P L A Y E R I N F O R M A T I O N
Your Name: Laura
OOC Journal: gottacrow
Under 18? If yes, what is your age?: Nope! I'm 25
Email + IM: mccool.laura@gmail.com + msLmcool
Characters Played at Ataraxion: None!

C H A R A C T E R I N F O R M A T I O N
Name: Gwen
Canon: Merlin BBC
Original or Alternate Universe: Neither
Canon Point: 2.4
Number: 045

Setting: wiki
History:
We don't know a lot about the past of Guinevere, also fondly known as Gwen. We do know that she was born to Tom, a blacksmith, and an unnamed mother who passed away (we don't know how or when) who was a maid for Sir Leon's family. She has one brother named Elyan, who left Camelot some time before the show’s timeline begins. She works in the castle as Morgana’s handmaid, which lends to their close relationship.

When we first see Gwen, she watches Merlin stand up to Arthur, although at the time, Merlin had no idea he was the prince. She then introduces herself to Merlin while he's in the stocks and the townspeople use him for target practice with fruit. She tells him that she thinks he's brave and a real hero for standing up to Arthur who she thinks is a bully. At first, there seems to be an flirtation between them (Gwen's feelings are strong enough that she kisses Merlin when he recovers from being poisoned) but that fizzles off later on and settles into a close and comfortable friendship. We see Merlin turn to Gwen to help him many times even though he never reveals his magic to her. This friendship drives Merlin to use his magic to help Gwen's father when he is affected by a magical plague that is caused by a sorceress, Nimueh, with hate for Uther in her heart. Unfortunately, this backfires because there is no cure for the curse and Uther assumes that Tom's recovery is the result of witchcraft. So Gwen is arrested for practicing witchcraft, despite Morgana's protests and support. She's only saved from being put to death when the monster/curse that causes the plague is destroyed by Merlin with the help of Arthur and Morgana in order to help save Gwen.

When Lancelot, a swordsman who dreams of becoming a knight, comes to Camelot, Merlin introduces Gwen to him. Immediately there's an attraction between them and she is eager to help Lancelot achieve his goal of becoming a knight because she believes that he is what knights should be like and he has a noble heart even if his blood is not as required. Lancelot becomes a knight under false pretenses, using forged papers of nobility made by Merlin. Unfortunately, after that mess of lies, Lancelot is forced to leave Camelot When Lancelot’s lie is exposed, he is forced to leave Camelot but in the end, he decides to fight the Griffin that is terrorizing the kingdom. Gwen urges him not to fight for she fears it will cost him his life. However Lancelot is triumphant with the help of Merlin but he chooses to leave Camelot, which upsets Gwen because she fears she'll never see him again.

Over the next few episodes, Gwen played a vital role in many of Arthur and Merlin's adventures. She helps hide Mordred, a druid boy, when he was being hunted by Uther’s guards and continued to care for her friend and mistress when she was troubled by her prophetic dreams. And it's from Gwen that Merlin gets Excalibur, the famous sword that Merlin gives to Arthur to kill a wraith after having it enchanted with the Great Dragon's magic (although it's Uther that kills the wraith and Merlin throws the sword into a lake to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands).

When Merlin’s mother, comes to Camelot seeking help from raiders who are attacking her village, Uther cannot help because of a treaty so Merlin, of course, intends to help. Of course, Gwen goes along to help, as do Arthur and Morgana, helping by repairing armor and weapons, using the knowledge she’d picked up from her father. It's there that she and Arthur's relationship begins to change. She convinces Arthur to let the women of the village to fight alongside the men as well as scolding him for his lack of gratitude when he’s ungrateful of Hunith's hospitality, which urges him to apologize for his behavior and has her looking at him differently.

