Who Let The Mercian In? (Uther)

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin wasn’t as nervous as she had expected to be. Her Uncle led her up the stairs to the Great Hall swiftly. She found herself staring at everything and everyone, things were incredibly different here there was no doubt about it. The castle was beautiful, the afternoon sun lit up the walls, and even the people seemed happy right from serving girls to knights of Camelot. It certainly was a change from her Mercian surroundings. She had never much enjoyed going to court in Mercia, her father was a powerful war enthusiast, and therefore most of her visits to court revolved around wars and trying to stop soldiers groping her with their eyes. Hit had been times like that which had shaped the woman Caitrin was now growing into. She was only sixteen now and knew she still had plenty to learn.

Things had been moving incredibly quickly in the past few months. She had been sent to her Uncle’s around two weeks ago. Her Uncle had then made it his business to see that she was presented at court in front of the King to fully cement her move to Camelot. It made sense she supposed as she would now have to get used to this very different court circle. However, from what she had seen of Camelot so far, she was sure she would like it here.

The one thing which troubled Caitrin was King Uther’s opinions on sorcery. Caitrin had practised magic ever since she was a little girl under Helgund’s instructions. She had never seen anything wrong with her few charms and enchantments. However, she had been warned that the King of Camelot would put anyone to death who he even suspected of possessing the powers of sorcery. The thought worried her greatly, and of course she had heard all about the Great Purge. Her impressions of the King were not particularly positive but perhaps a face to face meeting would change all of that.

Today Caitrin was wearing a long, dipped sleeved red silk dress. It was to symbolise her shift of alliance to the Mercian Lords to the Pendragons as she knew that their crest was made up of red and gold. And anyway, red suited her, it showed the world just how fiery her hair actually was. She was also wearing a small silver circlet which had a red jewel on it. Her Uncle had given it to her, along with her new mare whom Caitrin was already falling in love with. Although they were only material goods, her Uncle had done more for her in the space of a few days than her father had done in years.

Eventually they reached the doors to the Great Hall and waited for the squire to announce them to the King. Rouland looked over his niece once more. She was quite small for a woman, but her tongue was sharp and quick, and he knew he couldn’t get away with sarcasm around her which altogether ruined the effect of it. She was beautiful however, and it made Rouland wonder how such a fool of a man, such as his brother was, could produce such a woman. Perhaps Caitrin got more of her mother than her father.

“Ready niece?” He asked and Caitrin nodded slowly,

“I am Uncle.” The squire finally announced them,

“Presenting the Lord Rouland de Archer, and the Lady Caitrin de Archer.” The doors swung open and Caitrin’s eyes widened at the splendour of the room before remembering to walk into it.

Timeline: A year before the series begins
Tags: Uther
Music: Dyslexia- Percy Jackson and the Lightning Theif [/size]

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther was well aware of the contentious history between Camelot and Mercia, of course. Caitrin's father was known for his warrior tendencies and had probably contributed at times to the battles that had been fought. Things were at truce for the time being, however, and Uther honored his treaties, although it was a tenuous peace at times.

What was different in this case, was that Rouland was already a resident of Camelot, and Uther knew that he could be trusted. He paid his tribute and did his duties and provided the required fighting men, and hadn't given any reason for Uther to be suspicious of him. Now, his niece had moved to Camelot, and the two of them were properly presenting her now that she had moved.

She looked lovely when he saw her, and he had little doubt that she would be popular in the court and that she would be well accepted.

"Welcome. I trust that you are being well tended to? Your uncle speaks highly of you."said Uther.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin began to walk towards the King. She had been taught to keep her eyes downcast but she raised her eyes. She was Mercian, and currently had no alliances to this King and his ways. Her Uncle had left her as they had entered the Great Hall, this wasn't his arrival, it was hers, and she was old enough to be presented by herself.

As she reached the King she swept into a low curtsy, only then getting a proper look at the man. He seemed to be in good spirits for whatever reason and his features lit up with the whole event. For a moment she felt weak at the knees, had this man really put to death all those people in the Great Purge? Helgund had told her about the purge, she had lost family in it. Caitrin was never quite sure if Helgund had fled from Camelot or if her family just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even thinking about the event made her feel sick but she kept herself composed, knowing she held Mercia's reputation in her hands for the moment.

"Welcome. I trust that you are being well tended to? Your uncle speaks highly of you."

Caitrin held her hands by her tummy, holding her hands in a dignified way as she faced the king. "I am my Lord King." She said softly, "I can not have asked for a finer welcome to Camelot than that which my Uncle, Lord Rouland, gave me." Her Uncle had certainly been kinder than she had expected him to be upon her arrival. He had given her a mare of her own, and a circlet as well as her own chambers and ladies in waiting. It had been more than she could have ever dreamed of at home.

