Royal Leverage (Morgana)

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

There was this nagging feeling in Yassia’s guts that something was afoot. Something highly unpleasant. Ever since Lady – Queen Morgana had taken up the crown of Camelot such unpleasant things occurred on a daily basis. Yassia didn’t belong in Camelot, it shouldn’t be her concern. But since Sir Leon was her uncle, everything about him WAS her concern! He had only just escaped death, had caused the wild chase after the Cup of Life by his loyal honesty, and now: where was he? Of course no one would tell her anything, not where he was now that the foreign soldiers had taken over the citadel, nor how he fared, if he even was still alive. The lot of a mere woman, she presumed. And then again, another woman had caused all this, where was the justice in that?!

And now she had been summoned before the new queen, two grim guards with the crest of the new regime on their gambesons accompanying her. The tree… not the red dragon anymore. It was not right. She felt more like a prisoner than a guest all of a sudden. All this reminded her too strongly about the time after her father’s sudden death. When Guifré had acted like the crown was all for him, or his son. Outwardly, he had been showing kindness towards his grieving niece, but she had seen it in his eyes, he wanted her either gone or safely married off to Gonçal. Would Ailantha, now that she had been gone for almost a year, bear his coat of arms instead of the old king’s? Why had this all found a way of sneaking up on her again? It was a horrid distorted picture of her own life: Now a woman SAT on the throne, but it didn’t look like this would benefit Camelot in any way…

What did Morgana want with her? They had reached the throne room now, a familiar place for Yassia, where she had watched King Uther reside, framed by Arthur and Morgana many times. Now Morgana was sitting on the main throne, looking down at her nose at the approaching figure, her face a mask of regal arrogance. What had happened to the kind face Yassia had come to know? Now the contrast of the black lined eyes, her pale skin and the lurid red mouth made her look more like a puppet then a human being. One of the guards ushered her to kneel, and Yassia obliged after an irked glare. She didn’t like this. A few days ago, the two of them had been all but equals, Yassia maybe even a bit above her! Yassia was the daughter of a king, Morgana was only a ward… or not. The revellation that had shaken the court to the bone was still to new to grasp: Morgana was Uther’s daughter.

But for now, with being crowned queen, however injustly in Yassia’s eyes, Morgana had the upper hand and she had to play along. So she waited, inwardly fuming, for the new queen to speak.

[mysery]

Morgana wasnt foolish enough to believe she held the loyalty of everyone in Camelot, she wasnt even foolish enough to believe that all she did hold did so of their own choice. But for years Uther had ruled through blind fear, instilling it in his people and making certain everyone was aware of the consequences of disobedience. She herself had been exposed to some of those lessons. The nights she had spent in the dungeon, though few they had been, had been done ruthlessly as he tried to instill in her that same fear, and as a result, respect of him. It hadnt worked. If anything, it only opened her eyes to the true type of man Uther Pendragon was.

And she shuddered to think of that man as her father.

Though, that relation did give her one thing that had so far worked to her advantage. His blood was hers, and now his throne was also. Soon all of Camelot would be under her control. That thought made Morgana smirk ever so slightly. She would bring magic back to this kingdom and free the people who had lived under Uther's tyranny for over twenty years. People like herself. She meant to go and have a talk with her father in the near future also. She wanted him to see how he had brought about his own downfall.

The young Queen was brought from her thoughts and plans as the doors to the throne room opened and Yassia was escorted in by two guards and made to kneel before her. After a moment of that, she tsked. "Come Yassia, there is no need for that," she said, a smile forming on her face. "I bear you no ill will," she added. Only her uncle for his continued resistance of her.

It had to be all that knight training and their foolish nobility. How could these people not see Uther for the tyrant he was? How could they think she would be worse than him? It didnt matter. Either way, she would get what she wanted even if she had to use Yassia to do it. After all, she could talk to her Uncle Leon. And if not, well, Leon wouldnt want anything to happen to his niece now would he?


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Setting: Camelot Castle

Tag: Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha

Timeline: Around the time of ‘The Coming of Arthur’

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[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Now, on top of all the anxiety, Yassia was confused. No need for kneeling? Oh yeah, right, but the few seconds of it you enjoyed pretty well, I guess! And no ill will? Why do I get even more suspicious when I hear those words?
Maybe because she was already bias? Almost exactly the same words had been spoken to her by Guifré, in that dark corner in the castle of Ailantha… he had ambushed her, and his peaceful words had been accompanied by an iron grip around her wrist. Could anyone blame her when she felt as trapped right now as she had felt then?

