Camelot, Sunday Morning Fandom Time

[bitch_prince]

It had not been a good night for poor old Gaius. While Merlin had been released in the wake of his arrest, Gaius himself had been cast into a cold cell. Occasionally, Aredian would visit, and the visits were less pleasant every time. Sometimes because of actions, though those weren't the worst

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Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[bitch_prince]

After Merlin had put forth his evidence to the king, an almost relieved Uther had consented to a search of Aredian's rooms. His guards barged into Aredian's quarters to give it the same treatment as they had earlier given Gaius's. They began to upend trunks and push aside papers. Arthur ordered them about the search, his father and Morgana behind him, watching.

It would not be long until they found the 'evidence' that had been planted.

But Aredian didn't know that, and so he stood in the center of the room, arms crossed, watching them.

Re: Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[thatsamilkshake]

Pretending to show up for some inconspicuous dusting was a pipedream in this room; Francine didn't even offer an excuse for following along behind Arthur and Morgana. If someone tried to challenge their presence, Morgana would no doubt speak for them, but so far all eyes were on the Witchfinder and the guards.

So were Francine's, her hand groping rather blindly for Katchoo's because she didn't want to cast any meaningful glances towards her co-conspirators. Someone sharp of ear might still catch the pleaseletthiswork chant under her breath, though.

Re: Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[glacial_witch]

Karla stood quietly off to one side, very much trying not to draw attention to herself. Or look too familiar with the room. Or like she had any idea what to expect. Or...well, or a lot of things.

Her breath caught as the search drew closer to the cupboards in question.

Darkness, have mercy, she prayed silently. Let the innocent go free and the guilty be punished...

Re: Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[thismaskiwear]

Dresses like the ones she had to wear in Camelot were useful for one thing: Katchoo could shift a little bit so that the folds of the skirt at least partly obscured the fact that she was squeezing Francine's hand in reassurance. She couldn't forget Darcy's fury when they'd convinced her Samantha had stolen the money; she had to wonder if this situation would shake out in a similar way.

And hope for it, at that.

Re: Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[bitch_prince]

It took a few minutes, but finally one of the soldiers marched up to one of the cupboards and yanked it open. Dozens of amulets fell to the floor with a clatter. Uther's eyes widened.

"These things don't belong to me!" Aredian cried, dropping his composure as he ran for the cupboard. "This is a trick! That boy plots against me!"

Arthur stared at him. Especially when he suddenly doubled over and staggered forward. His eyes flew to Merlin. What had he done to the man...?

Re: Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[bigdamndestiny]

Nothing at all! Merlin tried to look as innocent as possible about everything going on there. Because he actually was!

Other than that minor curse with the frog...

Re: Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[bitch_prince]

Which would explain why suddenly something green and wet forced its way out from between Aredian's lips, and leapt onto the ground, ribbiting.

Even Uther was staring.

Re: Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[bitch_prince]

... For a few moments.

Then the king drew his sword, and the guards with him. "Sorcerer!" he cried.

Aredian shot forward and grabbed Morgana by the wrist, yanking her back and putting his dagger to her throat.

"Aredian, be very careful what you decide to do," Uther growled, stepping forward. Sword still in hand, and Arthur behind him. "You will never escape from Camelot alive."

Re: Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[bigdamndestiny]

Because magic was the best thing to solve all of life's problems, Merlin covertly wiggled his fingers at the rug beneath Aredian's feet so it would shift suddenly.

Re: Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[bitch_prince]

Aredian was forced to let go of Morgana as he flailed for balance but found none. Instead, he went crashing backwards, his head thumping against the glass, then shattering it.

The rest of his body followed second later and he went tumbling down the wall, falling and falling and falling until he stopped and the life drained from his eyes.

Arthur stared after him.

[[ ... pretend this went through weeks ago. ]]

Re: Aredian's Chambers, Afternoon

[thatsamilkshake]

The list of people Francine had seen die was short, and...mostly confined to crazy sorcerers, actually. And trolls, and tailed weirdos of unidentifiable species. All of which added to her feeling a little sickened alongside the relief when she realized what had happened, even if she was too far away to see what Arthur was seeing.

Until she remembered what Gaius had looked like when they dragged him into the audience chamber; perhaps she'd settle for just the relief after all.