One of the supreme joys of being a member of the ARWEN spot aka Arthur and Guinevere shabiki Club are the choice people we meet. I am not saying that. I have always said, EXACTLY what I mean.
We are fun. We are romantic. We are absolute perves at times, I think that normal, but mostly we are a family, diverse in perspectives and backgrounds but there is one thing we agree on, the Sacred Couple of Legend.
Now part of being a family is to support, to cajole, and make each other happy in your being. Kim Brand is one such and a damn talented writer with Martha Stewart-esque predisposish. She is quick. She is witty. She is a thinker and a total charmer. We are fortunate to have her in our mix.
Right onto the maswali that were posed kwa the dear authoress who does a better job than some of the Merlin writers, save three, in character development and sensuality for all things ARWEN.
1. When did wewe discover Merlin the Series?
Season 1, bang from the get-go. It was on a major network here in the states, and my husband was the one who wanted to watch it. I admit that I only sort of casually watched a lot of that season and don’t remember much of it. Then it got bumped to basic cable, but we followed loyally.
2. What episode did wewe begin to ship ARWEN and why?
Definitely the one with the Questing Beast, whichever that one was. Le Morte d’Arthur. When Gwen nurses him and says her encouraging words and makes out with his finger. Up to that point I wasn’t sure if they were going to pair them, because they were kind of pushing Morgana at him. I will admit that at first I wasn’t sure if I liked Gwen au not. Was flabbergasted that they made her a maid, and yes, I will admit being surprised that she was a woman of color, as the legends are pretty much all in agreement that she was a fair-skinned strawberry-blonde. But she definitely won me over. I didn’t like that they were pushing her together with Merlin. I NEVER liked Morgana. Perhaps because I knew she was destined to be evil. And I was ALWAYS nervous about Lancelot.
But I digress. What was the question? Oh yes: why. Because that scene was the first glimpse we got of him really having thoughts about her. In the “Moment of Truth” episode, we see her standing up to him and being a brave little soldier, but all we get from him is a thoughtful scowl. When he wakes up and is goading her into stroking his ego, that was my “aha” moment.
3. How long have wewe been uandishi Fanfiction?
Officially, since last October. Mentally, since season two-ish. Pretty sure all the scenarios in my brain since that time have now been written down, plus. I never even read any until then.
4. What are your three favourite episodes and why?
2x10 Sweet Dreams. Duh. The enchantment-breaking kiss. Plus it has everything. Love, intrigue, humor, violence. That was the first time I delved into YouTube to obsessively re-watch scenes. If I knew exactly how many times I’ve watched that kiss scene, I’m sure I’d be horribly embarrassed.
3x8 The Eye of the Phoenix. It was just so well done. Minor Arwen moments (first kiss of season 3), but I loved Bradley’s performance. Merlin’s scene with the Fisher King gave me chills. Gwaine was fab. And Gwen finds out about Morgana being evil.
4x7 I know, another surprising choice as it is another pretty much non-Arwen. But it had me riveted. Seriously. Merlin and Gwen? Love. Merlin and Alator? Love. Arthur and Gaius? Love. Alator tossing Morgana over in favor of Merlin was just so awesome. And do not even get me started on the Arthur/Gaius convo. SO moving. I really want Arthur to find out the truth about his birth inayofuata season, and I think Gaius should be the one to tell him (as I pretty much wrote, duh).
5. Which Guest nyota most appealed to you?
I liked Vivian because she was hilarious.
Alator was, as I have alisema above, awesome, and I hope he comes back.
I loved Isolde and am still pissed that they used her as a plot device. She and Gwen would have been such fun to watch together.
But my inayopendelewa is Queen Annis. She’s everything a Queen should be. Am SO looking mbele to her return inayofuata season. She was able to see past her grief and see both Arthur and Morgana for who they truly are. Again I am stating the obvious, but she would be an excellent mentor for Gwen.
6. If wewe could write an episode and change anything which and what would it be and no, wewe cannot select 4.09 lol!
3x10. There were a lot of holes regarding the “Whys” behind Dragoon’s actions that went un-addressed (BIG SHOCK THERE). I really wanted a conversation between Dragoon and Arthur (in the dungeons), where Merlin as Dragoon tells Arthur all the things about magic that he’s been keeping bottled up inside, to try and help him see that all magic is not evil. The fact that no one questioned this weird old man’s motives, when NO ONE HAD EVER SEEN HIM BEFORE really irks me to this day. Almost as much as the freaking bracelet.