But then again, maybe she was simply overreacting? She could not condemn the new queen just now, when all she based her mistrust upon were mere rumors! She had not been there when Uther had been arrested, maybe something had happened to justify these actions? In the months Yassia had been here, she had witnessed more than once how merciless Uther Pendragon could be, how blind he was everytime magic was involved. Yassia herself had no magic on her own, but she had witnessed it being put to good use on her long travels and even before. Only here, in this country, the rules were as merciless. From what she had heard, Morgana and her half sister Morgause, the priestess, wanted to restore magic. That was not an entirely bad thing, was it? The methods were questionable though…

Swiftly, Yassia rose to her feet, approaching Morgana a bit in a few cautious steps, her head held high now, but not defiantly, just showing that she, too, was of noble birth. She didn’t want to start any argument just now, before she knew what the new queen wanted with her. But then again, the kneeling had almost pushed it too far, and she would stand her ground peacefully, but making clear she was not a puppet to be tossed around at will, she was no commoner.
“You called for me, your Highness?” she asked, her voice giving away mild irritation and curiosity. Maybe she could ask Morgana about Leon’s whereabouts? She really did itch to know if her uncle was safe! “Is there anything in particular you wanted to discuss?”

Beyond an occasional smile and an acknowledging nod the two of them had never come. Ever since Morgana had returned from her one year of absence – so Yassia had heard – she liked to keep her own company. Which didn't make this talk easier... not at all.

[mysery]

One thing Morgana liked to pride herself on was her ability to read others. After all, pandering to every misbelief and assumption of Uther's regarding her, while all the while plotting his downfall, had taken some skill. She had to be aware of everything, and be able to pick up on the slightest change in expressions to know if she'd said the wrong thing. As such, it wasnt difficult to read the confusion on Yassia's face. The girl was of use to her for now. No need to treat her like a prisoner. Besides, what little she knew of her, she wasnt a bad young woman. A foreigner, but she seemed nice enough. She'd been a tad too preoccupied to introduce herself to every new person around the court.

Nor did she miss the way Yassia approached her. Head high, and clearly reminded Morgana of her status. That was fine. She didnt plan to supress the girl and it brought another smile to her features, softening them slightly. "I wanted to know how you were settling," the Queen asked, tilting her head to the side marginally. Morgause wasnt present with her today, she had mentioned some business she wanted to attend to, so other than the guards, it really was only Morgana and Yassia in the room. "I know you are not from around here, so this must be a confusing time for you," she added by way of an explanation.

"You will have to forgive my absentmindedness, but could you remind me once more how you came to be in Camelot?" Morgana asked. "Everything has been in such a state these last few days that I have found myself being quite forgetful," she added with a chuckle, hoping to ease the tension from the girl. She didnt plan on hurting her...... if everything worked out.


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Setting: Camelot Castle

Tag: Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha

Timeline: Around the time of ‘The Coming of Arthur’

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[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Morgana’s friendliness surprised Yassia. What was going on here? She had not been prepared for this! Was this all a game and Morgana just waited for her to play the right part? Her life had made Yassia wary, she had learned the hard way to trust no one, not even your closest of kin, but then again, she could not let this caution take over her life completely! That would only make her life bitter, she might end up like the former king Uther… and who would want that, really? He might have been dethroned in a questionable way, but he had not been the best king imaginable. Maybe it was for the best? In any way, it was not her place to decide what was just and not in a foreign land, and if the circumstances were as such, if she still wanted help, she might have to adapt to the new situation.

And now Morgana was asking how she was settling. Well, how was she indeed? A year here and yet nothing gained. However much she tried, Camelot would never be her home. The people here were mostly kind towards her, but she had little she really could call friends. Had Mircea been with her, things might be different. She still missed him terribly, not a day passed without her thinking: oh, what would he say to that, I can almost see him roll his eyes… yes, he would have liked that very much… How he would laugh about that, but only when we were alone…
But there was no use crying over the past. Mircea was gone, she was all but sure about that now, and he would never return. She had to move on, without the protection of her stepbrother.
Which brought her straight into the present again.

“I am faring quite well, thank you, your Highness!”, Yassia replied, bowing her head slightly. “It’s been almost a year now, and I find Camelot quite… welcoming stil.” Only that they hadn’t done anything to help her yet. She was still not one step closer to returning home with help than she had been when arriving here. But maybe with a new regime that would change as well? She could at least try and ask later. But for now, other things were more important. “They are a bit confusing, I confess, but I am sure things will work out soon.” Whether in one direction or the other, was still in the stars. Yassia wouldn’t mind Uther returning to power, but she had a feeling it would not happen without massive bloodshed and a counter-revolution.

