Dinner With the King (Uther/Caitrin/Rouland)

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther was naturally the last to be shown in, as the most important guest, after the servants had prepared the meal and set the table. A meal with the king was a great honor for anyone who had the opportunity, and although naturally he did not order the extravagance reserved for visiting royalty, Uther was still seeing to it that his guests were impressed.

He had made a mental note to make sure that Caitrin was watched, as he had a few suspicions, but that she wasn't to be followed too overly closely either. He really hoped that she would give no reason to arrest or punish her, he did not want to have to deal with a war with Mercia if he could avoid it. War was never desirable to a good king.

He could hear the announcement of his entrance just as he was being shown in and seated by a servant. He knew that they would greet him by standing, then they would be seated after he was seated, and the meal would start.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin had been quite excited about the prospect of dining with royalty, but now she wasn't quite sure what to make of the whole situation. In Mercia she wouldn't have dreamed of ever being summoned to the table of the King. She was a nobody really, or at least she had been. She had been the obscure seventh child of a warlord, but here she supposed her Uncle had some standing and she could only benefit from this.

After they had met with the King in the court, her Uncle had taken her on a walk around the Castle gardens. It had been a pleasant enough afternoon and Caitrin had enjoyed the fresh air. He had spoken little about anything but her conduct during the meal. Of course he expected her to get rid of her fiery nature just for one night. She didn't need telling of that, and she had no wish to upset Uther, or any of his family, during her stay in Camelot. She would have to act the part here so that no one could even associate the word sorcery with her. That would be the only way she would be able to survive here.

They had been shown into the dining room before the King of course. A servant had handed them both a goblet of wine each and her Uncle had been more than happy with this fact. He had pulled back a chair so she could sit down until the King was announced. She had taken it gladly and was sitting opposite her Uncle. As the steward prepared to announce the King, both de Archer's sprung from their seat and stood up, waiting for the King to sit down before they even thought of lowering themselves into their seats.

"My Lord King, I trust we find you well this evening?" Rouland was saying, and took his seat, as did Caitrin, when the King sat down.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther came in and was seated, and naturally his guests stood when he came in, staying up until after he'd been seated. After everyone was seated, Rouland greeted him, and Uther replied with a nod.

"Yes, quite. Thank you. And you both, I trust?"

The meal could now be served, and it was brought out, tested, and set before them. Uther had hoped Arthur might join them as well, but the prince was attending business and would take his meal a bit later.

Uther couldn't help thinking of the similarities between Morgana and Caitrin; he thought they might get on well together. However, he detected hints in Caitrin's body language and carriage that she had the same strong will as Morgana, and he knew he never wanted to see a disagreement between them.

"I will see to it that you are introduced to the Lady Morgana since you will be staying here...I suspect you will get on well with her."he told Caitrin.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was sat to the right of the King, opposite her Uncle meaning she was under the gaze of both men with ease. She held herself strongly, as it came with ease. She knew she was strong minded, but she also knew that she had to show respect here whilst in the company of Royalty. She didn't want to cause any trouble while she was staying in Camelot. Caitrin knew that the state of affairs between Mercia and Camelot were less than friendly, so she supposed she was going to be under everyone's gaze as an example of what the Mercian courts had produced. She felt a bit odd here, her father had been one of the aggressors on the borders of Camelot more than once. Apart from Camelot's hate of magic, Caitrin had nothing against the Kingdom, and she was sure she would be very happy here.

"I am very well, thank you sire," Rouland looked across the table at his niece who took the hint and smiled softly at the King,

"I am also well sire." Was all she could think to say, and looked up as the meal began to be served. She looked around to him as the King addressed her, speaking about the Lady Morgana. Her Uncle had told her about the woman, apparently she was the ward of Uther, and was also quite headstrong. Caitrin was glad that there were women like that at court, women in Mercia tended to be a lot more dutiful; perhaps she would find friendship here. "I would enjoy that very much. I have heard a lot about the Lady Morgana." Rouland was watching his niece carefully and took a sip of wine as she spoke; so far so good. For his part, Rouland was disappointed that the Prince was not in attendance this evening, the lad was a young teenage boy, and although he wasn't expecting him to fall head over heels for Caitrin, a friendship would more than suffice.

"Is the Prince not joining us tonight?" Rouland asked the King as the meal was served up in front of them. It looked amazing, Caitrin couldn't remember a time when she had seen so much succulent food stuff on one table. "I'm sure my niece would have liked to meet him." Caitrin looked up, yes she had voiced that she would want to meet the Prince, but she didn't want the King to think that she had some form of affection for him and she merely smiled.

"I would have, but I plan to visit Camelot more often once I am settled at home, so perhaps I may meet him some other time."

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther listened quietly while Caitrin and Rouland spoke. He got the impression from the way Caitrin acted and conducted herself that she did want to avoid problems while she was here and do her best to behave properly. He would still keep an eye on her, but this was encouraging. He knew also that Rouland would do his best to make sure she behaved because any problems would not be well for his own interests in Camelot.