7. List the 5 characters wewe most upendo in the series and tell us why?
Arthur, obviously. Beyond his gorgeousness, he is a very complex character (I’ve gone on about this in the past). He is the big brave warrior hero king, but he is also the Lost little boy looking for his mummy. He is a fascinating contradiction of brave charismatic leader and insecure man seeking the unconditional upendo he never properly received.
Merlin. Because he’s our hero, isn’t he? And the CEO of Arwen shippery. wewe can’t not like the guy. And he’s another complex one. He’s this hugely powerful wizard, but outwardly he’s this clumsy, cheerful, good-hearted young man. I have a friend kind of like that: someone wewe meet and immediately like because they are just a genuinely good person. It is for this reason I want Arthur to find out about Merlin’s magic about halfway through the inayofuata series (if it is indeed the last). I want to SEE the consequences; I want to see Arthur having to deal with it every day, see Merlin balancing his two sides rather than suppressing one.
Guinevere. As I alisema above, I wasn’t sure if I liked her at first. And people criticize her for being too “nice” au “boring.” Whatever; wewe WISH wewe were that awesome. She is stronger than Arthur and Merlin. And Elyan. She has been dealt so much crap and still holds her head high and treats everyone with upendo and respect. THAT takes true character. She freaking took care of freaking Uther, for Pete’s sake.
Gwaine. Again, what’s not to like? He was dealt a shit hand in season 4, turned into the jester. They had better fix it in season 5. It is possible to be a bit of a scamp and still be heroic. Remember season three Gwaine? Merlin staff writers, I am looking at you. When Morgana handed him that little wooden sword and set the entire room of ruffians on him in the finale, I simply shook my head and said, “Silly girl, those are just the kinds of odds he likes.”
Leon. Okay, I really wanted to put Percival, but that is purely based on self-indulgent lust, because they haven’t aliyopewa him enough to do (again, Merlin writers, looking at you). But Leon is awesome, even if my husband never remembers who he is (for reals. I alisema something about Sir Leon, and he was all, “Who is Sir Leon?” I was like, “Seriously? He’s only been on like the entire time!” And even when watching: “Who is that guy again?” *rolls eyes.*) Loyal to Arthur, not Uther, not Morgana. VP of shippery, which is actually amazing considering he’s a real noble.
8. List the three characters in the series wewe are least fond of and why?
Morgana. They’ve written her as a caricature of a villainess, and unfortunately Katie does not have the uigizaji chops of ABC to be able to bring the necessary depth to the character. The other three make us care despite the often bad writing. All she does is smirk.
Lancelot. Apologies to the Lancelot fans, but I was only ever aware of the version of the legend where Gwen ditches Arthur for him. So all I saw him as was an obstacle.
Agravaine. ’Cause he was a dick. His death was not horrible enough. I don’t believe I need to elaborate.
9. What have wewe discovered about yourself since watching Merlin and uandishi fanfiction?
That I am apparently a good writer; who knew! And I have a very dirty mind. If I am to delve deeper, I can admit that uandishi with feeling has been a process as well. Had to learn how to go from being a detached observer to an involved participant (thank you, Stacey). I’m not a very emotional au demonstrative person in real life, so my uandishi tends to be that way if I’m not careful.
10. If wewe were stuck on a kitindamlo island which 4 characters would wewe choose to be with wewe and why? No, wewe cannot select Merlin.
Arthur: Leadership and organizational abilities
Leon: Protection and hunting skills
Gwaine: Entertainment and morale
Percival: Strength and height (you know, for gathering coconuts and whatnot)
And of course there are also other reasons as well…
11. What interesting fact about yourself would wewe like to share with the family on the ARWEN Spot?
I like to watch Sumo Wrestling and am sad they no longer onyesha it on ESPN 2. I also bake obsessively.
12. What is your single favourite scene in the entire series and why?
Going to have to go with the enchantment-breaking kiss from 2x10, based on the fact that I’ve watched it ad nauseum and it makes my tummy go all woobly every time. It’s the confirmation beyond all doubt that Guinevere is Arthur’s true love. She was able to break the enchantment. And she chose to do it, to save his life with her kiss, after she felt so hurt kwa him (though unintentionally). I just upendo the Arthur’s transformation during the kiss: shock, acceptance, then OH YES GO FOR IT. And the look he gives her after? Sweet Baby Jesus.
