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Post by kinguthersqueen on Mar 15, 2011 19:47:35 GMT -5
Uther had been quite looking forward to Nimueh's proposition being undertaken. He would be on his guard; nothing could make him trust her at all, but he wanted to do what she said, to go out among the people and see what they thought. He believed it might be a chance to prove her wrong, to see that he was well-liked, though he knew he must be prepared to deal with the inverse, should the results be less than satisfactory.
However, Arthur's return had put a stop to Nimueh's plan; Uther was restored to his rightful place and Camelot was his once again. He wondered if she would return in the aftermath, if she was still intending on sending him out in disguise or not.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2011 5:51:20 GMT -5
Nimueh was fuming. Still. Even if already more than a week had passed since Morgana’s and Morgause’s utter failure. She had seen it coming, of course she had! Even when younger Morgause had tried to use the Cup of Life against Uther, and back then Nimueh had only just been able to talk her out of it, telling her of the great risk she was taking. Turning her back for once, Morgause had done it, years later, and now look what she got of it. There was always a prize to pay. Of course Morgause and that foolish child Morgana had failed utterly, being too rash, too selfish. She had known it all along. It was a good thing her name hadn’t been attached to this madness, as it now reeked of failure. Failure was like a stench you never got off your name easily.
Now everything was back to how it had been before. Though not quite. With not little satisfaction Nimueh had observed Uther being almost broken by his time in the dungeons. Perhaps her visit had a little effect on his state as well? That would only be proper and just! Now he was recovering, while Arthur seemed to run the kingdom just fine. For now… Nimueh was sure once Uther made a full recovery, he would bask into ‘his’ business again, doing as he pleased and probably persecuting magic even more now. What had she been saying to Morgause? ‘If we try such madness and fail, we will play right into his hands’. She had been right. Once again.
That didn’t keep her from pursueing her original plan she had formed in the dungeons still. She wanted Uther to see how his castle of self-confidence was built on pillars of sand. At least the week she had been forced to sit out had given her ample time to prepare everything. Now she was once again was prepared to appear in Uther’s chambers, clad in shadows to not arouse the suspicion of any guard. She could deal with whatever petty attempts they would throw at her alright, but the plan was bound to fail if she couldn’t smuggle Uther out unnoticed. She had been overhearing an order given by Uther himself that he wanted to be alone for a certain amount of time. This was the chance Nimueh had been waiting for.
Unmasking herself from shadows she crept up behind Uther, still in a slightly playful mood beside her rage. “And once again I go where I please, mighty king Uther”, she teased. “You really can’t trust guards these days. Good Goddess…” she let a gaze wander over his pale, lined face and his hunched figure. All of a sudden, the vigorous Uther looked … old. It was an almost disturbing sight, had she felt any sympathy for him. In her case though, it filled her with satisfaction only. “You look horrible if you don’t mind me saying that… dungeons are not a healthy place, I reckon?”
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Mar 19, 2011 18:55:40 GMT -5
Her arrival gave Uther rather mixed emotions. He hated the way she slipped past his guards and left him powerless to get rid of her or stop whatever she might intend to do. He could still recall the late night 'encounter' and her forcing herself on him. Oh, she hadn't done anything involving the removal of clothing, but he still didn't like it.
"It is you who cannot be trusted. And it is not the guards themselves. You take great pleasure knowing that neither I nor my guards can stop you from getting in here whenever you please."He didn't add his displeasure about her being able to do whatever she pleased to him, but that didn't need to be spoken of. It was quite discernable in his expression.
"I knew from the beginning that your talk of Arthur being dead was all lies. You were simply enjoying the effect it was having on my mental state. Just as you're certainly enjoying yourself now,gazing at the effect the ordeal has had on me. But, I will recover before too long. I refuse to allow Morgause,if she still lives, and Morgana any satisfaction of believing their actions lead to any permenant effect on my health."or to my deathhe thought, but did not say it aloud. He had not escaped unscathed, it was all too true. But, in his mind it was what he had believed for so long already:Magic users had again attempted to destroy him and Camelot, and as always, they had failed, just as they always would."This incident only serves to stregnthen my resolve that magic shall not prevail against Camelot."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2011 13:19:19 GMT -5
Alright, Uther was beaten, but apparently nothing had be done to contain his amount of needless remarks. Nimueh was highly tempted to already roll her eyes again at this impossible man. Couldn’t a few days in the dungeons break him enough so he at least stopped talking? Always stating the obvious. At least when younger he had had more to say than these few words that had become his catchphrases: “You take great pleasure in” – well, yes of course she did! It was who she was! And if he hadn’t realised that already, he didn’t know her at all, even after all those years. Almost sad to think! And then of course: “magic shall not prevail against Camelot." Too bad foolish Morgana and Morgause had even proven him right with their needless overhasty attack and misuse of powerful magical artefacts.
