Transcript:The Changeling



KILGHARRAH

''In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin.''

--

[00:19, INT. GAWANT CASTLE, NURSERY - DAY]

[A Sidhe enters the nursery where a baby sleeps peacefully in a cradle.]

SIDHE ELDER

Attrab i n-ingin-seo ocus oentaig lé!

[The baby's face glows blue. She wakes and begins crying.]

-- 20 years later... [01:41, INT. GAWANT CASTLE, PRINCESS ELENA'S CHAMBER - DAY]

[Princess Elena walks about barefoot, picks her teeth, farts, and chews an apple with her mouth open. She comes down drawbridge and greets her father with a kiss.]

LORD GODWYN

Oh, come on, we're going to be late!

PRINCESS ELENA

Not if you get rid of that thing.

[Elena points at the carriage.]

LORD GODWYN

I want you to arrive like the princess you are.

PRINCESS ELENA

It's no fun in there.

GRUNHILDA

Fun? Who said anything about fun? Certainly no fun chasing after you. I tried, sir.

LORD GODWYN

I'm sure you did, Grunhilda.

[Grunhilda places shoes in front of Elena. Elena's jaw drops.]

GRUNHILDA

Go on then.

[Lord Godwyn nods to the shoes.]

PRINCESS ELENA

Ugh.

[Elena squeezes her feet into the shoes painfully.]

GRUNHILDA

Perfect.

PRINCESS ELENA

Perfect for what? Certainly not for walking in.

GRUNHILDA

Elena.

--

[02:49, INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY]

[Uther, Arthur, and Merlin approach the dais.]

UTHER

Arthur. It is an exciting day.

ARTHUR

The arrival of Lord Godwyn is always a cause for celebration.

UTHER

And Princess Elena.

ARTHUR

Yes.

UTHER

I hear she's something of a beauty.

ARTHUR

Really?

UTHER

Oh, yes. Beautiful, charming, witty. Strategic.

ARTHUR

Strategic?

UTHER

I have always thought so. W-we have always thought so. That is, Lord Godwyn and myself. That is, he finds you strategic, not Princess Elena.

ARTHUR

He finds me strategic?

UTHER

Oh, yes.

ARTHUR

And beautiful?

[Throne Room doors open. Godwyn, Elena, and Grunhilda enter.]

ARTHUR

Father, what are you trying to say?

UTHER

Lord Godwyn is a serious ally. The strength of such a match cannot be underestimated.

ARTHUR

Please tell me you mean a jousting match.

UTHER

I mean a love match.

ARTHUR

Love?!

UTHER

Not love. Love has nothing to do with it, but the other bit. You know, a permanent union.

ARTHUR

Marriage?!

UTHER

I knew you would understand. Godwyn!

[Uther and Godwyn hug.]

LORD GODWYN

Oh, it's been too long.

UTHER

Princess Elena, you are most welcome.

[Elena walks forward and falls flat on her face, Merlin and Arthur looks down.]

OPENING CREDITS

--

[04:08, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - DAY]

[Arthur and Gwen walk down the corridor, followed by Merlin with the bags.]

ARTHUR

You put them in the best guest quarters?

GWEN

Everything's arranged. Princess Elena can't fail to be impressed.

ARTHUR

And Merlin, it would be good if the bags were to arrive before they did.

[Merlin pushes past.]

GWEN

What is it, Arthur? You seem troubled.

ARTHUR

My, er, my father had some surprising news for me. He expects me to marry Princess Elena.

GWEN

Marry?

ARTHUR

Oh, don't worry, I'm not going to.

GWEN

I wasn't worried.

ARTHUR

No. No, why would you be?

--

[04:48, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]

[Arthur prepares for bed.]

ARTHUR

It's strange, isn't it? Elena couldn't be more different to Lord Godwyn.

MERLIN

Yeah. Perhaps she takes after her mother.

ARTHUR

I never met her. She died when Elena was born.

MERLIN

That can't've been easy. Perhaps you've more in common than you think. Augh, bad breath for example.

ARTHUR

Excuse me?

MERLIN

Appalling table manners.

ARTHUR

Er, now, hang on a minute.

MERLIN

Good sense of humour. No, no, you're right, you've nothing in common.

[Arthur tosses pillow at Merlin. Merlin ducks and the pillow lands at Uther's feet as he enters.]

UTHER

A word... Alone.

[Merlin nods, picks up the pillow and leaves.]