We are fun. We are romantic. We are absolute perves at times, I think that normal, but mostly we are a family, diverse in perspectives and backgrounds but there is one thing we agree on, the Sacred Couple of Legend.
Now part of being a family is to support, to cajole, and make each other happy in your being. Kim Brand is one such and a damn talented writer with Martha Stewart-esque predisposish. She is quick. She is witty. She is a thinker and a total charmer. We are fortunate to have her in our mix.
Right onto the maswali that were posed kwa the dear authoress who does a better job than some of the Merlin writers, save three, in character development and sensuality for all things ARWEN.
1. When did wewe discover Merlin the Series?
Season 1, bang from the get-go. It was on a major network here in the states, and my husband was the one who wanted to watch it. I admit that I only sort of casually watched a lot of that season and don’t remember much of it. Then it got bumped to basic cable, but we followed loyally.
2. What episode did wewe begin to ship ARWEN and why?
Definitely the one with the Questing Beast, whichever that one was. Le Morte d’Arthur. When Gwen nurses him and says her encouraging words and makes out with his finger. Up to that point I wasn’t sure if they were going to pair them, because they were kind of pushing Morgana at him. I will admit that at first I wasn’t sure if I liked Gwen au not. Was flabbergasted that they made her a maid, and yes, I will admit being surprised that she was a woman of color, as the legends are pretty much all in agreement that she was a fair-skinned strawberry-blonde. But she definitely won me over. I didn’t like that they were pushing her together with Merlin. I NEVER liked Morgana. Perhaps because I knew she was destined to be evil. And I was ALWAYS nervous about Lancelot.
But I digress. What was the question? Oh yes: why. Because that scene was the first glimpse we got of him really having thoughts about her. In the “Moment of Truth” episode, we see her standing up to him and being a brave little soldier, but all we get from him is a thoughtful scowl. When he wakes up and is goading her into stroking his ego, that was my “aha” moment.
3. How long have wewe been uandishi Fanfiction?
Officially, since last October. Mentally, since season two-ish. Pretty sure all the scenarios in my brain since that time have now been written down, plus. I never even read any until then.
4. What are your three favourite episodes and why?
2x10 Sweet Dreams. Duh. The enchantment-breaking kiss. Plus it has everything. Love, intrigue, humor, violence. That was the first time I delved into YouTube to obsessively re-watch scenes. If I knew exactly how many times I’ve watched that kiss scene, I’m sure I’d be horribly embarrassed.
3x8 The Eye of the Phoenix. It was just so well done. Minor Arwen moments (first kiss of season 3), but I loved Bradley’s performance. Merlin’s scene with the Fisher King gave me chills. Gwaine was fab. And Gwen finds out about Morgana being evil.
4x7 I know, another surprising choice as it is another pretty much non-Arwen. But it had me riveted. Seriously. Merlin and Gwen? Love. Merlin and Alator? Love. Arthur and Gaius? Love. Alator tossing Morgana over in favor of Merlin was just so awesome. And do not even get me started on the Arthur/Gaius convo. SO moving. I really want Arthur to find out the truth about his birth inayofuata season, and I think Gaius should be the one to tell him (as I pretty much wrote, duh).
5. Which Guest nyota most appealed to you?
I liked Vivian because she was hilarious.
Alator was, as I have alisema above, awesome, and I hope he comes back.
I loved Isolde and am still pissed that they used her as a plot device. She and Gwen would have been such fun to watch together.
But my inayopendelewa is Queen Annis. She’s everything a Queen should be. Am SO looking mbele to her return inayofuata season. She was able to see past her grief and see both Arthur and Morgana for who they truly are. Again I am stating the obvious, but she would be an excellent mentor for Gwen.
6. If wewe could write an episode and change anything which and what would it be and no, wewe cannot select 4.09 lol!
3x10. There were a lot of holes regarding the “Whys” behind Dragoon’s actions that went un-addressed (BIG SHOCK THERE). I really wanted a conversation between Dragoon and Arthur (in the dungeons), where Merlin as Dragoon tells Arthur all the things about magic that he’s been keeping bottled up inside, to try and help him see that all magic is not evil. The fact that no one questioned this weird old man’s motives, when NO ONE HAD EVER SEEN HIM BEFORE really irks me to this day. Almost as much as the freaking bracelet.
