[Bijuu] Guinevere {Excalibur}

General Information

Full Name:
Guinevere

Codename Or Alias:
The Dark One
The Crocodile

Anonymity:
Guinevere's fall from grace is a well-documented tale. More than a mere legend, she has been used as a cautionary tale for centuries, particularly by those versed in magic. As the Dark One, Guinevere has been the subject of tales of the bogeyman, based on much more truth than fiction. Both of her names are sometimes used interchangeably, though many prefer to refer to her with her title, as her real name is enchanted to alert her whenever someone mentions "Guinevere". In any case, she is a well-known (and feared) figure throughout the British Isles, Otherworld, and beyond.

Gender:
Female

Race:
Human

Age:
Most estimates place her at somewhere within 1500 years of age.

Place Of Birth:
Stirling, Scotland

Occupation/Status:
Vessel of Darkness

Alignment:
Villain

Factions:
N/A

Canon Or Original?:
Original




Powers/Abilities:

The Darkness
The source of all Dark Ones' powers. Since the creation of the first Dark One, each incarnation uses the magic bestowed upon them by the very entity itself. Often cited as the "darkest of magic," the Dark Ones have access to versions of traditional magic most dare not touch. Dark magic is more volatile and yet very cunning simultaneously. Capable of untold chaos, as well as minutely specific tasks. Because of the dangers such magic poses, each of the Darkness' hosts is stripped of their inhibitions and doubts against using magic often considered taboo. This makes the Dark Ones especially threatening, as they have no qualms in using whatever is at their disposal to reach their goals. To phrase the Darkness more simply: it is power. And that is what those that succumb to its allure, find most irresistible. The ability to do whatever they wish. Near limitless power, unrestrained by the arbitrary restrictions and limits of other magic.

This power is made more evident by the emergence of each new Dark One. In order to become one, the previous host must be killed. The more Dark Ones are killed and new hosts take their place, the stronger the Darkness becomes. Whenever a new Dark One emerges, they gain instant power and affinity for using magic. In short: they never have to learn magic. It is simply what comes with the package. Sometimes, new hosts are resistant to the Darkness' influence. In those cases, a sort of countermeasure is employed. The Darkness can manifest itself in the Dark One's mind with the appearance of its previous hosts, with the aim of corrupting them even further. It can appear as one previous host, several of them or all of them at once. It isn't exactly a hallucination, as those with potent enough magic can see these manifestations as well. They are all perfect representations of the current host's predecessors. It is also an effective way of uncovering knowledge from the Dark One's mind, as that pool is vast and some things may become lost, so to speak. These apparitions can also appear when the Darkness is aiming to nudge the Dark One towards a specific goal.

As powerful as the Darkness is, it is not without fault. Dark magic can be combated by those wielding light, pure magic, whatever form that may come in. While not an outright weakness, it is still a noticeable hindrance to the dark forces that the Dark Ones command. Additionally, Dark Ones aren't capable of resurrecting the dead through their magic. Why this is, remains unknown, which is why it is not unusual to see a Dark One try to accomplish this through other means. Typically, these means implement other forms of magic or magical artefacts, combined with their own powers.

Dark Ones are also not immune to magic or other forces in general, particularly enchantments. However, in order for those to be truly effective, they must be cast with specifically the Dark One in mind. They also know this, meaning that more often than not, they have plans and fail-safes in place. Still, a well-formulated plan or sufficient enough power/force is able to overcome their powerful magic.

However, the most potent way to either kill or control a Dark One is through their dagger (see "Weapons/Items").

The following list showcases most of Guinevere's abilities (and further weaknesses) bestowed to her:

Weapons/Items:

SPOILER: Click to show

Carnwennan
The Dark One's dagger is mostly known as just that, rather than by its true name. Throughout their lineage, each Dark One has had an item tethered to them. Most commonly a weapon. An object imbued with the Darkness itself. The name of the current Dark One is engraved onto it. Much more than a mere statement piece, the relic allows the Dark One to perform more powerful magic through it. It is the most powerful artefact the vessel owns and the one they guard with their very lives. Because aside of it being partly a vessel of their power and granting them access to more forbidden magic that Dark Ones already possess, it is also their most glaring weakness. 

If, by any chance, the weapon were to be in the possession of anyone other than Guinevere, they could control her and her powers. Any command, any action given, Guinevere is compelled to follow. However, she does retain her awareness and her mind. A double-edged sword, if you will. Guinevere cannot do anything against the wielder if they have already uttered a command. But she is still impervious to any adjustment of her personality and memories. While this is seen as a positive, it is also a clear means of torture. Your body acting against your will, being powerless to do anything to stop it. One could only imagine the implications.

It is also with this, that Guinevere can truly be killed. Striking her down with her own weapon is a surefire way to ensure Guinevere's death. Killing a Dark One has its cost, however. When one is killed with their own weapon or their own power, the killer then inherits the Darkness themselves. The cycle continues. The weapon becomes theirs, their name now appearing as the engraving. Because of its frightening abilities and its probable threat to herself, Guinevere either keeps it on her or has it stashed away in a secure location, depending on the situation.

The dagger itself is of an ornate design. A patterned, wavy blade is held in place by a black, braided hilt. The end of it slightly glowing because of a red gemstone embedded within. Guinevere altered the original Carnwennan's appearance to more suit her newfound power. But it is still very much the dagger that Arthur Pendragon once wielded.


Vault of the Dark One
Located in the dense forests of Wales, the Dark One's vault has been present since the birth of the first Dark One. In fairly close vicinity to where Camelot used to reside, it was only a day's ride from the kingdom. According to legend, the first Dark One emerged from the vault, with some claiming that he was actually born from the darkness within it. In actuality, Rumplestiltskin constructed the vault for his own usage, but its caverns were there long before. The entrance is a circular seal, letting the Dark One (or someone who knows how to access it) freely enter its core. The symbols on the vault includes the tomoe, the triquetra, the triangle, the Eye of Providence, the pentagram and the sun. Circling all the other symbols is the Ouroboros, which represents cyclicality, especially in the sense of something constantly re-creating itself — a reference to the way the Darkness is inherited from one host to the next, and the Dark One's eternal life.