“Well, at least they couldn’t change one thing”, she muttered with a slight glare. “You still like to hear yourself talk! Are you finished? If so, you might be interested in what I have to say. I’m not visiting out of pure courtesy, but because I want to remind you of something.” Reaching inside a pouch on her hip, she retrieved a little flask with a green liquid sparkling in the sunlight that poured through the window. “I hope your brain wasn’t so damaged you don’t remember what we agreed upon before your hero-wannabe of son recaptured Camelot by mere luck. You still are up for the challenge? Getting to know how your people REALLY think of you? Now with the Pendragon rule restored for the time being, you must feel oh so confident!” she sneered, snorting with contempt.
Inside though, she was quite sure that the common opinion about this cruel king hadn’t changed one bit. Morgana had proven herself to be equally cruel with also mad on top of it, but Nimueh’s open ears had already caught comments on the line of: ‘Like father, like daughter’ and ‘who gets brought up by such a man can only be a chip of the old block – thank goodness, Prince Arthur is an exception from this rule!’ “Oh and by the way”, Nimueh commented as she offered him the flask to open. “I didn’t know Arthur was alive, only that those neophytes of Cenred’s men failed to kill him on first attempt. That didn’t mean he couldn’t die still, I was merely…anticipant.”
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Mar 20, 2011 15:18:58 GMT -5
Uther listened to her words, remaining relatively quiet until she finished. She saw him as liking to hear himself talk, and it was not a surprise coming from her. Perhaps he did say a bit too much, but it was not unlike the actions of a wild animal. He was weak, and doing his best not to show it. He hated weakness, and hated that he wasn't at his full stregnth, even though there was little he could do with Nimueh, even at total health.
"Yes, I know that he could. I can only hope that he does not."If he did, Ygraine's death would be for nothing. He would lose the will to live himself if he lost Arthur, especially after what had happened with Morgana. He glared when she called it luck, bu but even he did not know what had really happened, if it was luck or skill or what, so he said nothing about it.
"And no, I have not forgotten. I know never to trust you at all, but I still wish to do what was agreed on. I wish to see who is truly right in their opinion." He was confident in his, but a small part of him was nervous; if he lost out to her, he would be humiliated and even more depressed than before.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2011 19:26:37 GMT -5
Oh, how sweet! Was that a father’s concern talking out of Uther’s comment? The fear of losing his only son, treasure of his heart still to the big bad magic users and other people who had something against him? How very touching! Not. She had never felt sorry for Uther once he had slipped into madness and she would certainly not start now! This man had too much blood on his hands for her ever to take it up and shake it in a truce. Talking to him right now, almost civilized, was only possible because she had just worked herself up on him a week ago, finally hurling into his face all that had piled up inside her. With that being said, at least a bit of the bitterness was gone. But she hadn’t come here for friendly talk, it only worked as a prelude for the next step of her ultimate plan of crushing Uther like an ant. Only that she was much subtler in going about it like Morgana or Morgause had tried to. Her weapon were no immortal soldiers but only the mind. She had come far with this method, Uther was already close to breaking, and maybe this last shattering of illusions would be the final step to push him into his grave.
“I find myself very indifferent on your son’s wellbeing”, she commented with a nonchalant shrug. “He would be a better king than you are – though that is not a hard thing to achieve. Not very big shoes to fill. And you soon will see that.”
As Uther was not about to do anything at all about the flask she was practically waving into his face, she did it for him, uncorking it and presenting it to him with a little scornful bow. “Her you are. This will change your appearance so no one will suspect you for who you are. We want to keep it fair right?” Of course no one without a deathwish would speak his mind frankly if he knew the very same king he was slandering was sitting right next to him. This was only a precaution, and it could prove quite funny should Uther lose his temper and sprout nonsense about him being the king. Everyone in earshot would think him the lunatic he was. That alone was worth going through with this charade.
“Oh and in case you wonder”, she added with a sweet smile. “I’ve got style, I will not try to poison you that way. You can drink it, I would never stoop so low.”