Unfortunately, when her father works with a man, who unbeknownst to him is an evil sorcerer, in order to make more money to provide for Gwen, he is caught and arrested for treason. And because in the past Uther has been utterly intolerant in the past, everyone assumes that despite a promise of a trial, that Tom will be found guilty. So Morgana, who doesn't want Gwen to lose her father and become an orphan much like she had, steals the keys to give to Tom in his cell so he may escape. But when Tom tries to escape, he finds his death at the hands of the guards instead of finding his freedom. Gwen is devastated obviously, having lost her beloved father which leaves her without the most important person in her life. And while Arthur does promise that her job and home are hers for life, she is still distraught and her grief does not heal easily. To make things worse, the sorcerer comes back to Camelot to get the stone that Tom had helped produce before he died. Gwen is so shaken by the confrontation she had with him that Morgana has no trouble getting the truth out of her the next morning, just as Gwen has no trouble discovering that Morgana had spent the night in the dungeons for standing up to Uther on her account. While she tries to temper Morgana's anger at the injustice (which is only exacerbated by the loss of her own father at the hands of Uther), Morgana in her anger, goes to try to avenge Gwen's father's death by luring Uther to be killed by the sorcerer's men. And while, Morgana is the one to sabotage the plan (coming to her senses when Uther shows remorse), Merlin follows her to stop the attack because while he is reluctant to, Gwen reminds him that killing the king would make them no better than king was, even if they hate Uther for what he’d done.

More time passes and Arthur is bitten by a Questing Beast while out on a hunt. Gwen refuses to give up on him and nurses him while he's ill. During that time, she confesses to him (while he's barely conscious) that he is the reason she's held on, that idea of him being king and the future of Camelot under his rule is what keeps her going in these hard times. Much to her embarrassment, when Arthur is healed, he admits that he remembers everything that she had said to him. And that's where her relationship with Arthur starts to kick off. When Arthur decides to compete in a joust in secret in order to prove he can win it all without the unfair advantage of being the prince, Merlin convinces Gwen to let the prince stay at her house. Arthur takes advantage of her hospitality, he's rude, arrogant, picky, complains, and unwittingly forces her to sleep on the floor while he takes her bed. Eventually it takes its toll and Gwen becomes fed up, losing her temper. After putting him in his place, he apologizes and tries to make up for his behavior, which earns Gwen's respect enough for her to give him her favor for the last match-- an exchange that culminates with a kiss, their first kiss. With the help of Merlin and Gwen, he is successful in winning. And because of her influence, Arthur even gives up the chance to take the glory of the win. However, Arthur later comes to her and tells her that nothing can come of their kiss, that his father will never understand, and Gwen knows that she has no choice but to accept it. Which she does, with grace.

At first, when Morgana starts suffering from nightmares she calls for Gwen to comfort her, leaving Gwen worried for her friend. But Gwen is unaware of the true nature of these nightmares which stem from Morgana being a seer, causing her to see magical visions of the future. Morgana, herself, begins to realize that the nightmares are more and she chooses not to express her worries to Gwen, her troubles are too great that she fails to notice that Gwen and Arthur are drawn to one another.

However, with all the typical longing looks exchanged, feelings between Arthur and Gwen continue to grow, so much so that when Gwen is captured by men who mean to capture Morgana for ransom, Arthur rides out alone (okay, with Merlin) against Uther's command and without guards to rescue her, much to the relief of the Lady Morgana. (On this journey, Arthur admits to Merlin that he has feelings for Gwen). However, while she's imprisoned, Gwen is reunited with Lancelot, who is fighting for Hengist (the man who holds her for ransom) as an entertainer of sorts. The 'disgraced' kind-of-knight of Camelot admits that he had thought of her often since leaving Camelot and she confessed her own feelings for him in return. Lancelot vows that he will free her and that her feelings have given him a reason to live, something to fight for. Together, they try to escape, Lancelot forcing Gwen to leave him behind so that she may live, he tells her to live for him or everything that he is will be for nothing. They share a kiss and she tells him that as long as she lives, her feelings will never fade for him. But despite Lancelot's noble attempts, they both fail to escape. They are captured and tied together in order to be fed to a Wilddeoren, a giant evil mole-rat beast. But just in time, Arthur and Merlin arrive to save their lives and they all escape. Unfortunately, Arthur senses the feelings between Lancelot and Gwen, is hurt and says that he is only come to rescue her for Morgana's sake. But the truth is obvious to Lancelot, who recognizes the prince’s true feelings for Gwen (as well as Gwen's for Arthur) and leaves so he will not come between them.

