Gates of Avalon (and of Crazy Girls who Fight with Morgana)

Now, before this episode begins with Arthur being heroic, Morgana has a nightmare. As we know she has previously had prophetic regarding Valiant and such, and this one again involves Arthur's demise. There are visions of Arthur drowning, slowly. And a young girl standing over him with her hand out, seemingly forcing him further down. When Morgana awakens, she is petrified for Arthur's life and calls out for him. Unfortunately, the theme begins now.

Now for Arthur's heroism. See, he's out hunting with Merlin when they both hear screams of people in need. As they follow the screams they come upon an elderly man and a young woman, the girl from Morgana's dream, being attacked by robbers. Arthur makes quick work of them with his sword and crossbow, while Merlin secretly uses his magic to protect Arthur. However, Arthur, of course, doesn't notice and accuses Merlin of being a coward.

Before Merlin and defend himself, the two men are distracted by the appearance of the girl. She is quite pretty and seems to entrance Arthur. She introduces herself as Sophia and the old man as her father, Aulfric. Arthur invites the two back to the castle where they are offered shelter and comfort by Uther. After exchanging seductive glances with Arthur, Sophia is shown her room by Merlin.

On their way, Sophia is seen by Morgana, who recognizes her as the girl who made Arthur drown. After being informed by Merlin that the two guests will be staying for awhile, Morgana immediately takes suspicion. She tells Gaius of her dream, suspecting that she has seen visions of the future, but Gaius dismisses her doubts by claiming that they're mere nightmares and giving her a sleeping drought. However, this does nothing as Morgana's nightmare repeats that night.The woman is clearly frightened by her powers and I begin to worry.

Meanwhile, Arthur and Sophia escape to go on a little date. Arthur had duties to perform but Merlin covered for him, telling Uther that Arthur was absent due to Merlin. Something which forced Merlin to be pelted with potatoes in the stocks. However, he's a hopeless romantic and is quite supportive of Arthur's relationship with Sophia.

After Gaius discovers of Arthur and Sophia's romantic relationship, and recalling Morgana's dream, Gaius investigates their room. He fins a funky looking staff (which is in the title picture) but is quickly discovered by Aulfric, who's eyes turn red and force Gaius to depart.

As Arthur and Sophia are returning from their date. Sophia and Morgana pass each other. Morgana stops Sophia, claiming to know what the girl is up to and promising to stop her. Sophia is quite cocky as she taunts Morgana about jealousy and brushes the imposing woman off.

After a conversation between Aulfric and Sophia, I learn: A) Morgana has powers B)These two plan on taking Arthur's soul C)They have a true form other then their present bodies and D)They will regain said form in exchange for the alleged soul sucking. Generally, this is very bad news.

Next, Merlin and Gaius have a little chat. Gaius shares about Morgana's dreams and his suspicions about Aulfric and Sophia. He then reveals that Morgana is a Seer, which he has known since she was young. And Merlin seems a little bit excited to know someone else with magic, obviously forgetting who her guardian was (Uther? King? Hater of magic? Ring a bell?) and the danger surrounding her powers. But quickly returns to the present problem of Sophia and Aulfric.

The next step to find out more, is to stalk them, according to Merlin. He follows Aulfric through the woods to a lake. Aulfric calls upon some magical fairy folk. And apparently, Merlin and Aulfric are at the Gates of Avalon, where the fairy-like people called the Sidhe live. Aulfric has made a deal with these people that in exchange for the prince's soul, his daughter will be allowed to return from exile in her true form. This makes Merlin quickly run to inform Gaius of this development.

The next morning, Arthur is packing to run away with Sophia. As Merlin attempts to bring Arthur from Sophia's enchantment, he's knocked out by the she-devil herself. Meanwhile, Morgana rushes to Gaius, who stops her before she goes after Sophia herself. Gaius then runs to find Merlin. The elderly man awakens the boy and it's Merlin off to save the day!

At this point, Sophia is in a lake with Arthur, making him drown in slow motion while her father chants a spell. As they grow closer to killing the prince, Merlin bursts into the scene, grabs one their staffs and blows up Aulfric. Sophia screams in horror but before she can act BAM! she goes too. But Merlin can't rejoice yet. Arthur's still drowning.

As Morgana's dream comes to life, Merlin swims in after Arthur and heroically lifts him from the depths of the water. Merlin and Gaius dispose of Arthur in his chambers where he awakens to find the two men in his room. Asking for an explanation, the two lie that he had been running away with Sophia when they were attacked by bandits. Embarrassed by his succumbing so easily to a girl, when questioned, Arthur blames his disappearance on Merlin, who once again takes the punishment of the stocks.

All images from: http://www.merlintvshow.com/photos/album/87761/107+The+Gates+of+Avalon?offset=0&maxResults=20