UTHER

I need to talk to you about Elena. I realise that this is a delicate situation.

ARTHUR

There's nothing delicate about it.

UTHER

Lord Godwyn, as you know, is not only a very good friend of mine, but a longstanding ally of Camelot.

ARTHUR

I have nothing against Lord Godwyn. I've nothing against Elena. Except marriage.

UTHER

When we talk about your future, Arthur, we're not just talking about your happiness, but the safety and security of the whole of Camelot. You may one day be a husband, but more importantly, you will one day be King.

ARTHUR

But I have no feelings for her whatsoever.

UTHER

Then I would encourage you find some.

--

[06:20, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - NIGHT]

[Elena wails in her sleep.]

GRUNHILDA

There, there, my sweet. Soon all this will pass.

[Grunhilda pulls out pixie dust and sprinkles it on Elena's face, revealing the Sidhe within.]

--

[07:18, EXT. LAKE IN THE WOODS - NIGHT]

[Grunhilda heads to forest lake and announces herself.]

GRUNHILDA

A shruith inn Side, is Grunilda messe!

[The Sidhe appear and Grunhilda takes her true form.]

SIDHE ELDER

I sincerely hope you bring me good news.

GRUNHILDA

The fathers are committed to the match.

SIDHE ELDER

We have waited many years for this moment.

GRUNHILDA

It's only a matter of time, your esteemed majesty. You have been most patient, your esteemed majesty.

SIDHE ELDER

And the girl?

GRUNHILDA

She has no idea that a fairy lives inside her just waiting emerge.

SIDHE ELDER

But that cannot happen until her marriage to Arthur is complete.

GRUNHILDA

And it will be soon, I promise. Then you will have what you most desire, one of your own at the heart of Camelot. A Sidhe for queen.

--

[09:06, EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE.]

[Arthur prepares to go out riding. Elena approaches her horse.]

ARTHUR

Here, let me assist you.

PRINCESS ELENA

Oh, please, this is something I can actually do.

[Elena mounts and nudges her horse into a run. Merlin and Arthur watch her take off until Arthur realises he should follow. Arthur mounts his horse and takes off after her, catching up to her in the woods.]

ARTHUR

Slow down!

PRINCESS ELENA

No chance!

[Arthur smiles.]

--

[09:42, EXT. FOREST, STREAM - DAY]

[Arthur dismounts where Elena has dismounted by a stream.]

ARTHUR

That was very impressive. I'm not easily impressed.

PRINCESS ELENA

Oh. Well, neither am I. And I wasn't!

[Elena laughs, snorts, and punches him in the arm. Awkward silence.]

PRINCESS ELENA

I've been riding since I was a child. I don't get to do it as much as I'd like, princesses don't, but apparently my mother was an excellent horsewoman. I never met her.

ARTHUR

I never met mine either. I...often wonder if I'm like her. I hope I don't take after my father entirely.

PRINCESS ELENA

Oh, you don't! I don't mean that in, in a bad way.

[Arthur laughs awkwardly.]

ARTHUR

Er...so, the real reason why you beat me here is because I stopped to smell the roses.

[Arthur pulls out a large pink rose.]

PRINCESS ELENA

Aww, thank you. It, it, it's beautiful.

[Elena sniffs the rose and sneezes on Arthur. He smiles/grimaces awkwardly. Merlin arrives.]

MERLIN

Shall I set up here?

ARTHUR

Merlin! What kept you? [undertone.] Do not leave me again.

MERLIN

You were riding so fast. I thought you were eager for some [whisper.] time alone.

ARTHUR

Nobody likes a clever clogs, Merlin.

MERLIN (shakes head)

No.

--

[11:16, EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - DAY]

[Arthur and Elena return to the castle and dismount.]

PRINCESS ELENA

Thank you. I had a lovely time.

ARTHUR

Me too.

[Elena hugs him awkwardly.]

PRINCESS ELENA

See you soon I expect.

ARTHUR

I hope so.

[Elena walks up the stairs and trips. Arthur jerks forward for a moment to help her. Elena smiles sheepishly before tromping up the steps.]

MERLIN

Oh dear.

ARTHUR

For once, Merlin, I completely agree.

--

[11:57, INT. KING’S PALACE, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT]

[Arthur stands behind his chair and waits for Elena to be seated before sitting down at the feast.]

LORD GODWYN

It's a big occasion. The total joining of our two families.