The relationship between Gwen and Arthur stays strained for a while after that, in the meantime, Gwen continues to help where she can, including helping to uncover the truth about the dangerous witchfinder who accuses falsely accuses Gaius of sorcery before moving on to Merlin and Morgana as well. She urges Arthur to hold off the execution of Gaius while Merlin can present the evidence of the witchfinder is lying. And when Arthur refuses, she tells him to to start using his power as a prince and to stop looking down on her as a servant.

Lingering glances and meaningful looks aside-- Arthur and Gwen continue to keep their feelings at bay, however, despite many instances of caring for one another and offering supportive words, giving him advice and her admiration. Such as the time that Uther, when enchanted by an evil troll posing as a beautiful woman, makes unreasonable commands and orders, Arthur continuously stands up to him. But that doesn't stop her from being upset when unbeknownst to her, a sorcerer casts a spell on Arthur to fall in love with the daughter of an ally, aiming to prevent the formation of a peace treaty. After many hurt feelings and shenanigans, Merlin tells her that Arthur's been bewitched by a love potion and her kiss will break the curse. So she kisses him after which, they apologize to each other for the pain they've caused and Arthur confesses he loves no one but her. But they know they can't be together until things change in the kingdom. Meanwhile, Morgana has turned against Uther and the kingdom, her mind turned by various events, which only drives the wedge between Gwen and Morgana a little wider, though Gwen still believes Morgana to be a friend and ally. Gwen is affected by the 'sleeping' plague that attacks takes hold of the castle when Morgana and her sister Morgause mean to take Camelot, which results in Merlin poisoning Morgana. But as usual, the truth is not revealed so it is believed that Morgana has been kidnapped by Morgause, when in fact, they escaped together. So, of course, Gwen worries for her friend and mistress. In the final episode of season two, after Merlin frees him, the Great Dragon lays siege to Camelot, causing mayhem and great harm to many. Gwen is seen taking care of the wounded and even puts herself in harm's way to get much needed clean water. Arthur saves her and then rides off with Merlin to find a way to save the day. In the end, the day is saved, the fight is over, and Gwen runs into Arthur's arms, for a big hug.

Personality:
At the beginning of the series, Gwen was a bit shy and awkward. And while she grows out of it a bit, it still pops up from time to time especially when she's in situations that are out of her control or ones that she's not comfortable/don't want to be in. Sometimes she says things straight from the heart that might come out as awkward or strange (at least she thinks they are but most of the time it's just cute.), blurting out something that isn't what she's meant to have said or something that implies something she definitely didn't mean. She immediately tries to correct herself, verbally stumbling over herself to do so. Despite her tendency to backpedal in order to get rid of the awkward, when she says something she means, she sticks to her beliefs. And as the series progresses, she has no problem voicing her opinions even if she is selective of which opinions she shares. Which only gives what she says more weight and they are usually wise words. Regardless, she has the necessary decorum that one must possess to work in the castle. But

Gwen is stubborn as much as she is strong. She is good at putting on a brave face (and actually being brave) and steeling herself for what's to come, when she's actually hurt or scared. Because of that, she's someone you want around in a pinch, due to her common sense and rationality. She is a useful person to have around, despite not having any magical powers or particular fighting skills, because she does has common sense and is a very quick thinker. Just because she's a servant, doesn't mean she's not valuable. And she doesn't mind being 'just' a servant, she's proud of the work she does, and she gets it done. She is good at blending in, at knowing when to speak out, and when to remain on the sidelines. While she may not seem remarkable to those who do not know her, she modestly prefers it that way for she can be very bashful when attention is called her.