As he told her that her Uncle spoke highly of her she could only imagine what her Uncle had told the King about her. She smiled politely but didn't look back at her Uncle, "I am humbled by any compliments that my Uncle has paid me." She was still focused on the King and managed a small smile at the man. She was sure Uther would have to do a lot to ever redeem himself in her thoughts after what he had done against her kind. She wasn't sure she should lead the conversation. He was the King and surely he should choose the topic?

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther sensed a bit of unease from Caitrin, but it wasn't entirely surprising. He had a harsh reputation, even among some of the nobles, for his stances and actions. He did not let it trouble him, as he did what he felt necessary, but a side effect of sorts was that he was an easy man to be afraid of, especially standing before him. But, she was polite and remained calm.

Uther nodded, pleased that she was happy as she spoke.

"Do not hesitate to make known if you have need of anything, and it will be seen to."he said."And are you well, Rouland? It is good to speak with you again."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin regarded Uther for a few moments. It was still surprising that this entire court, this whole kingdom was ruled by a man who had put so many to death. She was surprised so many people in Camelot were so pleased with the way things were run. Then again, she supposed that the Purge had happened a long time ago, and many people might have held the same opinion as her Uncle that magic should be squashed. She had felt woozy as her Uncle had told her his views on magic, but she had dared to ask and she had already been warned by Helgund, in her youth, that Camelot was no friend to magic wherever you looked.

She smiled back at Uther carefully. He wouldn’t be able to give her what she wanted. She wanted freedom to practice her magic, or she wanted to return back to Mercia. Neither were going to happen and she should really stop being homesick and just enjoy her time in Camelot, she was going to be stuck here for a long time anyway so she had better just grit her teeth and bear it. “My Uncle has been very attentive to my needs.” Caitrin said softly, “For now I am just settling in sire, Camelot is,” She looked around her, looking for the right word, “Different from the Mercian courts.”

Uther turned to Rouland who had been hoping to keep out of this conversation, he hated the court and anyway this was his niece’s moment in the spot light not his. However, he was glad if he was being received at court he was being received next to his niece, she was a beautiful woman and would only increase in beauty with age and become a sought after prize at court. But he was getting ahead of himself and he spoke to the king,

“It is good to see you again as well sire. I regret I have been away from court for so long, but I have been preparing my niece’s arrival.”

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther listened, mostly quiet, as Caitrin indicated that she was being well looked after. Uther had already told her to make any wants known; it was wise to keep his nobles happy, so that they would stay favorable to him. Besides, although Uther was still uncertain about possible closer ties with Mercia, he had admit that Caitrin was a beautiful young woman, and would become moreso as time went on. She could not be a suitor for Arthur, she wasn't of royal blood. But she would certainly be a lovely bride for one of the nobles here. He had little doubt she'd catch many eyes.

"It is understandable."he said."You do not make it a habit, and you remain favorable and loyal to me and that is what is important. It is good, though,to see you back."He looked to Caitrin and then back to Rouland, then addressed them both."I trust that your uncle has made you aware of the fact that magic is forbidden in Camelot. As long as that rule is kept in mind, you are welcome here."

Naturally, if she were caught, it would be a huge, difficult, possibly war-inducing problem. Uther would be caught between upholding the laws of Camelot and inciting the Mercians to war."Especially since any disregard for that law would create a difficult diplomatic situation between our kingdoms"he added.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Rouland inclined his head towards the King. In truth Rouland only ever visited court when he needed to, but he had increased his visits once talks of his niece’s wardship had swam into focus because he knew she would need contacts and suitors, and she would hardly find them alone on his lands. He gave Uther a small smile and flashed his eyes over his niece before turning back to the King,

“I remain ever loyal to the Pendragon dynasty.” Rouland said shortly and then placed a hand on Caitrin’s shoulder, “And I’m sure my niece shares my views.” Caitrin in truth was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with being at court. She didn’t belong here, she belonged in Mercia with the other de Archers. She belonged on her fathers lands where she was free to expand her magic and ride against the mountain terrain which surrounded her. She nodded towards her Uncle,

“Of course I will be loyal to you and your son my Lord King.” She said quietly but there were hints of nerves in her voice as he began to speak about magic. Did he know she possessed magic? How could he have known? Her heart thudded in her chest, ever since arriving in Camelot she had had nightmares about being captured and hung, or worse, for her magic. One night she had woken up screaming and set her curtains alight in her hurry to light her bedside candle, luckily she had extinguished them before the servants had come into the room. That was the closest she had been so far to being discovered so far but it was early days for her; she already knew that Camelot was no friend to her.