“As for me being here, I came to seek help from my uncle Leon and the court of Camelot in a matter of state”, she explained, trying to sum it up. “I am the rightful heir to the throne of Ailantha, far south on the continent, but my father’s brother all but forced me to flee, for fear of being either killed or forced to marry.” Back at that time, Yassia hadn’t been able to choose what was worse. Now she wasn’t as sure anymore. Too much had happened.
“Speaking of Leon. Do you have any tidings of his whereabouts and how he is faring?”

[mysery]

Morgana smiled when Yassia replied, informing her she was doing quite well. But she frowned at the moments hesitation she heard before she said the words 'welcoming still'. As a ruler, was it not her job to ensure that the people under her rule were being taken care of? She thought so. "I sense some hesitation on your part. You are free to speak. Have you had some kind of probelm within Camelot? If so, tell me and I will see about resolving it," she said honestly. If she kept the people happy for now, and showed them that she could rule them better than Uther had, then her influence and leverage would grow all the more.

She nodded and gave her best reassuring smile. If everything went to plan, it would all be worked out soon. Uther was in her dungeons, playing his part, and now all she had to contend with was Arthur for, bright those loyal to Camelot may be, they lacked the mantle of leadership the Ex-Crown Prince had been born with. Reclaiming Camelot would be impossible without a leader, and one who could take back the throne along with it.

Morgana pursed her lips in thought when Yassia informed her of her reasons for being in Camelot, to which, she had to admit, she had no knowledge. Matters of the court had meant very little to her recently, and she had not been as present as she used to be. "Ah yes. Leon. He was one of Arthur's knights was he not?" she asked, only to confirm what she already knew. "I regret to say that I have had little chance to take stock of everyone and identify those we are missing." Which wasnt a lie. "I promise I will inform you as soon as things change and I know more," she added, reaching out to take the girl's hand.

"As for your dilema, I offer you the hospitality of Camelot for as long as you wish to stay. I will see what can be done about your Uncle's betrayal of you," the young Queen said, her voice probably the softest it had been in a long while. "It always hurts the most when its family who digs the knife in." And anyone in Camelot knew that Morgana spoke that from the heart.

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Setting: Camelot Castle

Tag: Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha

Timeline: Around the time of ‘The Coming of Arthur’

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[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Hestitation? Oh yes there was. But could Yassia be honest with the new queen? How would she possibly take it when the princess said: ‘You are the cause of my hestitation, because I don’t know if I can trust you. A coup d’état was your rise to power, and only the stars know what might be next.’ No… she could not say any of that, it might be her rapid undoing. So what to say instead? “It’s nothing, your Highness”, she lied and hoped it was convincing enough. “Just that this land still is a bit foreign to me. You have other customs, other ways to deal with things.” Not that there was much difference when it came to take over power… “I don’t think you can do anything to resolve cultural difference”, she finished with a smile.

Yassia raised an eyebrow in surprise at Morgana's words. 'One of Arthur's knights'? Surely the queen must be aware of her uncle's importance! Leon had never been just one other, at least that was the impression Yassia herself had got during the last year. "I'm sure finding out about his fate might not be all that difficult", she stated, a mild reproval not entirely to be erased from her voice. It was just too odd. "He is the second in command after all, after Prince Arthur!"

She didn't withdraw her hand though. It felt so nice... in a way. Did Morgana really not want anything bad? Did she really understand how it was for Yassia right now? Leon had been the only one she really trusted at this court, her reference point, the safe haven in foreign surroundings. Now he was gone and Yassia felt so very helpless. Could she trust Morgana enough to confide in her? If she only knew!
"Yes, it hurts", she agreed, shuddering. "I thank you for your understanding, Highness. I really would wish to know how I can be restored to my rightful place as quickly as possible. Who knows what my people might suffer under Guifré. He always saw only the power, not the responsibility."

Something about what Morgana had said rubbed terribly wrong, but for the moment, Yassia herself was too distraught and torn to be able to put her finger on it. How could she possibly find a way through this quagmire? And here she thought she was apt in courtly ways!

[mysery]

Morgana raised an eyebrow as Yassia explained her hesitation. Ah yes, she was a foreigner after all. It was to be expected that this kind of cultural shock, coupled with everything that had transpired in these last few days, would make the young woman nervous and unsure. If she hadnt felt so before. But Morgana didnt want her feeling like that. She wanted her to feel at ease, sure of herself. Like she could trust Morgana. She returned the smile with a nod of her head. "Still if there is anything I can do to make your stay easier, let me know," she assured Yassia.

She had to refrain from snapping right back at Yassia for her obvious reprimand in those words about her uncle. One part of the new Queen wanted to stike out at her, but another, the more sensible part, clearly overruled that. So she kept her calm.