UTHER

Indeed, this union would cement what has long been an unofficial alliance between our kingdoms.

LORD GODWYN

It would give me great pleasure. I can assure you, my heart lies with yours. As for their hearts, who can say?

UTHER

No matter. The affairs of state take precedence over feelings. Arthur knows that. I'm sure Elena does too.

[Grunhilda sits next to Gaius.]

GRUNHILDA

May I? You've been avoiding my gaze.

GAIUS

No, no. Er...my gaze isn't as sharp as it used to be.

GRUNHILDA

That's why I thought I'd move a bit closer. All the better to appreciate me, eh? (laughs)

[Gaius laughs uncomfortably.]

GAIUS

Are you having a good evening?

GRUNHILDA

I intend to. Oh, yeah. A very good evening, indeed.

[Elena finds food down her dress, picks it out and eats it as Morgana, Arthur, and Gwen look on.]

PRINCESS ELENA
 * hic* Oh dear. I seem to have, erm...had a little too much *hic* of what is in that glass. *hic* What, erm...what is in that glass? *hic*

[Gwen and Arthur share an "oh, dear" look. Gwen squeezes his shoulder as she leaves.]

-- [13:14, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Grunhilda brushes Elena's hair before bed.]

PRINCESS ELENA

I think that went okay, don't you?

GRUNHILDA

Oh, you'll be just fine, Petal.

PRINCESS ELENA

I mean, I suppose it could've gone better. I'm not the perfect princess, am I?

GRUNHILDA

Poppycock. And what does that mean, anyway, "Perfect princess"? Sounds perfectly boring. You've got spirit, child. If Arthur's got half a brain, he'll recognise that. And if he doesn't have a brain, well, you can always him for his brawn. (laughs)

PRINCESS ELENA

I want to make this work for Father's sake. I know how important it is to him, and I respect his judgment. Don't tell him I said that.

GRUNHILDA

I wouldn't dream of it. And you'd be best keep your doubts to yourself. These are dangerous times. Marrying a Pendragon will secure your future.

PRINCESS ELENA

You're right.

GRUNHILDA

Here. This'll cheer you up!

[Grunhilda presents Elena a box with a frog inside.]

PRINCESS ELENA

Our little secret!

[Elena eats the live frog.]

GRUNHILDA

You're very special. Believe me, I know.

-- [14:47, EXT. FOREST - DAY] [Merlin sees Grunhilda walking off while he's gathering herbs. He follows her and uses magic to slow time so he can see her catching flies with her frog tongue. Merlin drops the herbs and runs away.]

-- [15:40, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY]

GAIUS

I've seen some strange tongues in my time. Maybe she was suffering from an infection. Was it discoloured?

MERLIN

Discoloured? Yes.

GAIUS

Brown?

MERLIN

Purple. And...long. Like...

[Merlin picks up large stick from the table.]

MERLIN

...this long.

GAIUS

That's not an infection.

MERLIN

No. It's magic. Some sort of magical creature has infiltrated Lord Godwyn's household. The question is: why?

GAIUS

I don't know. But I have a feeling we should probably find out.

-- [16:14, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - DAY] [Gaius snoops around and discovers Grunhilda's pixie dust. Grunhilda enters.]

GRUNHILDA

Can I help you?

GAIUS

I, erm...

GRUNHILDA

Something you need, perhaps?

GAIUS

I wanted to inquire whether Princess Elena would like a perfume concocting. Essence of lavender, perhaps?

GRUNHILDA

That is a very bad excuse.

GAIUS

Really?

GRUNHILDA

You don't fool me for one minute. You were looking for me.

GAIUS

I was?

GRUNHILDA

I understand. It's alright.

GAIUS

I think probably I should be going.

GRUNHILDA

Elena won't be back for ages. Why don't we make sweet perfume together?

-- [17:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY]

MERLIN

Pixie dust?

GAIUS

There's no mistaking it. Grunhilda is a pixie. It would explain a thing or two. Pixies have one weakness, which is for...more...distinguished gentlemen.

MERLIN

What are you trying to say?

GAIUS

Grunhilda has shown a certain interest toward me.

MERLIN

She likes you?

[Gaius nods.]

MERLIN

Oh, that is disgusting. Imagine...imagine if she kissed you. Ugh.

GAIUS

Merlin! Pixies are the servants of the Sidhe. To them Elena could be very valuable. I think Elena may be a changeling.

MERLIN

Changeling?

