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Rise of the Druids
Topic Started: Apr 27 2009, 07:52 AM (138 Views)
Rose Storm
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Morgana dismounted at the door of the armoury, running hastily inside as a servant boy stepped forwards to take her horse.

Inside the cavernous building, crowded with armaments, she could see racks and racks of spears, swords, breastplates, helmets and shields. Guinevere was standing over to one side, organising everyone and observing as hundreds of Knights rushed into the armoury, where they were issued weapons by other knights. Their faces showed a mixture of fear, excitement and resolve.

Morgana hurried over to Gwen.

“Where’s Arthur?” the Queen asked as her friend approached.

“Waiting at the city gate, with Mordred.”

“Good,” Gwen nodded, before turning to Lysander, the knight overseeing arms distributions. “How long before the army is ready?”

“Half our men are still coming in from the countryside, Your Majesty. We have to arm them, we have to match them with the right officers...”

“How long?” Gwen interrupted, impatiently. She didn’t mean to be rude, but the situation was urgent.

Taking a deep breath, Lysander looked like he was seriously considering not telling her the truth, before he sighed and replied “Noon, My Lady.”

“Make it sooner,” she said simply, before turning away to oversee other areas of the preperations. Morgana watched silently. She’d never seen Gwen in martial mode before. She looked completely different – eyes harder, mouth set and unsmiling.

But then, Morgana supposed...if your husband was about to face possibly the biggest army he’d ever faced before...surely she had the right to be worried.

“Captain!” Gwen called over to another Knight. “I want patrols to scour the countryside. Check every home, every pasture. I want every single citizen of Camelot brought inside the walls. If they can’t walk, carry them.”

The Captain bowed and Gwen walked away, out of the armoury. Morgana watched the men for a moment, seeing respect in their eyes, before following Gwen back up into the main castle.
 
Kirkules
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After watching the last of the druids scamper off into the woods Arthur congratulated his men and thanked Merlin for his help.

Arthur then made his way to the castle to see if Gwen and Morgana were still inside.

"Gwen, there you are." said Arthur as he wrapped his arms around her

"I knew that Mordred was trouble, he knew all along that the druids were going to attack us." said Arthur

"Yes, but he helped defend Camelot didn't he." said Morgana passionately.

"Yes he did, but we wouldn't have needed to have defended ourselves if he wasn't here. I will decide his punishment soon."

"Please don't punish him my lord, he means no harm." begged Morgana.

"I will have a think, but now I need to ensure that we are not attacked again, I am going to have guards stay up all night. Gwen, will you help me plan our next move?"

 
Rose Storm
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"Course I will," Gwen nodded, taking the situation in all seriousness. But then she stopped and looked to Morgana, before looking back to her husband.

"But Morgana's right. You can't punish the boy. Yes, he knew the attack was imminent, but he fought alongside you. He helped you. And besides, he's been a good student to Merlin. He speaks very highly of him, in fact."

Morgana looked so relieved by Gwen's words, and she silently nodded in agreement, then in thanks to her friend, for supporting her and sticking up for her. This sparked Gwen's curiosity. She knew that Morgana had formed a bond with the boy last time they had met....but just how deep was that bond?
 
Kirkules
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Arthur was also wondering about this as it was uncharacteristic behaviour for Morgana, although she tries to defend all people, there was something different in Mordred's case.

"Gwen, I have arranged for Lance to meet us in the round table room."

"Oh, Lance is going to be there, can I come with you?" asked Morgana.

"Yes, you can come and see Lance." said Arthur as Morgana began to blush "I want to help you with the plans, that all." said Morgana as she looked at the floor.


After greeting Lance who was sat at the table waiting they began to plan what they would do.

"We need guards out all hours to ensure that there isn't a break in, and i think we may have to keep Merlin or Mordred close aswell so they can sense any magical activity that may be happening. Gwen, if there is a break in, will you and Morgana be o.k to see to all the people and ensure that they are safely in the castle."

"Yes of course" replied Gwen and Morgana

"Now, any ideas as to what we should do if there is a break in?"
 
Rose Storm
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"Well maybe, we should ride out to meet them in the morning, try to negotiate," Gwen suggested, as Lance brought forward a miniature model of the castle, the city, the woods and the surrounding area.

"Perhaps if you assemble the army outside the gates here," Lancelot suggested, as he motioned to various parts of the 3D map, "Then Gwen and Morgana can make sure the citizens stay within the walls, and if the druids do try anything, then we'll be ready."