The vault houses many of the Dark One's most precious and rarest of tomes, ingredients, contracts, and the like. The vault isn't a large one, consisting of three "rooms." One which holds the Dark One's study and the other two act as blank canvases, with the Dark One able to conjure mostly whatever they need for a given purpose. Currently, one of these rooms houses a prison with one occupant. In dire circumstances, when the Dark One's safety is in jeopardy, they can also bring their dagger here for safe keeping. However, Dark Ones tend to be much too confident for this to occur all too often. It should also be noted that many of their possessions here are meant for exceedingly specific tasks and situations, meaning that most of the Dark One's spells and concoctions are still made with what's on hand or what they can acquire from desperate souls.


Appearance

Image:

Physical Appearance:
Guinevere was once described as one of the great beauties of Britain. Suitors from all over flocked to Camelot in order to win her hand. Indeed, the reports of her beauty were not exaggerated. Sun-kissed skin, striking hazel eyes, luscious walnut hair. A smattering of freckles across her cheeks. Young noblemen were foolish to not try and gain her favour. Yet her eyes were only for Arthur. A great beauty was fit to be queen.

But what was beauty without power? A question Guinevere asked herself only once, before going after what she really desired. Her current appearance is an acceptable consequence. Not that Guinevere herself ever placed her own beauty on a pedestal all that much. It's even clearer now. Power like hers should be feared.

"The Crocodile" is a fitting nickname for Guinevere now. Her skin is a shade of emerald, covered in what look to be something akin to scales. Her eyes are large, having the same color as her skin. Piercing in their intent, few dare look the Dark One directly in the eyes, for stories claim that she can see your darkest desires and greatest fears. Guinevere's previously flowing hair has been replaced by tight, neat braids, converging in a bun. The mesmerizing black is now a dim brown with shades of red. It is a distinctive appearance, reflective of her completely embracing her darkness. To some, she is a visual reminder of all that is rotten in the world. To others, a display of strength.

Clothing And Armor:
Guinevere's previous attire consisted of anything and everything one could consider ladylike. Stunning dresses, gowns, corsets, you name it. But she was also a woman of comfort, gladly wearing something that didn't limit her movement and still allowed her to retain a sense of the noblewoman (and royal) that she was.

As the Dark One, Guinevere's wardrobe consists of a single outfit. A layered dress, stretching all the way to her feet, made more prominent by a large belt/midpiece, almost acting like a statement. Beneath the dress is a simple cotton turtleneck, paired with identical pants. Covering it all is a cloak of equal length to the dress. A hefty piece, it looks as if a reminder of the weight of power the host possesses. Most often, Guinevere has the cloak's hood up, adding to it the final piece. The mask of Beliar, the previous Dark One. Largely coloured of gold, its top half is a faint gray, blending into the gold strangely seamlessly. The mask itself has no particular abilities, but is rather Guinevere's way of showing that she, a mere mortal, defeated a demon to gain power Arthur wasn't willing to claim. Every piece of her clothing also slightly glistens and glitters, because even Dark Ones can be flashy if they wish.


Personality

Sexual Orientation:
Heterosexual

General Personality:
While it is easy to think Guinevere was a much different person before her descent into darkness, it isn't all that cut and dry. Yes, while still human, Guinevere was a much gentler soul. Grace and poise built into her genes, her intellect clear due to the education her status required. In all standards of measure, she really was the fair lady her people saw her as. Shaped into the future queen she inevitably became. She was kind and true, loyal to a fault. There was also a burgeoning desire to include herself more in court politics. Her understanding of the world and particularly how people functioned being lauded as perhaps her greatest strengths. After her marriage to Arthur, those abilities were on full display. She was a fair queen and would've been for much longer if it wasn't for her rampant jealousy and discontent with Arthur. But perhaps most importantly, dissatisfaction with being simply a queen. She wanted more.

Jealousy truly was the first step. Both for love and power. Her envy fueled her and gradually unleashed her other darker desires. When she succumbed to the darkness fully, it shaped her into the woman she is now. Both the Darkness and herself intertwined. Guinevere is a woman who is expertly manipulative, having the innate skill of examining behavior and especially in seeing what people truly desire. It is what her powers thrive off of. The mere status of being the person people go to in order to fill their wants and needs is what keeps her largely content. Going not to a fairy or a seer or anything of the sort, but to her. She knows the power of the Darkness and uses it to its fullest extent. Guinevere understands power perhaps more than anyone. At least when it comes to its truest meaning. There are few people she isn't able to coerce with merely her words and promises, even if they don't end up becoming true. Her manipulations are always geared towards her own greater benefit. She is not to be trusted in any way, yet what she has to offer supersedes trust. Because people are blinded and desperate to protect their loved tones, to achieve their goals, to fulfill their dreams. Guinevere gladly takes advantage of all that, since it unequivocally promises her leverage and influence. She simply knows people better than they know themselves. She knows what buttons to push, what carrot to dangle in front of them.

Guinevere is capable of crossing any and every line. The Dark One's penchant for malice is as natural as breathing. They are all self-serving, she is no exception. And while she kills indiscriminately, she also carefully chooses her targets. It all needs to fit the puzzle. The world is her chessboard. It's part of her cunning nature. Though even then, world domination has never been in her sights. She doesn't need to control everyone, only the people who can grant her what she wants. Darkness is inherent in everything, everyone and everywhere. She lets it do its work, gladly sticking to her own corner of the world for her own goals. But her immense drive is also a weakness. There are moments when her desires cloud her cunning. She becomes reckless, believing her power is enough. And that is when her opponents may strike a mighty blow. A cornered beast is most dangerous, but also easy to defeat when they lash out uncontrollably. There are bound to be things she misses when her eyes are glazed over in rage. It is then that Guinevere works in extremes, as ironic as that may sound.