"I have had very little to do with the knights since my return Yassia. I apologise if my response upset you, but I have not personally taken stock of every being in Camelot," she replied, keeping her words calm. "I have had more pressing matters to contend with," was added for good measure. After all, dethroned princess or not, Yassia hadnt properly ruled a kingdom yet. Hadnt taken one by force. What would she know about Morgana's responsibilities, and what right did she have to question those priorities? "As soon as I know, I will inform you."

Thankfully, the princess didnt seem to retreat completely, allowing Morgana to still hold her hand. That was a good sign at least.

"Of course," she said softly, her smile returning. "I will send scouts out and see how your kingdom is fairing immediately. I'm sure you're anxious for news from home and from there we can discuss the next step. You may be able to avoid war."

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Setting: Camelot Castle

Tag: Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha

Timeline: Around the time of ‘The Coming of Arthur’

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[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

So calm, so nice, so considerate. Yassia had a hard time holding up her resistance and mistrust against Morgana, and she wasn’t even sure if she still wanted to. The new queen had shown her nothing but kindness so far, even if it first had felt like a summoning. This conversation was the most lengthy she had had with anyone here of royal blood – if you left Arthur aside, but that didn’t count anyway. They had met before either of them had known the real status of the other after all, in totally different circumstances. So why shouldn’t she trust the woman before her? Just because of her rapid rise to power?
“I am sure to let you know, your Highness!” Yassia agreed and bowed her head once more.

Now, with this new feeling of trust or even kindness towards Morgana, Yassia would have liked to hang her head in shame. Really, who was she to lash out like that? Her worry over Leon had clearly gotten the better of her. She had just started to feel comfortable around him, cherish him really as a relative and not only a kind and honorable soul. He could not be gone like that!
“Of course you have other things on your mind, forgive me!” she said with a sheepish grin. "I will try to be patient until you have news for me. I did not wish to lecture you.”
She meant it like she had said it, really she did, but a stale aftertaste remained. Yassia was never one to back down lightly, admit a fault. Especially not when she knew, deep down inside her, that Morgana, regardless of all her duties, should know about the whereabouts of on of her finest knights. And where was Arthur? No one had ever mentioned him since he went off after the Cup of Life.

Yassia raised her brow in utmost surprise and gasped a little when she heard of Morgana’s generous suggestion. Scouts! That was so much different from what she had expected. Forgoing war sounded wonderful to her ears, as she did not dare to think what a bloody struggle would make out of the little kingdom she called home. Before her journey she might not have thought much about it, but now that she had been closer to the lives of common folk as well, she knew how a war would make them suffer as well. She didn’t want that.
“Those scouts might be gone for quite some time, your Highness!” she countered, a concerned tone in her voice. “Considering how far off Ailantha is. Are you sure you can spare them?”

[mysery]

Despite her dislike of being reprimanded, and her slight feather ruffling at such an action, Morgana relaxed and smiled. She could see that Yassia really was sorry for the way she had responded, and the dark haired female patted her hand with her own. "It's alright. We are all under stress currently and need to be forgiven for lashing out. I myself have been doing it," she replied soothingly. Then she chuckled. "More than one of the guards have had to run away with their tail's between their legs because of me," she added, hoping to lighten the mood a little. She didnt want this to be a tense affair.

The new Queen didnt miss the gasp or look of surprise on Yassia's face, even as she spoke to the young woman. "While Camelot settles under my reign, there will be very little for the scouts to do. Normally they would accompany the messengers to other kingdoms, but I am planning to hold off on contacting Mercia and the other kingdoms until the dust has cleared," Morgana explained. She had already considered the other kingdoms and how they might react to Camelot now being under her command, but she foresaw no problem. After all, the peace treaty's signed wouldnt be under threat. "Once it has, I can be more definite in my responses and guarantees to them. I would hate to seem a liar in their eyes if something changes unexpectedly."

"So you need not worry about the scouts. I am sure they will welcome having something to do for the time being," she finished, her smile never slipping, despite the frown which had flickered upon her features every now and then while she spoke. Then she tilted her head thoughtfully. "Perhaps while you wait for word of your uncle, you could advise the scouts," Morgana suggested. "Tell them the best travel routes to and inside the kingdom, and the kind of information you would require." She nodded once then to herself. "It is easier to find what you're looking for when you know what it is."