7. List the 5 characters wewe most upendo in the series and tell us why?
Arthur, obviously. Beyond his gorgeousness, he is a very complex character (I’ve gone on about this in the past). He is the big brave warrior hero king, but he is also the Lost little boy looking for his mummy. He is a fascinating contradiction of brave charismatic leader and insecure man seeking the unconditional upendo he never properly received.
Merlin. Because he’s our hero, isn’t he? And the CEO of Arwen shippery. wewe can’t not like the guy. And he’s another complex one. He’s this hugely powerful wizard, but outwardly he’s this clumsy, cheerful, good-hearted young man. I have a friend kind of like that: someone wewe meet and immediately like because they are just a genuinely good person. It is for this reason I want Arthur to find out about Merlin’s magic about halfway through the inayofuata series (if it is indeed the last). I want to SEE the consequences; I want to see Arthur having to deal with it every day, see Merlin balancing his two sides rather than suppressing one.
Guinevere. As I alisema above, I wasn’t sure if I liked her at first. And people criticize her for being too “nice” au “boring.” Whatever; wewe WISH wewe were that awesome. She is stronger than Arthur and Merlin. And Elyan. She has been dealt so much crap and still holds her head high and treats everyone with upendo and respect. THAT takes true character. She freaking took care of freaking Uther, for Pete’s sake.
Gwaine. Again, what’s not to like? He was dealt a shit hand in season 4, turned into the jester. They had better fix it in season 5. It is possible to be a bit of a scamp and still be heroic. Remember season three Gwaine? Merlin staff writers, I am looking at you. When Morgana handed him that little wooden sword and set the entire room of ruffians on him in the finale, I simply shook my head and said, “Silly girl, those are just the kinds of odds he likes.”
Leon. Okay, I really wanted to put Percival, but that is purely based on self-indulgent lust, because they haven’t aliyopewa him enough to do (again, Merlin writers, looking at you). But Leon is awesome, even if my husband never remembers who he is (for reals. I alisema something about Sir Leon, and he was all, “Who is Sir Leon?” I was like, “Seriously? He’s only been on like the entire time!” And even when watching: “Who is that guy again?” *rolls eyes.*) Loyal to Arthur, not Uther, not Morgana. VP of shippery, which is actually amazing considering he’s a real noble.
8. List the three characters in the series wewe are least fond of and why?
Morgana. They’ve written her as a caricature of a villainess, and unfortunately Katie does not have the uigizaji chops of ABC to be able to bring the necessary depth to the character. The other three make us care despite the often bad writing. All she does is smirk.
Lancelot. Apologies to the Lancelot fans, but I was only ever aware of the version of the legend where Gwen ditches Arthur for him. So all I saw him as was an obstacle.
Agravaine. ’Cause he was a dick. His death was not horrible enough. I don’t believe I need to elaborate.
9. What have wewe discovered about yourself since watching Merlin and uandishi fanfiction?
That I am apparently a good writer; who knew! And I have a very dirty mind. If I am to delve deeper, I can admit that uandishi with feeling has been a process as well. Had to learn how to go from being a detached observer to an involved participant (thank you, Stacey). I’m not a very emotional au demonstrative person in real life, so my uandishi tends to be that way if I’m not careful.
10. If wewe were stuck on a kitindamlo island which 4 characters would wewe choose to be with wewe and why? No, wewe cannot select Merlin.
Arthur: Leadership and organizational abilities
Leon: Protection and hunting skills
Gwaine: Entertainment and morale
Percival: Strength and height (you know, for gathering coconuts and whatnot)
And of course there are also other reasons as well…
11. What interesting fact about yourself would wewe like to share with the family on the ARWEN Spot?
I like to watch Sumo Wrestling and am sad they no longer onyesha it on ESPN 2. I also bake obsessively.
12. What is your single favourite scene in the entire series and why?
Going to have to go with the enchantment-breaking kiss from 2x10, based on the fact that I’ve watched it ad nauseum and it makes my tummy go all woobly every time. It’s the confirmation beyond all doubt that Guinevere is Arthur’s true love. She was able to break the enchantment. And she chose to do it, to save his life with her kiss, after she felt so hurt kwa him (though unintentionally). I just upendo the Arthur’s transformation during the kiss: shock, acceptance, then OH YES GO FOR IT. And the look he gives her after? Sweet Baby Jesus.