Her mind works in a way most people do not understand. Irrationality is blended together with vast intellect. While it is almost always part of a plan, it can also be exploited. The Dark One's worldview is as complex as it is simplistic. The forces of good have the ability to dupe her, Guinevere having lost the ability to see the layers many of the light side possess. Paradoxical as it may seem, it remains part of every Dark One's psyche. It's perhaps what makes them so difficult to understand at times. They've submitted themselves to a force that is so primordially dark that while it adds a sense of the world and of people that so many lack, they also have blind spots to where it surpasses their way of thinking. Complicated as they are, to some, Dark Ones may look simplistic. Guinevere tries her best to extinguish that perception. That's likely most evident when it comes to love.

Love is ever-present in her life still. Primarily her love for Arthur. While she has had more than one love, they've all failed to comprehend her version of it. Uninhibited by the moral standards most possess. Her love is raw, dark. Almost sounding like it's the most freeing path of love. Yet there is always something that pushes her lovers away eventually. And that is mostly her desire to keep her power. She simply isn't capable of giving up her vast abilities for a future with someone, lest they be like her. She is still capable of love, simply not the version most need. This feeds into every Dark One's crippling self-awareness and often the lack of self-confidence at their core. The Darkness granted them power when they were at their weakest and grasped at the first kernel of hope, even if it was offered by the greatest evil. They're much like the people they manipulate, in that way. A snake eating its own tail, as a crude metaphor. Guinevere knows her power and she also knows what it has stripped of her. But that doesn't mean she has any regrets. Far from it.

Her power is what has granted her strength and it is worth any shortcomings. Her desire for more power and influence power her ego. And what an ego it is. Whoever is in her way, she has an unshakable urge to kill. Both because they're thwarting her and purely because she can as well. The ability to control a life, to decide their fate, there is nothing more intoxicating than that. That is the power of darkness. It's the power Guinevere uses to prove that she is greater than most. It is her tool in showing her might, her supremacy over others gifted in magic. And if they doubt her, they simply do not understand. How could they? They've never dealt with darkness in its most raw form. Even those who claim to wield its power are not its vessels in the intended way.

Guinevere is a woman of multitudes, all stemming from her inner and bestowed darkness. It sounds simple, but is covered in layers. And in many ways, however, it is simple. Delightfully paradoxical. But she knows most people lack the comprehension. They are simply lesser. Guinevere is anything but.

Face/Voice:
Caroline Ford




Character's History

Siblings:
Gwenhwyfach (sister)

Mother:
Unknown

Father:
King Leodegrance (deceased)

Other Family:
Arthur Pendragon (husband, deceased)
Mordred (step-son)
Morgan le Fay (sister-in-law)
Lancelot (lover, deceased)
Other unconfirmed or undocumented relatives whose statuses are unknown

History:

All Magic Comes With a Price

Camelot's glory spread across many lands and kingdoms. Arthur's rule was truly a sight to behold. His mighty knights and the even mightier wizard by his side, Camelot was seen as a great power. Within that glory, was Guinevere, ensuring that Camelot could live up to those expectations aside from all the pomp and circumstance. While Arthur swung his shiny blade for the people to see, she took care of the people they swore to serve. Arthur's yearning for more glory began to take hold, seemingly neglecting the people like he did Guinevere. Yet whenever she brought it up, he swore to her again. His love, his caring, and what Carnwennan meant. She played along. Because while Arthur wasn't looking, she was finding other ways to become something more than a queen. Her thirst for power wasn't sudden, it had been building for years. She saw the influence Arthur carried, with simply saying a few well placed words and dangling something shiny in the people's faces. She wanted more than just the love of the people. She wanted to be seen just as brightly as the supposed destined king. Yes, her influence was noteworthy, but it was the darkness inside her that had begun to take root.

Guinevere began studying tomes within Camelot's vast library. Tomes and grimoires that were kept away from the general public. Such that the likes of Morgan le Fay and Merlyn had studied. A portion of which went missing when Morgan left for parts unknown, though there were plenty still present. Guinevere wasn't as secretive as she had hoped, however. Merlyn had eyes everywhere and he hadn't missed the queen's activities. She asked him to take her under his wing. Merlyn swiftly refused. Touting that she ought to simply follow Arthur's lead and be content with what she had. That his destiny would enrich her as well. She didn't need magic or its consequences to have a place in the court. Guinevere heard it as him saying she was too weak. That she be grateful. It wasn't what Merlyn's words were supposed to convey, but to a woman already feeling as though she is being kept from who she could be... needless to say she didn't heed his suggestions or warnings. Her studies did stop for a time, only because it was difficult to hide from Merlyn and his gaze. But Guinevere kept looking for ways, even though each path lead her to a dead end. Merlyn saw to that. Because in truth, the Great Hierophant had seen inside Guinevere's heart. It was blackening. His hope was that she would eventually give up on this pursuit.

Alas, even the Great Hierophant wasn't all-seeing. The darkness disguised as benevolence that would soon enter Camelot was beyond even his purview. Darkness that would find potential in Guinevere.

Arthur's absence from Camelot wasn't a rarity, though mostly due to royal or knightly duties. During one of such times, he brought back a wounded knight by the name of Beliar. The knight claimed that his kingdom was destroyed by unknown forces, with nothing left but rubble. His journey to Camelot's outskirts was a lengthy one, unsure where he would end up. Arthur saw a brother in need, bringing him back to Camelot. Nursed back to health with Merlyn's help, Beliar remained in Camelot as a welcome guest. It didn't take him long to show his true colors, however.