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Mar 26, 2011 0:25:03 GMT -5
Uther wasn't going to trust her easily by any means, obviously. He was loathe to accept the drink from her, and felt a great sense of risk in doing so. However, at the same time, he knew somehow that she was telling the truth about not poisoning him. She could, easily, but it would be too easy to do. She'd want to kill him with more flair and inventiveness, and torment him first.
"I do not trust you at all, but somehow I know you are telling the truth. You would indeed find killing me this way too easy. And it would deprive you of taking pleasure in torturing me as you so enjoy. I know you well enough to know you wish my death to be slow so that you can take as much pleasure as you can tormenting and paining me first." he replied.
Uther knew this was going to be risky. He would likely lose control of himself eventually, and become frustrated at the way he was being treated. And if he forgot himself and started yelling about being king, he'd be deemed a madman.
"How long will the effects last? I would ask assurance that you will not trap me in another form, but it would mean nothing from you." , he asked, then he started to drink.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2011 14:59:20 GMT -5
Inwardly tapping her feet, Nimueh waited for Uther to finally get a grip. They didn’t have all day! Huh, maybe he had, but she was still running some sort of business, while he played ‘still-king-but-too-tired-to-rule-so-I’m-the-boss-without-lifting-a-finger”. She hated such games. It was always a measure of incompetence and incosenquence. If Uther didn’t feel fit to do what he was supposed to do as a king, he should step down from it altogether. Nimueh was sure not many people would cry over that fact. Most people were probabla already waiting for it, urging him in their heads to hurry up. Who could blame them?
“Thank you for your complete psychological analysis, Uther”, she said in a sickly-sweet tone. “If I ever should be in any doubt about my personality or motives, I’ll come back to you on that – but for the meantime, can you cut it out?” His constant rambling was truly annoying, and it could make someone’s ear bleed. How the hell did anyone in this castle put up with that? Was he also constantly analyzing their feelings, his feelings towards them, their motives and plans and his reactions to that? If she had had to be around him everyday, she would probably run a mile… Perhaps she should have put some special knack into the potion that would leave him mute for two hours? The idea suddenly seemed oh so very appealing…
Nimueh almost laughed at his next comment. Of course it would mean nothing from her, she was a liar by nature… most of the time. Why speak the truth when a lie could get you twice as far? It had not always been like this, of course, there had been a time when Nimueh had been brought up to believe that a woman in her position should always be proud to speak the truth in all circumstances, even if it hurt. Well… that had got her far indeed… “Don’t worry, only two hours”, she sneered. “That is also why we need to hurry up. But before we go, why don’t you take a look in the mirror? I’m excited to see if your new appearance pleases you.”
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Mar 30, 2011 18:41:18 GMT -5
The change was not without its downside. Uther's physical structure remained mostly unchanged, but he could feel the evidence of changes occuring outwardly. Itching,burning,pain...he had to fight the urge to claw his skin off while he waited to see if it would subside. He glared at Nimueh, tried to speak but it was too difficult right now,fearing she'd lied to him about poison, wondering what was going on. There was some degree of bone and muscle shifts, but they weren't drastic. A bit of weight loss, the change of his facial shape, the appearance of a beard. Not a long one, just something like what was commonly seen on many ordinary men.
"I was beginning to wonder if you'd lied. That was not without a degree of discomfort."He noticed the different sound of his voice, and it felt strange as he tried to adjust. He looked in the mirror as she said."It will do. I must quickly change clothing, though. I cannot wear the king's clothing when I am not supposed to be him."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2011 15:03:18 GMT -5
For quite a while during working on that special appearance-changing potion, Nimueh had amused herself with the thought of giving Uther some nasty scar, scabies, a rash or anything else that would make him extremely uncomfortable. Just to vex him. He would hate that, and that alone would make it worth her while. But then again, this whole plan depended on Uther being as normal and inconspicious as possible, so people would loosen up around him, speaking their mind, accepting him as one of their own. Her own feelings had to be put behind for once, so the greater plan could be succesful. She wanted to crush Uther with the knowledge how is people hated him, and that was far more by just playing childish tricks. She was so above that! In the end, Uther might not agree on it by word, for that she didn’t hope for as he was as stubborn as any mule could be. But in his heart he would know. And not even Uther Pendragon can ignore his heart when it comes on that strong.