Gwen is not short on patience and generosity either. She is thoughtful and worries for others (strangers and friends alike) much more than she worries for herself. She will help those in need regardless of the cost or danger it may pose for herself. Gwen sees the good in others and values it greatly. Especially in Arthur, even when he cannot see it in himself, deeming him to be a better man than Uther, and believes that he will make a great king. She sees Merlin as more than just a serving boy but as someone clever and brave. Gwen’s affection for Morgana is almost sisterly. She worries for Morgana’s well being before her own, wanting to care for her friend and mistress whenever she is needed. Gwen is the quintessential good person, she sticks her morals and she does not believe in condemning someone even if they have wronged her, like she did not wish for Uther's death even though he is the reason her father is dead.

Abilities, Weaknesses and Power Limitations:
Gwen has no supernatural powers or abilities. But as far as skills go, she's been mentioned as one of the best seamstresses in Camelot. She also knows how to use a forge, as a daughter of a blacksmith, and she knows a lot about armor and weapons. She can also wield a sword if she needs to hoewver, she's no knight or swordsman.

Inventory:
☑ One (1) violet-blue dress, white flowery waist-set, laced in the front. flowy sleeves. ( photo references: one, two, three )
☑ One (1) dark purple cloak
☑ One (1) white apron
☑ Ten (10) hair pins.
☑ One (1) pair of simple brown flats

Appearance: Gwen is played by Angel Coulby
Age: 18 to 19

S A M P L E S
Log Sample:
Gwen has always been the one left behind, abandoned in pieces, left to mend. In the face of death and disappearance, she has learned not to shrink but to stand tall, look forward and keep her chin held high. She's a master of recovery; resilience is her life's work.

At night, there are times she cannot sleep, when the fire in her hearth is gone and the frigid air seems to pull at her from all sides, oppressive and merciless. That is when she closes her eyes, tightly and counts the way her life has marked her, the invisible lines beneath her skin, angry and ever present.

Uther’s intolerance. The chill of her father’s lifeless body beneath her fingers. Lancelot’s longing look, his sacrifice. Morgana’s friendship. Elyan’s absence. Loss and pain. Arthur’s embrace. Arthur’s promises. Arthur’s obligation. Arthur. And guilt. So much of it. Tearing at her, making for ragged edges of her soul that she sometimes fears even she will not be able to stitch it back together.

Like notches in wood, she counts them all, in her mind, over and over. The scars, that hide on the inside until she can hold her head up once more, until she knows she can face the day. She will school her features, she will keep to the edges of the crowd, as she's accustomed to. Watching Arthur from a distance, silent as she watches the cloak and crown, the symbols of every reason she and Arthur cannot not be. She forgives, she soldiers on, she does and she always will hold tight to promises and have faith in things that haven’t happened yet.

But she will never forget.

Comms Sample:
[The feed turns on to show a young lady staring down at her communicator with a look that is both one of pure wonderment and confusion. She runs her finger down the screen only to startle a little. Her eyes widen then squint as she reads the screen's display. Her lips press together tightly for a moment before her teeth worry her bottom lip.

Then she seems to realize something and she almost drops the device in her sheepish surprise.]

Oh! Um-- Hello? Is it-- Do I speak now? [ She looks up before she looks down and gives another sheepish smile.] Hello. I'm Guinevere. But most people call me Gwen. I apologize, I I am still learning how to use this... communicator? [ She says it as though she's not sure that's what it's called. After moment, she pauses, her expression awkward suddenly when she realizes that she has nothing to say, really.

So she just smiles, a tight lipped, 'sorry-for-any-inconvenience' sort of smile before she fumbles to turn off the feed. And look! She's not hopeless, she gets it on the second try! ]