Beliar began to speak to Arthur about the proposed location of the Holy Grail, which the people who destroyed his kingdom were seeking. He revealed that the adversaries were actually demons, under the command of Asmodiar, one of the great demons of Hell. What their reasons were for finding the Holy Grail, Beliar couldn't say, but knew that it was of utmost importance that they find it first. Arthur took his words at face value, whereas Merlyn's suspicions of him grew. Particularly after Beliar showed his skill in magic, and while disguised well, the wizard could see its dark tint. He warned Arthur, but the king was too smitten by the fellow knight's seemingly noble quest to thwart evil forces. Further renown and glory for the king awaited.

Actually pinpointing the Grail's approximate location took time, however. It being an object of mythical proportions, not even Merlyn's magic could aid completely in such an endeavor. Which gave Beliar time to make his way through the court, seeing who could work with him. When he met Guinevere, he saw what was swirling within. Trying to seduce her, though with no success, he still kept whispering in her ear of the sights he could show her. Why would she need to be with a king when she could experience true power. In secret, he came clean. Partly anyway. He was the Dark One. A being with untold power, bestowed by the Darkness itself. A figure of myth and legend, whose reputation was primarily that of fear. But it was fear that paved the way for anything they desired. It was almost enough to seduce Guinevere, were it not for her self-determination of being who she wanted to be. Not what some vessel saw her as. He was the same as Arthur, only seeking to use her to benefit himself. Yet the calling remained. The sheer power that was promised. Left lingering within her, drawing concern from Merlyn. He didn't know yet who Beliar really was, but saw his influence on her. He threatened to tell Arthur, when Guinevere rebutted with the fact that the people do not know of his illegitimate child or affair. She knew the people would believe her and Merlyn's entire purpose would be for nothing.

The Grail's location was finally found through Beliar's and Merlyn's combined magic. An excursion was ordered. Because of Merlyn's doubts in the undertaking, Arthur ordered him to stay behind. The wizard staunchly disagreed, Arthur had none of it. His doubts were starting to feel like doubts at Arthur's position. He took it too personally. So Merlyn complied. Guinevere then saw her chance. The Holy Grail was told to be a source of immense power. Life everlasting. She saw the possibilities in that. The possibility to truly become the equal she wanted to be. To reignite her and Arthur's love with a mighty flame. She phrased it as a yearning for adventure. An adventure they could take together. Arthur's acceptance was a sign of his love still being strong. Or perhaps it was remorse?

Actually finding the Grail was a daunting task. When the company actually found it, in parts unknown, deep inside an ancient forest and a sprawling cave network, most didn't believe it. A chalice unlike they had ever seen. Standing in the ruins of what looked to be a vault or a temple. Immortality at their grasp, along with untold other capabilities. Beliar was the first to try and reach for it, only to be stopped by Arthur. He was king and it was his duty to keep it safe. Beliar claimed that it was the only way to bring his kingdom back, rebuild. An argument ensued. And it didn't take long for Beliar to finally shed the charade and reveal who he really was. The son of the great demon Asmodiar and the Dark One. The powers of Hell and Darkness intertwined. No lost kingdom had ever existed. It was merely his ploy to reach Camelot, because he knew he could use the great king Arthur and his pet wizard to discover the Holy Grail. What he wanted to do with it? That was his own business, which the mortal likes of Arthur had no right to hear.

Arthur unsheathed Excalibur, prepared to take the demon down. Beliar was quicker. He had Guinevere in a headlock, determination in his eyes saying that he will run her through if Arthur didn't back down. Guinevere's own willpower emerged. She begged Arthur not to let him take the Grail. It was too significant, too important. Its abilities could bring untold prosperity. She told him to do it in the name of love. If he truly loved her, he would stop Beliar. But it was that one moment, where Arthur hesitated. Guinevere realized that his display of hesitance was perhaps indeed his love taking hold. Yet in that moment, she only saw weakness in him. But there could have also been the possibility of their love mending, at least she knew it was there.

Were it not for the cold, sharp steel impaling her from behind.

Guinevere fell limp to the ground. Before her eyes closed and senses dulled, she heard Arthur's blood curling scream for her. She thought he simply felt guilty. Though that kind of ache in his voice was very much like that of a grieving husband.

The king launched himself at the demon, blades clashing. Arthur told his fellow knights to stand back, he had to kill Beliar himself. But the Dark One's skill proved to be more advanced. While Arthur did manage to disarm him, so did Beliar. He had Arthur on the ground, Excalibur in the demon's hand. The king's destiny could've very well ended on that day, in the ruins of a bygone kingdom, far from any semblance of glory. But because of the same sensation Guinevere felt before her death, that didn't come to pass. Swift revenge came in the form of a blade in Beliar's back. Beliar's own blade. Guinevere stood behind him, looking no worse for wear. Arthur looked at his love with shock, then realization. She had drank from the Grail, its proposed powers real. Immortality in its truest form. She looked at him, a rare soft smile across her face. Indeed, despite his hesitation, his love ringed true. But the next moments would change everything between them.

Guinevere pulled the dagger from his back, yanking it enough to leave a crevice. She stuck her hand inside, pulling out his still beating heart. The feeling of holding something that kept a person alive in your own hands was... she couldn't describe the feeling. Forces of love and dark battling within her as she gazed at the demon and his heart. She was surprised he had one. It felt different. A slight glow to it, black and fiery red present in unison. A magical heart. Nothing like she had ever seen before. But Beliar was still breathing. And he wasn't finished.

