Kind Words [Uther & Guinevère]

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was walking out on the high wall of the castle, looking down over the road in and out of the city, and castle. It seemed she spend more and more time up here. She always got her work done, of course, but she seemed to be drawn here. This high outer wall the looked over both the fields and towns of the kingdom on one side, as well as the castle and courtyard on the other. Drawn here to look for something . . . or someone.

Arthur.

Was he safe? Had he found Morgana yet, or was he still pushing himself to exhaustion while trying not to feel like a failure. She had not spoken to him much, since he returned from killing the dragon, but she knew he was worried about finding Morgana and the state of Camelot. If he was not out looking for her mistress, he was trying to rebuild the kingdom or train his knights for whatever came their way. She seemed to be more worried for him then Morgana at times. She worried for both greatly, but could not help--

Gwen paused when she saw the king standing along the wall as well. She almost turned around and walked away so she might leave him with his solitude. She was frightened of the king, and had reason to be. Not only had she once almost been burned as a witch, but her father had been killed while escaping the same cell she had been in. Then there was her feelings for his son. If the king learned about her and the prince . . . she did not wish to think of his wrath. Still, she could not quite walk away yet. He was Arthur's father, and she knew Arthur worried for him. She wondered what she should say to him. How to make him feel better about things with out over stepping her bounds and ending up in the stocks.

Approaching slowly, she stopped many feet away so she could drop down into a deep bow, "Sire, I--" She what? "I wanted to let you know . . . " That . . . . ummmm?! "That everyone wishes to thank you." Thank him? She tried not to let her discomfort show, or her embarrassment over her words. She knew she should have thought this out before speaking. Or walked away! "And the prince, for seeking out the Lady Morgana." Yes! That was a good topic.

"I worry for my mistress, greatly. But I--WE, the servants, that is have watched the Prince do so many heroic things that we are filled with hope that he will bring her soon."

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther had been pacing restlessly, watching what could be seen of the proceedings, and waiting anxiously for news, hopefully positive news, from the events going on in the city. He was tired and spent, but still felt enough energy to keep going-even though he had no idea what adrenaline was, he was running on it. He turned his attention as Morgana's servant approached.

He listened, wondering at first what she had to say. Usually, a case like this would mean that she'd been sent with a message, since he hadn't summoned her here. It seemed like she had a message, but he was inwardly not quite certain, and it was apparent quickly that it wasn't an actual message, but rather, a way of trying to make him feel better. He couldn't fault her for it; it wasn't only the nobles in the castle that were concerned and searching for comfort wherever they could. And it was not surprising that this girl would worry for Morgana, given her position as the lady's maidservant.

Yes, he is our best hope. I have faith that he will bring her home. He, like I, will not rest until she is found." he said. "I am certain that all the people feel the same as you say."

[Guinevère]

He was so arrogant it times, Gwen thought sadly, but knew it came with being king. No one wanted a king who doubted in them selves but she could not help but to think that a little self doubt would do the king some good. He was putting to much pressure on his son to find Morgana. Gwen worried for Morgana, and sometimes still cried out of fear for her; but he was going to loose his son too if he pushed to much harder. Arthur was strong, but he was driving himself to hard over this.

"Forgive me, my lord, for speaking out of place; I just wanted to tell you that I have hope for Morgana." Gwen thought this might help him look less troubled, for she did not like to see anyone like this and he was Arthur's father. Even if she did like hold the king in high esteem, she did not wish him ill. "She had much of you in her at times. When Hengist attempted to kidnap her, she fought them bravely. I do not think she will cower and wait for our prince to save her. She might even save herself." Gwen told him hoping it would be words he needed to hear.

[kinguthersqueen]

"Thank you...it is much appreciated."

Uther was much aware of Morgana's stubbornness and tenacity. She was so much like he himself, but that was a secret he alone knew and would take to the grave with him. Morgana had inherited his temper and strong will, and that was why they so often fought. He wondered if anyone else ever noticed it, but if they did, they did not say anything. Sadly, Gorlois had caught on. Uther still felt terrible about his death sometimes, but even the life of a close friend was not worth the great scandal that would erupt if Gorlois told the kingdom that Uther had bedded his wife. As much as he valued Gorlois's friendship, Camelot had to come first. He only hoped Morgana never discovered the truth, because she would certainly kill him for it. And Uther secretly feared the queen Morgana would become if she seized power.\

"She is a strong woman, every bit as formidible in some ways as many men I've met. I do not think she will stop fighting until she is safe here. And I am pleased that others have that same faith. I hope that more of Camelot does as well. But I will still not rest until Iknow she is safe. I cannot lose her."