heads inside, it starts spewing a huge amount of orange steam/smoke. I believe this is how Morgause and Cenred will find the entrance. Uh-oh. They do, inexplicably, find torches, despite not having been carrying any - and they light them to see the skeletons of the men of the last invasion force, from Camelot long ago, that managed to attack the castle.
Only a little deeper into the tunnel, and they find out their element of surprise is lost, when they are surrounded, attacked, and outnumbered by Cenred's men. Brought up to his audience chambers, Arthur tries to talk Cenred into letting the other three go - of course, as Cenred said, "Fair is for fools", and has them all taken away, much to Arthur's blatant fury as he struggles against his captors. Probably rather sadistic of me, but I do love this scene, ranging from the innuendo of Arthur kneeling before Cenred at the perfect height of his mouth matching up to Cenred's crotch, all the way to the emotional depth of the fury Arthur shows when he realizes Gwen, Merlin, and Morgana will also be hurt because of him. Right after they leave, Cenred gives a flourishing actor's bow to Morgause, who was hiding above the chambers watching the whole time.
In the cell with her brother, even Elyan manages to figure Arthur and Gwen are in love by her revealing that Arthur came here with her. Morgana is brought up to Morgause and Cenred, and asks why Arthur isn't dead already - as it turns out, Cenred plans to use Arthur to get as much information on Camelot's defenses as he can...which Arthur knows, as he tells Merlin in the next scene where they are locked up together. But, he isn't afraid! Well, he is afraid of the potential torture, but he knows there won't be any, because they will escape and rescue the others.
Gwen and Elyan have a heart to heart - they haven't talked in four years, not even when Tom died. But luckily, Gwen has a forgiving heart.
As it turns out, though, Cenred is hiring idiots, who, upon Merlin banging for help on his cell door and shouting that Cenred has escaped, open the door and come barging in and put themselves in perfect position to be ambushed by the boys. Merlin manages to surprise Arthur by using a sword to strike down one of the guards. (I'm convinced that whatever Arthur's banter, Merlin is vastly improving with a sword, especially if his fight with Morgana is anything to go on.) When Arthur runs out of ideas on how to take out the next guard, Merlin solves it by shoving Arthur in front of him to duel, distracting them both enough for Merlin to enchant the guys' pants down right after he, his own sword against Arthur's, says he's really going to enjoy this. Arthur, of course, knees him in the balls and when the guy is shoved forward into the siblings' cell, I'm fairly certain that's a slice of the guy's ass we see. Again - there is no way this is still a freakin' kids show. o.O Once they establish Morgana is not with any of them, they run off, planning to find her and get out.
Upon hearing the warning bells, Morgana snaps that Cenred should've killed Arthur earlier, but Cenred has a plan - so long as Morgana plays her part.
Arthur tells Gwen, Elyan, and Merlin to go to the horses and ride for Camelot, then leaves. Merlin tells Gwen and Elyan the same thing and goes after Elyan, while Gwen and Elyan listen to them and run off. a.) hints of Gwen's love being more 99% than 100% for Arthur, or just her perfect-girlfriend syndrome? I really hope it's the former, but knowing the show, it'll end up being the latter. :|
Anyway, after several judicious shots of Arthur sneaking about the castle, he gets to the throne room to see Cenred with a blade at a whimpering Morgana's throat, Morgause by his side. She conjures a large column of flame and power, but Merlin, from behind another wall, manages to magically neutralize it, but causing it to release a huge blast of power, throwing everyone back away from it - and knocking out Cenred, and Morgause in the process. Arthur grabs Morgana, yells at Merlin for following him, but they all run out quickly. Morgana shouts about her ankle, likely trying to stay behind - but Arthur heaves her onto his shoulder, mention that he doesn't like it any more than she does, and continues running on. He really does seem to screw with everyone's plans, one way or another, doesn't he?
But, luckily, he's not the only one - Gwen and Elyan didn't listen to Arthur, waiting for them, and when they're all attacked, Elyan proves to be an excellent swordsman. "Practice makes perfect", he says - yet another clue to his past, if the look he gives Gwen as he says this is anything to go by. Really, what has he been up to? Why is he so estranged from Gwen?
As they ride back, Arthur says that Camelot was built on trust and loyalty, and says that so long as they stay true to those ideals, they'll never be defeated. What he doesn't see are Merlin and Morgana's faces behind him, both knowing the truth - Camelot is not the idyllic place Arthur wants to it be, and may very well never be.
Once they get back, Arthur's helped Elyan settle in, letting him get Tom's forge up and running, which Gwen thanks him for as she brings him two silk dresses in case Uther asks any questions.
Arthur tells her outright that he loves her - when she thanks him, he says it's nothing when you love someone. Awesomely enough, they don't kiss - I love the actors' skill in this scene, the way they let it play out and the depth of emotion their faces show, both in Gwen's hesitation and glance back at Arthur just before she leaves his chambers, and Arthur's forlorn look right after she leaves.
This episode was wonderful - I had much love for both my biggest Merlin pairings - Arthur and Morgana - and there was not only serious plot movement, but awesome character development, too. ♥ over all.
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If I may I can shed some light on the whole Merlin not passing out when he smelled the cloth. When Merlin found the rag he took a light wiff, most likely cautious do to working with compounds with Gaius. Arthur on the other hand deeply inhaled.
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