His eyes were trained on Guinevere and only her, a sly smirk on his face. He exclaimed that she had already inherited his darkness, because of what she used to stab him. Crushing his heart was only the final step. He gestured to his sword, his name being engraved on the blade. The sign of a Dark One's weapon. He wasn't expecting such an outcome and wasn't displeased about it in the slightest either. Beliar had seen the darkness in Guinevere, hoping it would take shape one way or another. And while he laughed and celebrated the Darkness finding itself a new host, he also warned her. It would change her irreparably and that, at any point, he could come and try to reclaim it. With his father's forces in tow, because he was still a demonic being. Death carried little meaning for them.

Arthur intervened, begging Guinevere not to do it. Succumbing to the dark was not the way. She was a being of virtue, a beacon for the people of Camelot. Guinevere rebutted with the fact that this power could be used for exactly that. The continued survival of their people. A show of strength to all others. A chance for her to finally be what she had the potential for. And to show that she was stronger than the destined king. Her will greater, her ambition even more so. Arthur's eyes conveyed disbelief, a sign of his unawareness of Guinevere's true desires. And in that moment, she squeezed her hand into a fist. Dust fell from between her fingers. Beliar falling to the ground, the demon extinguished, for now. Guinevere dropped his blade, feeling a chime from Carnwennan. Unsheathing it, she saw her name engraved on the dagger. Immediately after, swirls of darkness emerged from Beliar, surrounding the queen. It had found its new home.

When the darkness dissipated, now clearly in Guinevere, she rushed to Arthur's side. The king was frightened, yet his love promised that she would use her newfound powers for the betterment of Camelot. She proclaimed her love for him, promising that the Holy Grail and the darkness could work in unison. That she would not give in, as long as he was with her. Because that's what she had always wanted.

Their return to Camelot was seen as a triumphant one. The Holy Grail retrieved and an evil vanquished. Guinevere's victory was instead replaced with that of Arthur's. It was he who defeated Beliar. Guinevere's involvement was kept secret, to not rattle the rabble. The queen minded little, her purpose now clearer than ever. But it was Merlyn who immediately confronted her in private. For once, he had no idea what had conceived during that mission, but Guinevere returning the way she was, was concerning to say the least. The darkness inside her, more potent than he could have ever imagined. He also noticed a change in her behaviour. More confident, more venomous, taking glee in his limited perspective. Merlyn was worried at what might transpire if she let her darkness influence her. To which Guinevere responded that she was willing to have Merlyn keep an eye on her. Teach her, even, to resist. Because it was worth suppressing for love. Merlyn reluctantly accepted, all the while plotting to either extract the darkness from her or kill her if he had to. In the case of Arthur, however, it was a different situation. He became afraid of her power. Seeing it as something she shouldn't have. Why should she? She was everything he had ever wanted, but had subconsciously little regard to what his queen needed. His eyes finally open, he still promised to be by her side, to help her quell the darkness. 


Quenching the Darkness' thirst was a more difficult endeavor than expected. Or rather, that was entirely expected to the likes of Merlyn. It wasn't his first joust with the primordial force. Each vessel, incarnation, whichever term is fitting, was different. Darkness existed everywhere, in many forms, and so did the wielders of its power. The Dark Ones were consistent, at least. Perhaps the most potent and dangerous hosts of its power. Their lineage was a moderately lengthy one, gaining more power and influence with each passing Dark One. Often named as its very manifestation, they were not to be trifled with. And Merlyn knew he wasn't adored by both the entity or its hosts. Guinevere gave him a unique opportunity. To actually see if taming it was feasible. Or extracting it without a new host, destroying one significant limb of the Darkness' influence. Guinevere, while willing to be his "apprentice," was not about to give her power up entirely. So they honed her skills, tested the limits, and saw how much it would take to deny being fully enveloped by this dark magic.

Her skill was frightening to say the least. Able to perform complex spells without much thought, make the forces around her bend to her will without effort. It was power that, in time, would become a threat to Merlyn's own. Guinevere knew this, experiencing silent glee as the old master's face betrayed more than he would've liked. However, the lessons were not without results. Guinevere did manage to silence the constant whispers from her predecessors for a time. She had a promise to keep, one she wasn't going to throw away lightly. No matter how much she really wanted to.

Arthur became cautious around his wife. There were bursts of temper, of dissatisfaction, that the king tried his best to remedy. And at the same time, their love became curiously more passionate. It was perhaps his frustration with the situation and Guinevere's emotional freedom. He may have been the king, but she was now clearly his superior. She made subtle efforts to remind him of that, yet to not humiliate him. He was still a great man, one that could finally treat her fittingly. Rumors of their strife and complicated relationship spread throughout the kingdom, particularly when Guinevere was seen less frequently by the people she ruled over. In the meantime, Arthur doubled his efforts regarding the Round Table, particularly when it came to his son, Mordred. Guinevere now steered clear of the bastard, her feelings of jealousy returning when she saw the dedication Arthur threw his way. This also meant that Morgan was always somewhere close. Observing from the shadows, which Guinevere now saw with full clarity.

The two sorceresses interacted exactly once, during this time. Snide pleasantries exchanged, the two spoke away from prying eyes. Morgan immediately took note of Guinevere's darkness, even though the latter had managed to subdue a large part of it. Tensions were high, but le Fay ensured the queen that she had nothing to fear. Her schemes were her own and didn't involve Guinevere. The Dark One's query about Morgan's plans with Mordred were met with similar non-answer. Guinevere then reminded Morgan who she was now, or rather who she could become if she willed it. The elder sorceress' laughter was telling. In her current state, Guinevere was no match. But she did relay a warning. One that told Guinevere to think long and hard if Arthur and his legacy were worth protecting with such a price. Standing her ground, the Dark One promised that should they clash one day, the age of le Fay would reach a swift end. Ever since, the sorceresses have taken note of one another, yet not interfering.