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Setting: Camelot Castle

Tag: Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha

Timeline: Around the time of ‘The Coming of Arthur’

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[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

What probably had been meant as a joke, oddly enough got Yassia thinking again. It was such a peculiar situation. One minute she felt completely comfortable with Morgana and especially with her being the new queen, then at a moment’s notice the ease was gone and doubt crept in again. The image of guards backing away reminded her of how she barely had seen a familiar face in the last few days. Those soldiers bearing the crest of the tree had all been in the army conquering Camelot, she was almost sure of it. Where were the others? They couldn’t have been all killed, now could they? That would have been a horrible slaughter! And something else tugged at her mind, a comment her father had made once about his brother Guifré. ‘If you want to see the true nature of a man, look at how he treats his subjects… not his equals.’
Yassia decided she would have to watch out for signs of that, but for now she knew too little of how Morgause would treat her subjects. She forced herself to smile and nod. “As long as they always return, where’s the harm in it? Sometimes they need a little deflation of their pride!”

Holding off contact was one way to deal with external affairs. Yassia didn’t have any experience on that department yet, so she couldn’t very well say if she would act differently it would be the better way. Morgana had grown up here, she must know best about the relationships between the various kingdoms here. Maybe laying low for a bit until internal affairs had been settled was best under the circumstances? And as long as it did benefit Yassia herself, who was she to complain?
“That is really most generous of you!” Yassia’s surprise was slowly crowded out by gratefulness, although a little itch remained. You’ll be deeply indebted to her, her inner voice told her cautiously, and you know better than to strike a bargain you cannot hold. What will she ask in return? You might as well be walking into a trap with eyes wide open. Remember… underneath all that kindness might lie the steel intent that made her march onto her home to overthrow her own father.

To that last comment Yassia gave an uneasy chuckle. “I’m not sure if I am the right person to ask for direction, your Highness”, she confessed. “I took so many wrong turns, lost direction more than I can still remember. But I will try my very best so that those scouts won’t get lost. And if they travel on horseback, they might be ever so much faster than I was, ever since I was washed ashore far south. But let me know whenever I can speak to them and I will gladly do so!”

[mysery]

"That they do," Morgana replied, glad to see her joke had done the job. People were much more likely to cooperate when they were at ease and Leon was the key to cracking the remaining knights of Camelot. As Queen, she had to deal with any signs of rebellion, and she knew that Arthur would not rest until he had retaken Camelot. Or was dead.

Unfrotunately, she also knew her half brother would probably take the latter option. Stubborn ass that he could be, he was loyal and, despite what others might say, he wouldnt just let sleeping dogs lie. In other words, leave Uther to die. She didnt want to kill the only real family she had ever known, but Uther had left her little choice in the matter. He had made the decisions which had ultimately led to this point and forced Morgana and Arthur to stand on opposing sides.

Morgana stood from the throne as Yassia replied to her offer and stepped down from the platform. "It is nothing but that which you should have been given the moment you arrived in Camelot," she replied honestly. Another thing Uther had done. Forced people to wait, or denied them the very help they deserved. Though it brought up memories she would rather forget, Merlin's home village of Ealdor was a prime example. Uther had been so worried about Cenred and his army of ruffians that he hadnt given help when he should have. Morgana would never let that happen while she was Queen.

"Come, walk with me," Morgana offered, gesturing with her hand and the guards which had flanked her throne took a step back. The meaning was clear. She wanted time with Yassia alone and they wouldnt challenge her. "I will take you to the scouts now if it is convenient for you," she added with a smile. "The sooner they can be dispatched, the sooner you will have word back."

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Setting: Camelot Castle

Tag: Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha

Timeline: Around the time of ‘The Coming of Arthur’

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[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

And now she was coming down. Morgana left her throne and came down to her, just like she wasn’t the queen in an audience, but a fellow lady inviting her friend on a walk. Yes a walk. A walk to see the scouts. Now. It was enough to make anyone’s head swim. Could it really be she had thoroughly misjudged Morgana’s motives. Had she acted with the best of intentions, only her methods lacking a bit of the honest integrity a queen should show? She really did seem to want to make amends for it now. Morgana had waged war on her own people, but really, wasn’t that what Yassia might have to do herself once she reached Ailantha. Guifré would not have waited for more than a year for her supposed return. By now his grip on her kingdom might be as fierce as Uther’s had been on Camelot. But if Morgana had wanted Uther gone… why hadn’t she let her foster brother Arthur step up to his rightful place?
This question still haunted Yassia and troubled her deeply.

But she didn’t object to Morgana’s proposal, only smiled and fell into step with the queen, walking out of the throne room. Who would have thought things to turn out that well? She had felt like a prisoner when entering earlier. It seemed the guards had totally misunderstood their queen’s orders, as the way they had treated her suspected her to be brought before some sort of trial.
“You’re so generous, your Highness, I don’t even know how I could ever possibly repay you!” she mused and tried to get a few things in her mind in perfect order. When she would be speaking to the scouts, she would have to be able to give as precise instructions as possible.