GAIUS

Inhabited by a fairy at birth. It would explain the clumsiness.

MERLIN

And Elena has no idea this thing's inside of her?

[Gaius shakes his head.]

GAIUS

And when the time comes, it will possess her entirely.

MERLIN

You think that time is now.

GAIUS

The Sidhe live for more than a thousand years. They're a patient people. It may be that they have created this changeling knowing that Lord Godwyn and the House of Pendragon would one day seek unity through marriage. That would give the Sidhe something they want more than anything.

MERLIN

A Sidhe queen.

-- [19:18, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - NIGHT] [Gwen serves the Pendragons at dinner.]

ARTHUR

Father, there is a delicate matter I wish to discuss with you.

UTHER

Your proposal. Excellent! We must make a fuss. Women like that kind of thing, isn't that right, Morgana?

MORGANA (laughs)

I have no idea. I'm delighted to hear the news, though.

UTHER

I couldn't be more thrilled.

MORGANA

She's a wonderful woman.

UTHER

She'll make a wonderful wife.

ARTHUR

No, she won't. Not for me, anyway. Father, I have tried to get to know Elena, but the truth is, I have no feelings for her. I'm, I'm sure she's a wonderful person, but I cannot marry someone I don't love.

UTHER

You can, and you will.

[Arthur looks at Gwen. Gwen looks away, upset. Morgana catches the exchange.]

-- [20:21, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Merlin spies on Princess Elena as she wails in her sleep. Grunhilda sprinkles pixie dust on her face and the Sidhe appears. Merlin knocks over the table he's standing on. Grunhilda sees Merlin as he runs off.]

-- [20:47, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]

MERLIN

You were right. Poor girl, no wonder she's got a wind problem. You should see what she's got trapped inside her. We have to tell the King.

GAIUS

Merlin, Lord Godwyn is one of Uther's dearest friends. Accusing him of having a Sidhe for a daughter and a pixie for a nurse is not something that can be undertaken lightly.

MERLIN

But Uther wants Arthur to marry her.

GAIUS

Then we don't have much time. We have to find a spell that will force the fairy out of her.

MERLIN

I don't know anything about Sidhe magic.

GAIUS

Then it's time we learned.

[Gaius hands Merlin a book.]

-- [21:25, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Morgana watches Merlin and Arthur in the Square. She smirks when Gwen come in to make the bed.]

MORGANA

I wouldn't like to be in Arthur's shoes.

GWEN

What do you mean?

MORGANA

Forced to marry someone against his will.

GWEN

I don't think he'll marry her if he feels that way.

MORGANA

I know it's hard to believe, but he may not have a choice. Even if it isn't what he wants. Even if his heart belongs to another? Even if she feels the same way. Gwen, we've known each other for too long, I can see it in your eyes. You like him, don't you?

GWEN

No. Don't be silly.

MORGANA

And he likes you.

GWEN

It can never come to anything.

MORGANA

I'd like to think it was possible. But Arthur can't change 200 years of history no matter how much he may want to.

GWEN

I know.

[Gwen leaves. Morgana smirks.]

-- [22:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Merlin and Gaius read through large books.]

MERLIN

I think my brain is going to burst, and my eyes just pop out of their sockets.

GAIUS

Now, don't make a mess over this one.

MERLIN

Why? Is it any more useful than any of the others?

GAIUS

It's the last one we looked at, and by the ancient law of Sod, it must provide the answer.

MERLIN

What?

GAIUS

There is this potion, created long ago by the witches of Meredor, which if I am right, will force the fairy out of the girl. (sigh) I've no idea how to make it. I've no idea what a lot of these ingredients are.

[Merlin sighs.]

-- [23:33, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Arthur opens his door to find Gwen standing there.]

ARTHUR

Guinevere.

GWEN

I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't just turn up like this.

[Arthur walks to the window as Gwen enters.]

GWEN

Everyone's talking about your marriage to Elena. I know you said that it isn't what you wanted, but I also know that you can't always have what you want. I know that very well.

ARTHUR

Is what I want really that insane?

GWEN

Yes, Arthur. From anyone's perspective, apart from yours and mine, it's completely insane.

ARTHUR

Then I'm happy being insane. Surely it's better than being miserable.

GWEN

I don't think she will make you miserable. She has a good heart.

ARTHUR

As do you.

GWEN

We both know it can't be.

ARTHUR

But if I do it. If I marry her, what will you do?