Taking this information to heart, but keeping it secret, Guinevere continued to try and ease Arthur's worries of her falling further into darkness. She reminded him that she had powers which Merlyn did not, making her just as capable of protecting Camelot. His belief in her was waning, yet both clung to their promises still. But envy was a powerful force, especially when Arthur exclaimed his pride in Mordred. Guinevere reminded him that he was no son of hers, as much as she tried to feel otherwise in the past. She told him to not trust him completely, reminding him further as to who his mother was. Arthur brushed her comments aside. Darkness' whispers became excited as all of her predecessors felt her boiling envy. She saw him as being willfully blind, afraid of... something, instead of taking what was his. Instead of being with the person who had made countless sacrifices for him.


Guinevere's struggles had been noticed by Sir Lancelot long before they became involved. He had always been fond of her. Her intelligence, effortless charisma, and saw Guinevere with more purity than Arthur did. Arthur's love was grandiose, sweeping, but happened sporadically. He had never found that true balance, for which Guinevere suffered. Lancelot saw her in her entirety. His love for her grew rapidly, as did her admiration for him. Their fateful affair began shortly before the quest for the Holy Grail. Everyone else were none the wiser. Arthur's absence and neglect was frequent enough for the two to meet regularly. They spoke sweet nothings, dreamed of a life together somewhere far from the court. Lancelot more than willing to give up his seat to be with her. And frankly, Guinevere was just as prepared to abdicate her responsibilities. Of course, her outlook changed when she found the Holy Grail.

Lancelot was one of the knights with them on the excursion. He saw her die and rise again. He witnessed her sacrifice to strengthen Arthur and Camelot. And unlike Arthur, he was certain that she could defeat the darkness within. His faith in her was complete to a fault. But his wishes remained the same. To leave Camelot when they could. Guinevere convinced him that their time would come and until then, they had to play their parts. Lancelot was one of Arthur's most trusted friends, he couldn't simply leave. They were brothers bound by duty and Lancelot was an exceedingly honorable man. Guinevere noticed his occasional pangs of guilt, to which she responded with saying that was why he was a good man. It was why their love was the truest kind. And it couldn't be that if everyone knew of their treachery. Those were words that echoed throughout Guinevere's own mind as well. There was a part of her that desperately wanted to show Arthur what he had failed in. She knew, however, that it was necessary to play the long game. All would unravel when the time was right and she could finally see what kind of a man her husband really was. If he was ready to fight for her, kill for her.


The Dark One's practices with Merlyn continued at a steady speed. She had become an accomplished sorceress under his tutelage, with his worries of the Darkness enveloping her fully waning. It was largely because of Guinevere's own increasing skill in hiding things from him. Light magic was so terribly limited in its ambition. And as mighty as the Great Hierophant was, even he had his blind spots. The Darkness was cunning that way. Guinevere had reached an understanding with her inner power, letting it give her more of what she desired. She was now, truthfully, performing an effective charade. She hadn't yet entirely let herself be consumed, but she was close. Both Merlyn's hubris and Guinevere's skill made it so that he truly believed he had, at last, managed to subdue the great entity. It would be that hubris and the Dark One's final obstacle, that would add a crucial piece of the puzzle to the prophesied fall of Camelot.

With Guinevere coming to an almost complete understanding of her abilities, she had a specific task relayed by her predecessors. To access and uphold the Dark One vault. A mere day's ride from Camelot, Guinevere's magic enabling her swift access. The vault became her own little place where she could store whatever she wanted to keep from prying eyes. Her time there gave her much insight into those who came before and while she didn't have much to add herself yet, she didn't have to wait long to put it to good use.

Murmurs of Guinevere's presence rose again in Camelot, though this time, in an appreciative manner. She was apparently seen much more frequently and among the commonfolk. Being a queen of the people. Her sudden manner of cheeriness and regality didn't go unnoticed, yet to the people of Camelot, they had no reason to doubt their queen. Even Arthur, who was so focused on his other duties, only took note of her positive change. The ruse was partially undone when Merlyn requested her audience to test her skill once more. When she couldn't perform what was asked, he pounced. The girl revealed herself to Merlyn as Gwenhwyfach, twin sister of the queen. A spitting image and having clearly taken note of Guinevere's appearance and attire, Gwenhwyfach had the perfect way into the court. Merlyn was on the cusp of asking about her sudden appearance and infiltration when Guinevere herself returned. Immediately questioning it as one of Merlyn's tests, Gwenhwyfach was clear in who she was. King Leodegrance fathered her out of wedlock and abandoned her shortly after. Guinevere satisfied Merlyn's lingering thoughts, requiring immediate answers as to why she's in Camelot. Gwenhwyfach said she came to find Guinevere and see what was so impressive about her, that their father chose Guinevere over her. She had to live her life in squalor, while Guinevere got everything she wanted. The queen almost wanted to state the opposite, when instead, she invited Gwenhwyfach to stay. She couldn't experience the royal life then, but she had every opportunity to do so now.

Merlyn's protests against this were vocal, which Guinevere swiftly shut down. He was merely an advisor, his great power notwithstanding. She was his queen and in such matters, he had no authority over her. Guinevere took the opportunity to welcome her sister into their midst, cautiously elated at the possibility of someone understanding her. Gwenhwyfach's true colors gradually revealed themselves, however. Something Guinevere more or less expected, but didn't expect her to go to the lengths she did.

Gwenhwyfach's presence in Camelot was received warmly. She was seen as a welcome tonic to Guinevere's more sharp edge. The same went for Arthur, who immediately treated her like family. Which gave the twin a perfect opportunity. With Guinevere's dealings keeping her from Arthur's side and plotting for the future, Gwenhwyfach used her charisma and cunning to plant seeds of doubt into Arthur's mind. The seeds sprouted into something Guinevere still considers ludicrous, but impressive. Arthur was being convinced that Gwenhwyfach was in fact Guinevere and his wife was the impostor. A great evil sent to thwart his rule, destroy everything he held dear. Her words were passionate, drenched in honey and belief. An expert liar years in the making. The king had been vulnerable for a long time, because of the uncertainty of his supposed wife's future. So to see a beacon of hope in such a manner proved irresistible. But it was all a ticking time bomb, waiting to go off. Gwenhwyfach had chosen a most terrible adversary and she was about to dearly pay the price.