"Right," Gwen nodded in agreement. "And you could ride out to....say....about here," she pointed to the centre of the grassy area between the city walls and the woods. "Let them come to you, negotiate a peaceful solution, and if they refuse to listen, then at least you will be within range of the archers on the walls, who can protect you."

"Sounds like a plan Stan.....I mean....erm....Gwen," Morgana amended quickly, earning herself an odd stare from her friend.
 
Kirkules
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"Right" replied Arthur "We will get going right away, to get this situation under control as soon as possible. Lance, go assemble the guards and get them to the gate where I will meet you. Gwen, prepare my armour please, oh and Morgana, go and tell Merlin and your friend Mordred to join Lancelot and the others at the gate."

"Yes sir!" replied Lancelot and Morgana while Gwen simply replied "Pfft! King of Camelot and cant even dress himself."

It did not take long and Arthur and all his troops were at the gate, and soon leaving Camelot to go and meet the druids.

As they approached the forests on the outskirts of Camelot, several druids emerged, including the leader Baragus, to try and keep peace.

"We will stop attacking once magic is returned to this land" announced Baragus

"That won't ever happen, I suggest you leave before my army of two thousand show you how inferior your magic is" replied Arthur.

Then without hesitation Arthur sent his troops in and Baragus called his men out. It did not take long for the majority of the druids to be taught their lesson and for the remaining survivors to retreat.

"That showed them" announced Arthur "They have only around twenty men left, but they will be back, I want you all to be cautious." said Arthur as he led his men back into Camelot to the cheers of the people
Edited by Rose Storm, May 17 2009, 12:10 PM.
 
Kirkules
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A few days had passed and there was no sign of the druids, thinking this was a bit suspicious Arthur and a few knights including Lancelot went to the woods around Camelot to see if there was any sign of them.

As they got near where the fight had taken place a few days before Arthur noticed something glistening in the grass. "Lancelot, go and see what that is will you."

"It looks to be some kind of gem." replied Lancelot as he held it up to the light. "It's magnificent" Lance added.

"Yes, it is. And it will look very good on Morgana after you give it to her." replied Arthur.

"Me? Give this gem to Morgana. Why?" asked Lancelot

"It is obvious that you have feelings for her. And I think she has feelings for you, so give this gem to her my friend." replied Arthur as he turned his horse back towards Camelot.

As they approached the castle walls Morgana and Gwen came into sight.

"We came to see what you were doing, and why you didn't tell us." said Gwen and Morgana.

"I'm the King, I can do what I want."

"Your also my husband so you will do as your told."

"Yes, my love." replied Arthur before turning to Lancelot. "Anyway, we were out here because Lancelot has something that he wants to give to Morgana."

Before Morgana could say anything Lance handed her the gem. "What do you think? My lady."

 
Rose Storm
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"It's beautiful!" She replied, stunned. "Where did you find it?"

"You're a lucky girl," Gwen grinned as she also admired the gem.

Morgana blushed and looked to Lancelot nervously. Then she tentatively stepped forwards and gave him a quick hug and a peck on the cheek, slightly embarrased by their audience.

"Thank you," she said at last. "It's beautiful."
 
Kirkules
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As they headed back towards the castle Arthur and Lancelot followed Gwen and a blushing Morgana. Then from nowhere Merlin appeared.

"Arthur, that stone you found. Take it back." said Merlin

"Take it back. Why?" asked Arthur.

"Yeah, Merlin. Take it back, it's so pretty why would you take this away from me. Why? Why? Why?" added Morgana.

Slowly backing away from Morgana merlin added "It has Magic in it, and it's not good magic. I've been sensing it for a while and felt it getting nearer and stronger, so you have to take it back now."

 
Rose Storm
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"Merlin, you can't know for certain that it's this stone," Gwen sighed. "You could be sensing anything. Besides....how can something so pretty be so dangerous?"

"Erm, hello! Nimueh!" Merlin retorted, then blushed. "Did I just say that out loud?"

"Just a little," Gwen nodded with a grin. "Come on, lets get back inside. It's starting to get cold..."

"Yeah," Morgana shivered as she tucked the stone into her pocket and followed Gwen back to the Castle.
 
Kirkules
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Merlin did not give up though. And was pleading with Arthur all the way back to the castle.

"Merlin, I've had enough now, there is nothing wrong with it. Just go back to your tower will you." ordered Arthur.