GWEN

I will watch you grow into the King that Camelot deserves. It is as it should be.

--

[24:55, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - DAY]

MERLIN

Please tell me you fixed the potion, I have a very bad feeling about this.

GAIUS

Witches of Meredor are the worst recipe writers I've known.

MERLIN

Gaius!

GAIUS

I'm working on it. But we need to find the stamen of the Dropwort flower. They're rarer than a four leaf clover.

[Grunhilda pushes Elena down the aisle towards the throne where Arthur is waiting.]

ARTHUR

I am honoured to be standing before you today in the presence of our dear friend, Lord Godwyn, and his wonderful daughter, Elena. The people of this kingdom are very dear to me. This place is my life. I hope one day to continue the good work of my father, and to make Camelot a place of peace and happiness.

[The court applauds.]

ARTHUR

It is my sincerest hope that you, Princess Elena, share these dreams. With this in mind...

[Arthur goes down on one knee.]

ARTHUR

I would like to ask you to do me the honour of being my...wife.

--

[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]

[Gaius brews a potion. Merlin enters.]

MERLIN

I got it!

[Merlin holds up a flower.]

GAIUS

Grown in boggy and marshy terrain?

MERLIN

In the middle of boggy, marshy terrain. Right in the middle.

[Merlin is covered in mud.]

GAIUS

You did a good job. This'll sort things out. Hopefully before tomorrow's wedding.

MERLIN

Will it hurt her when the fairy leaves?

GAIUS

She'll feel like a new person. She probably doesn't realise how much trouble it's been causing her.

--

[27:02, EXT. LAKE IN THE WOODS - NIGHT]

GRUNHILDA

Oh, master, I am sorry, but I fear we may have a problem. I may be wrong, but you know how things are.

SIDHE ELDER

Out with it!

GRUNHILDA

The serving boy, Merlin, knows Elena is a changeling.

SIDHE ELDER

So? What can a serving boy do?

GRUNHILDA

He is Arthur's serving boy, and you won't expect he will stay quiet for long.

SIDHE ELDER

Do you know how long I have waited for this moment?

GRUNHILDA

Yes, Sire! And I have been there with you every second of the way.

SIDHE ELDER

You have been there because we have chosen to keep you there! If the changeling is discovered, you will not be so useful anymore.

GRUNHILDA

No, Sire.

SIDHE ELDER

As to this Merlin, soon he will regret the day I ever heard his name. Let him learn who he's angered. Let him feel the power of the mighty Sidhe!

-- [INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER - NIGHT] [Sidhe Elder enters while Merlin's asleep. Merlin wakes before the Sidhe Elder attacks him. Merlin pulls out the Tír-Mòr staff and destroys the Sidhe Elder. The bottle of anti-changeling potion is broken in the process.]

MERLIN

Please tell me that wasn't all of it.

-- [29:28, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - DAY] [On the morning of the wedding, Elena lies in bed, belching.]

GRUNHILDA

I don't think I've ever been so happy. I'm almost as excited as if it was my wedding day. In fact, given half a chance, I'd definitely marry him myself.

PRINCESS ELENA

Maybe that's not such a bad idea.

GRUNHILDA

What?

PRINCESS ELENA

I'm serious. I don't love him. He doesn't understand me. He certainly doesn't love me either.

GRUNHILDA

He respects you.

PRINCESS ELENA

Yes, and I him. But is that enough?

GRUNHILDA

Well, yes, definitely. I, I would say it was enough. I mean, what is love anyway? Here today and gone tomorrow. Respect, that's what lasts. Aw, it's just nerves. Understandable, but not to be listened to. Silly girl.

--

[30:20, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY]

[Gaius finishes remaking the anti-changeling potion.]

MERLIN

That's it?

[Gaius nods.]

MERLIN (sigh)

Thank goodness for that.

GAIUS

Well, there's one more thing. How are we going to get Elena to drink this with Grunhilda around?

MERLIN

I think I might know a way.

--

[30:41, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - DAY]

[Gaius knocks on the door.]

GRUNHILDA

Well, hello there.

GAIUS

Hello, indeed. I wonder, could you spare me a moment?

GRUNHILDA

But of course.

GAIUS

Er, not here. Alone. The vaults beneath Camelot.

GRUNHILDA

The vaults?

GAIUS

It's a very private place.

PRINCESS ELENA

I can't walk in these shoes.

GRUNHILDA

I have a wedding to prepare.