When Guinevere discovered her sister and Arthur in their bedchambers, the fury that overtook her was of mythical proportions. Arthur almost stood against her, questioning her identity, when Guinevere showed her husband what the twin couldn't possibly possess: Carnwennan, with her name engraved. The king's shock was palpable, but Guinevere wasn't done. She was prepared to kill Gwenhwyfach, when Arthur begged her not to. His worries clearly on the surface, fearful of what might happen if she crossed that line again. Guinevere was having none of it. What her sister had done was unforgivable by any stretch of the imagination. The sister rebutted, however, that Guinevere was no queen. She was more preoccupied with tapping into forces of darkness than to be who she was supposed to be. Gwenhwyfach even offered her a deal. A way out. She stayed in Camelot and Guinevere left wherever she wanted to. Suddenly, the Dark One's mind was filled with only one person - Lancelot. Their escape could've been perfect. Alas, the Darkness had by then taken hold. She wasn't about to lose any semblance of power she had fought to retain. And if Arthur was too weak to do what was right, Guinevere was happy to do it herself.

But instead of killing her sister, Guinevere chose a fate much more cruel. With a flick of her wrist, the two sisters disappeared in a swift cloud of black smoke, Arthur left alone to digest what had just transpired. The sisters then appeared in familiar surroundings, at least to one of them. The Dark One's vault. Gwenhwyfach appeared within a cage, the room having been transformed into a prison of sorts. Her arms and legs bound by enchanted chains, her fear palpable. What she witnessed next was something only she would ever see. Guinevere's true transformation into the Dark One.

It finally taking hold, the Darkness made its power known. Guinevere's appearance changed within a minute. Her skin becoming that of emerald or dark green, blemishes that resembled scales. Her eyes turning strikingly green, hair auburn, her expression sour with rage. The Dark One, finally christened. Guinevere gazed over her appearance for a moment, before looking at her imprisoned sister. The Dark One stated that she wasn't entirely sure what to do with the traitor. But that was before she gave free reign to her dark urges. Death would have been too sweet of a release. No, such transgressions deserved far worse. In the blink of an eye, Guinevere was inside the cell, a vial in hand. Gwenhwyfach was forced to drink the liquid inside, its purpose becoming clear in moments.

Immortality.

Yes, Guinevere had taken a sample of the Holy Grail's water. She couldn't waste such a precious resource, its potential vast. And now, it had a purpose to serve. Eternal torment, at the whim of the Dark One. The damp, dim environment of the vault would be the only thing the wicked sister would ever see. And whenever Guinevere had a spell, potion or powder to test, Gwenhwyfach would be the unwilling subject. There would be no merciful death, but there would be pain. That much was certain. Before concluding their business, Guinevere thanked her sister for coming into her life. It gave her clarity on what she must do next to get what has been denied to her. The twin was left in the cage, thrashing and screaming, with no happy ending in sight.


The Dark One returned to Camelot, victorious. Eager to have a long overdue conversation with Arthur, she found their bedchambers empty. Instead, the king would be found in the Round Table hall. Filling Merlyn in on what had happened. Guinevere's appearance almost didn't register to Arthur. That was not his wife. Not anymore. His fear was evident. Along with her refreshed looks, the Dark One was now clad in all black, donning the long, imposing cloak which Beliar used to wear. Arthur's realization was swift, she had truly given in to the darkness within. He had questions aplenty, to which Guinevere responded succinctly: strength, power, fearlessness, love. She had to do for both of them what he was so afraid to. And even with her sacrifices, she was still the one who suffered. Guinevere cursed at Arthur's sins, his neglect, him becoming coddled by Merlyn. She cursed at that wretched son of his, clearly pouring more love and admiration into him than she ever received. And then, she softly assured him that he would soon see the way she did.

Guinevere's gaze turned towards Merlyn, a mischievous smile adorning her visage. She mocked his ego, his stunningly naive belief that he could truly turn darkness into light. Laughter was the most appropriate response to his efforts, Guinevere even commending them. At least, in the way that they were utterly ineffective. Blinded by hubris, incapable of seeing that she had let herself become enveloped by the dark a while ago. Merlyn was ready to strike her down, to which Guinevere reminded him that she was well and truly immortal. He would be wasting his magic, her power enough to bring Camelot down on them if they chose to do battle. Besides, she had leverage.

A heart appeared in her hand. One of a noble knight, glowing intently, powered by his virtue. Only a small dot of darkness swirled in the middle. A moment later, Lancelot was transported into the room.

Guinevere visited him just before looking for Arthur. His shock at her transformation left him in disbelief. Guinevere ensured him that it was the only way to secure their happiness. One step of that was to tell Arthur about them. Lancelot's conscience told him not to. He couldn't break his brother's heart like that. She said that it was going to be broken anyway and that it was necessary. When he refused, she apologized and ripped his heart from his chest.

She commanded him to come clean about the affair, apologizing to Arthur before giving the command. Lancelot let free the words, Arthur left broken. Guinevere's expectations were then crushed when Arthur decided to forgive them both. He acknowledged his own part in letting it happen, unsure how it could be mended. The Dark One snapped. She yelled at Arthur for his weakness when he was supposed to kill Lancelot, showing her that she was worth doing anything for. If she couldn't blacken his heart, there was only one option left in that instance: flee. Guinevere couldn't risk an altercation escalating, even if Merlyn couldn't outright kill her. Her and Lancelot were teleported to the forest housing her vault. The knight knew what was coming, and only asked if what they had was truthful. Her answer was a resounding yes. Butt they couldn't be together, because he was too pure, too good. She couldn't be the woman he wanted her to be. But Arthur was the one she was meant to be with, them both still having the potential to be who either one wanted the other to be. The two lovers kissed, their tears meeting on their lips. With that final show of intimacy, Guinevere crushed Lancelot's heart.