Nodding gracefully, she reached into a leather side bag she had been bringing with her and tossed a bundle of clothing at him. Normal hard linen, dull grey shirt and brown trousers. Peasant’s clothing. ”I thought you might have nothing appropriate in your splendid wardrobe, so I took precautions.” Then she produced another tiny flask from the same leather bag and uncorked it. “While you change I will disguise myself as well”, she explained and gave a mocking wave. “Say goodbye to my stunning beauty for two hours, Uther, as I don’t want to stick out either. Keep it fair, eh?” With that she waited for him to vanish behind the screen.
She didn’t like making herself a dull peasant girl, as she was more than just a little vain, but what had to be done had to be done. She remembered all too well what usually happened when she entered a tavern showing her true beauty. Men started to drool on the table, and if there was the right instigator around even a fight might ensue. Normally she would have looked upon such events with amusement, but not today. She could not use any distraction. Subtle was the word. At least she was not posing as Uther’s wife… now that would have been too much to bear concerning the circumstances.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 1, 2011 18:35:35 GMT -5
Uther wasn't happy to have to change, but there was no way around it. It was a new experience, as he'd never had to dress as a peasant. He was born a prince, even though he had not grown up prince of Camelot, so he had always lived and dressed as fine as possible. Even during battle campaigns, he was still attired in knght's garments, which were the clothing of nobility, under his armor.
Nimueh said she was going to change as well, and he couldn't suppress a remark at her.
"I shan't miss it"he commented. Then, almost as though he'd read her mind, he said"Just do not tell me you're posing as my wife. I could never bear the thought."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2011 10:26:03 GMT -5
She wasn’t offended at all by him saying he would not miss her beauty. She didn’t want to impress him after all, now that would be something! And she also didn’t need his opinion about anything, and then thirdly, it was very well possible he was lying. He had shown he wasn’t immune to her wiles and feminine charms – mentally maybe, because he was cursed with a profound illness called stubbornness, but by no means physically – so he was not one to talk when it came to ‘your beauty does not have any effect on me’. Then again, that had not been his wording. All he had said was that he would not miss her beauty, perhaps just BECAUSE he was moved by it. That would give him a little reprieve. How sweet. Well, she was here to make sure he would not feel comfortable for too long.
“Suit yourself”, was all she commented and then gave a little mirthless chuckle at him voicing her thoughts. “Did I not know better I would say you were using magic and reading my mind. Not to worry… I am not here to torment myself, I’m not that kind of a masochist. If you want I will just serve as your guide in the background, bringing the topic on our ‘fabulous restored king’. No need to attach any strings, glad we agree for once.”
Gulping down the draught, Nimueh waited for the familiar unconfortable tugging in the stomach that went along with every transformation. This was her weakest moment, as she could use no magic while magic worked itself on her appearance. Gladly Uther didn’t know that. Sometimes it was a blessing the king did shy away from everything concerning magic, as he also didn’t know about its weaknesses. When the transformation was done she allowed herself a fleeting glance into the mirror and shrugged. In the mirror a pale, ash blond girl with a true peasant complexion was shrugging as well. She was not ugly, but she was no beauty either. Simply someone who wouldn’t cause anyone to look twice, and that was all that mattered.
Tapping her foot mockingly, she called out to Uther. “You’re done yet? You have to come a little closer if I am to smuggle you out of here unseen. I’m gonna clad us in shadows and then we can sneak past your lovely guards. Watch and learn, king Uther, and of course, don’t say a word.”
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 3, 2011 16:09:04 GMT -5
He wondered how the common people dressed like this every day. It wasn't only that it was plain and simple, it was rough and itched him. A thought occured to him and he glanced at his hands-she'd taken care of ensuring that they looked like a worker's hands, fortunately. He knew how easily a disguise could be ruined because the wearer's hands looked soft and not at all like a common worker's. Overall, he'd be extremely glad to get back and get his normal clothing and appearance back.
He stepped out, listening to her in her changed voice. She was still beautiful, but much plainer than her true appearance.
"No, you're only here to torment me. Sadism is more your fancy than masochism."He quipped. He was never one to pass up a barb just waiting to be thrown at her.
Uther felt revulsion at the fact that she'd have to use magic to sneak them out, and he wanted to tell her no. But it was a bit late now...he really feared what would happen if his guards saw him like this. He'd end up in the dungeon once again, or dead."I see why you must, but do not think I am happy about it"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2011 11:22:34 GMT -5
As much as Nimueh normally enjoyed to give Uther every comment back into his face, now was not the time for banter. Every minute off the two hours meant a minute less opportunity to let him see what was reality and what was his own illusion of being a good king. Sometimes it needed time for people to warm up and tell the truth, even to people who seemed inconscpicious enough to not pass as spies. Nimueh was sure there would be a good and very informative talk in the end, but better safe than sorry. Therefore she didn’t reply anything to Uther’s jab and instead started to work the spell the minute Uther had come to her side.