"Yes, o.k then." Merlin reluctantly replied as he left to back to his tower.

Arthur then joined Gwen and they made their way to their bedroom. "Why is everything we find magic. Everytime we find something, there's Merlin. It's magic. Merlin, I found a gold coin. Oh, no, it's magic. Merlin, I found a shoe. Oh, that's magic too. I'm surprised he doesn't just sing it's a kind of magic and start clicking his fingers everytime I find something." said Arthur as both he and Gwen giggled. "By the way, where's our pet wolf? We should really start feeding him in our posts you know. Saying that, the wolf is probably magic aswell."

 
Rose Storm
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"What the hell are you on about, Arthur? What posts?" Gwen frowned, confused. "Where is that wolf, by the way?"

Almost as soon as the words left her lips, Phaedos, their pet wolf, trotted into the room, carrying a bag of glitter which had split open and was leaving a sparkling trail everywhere.

"Hey look, he really is magic," Gwen laughed as she picked up the bag of glitter. "Where the hell did this stuff come from, anyways?"
 
Kirkules
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"Merlin probably made it, he has nothing better to do with his time"

After a few more silly remarks Gwen and Arthur decided it was time to have some sleep.

It was soon the next morning and the King and Queen were awoken by the shouts of Lancelot and Merlin. "It's Morgana, she's ill, very ill." shouted Lancelot. "It's the stone, like I said." added Merlin.

"Merlin, go and see what you can find out about this stone and how we can cure Morgana." shouted Arthur as him and Gwen rushed to get dressed.

"Ah, so you can dress yourself, when you really have to." said Gwen sarcastically.

"Yes." replied Arthur. "I just like it when you take my top off, you got a problem with that." asked Arthur
 
Rose Storm
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Dark Angel

"Arthur, there's a time a place, dear," Gwen said as she grabbed her silk robe and threw it over her shoulders. "Come on, Morgy needs our help."

"Morgy?" Arthur frowned. "Who the hell is Morgy?"

"Morgana! Didn't you know that was her nickname? I bet you thought my real name was Gwen too!"

"No, I know what your real name is! It's......erm......yeah, it's safely locked up here," he said, tapping the side of his head.

"It's Guinevere," she said simply, leaving the room.

"Guinevere?" Arthur frowned as he followed. "Are you sure? I swear it was something different!"
 
Kirkules
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After rushing to Morgana's room and seeing how ill she was Arthur sunk to his knees. "I should have listened to Merlin. This can't just be a co-incidence."

With that Merlin burst into the room. "Sire, we need to travel far across the land and return the stone to it's rightful place. If it's not returned within fourty eight hours, Morgana will not return to full health. "We must leave now, I will explain more about it on the way." said Merlin.

"Right, Merlin, Lancelot and Gwen. You will be coming with me on this journey. And we will need help from an old friend. Nimueh. Mordred will stay here with Morgana."

With that Arthur left the room saying "Everybody meet by the gates in ten minutes."

Arthur then walked to his armour room, followed by Gwen. "Gwen, are you alright to join me on this mission?" asked Artur as he looked lovingly into her eyes.
 
Rose Storm
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"My best friend's life is in danger! Of course I'm coming with you! Just try and stop me!" Gwen retorted as she grabbed her own, much less extravagent armour.

Pulling on the chain mail tunic, she did up a belt with her sword on, then threw a quiver of arrows and a bow over her shoulder, pulled on some silver gauntlets, then looked to Arthur.

"There's something missing," Arthur said thoughtfully as he studied her up and down. Turning to the rack of helmets, he grinned.

"No, Arthur! I'm not wearing one of those! I - " Gwen's protests were cut short as he placed a full faced helmet over her head. Standing frozen to the spot for a moment, Gwen eventually shrugged, throwing her arms up in exaggerated disbelief.

"Great," she said. "Now I can't see a thing!"

The helmet greatly distorted and muffled her voice, and Arthur laughed, as she pushed up the visor, glaring at him.

"Not funny," she pouted, as she pulled it back off again and smoothed out her hair.

"Now, you mentioned Nimueh? One, what the hell are you thinking? Are you crazy? Two, where would we find her? And three, what makes you think she'll even agree to join us in the first place? She tried to kill you, Arthur! More than once, if I remember rightly!"
 
Kirkules
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"Yes, she did. But that was a long time ago. Who knows, she might have a bone to pick with the people we are going to see." said Arthur as he finished putting on his armour. "Right the, let's go and meet the others."