Heartbroken, as much as she was able to be, Guinevere took him into her vault. She cremated him, keeping his remains in her study, as a reminder of what she's fighting for. Then she got to work. To find a way to neutralize Merlyn and reach Arthur. She knew that the wizard was now going to be by his side at all times, the threat of her return possible at any moment. The task proved to be expectedly difficult, with no clear solution in her library. A beacon of hope appeared in the form of her predecessor, Beliar. It wasn't him in the flesh, more a figment of Guinevere's mind, manifesting him. He guided her to an old tome, detailing a prophecy to bring down the great kingdom of Camelot. He claimed that Arthur and Merlyn had known about the prophecy for a long while, working in secret with the Knights of the Round Table to stop it. But they hadn't counted on Guinevere's interference. Her affair with Lancelot was the last step in weakening the court. She didn't need to defeat Merlyn, as she only had to ensure the prophecy came to pass. Beliar agreed, telling her that Morgan le Fay had already set things in motion.

Guinevere returned to Camelot one last time. Arthur nor Merlyn were nowhere to be seen. Who was, however, was Mordred. Sitting on the throne that belonged to Arthur. A brief conversation unveiled all. Merlyn had been sent by Arthur to find a possible relic that could extinguish the Darkness inside Guinevere. It was Mordred's opportunity to strike, having planned his treachery for years. He took the throne and claimed Camelot as his. Morgan wasn't far behind, having her own quarrels with Merlyn to settle. Guinevere was presented with a golden opportunity. Kill the illegitimate son and save Camelot from its doom. Or let the prophecy indeed come to pass. But call it morbid curiosity or a more long term plan of hers waiting fulfillment, Guinevere decided for the latter option. She bid a venomous farewell to Mordred and disappeared into the shadows, becoming now an observer in what would make everything fall to place for her.

The rest, is as legends tell. Arthur's return met with betrayal and being thrust into a battle that would claim the lives of both him and Mordred. Merlyn and Morgan fought their own battle, with Morgan's forces aiding Mordred in finally bringing about Camelot's fall. After all was said and done, Morgan's whereabouts remained unknown, whereas Merlyn returned and transported Camelot's and Arthur's remains to Otherworld. Guinevere's work then continued. She reinforced the reputation of the Dark One in both Otherworld and on Earth, using dark magic to provide those desperate with what they need, but always at a cost most would deem unfair. Guinevere became an elusive figure, so much so, that some still regard her as mere myth. Her numerous attempts at trying to retrieve Arthur's body were largely thwarted by Merlyn or some so-called "heroes". However, she has gotten closer, step by step, to achieve her true goal and vanquish any forces that would dare stand in her way. Her dark magic still knows no bounds and the Dark One is willing to do whatever it takes to be granted what she deserves.


Role Play Sample:

The birth of a child is a miracle. A life, pure of heart, born into this world to experience all it has to offer. To some, it is an understandable part of the world. To others, indeed a miracle for various reasons. The latter was true for one couple residing in Otherworld. Their chances of conceiving were told to be small, the reason unclear. So when their greatest wish came true, the new parents thought it was a sign from the deities. Defeating such little odds could be anything but. Alas, the world soon showed itself to be cruel. The child developed an illness. A local doctor telling the couple that the babe had only months to live. The parents began a desperate rush to find a possible cure for the ailment. Nothing seemed to work for long. The child's condition worsened and the parents' desperation became unbearable. In a stroke of luck, their cries did not fall on deaf ears. But they soon wished otherwise.

The parents were in the middle of singing a soothing lullaby to their child when a cloaked figure appeared in the room. Skin of dark emerald, telltale impurities on said skin. The Dark One herself. She gently stepped near the cradle, looking at the parents with a knowing smile, gently reaching her hand to caress the babe's cheek. The father grabbed her wrist with determination, his gaze making it clear. Guinevere nodded slightly, gesturing her hand as a way of apology. She stood straight, letting little time go to waste.

"The majesty of creation should not suffer this cruel fate."

"We will not use dark magic to save him. There is still time! We will find another way."

His voice was gruff and gravely, but even that betrayed his heartbreak. The mother seemed to be more intent on listening to what Guinevere had to say. Immediately after, Guinevere produced a vial, holding it between her thumb and index finger for both parents to see.

"You won't. Not in time. But what I have in my hand will guarantee your son a long life. Simply have him drink it and the healing process will begin."

"And what do you want in return?"

A smart one, the mother was. There was always the chance that some may not know her modus operandi. Looks like her reputation did, in fact, precede her to even the more remote corners of Otherworld.

"A strand of his hair. Nothing more."

Such small things typically don't raise suspicion in those most desperate. But the Dark One knew that even the smallest things can carry a great deal of importance. The parents looked at one another, with the mother nodding at her husband. The man turned towards Guinevere once again, hesitant to actually accept, though came around in a few moments.

"Fine, all right. Just help our boy, please."

Guinevere placed the vial in the father's hand and then plucked the desired strand of hair from the boy's head.

"Then we have a deal."

And without saying another word, the Dark One disappeared in a puff of black smoke. Of course, there were other details about the cure she neglected to tell them. But that was for them to find out and for her to take pleasure in knowing. Desperate souls rarely question what is required of them, not when they have their own righteous reasons for it. And truthfully, even when they don't. No matter the realm, people remain the same. Always ripe for picking by the one who has the power to grant them whatever they desire.