“There are a few people in Ailantha I still think I can trust, and I will ask the scouts to approach them above all others. But…”
Like a flash of lightening doubt had entered her mind again. Yassia was used to such kind of mood swings coming to her out of the blue. It was part of the feared Ailanthan temper.
“My lady, I must ask you this, and I hope you won’t be offended. Before I accept this offer, I have to know: Will you ask for something in return? I would not like to agree to a bargain I cannot hold.”

[mysery]

Morgana walked alongside Yassia. Years ago, she'd have looped her arm through the other woman's and they'd have flitterred off down the hall like the innocent ladies they were. Now.... while a small part of the Queen wanted to do such a thing, all of it was different. She was different and it wasnt how a Queen would act. Morgana was a Queen now. Her dress moved around her as she walked, and her heels clicked softly against the stone as she listened to the other woman speak.

"Generosity has nothing to do with it," Morgana replied. "Help should be given without restraint to those who need it," she added, though her voice was somewhat steely. It was hard to keep it soft as those words brought up thoughts of Uther once more. How she loathed him in so many different ways. He thought she was simply angry with him for not claiming her. It was so much more than that...

But he wouldnt know of that until the right moment. Preferrably when the shock and horror of seeing Arthur's dead body was just sinking in.

"We will advise the scouts to be cautious in their approaching these people," Morgana councilled the other woman. "At least until we can confirm where their loyalties lie," she added to clarify what she meant. The dark haired Queen frowned when Yassia trailed off. What was wrong?

A moment later she had her answer. Ah, so she was bright enough not to believe this was simply gensture of good will. Morgana knew she could lie, claim she wanted nothing in return, but why lie when the truth was more effective? She could not be accused of keeping secrets if she did no such thing. "You are smart to ask that. A wise woman indeed," she replied. "I do not wish to ask for something you cannot give. Merely an assurance from you. Though I wish it were not so, I must face the reality that your Uncle may stand against me when he is located. Everyone is free to their own decisions, I just ask that you try and help him see that I do not want him, or any of the Knights, as my enemies."

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Setting: Camelot Castle

Tag: Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha

Timeline: Around the time of ‘The Coming of Arthur’

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[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Something had to be churning inside Queen Morgana, her voice gave it away, even if only the tiniest bit. What was going on in her mind right now? On so many occasions Yassia would have liked to be able to read a person’s mind, especially when around people of courts. She might detect differences in their behavior or in their tone of voice, but she never could be sure what it really meant. And she would need to know. In the world she had been living in, any misstep could be someone’s undoing, if he hadn’t a powerful position or name to back him or her up. And even that was not a perfect guarantee.
Was she referring to Uther, her father? It was true that the former king had done little to help Yassia, but then, there had always been many internal and external fights going on, Camelot facing danger almost daily. “I agree. But sometimes there are circumstances in which others have to stand back. With the constant threats Camelot was facing, I cannot blame your father for not helping me right away.”

What Morgana suggested about the scouts was reasonable, and Yassia found herself nodding without a further word. Sometimes nothing else was needed. Time had passed by, even her most loyal friends might have changed sides by now, if only to save their own hide. Who could blame them? Most likely they wanted to cower and see the storm through, until Yassia’s own safe return. Guifré would not hesitate to nip any form of resistance in the bud, and dead allies were no allies at all. “They might pose as being loyal to my uncle… but I know if they are approached in the right fashion, they will show their true colors.”

And then it came. The thick end Yassia had been afraid of. It sounded like such a little task, and no mistake, Queen Morgana was careful to make it sound as such, but Yassia feared there might be more to this. She had come to know her uncle as a very considerate man, not blind in his loyalty, but firm. On the many occasions they had talked at night, when he finally was dismissed from all his duties, he had shown that he was very well aware of all of King Uther’s flaws, but that he saw him as the rightful king no matter what. And after him, he had said, he would serve Arthur with as much loyalty, and maybe with even more devotion. That had been his set path: serve Uther to the end, then serve Arthur and together with him lead Camelot into a bright new era.
Yassia had absolutely no intention of convincing Leon of something that went against his beliefs. But she had to tread carefully now.

“Like you said, your Majesty, everyone is free to their own decisions. If my uncle stands against you, he will have his own just reasons. You have shown kindness to me, so be graceful towards him, should he oppose you.” She took a deep breath. “I will try to advise him to my best ability and conscience. But you will allow me my own conclusions when a man of honor such as he stands against a new regime. I know already that I most likely won’t be able to change his heart. I will tell him what you’re willing to do for me.” Bowing her head she concluded, trembling inwardly, “but that is all I can offer.”