GAIUS

No one will disturb us. There may not be another opportunity.

GRUNHILDA

You surprise me, Gaius. But, oh, what a lovely surprise! I'll be right there.

--

[31:30, INT. KING’S PALACE, VAULTS - DAY]

[Merlin and Gaius wait.]

MERLIN

You look very handsome. Perfect bait.

GAIUS

Merlin, if this doesn't work, if it seems she is overpowering me.

MERLIN

I will just watch and wait.

GAIUS

You will rescue me. And if it does work, let us never speak of it again.

GRUNHILDA

Hello my lover! Oh, what a romantic place. I've been dreaming of this moment.

GAIUS

Me too.

GRUNHILDA

Longing for this time.

GAIUS

Longing.

GRUNHILDA

At last, we two will be as one.

[Grunhilda puckers her lips. Gaius runs out and Merlin magically locks the gate.]

MERLIN

Ne un clyse.

[Grunhilda lashes out her frog tongue and licks Gaius.]

GRUNHILDA

You'll never know what you've missed.

GAIUS

I'll take your word for it.

GRUNHILDA

Atot-oilg, a chomlae!

[Grunhilda fails to magically unlock the gate.]

--

[32:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, CORRIDOR - DAY]

GAIUS

Never speak of it, Merlin. That's what we agreed.

--

[32:57, INT. KING’S PALACE, VAULTS - DAY]

GRUNHILDA

Ar-focraim uait, asndot-roilce!

--

[33:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY]

[Uther greets guests at the wedding.]

UTHER

Welcome, welcome, welcome. It's good to have you here.

--

[33:17, INT. KING’S PALACE, VAULTS - DAY]

GRUNHILDA

Lasa n-uile fil ocum ar-focraim atot-oilg!

[Grunhilda's spell blasts the gate off its hinges.]

--

[33:26, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S CORRIDOR - DAY]

GAIUS

You got your staff. When the Sidhe is released, it might not be very happy.

MERLIN

Don't worry, I'll be ready for it.

GRUNHILDA

You better be ready for me first!

[Merlin hits Grunhilda with staff energy beam, but she gets up.]

MERLIN

I'll see how long I can hold her off, you better be quick.

--

[33:48, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - DAY]

[Gaius enters.]

PRINCESS ELENA

Grunhilda?

[Elena peeks around the curtain.]

GAIUS

It's only me.

PRINCESS ELENA

Where has she gone? I'm getting married in less than an hour.

[Elena hears electric popping noises and screams in the corridor.]

PRINCESS ELENA

What was that?

GAIUS

Er...preparation for the wedding. Everybody's very excited. But you must be nervous.

PRINCESS ELENA

I'm a little flustered.

GAIUS

Only to be expected, and just as I thought. I brought you a tonic to calm your nerves.

PRINCESS ELENA

You are very kind.

[Elena opens the bottle and takes a tiny sip.]

PRINCESS ELENA

I cannot believe this is actually my wedding day.

GAIUS

Best to drink it all for the full effect.

PRINCESS ELENA

Oh.

[Elena takes another tiny sip.]

PRINCESS ELENA

I really wish my mother was here.

GAIUS

Try another sip.

[Gaius sits down next to her. Merlin finally kills the pixie with a huge blast of energy, and Grunhilda turns into dust. Merlin charges into Elena's room ready to fight the Sidhe. He gives Gaius a look.]

GAIUS (whisper)

I'm trying.

MERLIN

Elena, this is gonna make you feel a whole lot better!

[Merlin takes the bottle, pinches Elena's nose, and pours the potion into her mouth. Elena passes out and writhes while the Sidhe is forced out. Merlin kills it with the staff energy. Elena wakes and sits up primly.]

GAIUS

Not to worry, my dear. I think you must've fainted. Such excitement!

PRINCESS ELENA

Fainted? I feel...amazing. I haven't felt this good in years! Where is Grunhilda?

MERLIN & GAIUS

We'll look into it.

--

[35:43, INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM ANTECHAMBER - DAY]

[Arthur stands there looking petrified.]

MERLIN

I brought you your ceremonial sword.

ARTHUR

Is that for me to fall on?

MERLIN

Hopefully not. What's wrong?

ARTHUR

You wouldn't understand, Merlin. You have no idea what it's like to have a destiny you can't escape.

MERLIN

Destinies are troublesome things.

[Arthur takes the sword and sheaths it.]