“We are invisible… not to be seen… not to be heard… just like shadows… we are shadow… shadow come down on us!” she whispered in the old language and raised both her arms to the invisible sky through the high ceiling. It was a good thing magic didn’t care for appearance, but what was behind them. And it was also a good thing it was not known to ask questions. Had it been so, it might have been very bewildered to see Nimueh the High Priestess working magic in Uther’s favor, a thing she had vowed never to do again. But then, it was not only benefitting him, but herself the most, she justified the unusual means.
“Now come on and not a word!” she demanded then listened closely if there was any movement to be heard from outside. They might not be seen and heard, if they didn’t call out to someone directly, but they couldn’t very well open a door before someon’s prying eyes, now that would still arouse some questions. But all was silent and so Nimueh took Uther’s hand – she had to, else the spell would not stay effective – and led him through the corridors, past guards and passing nobles, thankfully without any greater incidents so far.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 10, 2011 19:16:47 GMT -5
Uther wanted desperately to pull away, to get clear of the magic, but he knew it was too late now. He was furious internally, but not showing it that much on the outside. Nimueh would probably catch it, though, she was good at that. He listened to her do the chant, to cloak them from the guards. Things had changed greatly-young Uther Pendragon had once enjoyed making use of similar spells and potions when he wanted to sneak out of his father's castle. But those days and that man were long gone. Now, he would be eager for this to be over. He hoped he would be vindicated, but that remained to be seen.
Nimueh told him to come, and he followed, feeling a lot that he wished to say, but not wanting to risk it after she'd told him 'not a word'. He refused to be shut in his own dungeon again. He hated holding her hand even more, hated any touch of hers, but he couldn't stop it now.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2011 8:59:33 GMT -5
Nimueh could feel Uther’s unease and it made her smile smugly to herself. It was those small victories and amenities of her life that still made her go on. If you are deprived of the greater things like status, respect or even admiration, you take pleasure in the little things, like relishing in the anger of your enemy. If life treats you bad it sometimes is quite the relief to see life treats them even worse – and that you can be the cause of it. They walked in silence until they had reached the outer gate. Nimueh wondered what Uther would make of this experience that had become so natural to her: Walking past guards in broad daylight and they looked right through you. Nimueh just couldn’t resist. To show Uther just how oblivious his guards were she raised a hand and waved it in front of their faces. Of course they didn’t even stir. Surpressing an amused chuckle, the High Priestess continued on their way.
As soon as they reached the street leading away into the city, Nimueh sought shelter in a dark corner and lifted the shadows. “We wait for a few seconds and then simply step out into the open and resume our way to the nearest tavern” she explained in a hushed voice.
“But of course not the “Rising Sun”… there are too many knights frequenting this place for my taste. The people will not dare to speak their mind.” It was fortunate Camelot had of course more than one tavern. Previous to her arrival at the citadel, Nimueh had scanned the city for a good place to start their mission. Her eyes had fallen on the “Wheel and Yoke” in the western parts of Camelot. It was maybe a poorer sight than the “Rising Sun” and both food and beverage would be of lesser standard, but at least there they would find the people she looked for: Those who weren’t as fortunate as some other Camelotians and therefore with many reasons to dislike Uther.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 19, 2011 18:54:43 GMT -5
Uther knew she was enjoying his unease, but he couldn't talk about it at the moment, not with them not yet outside the castle. He tensed a bit more when she toyed with the guards, hating that he couldn't protest or they'd be heard, and the magic in general. He did roll his eyes, and once they were passed, he sighed. He didn't say very much about it though, he was too busy contemplating what lay ahead.
Once they were clear, she spoke of where they would go. He saw the point in avoiding the place where the nobles gathered. The knights would never speak against him. "No, they would not. And those men of Arthur's would be less likely if they are present."