[mysery]

Morgana allowed Yassia to speak and she nodded. She would conceed that sometimes offering help wasnt in a kingdoms best interests, but that help could be given in such a variety of ways that Morgana did not really see that as an excuse. Uther had not needed to march into Escetia and de-throne Cenred to help Ealdor. Just sending a few men in plain clothes with Arthur would have sufficed. But no. They had instead been forced to travel there under Uther's nose and battle with what few people Ealdor had. The former King hadn't been happy about that but Morgana hadn't cared. She still didn't. They had helped when Uther refused to. "It is a tricky situation," Morgana conceeded finally as they walked with respect to Yassia's situation.

"Then you should again advise the scouts on the best course of action regarding those you wish to approach," Morgana continued, looking across at Yassia as the strolled side by side. "You know them best and thus can inform them of the right places to make inquiries," she added, a smile on her face. If anything, these tasks would help keep Yassia busy, and her mind somewhat off her Uncle while Morgana deciphered what to do with the pair of them should her plan not work.

The Queen could see Yassia's mind working. She hadnt believed the girl would swear fealty to her immediately, hence her careful wording on the subject, and she expected some hesitation, hence these tasks for her. Morgana had other things to consider and couldn't waste time on a young woman with nothing to do. So, she would give her something.

When the ex-princess was finished speaking, Morgana took in a breath and released it as a sigh. "Very well then. If that is all you can give than I must accept that," she countered with a smile and an almost shrug of her shoulders. "Thank you for taking it under advisement though," Morgana added as they turned a corner. She knew the scouts were set up in chambers just ahead so it seemed their journey was coming to an end for the moment. "We are almost here."

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Setting: Camelot Castle

Tag: Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha

Timeline: Around the time of ‘The Coming of Arthur’

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[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

In her mind, Yassia was now fully occupied with thinking up names of persons the scouts might be able to approach successfully. Who might be still left, even after a full year or more? Who was to say they hadn’t all changed sides by now, adjusting fatalistically to the new king and new situation? For all they knew Yassia might be dead. Still, it was a worth a try!
Who, then? Without doubt, her old nursemaid Constancia would still be on her side. She might be a good contact point to start digging for more information. Ever since Yassia could remember, Constancia had had her eyes and ears everywhere. She would know who else to approach. Then, of course, the seargant of the royal guard, Miquel, would still be truthful. He might have sworn fealty to Guifré, but everyone knew there was no love lost between the two men. If Miquel had kept a low profile and was still alive, he would jump at even the slightest opportunity to overthrow his hated master in exchange for Yassia’s rule.

“I am already thinking about the best ways, your Highness”, Yassia agreed with an absent-minded smile. Without knowing it she was playing right into Morgana’s hands, occupying her mind with the task at hand, instead of pondering over the Queen’s possible motives. She saw no harm in it, of course. It was always important to know who your allies were, as important if not even more important than to know your enemies. And you also had to know how to keep them your allies, how to keep them safe in the face of danger. So how to approach them, if not directly, was the question. Then again, Yassia was sure those scouts Morgana was talking about were experienced on such fields of action. If she told them to be discreet, they would know how to go about it, right?

It was relief that quickly flickered over Yassia’s face at Morgana’s relenting words. If she was completely honest with herself, she had expected worse. An outburst of anger maybe, if things went really bad, or at least a show of hurt feelings. But no such thing. Morgana seemed to accept her hesitance with good grace. For now at least. Yassia was smart enough to realize this was far from over. She still was walking on eggshells and every misstep could be her undoing. What she would do if Leon openly opposed the new regime and told her so, she didn’t know, but she reckoned she would cross that bridge when she came to it. She had meant every carefully chosen word though. Leon was a wise man, with much experience, and if he had any reason to suspect foul play, who was she to tell him otherwise. But that remained to be seen…
“And I thank you for your understanding, your Highness”, she replied and inclined her head. “I will try my best.”

Now the moment she had been waiting for was coming nearer and nearer, Yassia could feel her nerves flutter like butterflies. Finally being able to contact her homeland! This was but the first step of many. Suddenly shy, Yassia turned to the queen. “Will you help me address them? Explain that I act with your consent?”
Inwardly she chided herself for showing her helplessness so openely. Morgana was so much more confident, a true queen. How could Yassia possibly think to achieve the same level one day? But then again, in Ailantha she knew what to do and where to tread. Here she was still nothing but an ignorant guest.