MERLIN

You feel trapped, like your whole life is being planned out for you and you've got no control over anything, and sometimes you don't even know if what destiny decided is really the best thing at all.

ARTHUR

How come you're so knowledgeable?

MERLIN

Hmm? Oh, I read a book.

ARTHUR

What would this book tell you? Should I marry her?

MERLIN

That's not really my place to say so.

ARTHUR

I'm asking you, it's your job to answer.

MERLIN

If you really want to know what I think...

[Arthur gestures for Merlin to go on.]

MERLIN

I think you're mad, I think you're all mad. People should marry for love, not convenience. And if Uther thinks an unhappy king makes for a stronger kingdom, then he's wrong. 'Cause you may be destined to rule Camelot, but you have a choice...as to how you do it.

[Throne Room doors open. Trumpets sound. Arthur walks to the altar.]

--

[37:35, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - DAY]

[Normalised Elena turns to her father.]

PRINCESS ELENA

What do you think?

LORD GODWYN

Beautiful. No other word for it. Beautiful.

[Elena takes her father's arm.]

--

[37:58, INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY]

[Godwyn leads Elena down the aisle. Arthur takes her hands.]

GEOFFREY

My lords, ladies, and gentlemen of Camelot, we are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient rite of hand-fasting, the union of Arthur Pendragon and Princess Elena of Gawant. Is it your wish, Arthur, to become one with this woman?

ARTHUR

It is.

GEOFFREY

Is it your wish, Elena, to become one with this man?

[Elena looks at her father and then at the floor.]

PRINCESS ELENA

It is.

GEOFFREY

Do any say nay? Then as we gather here today, we are all witness to this rite...

ARTHUR

Wait.

GEOFFREY

There's something you would like to say, Arthur?

ARTHUR

Something I should've said a long time ago. Something from the heart I dare not speak. Elena, you are a wonderful woman, and a beautiful bride, but I cannot deny my feelings.

PRINCESS ELENA

You do not love me.

[Arthur shakes his head.]

ARTHUR

And I think, if you are honest, you do not love me either.

PRINCESS ELENA

No.

ARTHUR

Then we are both here out of duty. Can you forgive me?

PRINCESS ELENA

I agree with all you have said. Thank you, Arthur.

[Gwen holds back tears of joy.]

--

[40:30, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY]

[Arthur takes off his crown as he enters, Uther storms in after him.]

UTHER

What did you think you were doing?

ARTHUR

The right thing, Father.

UTHER

For who? For Camelot, or for yourself?

ARTHUR

The two things aren't entirely separate.

UTHER

Until you put duty before your feelings, you are clearly not ready to be King.

ARTHUR

When I am ready to be King, I'll be a much better king for the support and strength of a woman I love.

--

[40:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - DAY]

[Godwyn and Uther walk down the main steps.]

LORD GODWYN

Can't imagine what's happened to Grunhilda.

UTHER

No. I'm sure she'll turn up.

LORD GODWYN

I hope so. It's most unlike her.

[Arthur and Merlin watch Elena descend the steps into the Square.]

ARTHUR

There's something different about her.

MERLIN

You're not changing your mind, are you?

ARTHUR

Goodness.

[Arthur shakes his head, considers Elena as she walks down the steps, and shakes his head again.]

ARTHUR

No.

PRINCESS ELENA

I wish you well, Arthur Pendragon. I hope one day we both find the love we deserve.

[Elena offers Arthur her hand and he kisses it.]

PRINCESS ELENA

In the meantime, if you ever want to be beaten in a horserace, you know where to find me.

LORD GODWYN

He did the right thing, you know. You mustn't punish him. They were neither of them in love.

UTHER

That's not the point. It's not the way things are done.

LORD GODWYN

Maybe it's time things changed. I think he has the makings of a great king. You should be proud of him.

[Uther and Godwyn embrace.]

--

[42:01, INT. KING’S PALACE, GRIFFIN STAIRCASE - DAY]

[Arthur catches sight of Gwen descending the stairs and walks up to her. Merlin takes off in another direction.]

ARTHUR

So... I'm still a single man.

GWEN

Indeed. I don't think you deserve her, actually. She's really very lovely.

ARTHUR

Mmm... Well, I had hoped to have forsaken her for one equally as lovely. Who knows, perhaps even more so.

GWEN

I do not know of such a person.

ARTHUR

Me neither. But I guess only time will tell.

[Gwen descends the rest of the stairs, Arthur skips to the top.]