"Arthur and Gwen soon joined Merlin and Lancelot at the gates. We just need Nimueh now. Merlin is there any way you can speak to her using your magic." asked Arthur.

"Yes, I will try."

As Merlin was trying to reach Nimueh the group made their way to the stables, and jumped on a horse each before leaving Camelot.
 
Rose Storm
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Eventually, Merlin held up a hand to signal them to stop.

"She's here," he announced, looking all around, to each of the trees.

"Indeed I am," Nimueh said as she stepped from some shadows, like a ghost. "What did you want with me, 'King'?"

"We need your help," Gwen said, leading her horse to the front of the group, so that she could address Nimueh directly.

"You? Need my help?" Nimueh scoffed. "You should have thought of that before casting me out like an 'outlaw'."

"It's Morgana. She's sick!"

Nimueh, who had obviously been so ready with a return taunt, hesitated, then frowned.

"How sick?"

"Very! I don't think she'll last the night! Which is why we need your help. Please Nimueh," Gwen pleaded.

Nimueh looked from Arthur, to Gwen, then the rest of the group and considered things for a moment, before nodding.

"Tell me what I can do."
 
Kirkules
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"There were a group of druids in the woods near Camelot, are driving them out of there, we discovered a crystal on the floor, it was given to Morgana and since then she has become ill. Merlin spoke to the great dragon and was told that the stone must be returned to the island of the old religion within forty eight hours. We asked for your help, because between you and Merlin, no magical force is greater, and because be believe you know the way as you are a high priestess of the old religion." explained Arthur.

"Let me see this crystal." demanded Nimueh. "I myself have been searching for this crystal, this crystal and my apprentice are connected to each other. Part of her very being lies within this crystal, and if one leaves that island. Both become no more. "There is a way that both can be set free from this, but alone I am not powerful enough, I will need your help Merlin. This is my fee for helping you. So, do we have a deal?" asked Nimueh as she handed the crystal back to Arthur.
 
Rose Storm
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"Deal," Gwen nodded quickly, before any of the others had a chance to protest. "We will take you to the Isle, where.....was it your apprentice?" At Nimueh's nod, Gwen continued. "....Is being held. Who, if you don't mind me asking, is she?"

"She is Morgause," Nimueh said as she jumped up into the saddle behind Gwen. "Morgana's half-sister. To save one, we must rescue the other."

"Then we have no time to lose," Gwen said to the others, spurring her horse into a gallop and allowing Nimueh to lead the way, for the others to follow.
 
Kirkules
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"So, does that mean Morgana has magic like I've been thinking since the end of the first series?" asked Merlin as he got confused looks.

"Yes, she is magic..........she has a son too..........the druid you call Mordred. But Morgana doesn't know this yet."

"Then how is it that you know?" asked Arthur.

"Morgause, my apprentice, is her half-sister remember. Meaning that Mordred is her nephew. Any other questions or can we focus on getting on with our journey.
 
Rose Storm
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"Yeah," Gwen frowned, looking to Merlin. "What the hell is this 'series' that you just mentioned? Has it got anything to do with the posts that Arthur keeps mentioning?"

"Well the poor wolf hasn't been fed in any of them!" Arthur protested.

Nimueh sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Any SERIOUS questions?"

"Yeah." Again it was Gwen's turn to look confused. "Morgana has a son that she doesn't know about? How? I mean, call me stupid if you want..."

"You're stupid," Merlin piped up.

"Will you let me finish!!! Anyways, as I was saying....wouldn't Morgana have known if she'd given birth? I mean, it's hardly something that can happen unnoticed, really."

"She was aware of her son, obviously," Nimueh replied. "But she was not aware that he was still alive. She was under the impression that Uther had him executed, along with his father..."

"Who was....?"

"My brother."

"Whoa! Hang on!" Gwen almost fell off her horse in shock. "Morgy was going out with your brother? And she had a son with him? And she's got a half sister called Morgause?........Suddenly I feel like I know NOTHING about my best friend, any more!"
 
Kirkules
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"She must find it difficult to talk about it. "It can't have been easy for her." replied Nimueh.

The group soon arrived at the island, seems all that gossip passed the time, there was just one boat (sound familiar) but somehow more appeared and they made their way to the island where they saw Morgause standing........waiting for the crystal to be returned.

"Nimueh, so nice to see you." said Morgause. "What brings all of you here though. I know you have the crystal but why is there so many of you." asked Morgause
 
Rose Storm
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Once again, it was Gwen's turn to step forward. Apparently she had been elected as 'spokesperson' of the group, because she had a way with words, and was always the best at explaining situations.