She downcast her eyes for a moment whilst trying to think of a suitable reply to Uther. She knew Uther had no reason to worry that her being discovered would cause a war between their two kingdoms. Her father was constantly falling in and out of favour at court and she would probably be a small loss to the kingdom on the whole. “He has made me aware sire.” She said, looking back up to him, “I assure you I possess no magic and would not seek to break your laws whilst I am in your Kingdom.” It had near enough killed her to say it but it had been said. She had been made to feel like her magic was something to be ashamed of when it wasn’t and she breathed out slowly, not smiling at Uther, but not frowning either, no for the time being she remained neutral.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther wasn't entirely sure what he detected with Caitrin. She seemed a little unsure and nervous, and it made him question things in his mind. He would not bring accusations or anything, and he knew that even if she were lying, there were too many eyes around the castle, too many people watching and reporting back. If anything happened, Uther would know about it. Plus, Caitrin likely knew enough to realize the danger of causing a war between the two kingdoms. She would behave.

"I have every confidence in your word. Both of you."he replied."and I thank you both for your loyalty."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin hated being part of this act. She felt like, in a way, she was betraying people of her kind, people like Helgund. She knew though that it was a necessary evil, she didn’t want to be married off to some random Mercian warlord, therefore she had to stay with her Uncle, and hopefully even take a husband of her choosing. She had no interest in returning to Mercia and acting like a piece of meat for her fathers gain. She had been given a get out clause, she had been given a fresh start and she had to make the most of it and not let the matter of magic ruin it.

Caitrin therefore even managed a small smile for the King. Perhaps she could do this, perhaps she could live under Uther’s rule and tolerate it, not agree with it, but tolerate it for the time being. Who knows? Perhaps one day she would return to Mercia, or another Kingdom which was more tolerable towards magic. She was glad, at least outwardly, that Uther believed her. She did sincerely mean that her loyalty was now to Uther and his son Arthur. Caitrin had little loyalties to the Merican King, and at any rate she wanted to make this work, for the sake of her happiness.

Now there was an acute silence in the conversation, and Caitrin looked up to her Uncle who seemed unfazed by this situation. He merely stiffened up, looking down at his niece and then back up to the King. An idea had smoothed across his thoughts, he needed to make sure that his niece was well loved by the court. And one way to do that was to ensure that she was in favour with the King. “Perhaps we should all dine together my Lord king.” He smiled at his own brilliance, “I am sure there is much you wish to know about my niece, and she has many questions about Camelot which I am unable to answer.” Caitrin didn’t look around to her Uncle, but his words did shock her. Questions? She had asked her Uncle odd questions about Camelot, but it was more to do with their punishments, magic, and what the King was like. Now she thought about it, she would like to know more about Camelot, perhaps its history, or about his son Arthur.

“I would enjoy that my Lord.” Caitrin put in confidently, flashing another smile and becoming more comfortable in her appearance at court.

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[kinguthersqueen]

Uther appreciated Rouland's gesture of dining together. He always enjoyed a good feast, for several reasons. Of course there was the plentiful food and drink-although Uther always kept himself from getting drunk enough to cause any embarrassment-but it wasn't entirely that. They were chances to get to know his nobles better and to show off a bit, to give them a taste of Camelot's hospitality and further solidify loyalties. It wasn't a large gathering, the type where no expense was spared to impress fellow rulers and such things, this time, just a single family, but he still would have a good time.

And, of course, Uther was well aware of what could sometimes be accomplished after a few drinks. He'd be careful not to let himself be put in a position of doing something he'd regret, but many times, a noble or royal would be more favorable with a little alcohol in them. He didn't have anything in particular to ask of Rouland this time, but it was something he always kept in the back of his mind.

"Yes, I agree. It will be a chance to relax a bit more and speak at a more leasurely pace, without the constraints of my having other business to attend to. I will see that it is arranged for this evening."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was quite excited by the prospect of dining in royalty so soon after her arrival in Camelot; even if it was wit Uther Pendragon. She could hate what he had done, and hate his views on her kind, but she would have to learn to live under his rules if she wanted to live to tell the tale. Caitrin was sure she would be married within Camelot so she would be serving under the Pendragon's for a long time, Caitrin was only young but she knew how important it would be to put forward a good impression straight away.

Perhaps she could use the dinner which the King had agreed to to discover more about Camelot and its surroundings. Now that she had her own mare she wanted to go out on long rides more often than she had done at home. She was still getting used to her new surroundings, it was a sharp contrast to her Mercian home. The house there had been bigger, and she had always felt lonely even though she was the seventh child. The house was always noisy but there had never been anyone to talk to, not really. Perhaps Caitrin could find a new life here in Camelot.

Rouland, for his part, seemed pleased that his suggestion of dining together had been accepted. Although he did not like society, he knew the importance of projecting his niece into it. Rouland had little to gain from society anymore, he had a large estate, lots of ties and a beautiful wife. Caitrin however had everything to play for because apart from a large dowry she had nothing.

Rouland inclined his head towards the king and smiled at him, "It will be a chance for me and my niece to also relax my Lord King." He looked down at Caitrin who gave a small smile up to the King, "We will both be humbled to join your table this evening." The afternoon was already drawing on, perhaps they could take a walk around the towns or the gardens before being summoned to the King's table.