Uther nodded about the second name she gave, although he was not pleased to be going here. There were a lot of ruffians and unsavory types, and they were likely to be looking for trouble if they could find it.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2011 12:57:44 GMT -5
It didn’t escape Nimueh how Uther differed between “his” own knights and those Arthur had knighted in the course of recapturing Camelot. Throwing him a knowing look, Nimueh snickered with amusement. Oh yes, that must so annoy him, cauterizing his precious codes and beliefs. Commoners made knights, and commoners he mostly had banned from his realm no less! But because they had apparently won back the kingdom and saved his own miserable life he could not very well sentence them to death as a thank you. Well, Uther could, but even he was smart enough not taking it into account for long. His time was drawing to a close, but poor Arthur could not count his chickens yet. There was sure to be some heavy father-son fights on the horizon.
“Sometimes life is just so very unfair, right?” she commented with fake commiseration and understanding. “It’s hard when son’s grow up and suddenly do what they like. Knighting commonors, falling in love with them… where will it end?” She let that hang in the air ominously, inwardly having to stop herself from bursting out with laughter. No matter what this evening turned out to be, she might have instigated another father-son conflict here already and that was more than worth it!
The walk took only a few minutes, then the withered sign of the “Wheel and Yoke” came into view, frequented mostly by lower workmen and peasants that lived in the outskirts of the city. Some noise could already be heard from inside, though it didn’t look all too crammed. And the evening was still young. Within an hour though, the place would be thriving with weary, tired men searching for a quiet mug of ale or entertainment, depending on their temper and mood. But there was surely to be some discussion once you threw the right words in. With a mocking flourish, Nimueh motioned Uther to be the first to enter. “Go in and find out what the world thinks of you. This should be a fun evening!”
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 22, 2011 19:47:01 GMT -5
Uther knew she was mocking him again, bringing up Arthur's recent moves and the simple fact that he was growing up. He tried not to let it get to him, wanting to avoid provoking her as much as possible. Still, he knew she had a point. The problem was basically conflict between new ways and old, between youth and an old man. It wasn't easy to change ways he was set in so long, that were common practice not just here in Camelot but in other kingdoms as well. He wondered if other kings had the same problems with their princes, and if he had been similar when he was young.
"yes"he said simply."I am simply set in my ways. I do not know, perhaps maturity will bring Arthur more wisdom. Or perhaps the change will still come, once I am gone and unable to stop it."
He was uneasy as he went into the building; it was obviously not a place he normally went to. He ordered a drink, swallowed his nervousness, and started to make himself speak and do what he'd come for. He wondered if he'd get a true answer from anyone or not.
"So...what do you think of our king? If I might ask."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2011 12:13:00 GMT -5
Ah, why couldn’t she just blurt out what came straight to her mind? Uther was really at his best today concerning straight lines he was giving her to comment on. Simple set in his ways… oh, so he was finally admitting it the lights were not all on upstairs - even if he had of course meant it differently. And concerning his claim that Arthur would change many more things once Uther was cold and buried – did he really think he was able to stop his son now, even alive? Ah, why did she have to work for a higher cause tonight and not just annoy him to no end? Starting another argument, however much she would enjoy it and however much is was clear she would also win this fight, wa unreasonable as she had to still make the tavern session happen. Life was truly unfair sometimes. But with Uther there was at least a full guarantees for more straight lines in the future. So she limited herself to a knowingly and meaningfully raised eyebrow.
They sat down at a table and Nimueh was just about to let a friendly greeting follow her casual nod, to get aquainted with the people at their table to estimate how to best drop a first hint of the desired subject – complaints about bad harvest and high taxes and so on – when Uther blurted out his question. Given, he had waited until he had ordered a drink, but still… it was all Nimueh could do not to burry her face in her palm, sighing loudly. Way to be inconspicious, Uther!! That could just ruin everything before it had even started. Someone save this man from himself… Of course the two rough looking men, workers by their callous hands, were immediately on guard, exchanging uneasy looks. “What’s it to you, eh?” the bulkier one growled, sniffing loudly. “If you are some spy of our beloved king, you’re doing a damn bad job!” He even seemed ready to plant his fists on the table, stemming himself off his chair, but the other one caught his sleeve with a low murmur.
Now she had to act quickly. With an amused laugh she looked between Uther and the two men, throwing her head back. “Goodness, you’ve got some ideas, man”, she spoke in a well enough imitation of a lower class accent. “Him, some spy? You think king Uther would even look at him twice? Now come on!! He’s far too ‘simply set in his ways’ to be that cunning, right, Cuthbert?” The two roared with ebrious laughter and Nimueh exhaled slowly, silenting congratulating herself. Two to naught in one sentence. Not only had she cited Uther’s former statement, finally able to get back at him for that, but she also had given him the silliest name she could possibly think up.
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