So once again, she stepped forward to give a detailed description of what was going on.

"It's Morgana...she's dying."

Or maybe not. Short, and simple. That should do the trick.
 
Kirkules
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"It's nice to know my half-sister has so many close friends. So, what now then. Do you have a way of breaking the spell Nimueh." asked Moraguse

"I believe there is a way, but it will require both you and me, and Merlin to do so."

"Him?" asked Morgause. His magic is weak. Party tricks is all he should do."

"No, he is stronger than he seems. In fact he has killed me before. As much as I hate to admit it, he is more powerful than you and I, even combined. But he is not strong enough alone to break the spell, it requires all three of us."

"So, you died?" asked Moragause, looking very confused. "So, how are you back?"

"I struck a deal with the queen of the old religion. But between you and me, I don't intend on sticking to my end of the deal." announced Nimueh.
 
Rose Storm
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"How very noble of you," Merlin commented wryly, earning himself a sharp dig in the ribs from Gwen. "I mean, ah, anything I can do to help you two ladies?"

"Time is short," Gwen reminded them. "Morgana's life depends on us, and we can't help her if you're making stupid comments, Merlin."

"Says you, who keeps going on about posts and episodes and stuff!" merlin grumbled.

"I don't!" Gwen protested. "That's him, that is!"

Arthur suddenly found himself with a very accusing finger pointing his way.
 
Kirkules
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"Can we please stop with the silliness. Merlin, it's your fault, just get on with the magic thing you do will you. As Gwen said Morgana's life depends on it, and if we are going to keep our viewing figures up, we need her on screen."

Merlin, Nimueh, and Morgause then started speaking, what sounded like very poor french as they began to break the spell. After they had finished their enchantment the ground began to shake and the crystal lifted from the floor and broke into eight identical pieces.

"There we go" said Merlin. "We even threw in a little bonus and made a spell of our own."
 
Rose Storm
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"Are you going to elaborate? Or be annoying and stay quiet?" Gwen snapped.

"Well, alone, these shards of crystal are probably powerful enough to give a non-magical person, like Arthur for example, magical abilities for a short time. So say, again using Arthur as an example, he needed more strength to defeat an enemy in battle, then one shard of this crystal could do that for him. But that's not where the real magic is. The real magic comes when these bits of crystal are used TOGETHER!"

"What's with the capitals?" Arthur asked, frowning.

"Well, I wanted to make a dramatic point," Merlin shrugged. "Anyways, the combined power of these crystals would make us unstoppable! We could defeat anyone, or anything..."

"Isn't that a bit dangerous? Give someone too much power and they could abuse it," Gwen frowned.

"That's why it has been split into eight," Nimueh explained. "So that eight people have to make the conscious decision to join together and use it. That way, if the use is unfair or unjust, then there's more than one person to stop the whole 'togetherness' thingy, and control when and how it's used."

"Togetherness thingy?" Merlin repeated, amused. "Is that a technical term?"

 
Kirkules
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"As a matter of fact it is. By the way Arthur, your armour is looking as good as ever, does Merlin here still polish it for you." said Nimueh with a smile on her face.

"No, he doesnt, infact I was planning on knighting Merlin when we got back to Camelot, it's a long time overdue. I might even knight him Sir Clotpole. Also, a statue is to built of Gaius when we return. For now though, we need to return to Camelot and see if Morgana is better."



 
Rose Storm
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Dark Angel

"Oh dear lord," Gwen groaned. "A statue of Gaius, and Sir Clotpole? Arthur, I think you've completely lost the plot, dear. And don't lie! I saw Merlin polishing your armour for you last night!"

"I polished yours too, My Lady," Merlin grinned. "Did you notice?"

Gwen glanced down at the small amount of armour that she was wearing and grinned.

"Yeah, I thought it was sparkling a little more than usual. Thanks Merlin."

"Well, you hardly ever wear it, and it was getting a little rusty..."

"Bit like her fighting," Arthur muttered quietly to Morgause and Nimueh. Then, anticipating the slap flying his way, he ducked, and Gwen ended up getting Lancelot instead.

"Lance! I'm so sorry!" She gasped, horrified.

"No, no, it's fine, My Lady," he grinned. "Finally woke me up and included me in the story once more."

"Yeah, sorry about that," Gwen cringed, embarrassed.
 
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