[mysery]

Morgana smiled as Yassia was obviously running around inside her own mind, contemplating this little task the Queen had given her. If only everybody were so easily occupied. Then she would not have to deal with the Knights in the way she was going to have to. Leon was key to this entire problem though. He was standing up as the Knights leader since Uther was indisposed and Arthur was missing from Camelot. If she could break him, bring Leon under her control and to his knees, then the other Knights would follow. Strong as they might be together, individually they were nothing more than mortal men.

"One can only do what they can Yassia," Morgana replied with an understanding nod of her head. "And expecting more would be unreasonable." She would probably have reacted badly had she not already anticipated that Yassia would be hesitant to help her. After all, Leon was her uncle and she clearly valued her family unlike some royalty. As it stood, calmness and understanding were the tools she needed here. Not her power.

For now.

Of all the things Morgana had expected, Yassia asking her to help her address the scouts hadnt been one of them, and her surprise flickered across her features briefly. Morgana had other things she needed to attend to today, but she supposed they could be put back slightly. Besides, if it helped in bringing Yassia onto side, then she would be happy to. Smiling, the young Queen nodded. "Of course. If you wish me to," she replied, lifting her hand to the door. Normally she would just walk in, but things were different now and Morgana knew she had to tread carefully.

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Setting: Camelot Castle

Tag: Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha

Timeline: Around the time of ‘The Coming of Arthur’

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[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia’s uneasy feelings and distrust were put more and more in the background of her mind. So far, Morgana had shown nothing but kindness and understanding to her and who was she to rely on hearsay? You should judge people by their deeds, of course, not their words and until now Morgana’s kindness had resulted only in promises, but this was more than she had expected in the first place, after the tight knot of fear she had felt when being brought before the queen. She HAD looked grim on this throne and it had not been hard to believe the rumors that had even reached the Griffith’s estate. During the time of the siege Yassia had stayed in the citadel, of course, but then had returned to her temporary home where the request of the Queen for attendance had reached her. Was she really calling it a request now in hindsight? Odd, how a few kind words could change your point of view… that was at least what the warning voice inside her head told her… But for now Yassia refused to listen.

“Thank you again, your Majesty”, Yassia said again, thinking that right now she almost felt as if her and Morgana were truly equals. Two young women of royalty, one ruling, the other preparing to, but they both seemed to be of the same world. “I am really glad you think that way!”

She was even more glad Morgana did not refuse her request of talking to the scouts, even if she surely had many more things to attend to. Was she loading any more on the debt side? Was this not a too dangerous game Yassia was playing? Or should she finally push all fears overboard and accept Morgana’s kindness as generosity?
“In danger of repeating myself: thank you!” Yassia replied with a little relieved laugh. “I hope I might learn to trust myself more in the future, as I need to be strong to rule. Strong like you seem to be. Maybe you can teach me?” she suggested with an almost comradely grin, but then the nervousness took hold of her primary feelings again. Holding her breath, she waited for Morgana to knock and enter. Would they be cooperative?

---

((OOC: Shall we take turns with playing the scouts or what do you think? xD))

[mysery]

She may not have garnered the girl's promise to convert her uncle, but her reverence and thanks for now would be enough. And it provided the Queen some leverage over her, which was the next best thing. Leverage over the girl equalled leverage over Sir Leon, and if she could produce enough of it, the knight would break and take down all the other knights with him. And the last resistance to her would be quashed. Of course, the issue with Arthur would present a whole new array of problems, but he was just one man. And one man could easily be overcome.

Morgana smiled at the girl as she thanked her again and they waited for the scouts to open the door. When Yassia suggested that perhaps Morgana could teach her to be a ruler like herself, the lady turned Queen paused for a moment. That was as unexpected as her request for help with the scouts had been. Yassia saw her as strong, well yes she was, but it seemed her prejudice and fear of Morgana had been put aside almost entirely. Hmm perhaps taking the girl under her wing would be a good thing. It could only help her cause when it came to her uncle after all.

"I am honoured that you would ask that of me Princess Yassia," Morgana replied, using the girls title. It may not be recognised, but she would see to it that she was adressed properly from now on. "I would enjoy spending more time with you," she added, only partly lying this time. Yassia held no loyalty to Camelot, other than Sir Leon but that was easily dealt with, and so Morgana bore her no direct ill will. It might even be nice to have another ally and friend in the city besides her sister.

Before she could speak again, the door before them opened to reveal Ollien, the leader of the scouts. He seemed surprised, shocked really, but he quickly recovered and bowed, permitting them entry which Morgana took full advantage of. "Your highness," he greeted her.

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Setting: Camelot Castle

Tag: Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha

Timeline: Around the time of ‘The Coming of Arthur’

[Oh for sure! I gave one of them a name so we can work with that but feel free to add others. Hehe.]

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