Caitrin asked about Arthur and the fact that he hadn't been able to attend the dinner.

"I had hoped that he would be able to, but he was detained. I can see to it that you are introduced to him if you like."said Uther."If not, I am certain you will meet him in time, as you intend to continue to visit here."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin found herself enjoying this little gathering a lot more than she had origionally thought that she would. In Mercia she would never have dreamed about dining with Royalty, but she supposed things were done differently in Camelot for whatever reason, and she certainly wasn't complaining. She didn't particulary want to live in Camelot, she wanted to be home where she could practice sorcery without the noose hanging over her, but if she was going to have to stay she was glad at least she was making a good first impression.

She smiled at the King accordingly as he spoke about her meeting his son. "I would not have you inconvinence yourself just for my introduction to the Prince sire." She said confidently but kept her smile on her lips, "I intend to visit court more often now I am settled so I am certain I will have the pleasure of being introduced to him."

Rouland, who was sat opposite Caitrin nodded accordingly. If it was Caitrin's destiny to remain in Camelot for the rest of her life it would do her well to be on friendly terms with the heir to the throne; you got nowhere in life by blindly making enemies. He was pleasantly pleased with how Caitrin was conducting herself this evening, they had been arguing more of the week away so it was a welcomed change.

Rouland now turned to the King and took a swig of his goblet,

"Have you visited Mercia recently sire?" He asked the King casually, in truth Rouland had no idea if Uther had set foot anywhere near Mercia. He presumed not as the two Kingdoms were still not on fantastically good terms with each other which had always been irritating as Rouland too was from Mercia. “My niece has been telling me how different the customs are in Mercia, I have to say regrettably I have not lived there for so long that I had forgotten most of them.”

[kinguthersqueen]

"Yes, I am certain you will, in time, make the acquaintance of both the Prince and Lady Morgana. Your presence will be welcome."replied Uther, who then took a drink himself.

Rouland asked Uther then if he'd ever traveled to Mercia. In the past, he had, but not on good terms. Things had been strained for quite a while, and although he had gone to attempt peace talks a couple of times, he hadn't thought of things too favorably. In recent times, he hadn't gone there at all.

Rouland spoke of the difference in customs in Mercia, and Uther agreed."There are a number of differences, yes. It can make visiting or having visitors from there interesting at times."

[Caitrin de Archer]

The promise of meeting both the Lady Morgana and the Prince Arthur made the prospect of spending more time at court more appealing to Caitrin. She hadn't been able to attend court much in Mercia as her father insisted on accompanying her and he was never away from war long enough to oblige to take her to the feasts or dances. She smiled at the King, just to show her gratitude, "I look forwards to meeting them both sire." It made her feel welcomed in a way to hear that her presence would be welcomed, she had been an insignificant noblewoman in Mercia, perhaps now was her chance to make something of herself and make an impression on the court of Camelot.

Caitrin noted the silence as her Uncle asked Uther if he had visited Mercia recently. Caitrin did not know much of border relations, but she knew that Mercia and Camelot were not on fantastic terms with one another. If there had been any fighting inbetween their two Kingdoms it wouldn't surprise Caitrin to learn that her father had been leading the attacks. She knew Mercia had been her home, but she had to stop thinking of it as such. Camelot was her home now and it would be for a long time to come.

Caitrin smiled as the King said it was interesting to have visitors from other Kingdoms. "Is there anything you wish to know of Mercian traditions sire?" Caitrin asked the King softly and then she flashed a quick look to her Uncle to check she had said the right thing. Rouland seemed in good spirits so she was sure she would not have offended the king with her perfectly innocent question.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther did think they'd get on fairly well; he only wished Caitrin was of royal blood rather than simply noble, so that she could be a potential suitor for Arthur. Granted, he spoke carefully to Arthur of such things. He had little doubt that his son would do what was best for the kingdom, but it was obvious that Arthur wasn't happy with the idea every time it was discussed.

Uther was interested in the possibilities of what Caitrin spoke of. He was not looking to make war with Mercia anytime soon if it could be avoided. He knew that it was not in anyone's best interest to have a war that wasn't justified. However, he did rationalize that this could one day prove to be an advantage, having allies who were familiar with the country's customs.

"It is clear from past travels that Mercia is a more formal place even than Camelot...there are, of course, certain things that are universal, but the Mercians seem to be a bit stricter than those of Camelot. I should add that I am still hoping to one day in the near future hold a conference with the kings of the other kingdoms, a hope of agreeing on a peace for all of us. So, I would be quite interested in what you could tell me about your land's formalities."he said. Turning to Rouland, he said I'm also most interested in anything you might have learned during your time as a warrior."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin had to say from what little she had seen of Camelot and its ways, she would be more than at home here. Of course it was only early days and she didn’t want to let her guard down too easily. She had shown her Uncle the true extent to her personality right from the off and he had not sent her back to Mercia yet so either he saw potential within her or her father had given him a lot of money for her ward ship. He had gone out of his way really to secure her happiness, and now the King himself seemed to be concerned with her wellbeing as well. It felt odd as she had come from quite a large household where she had been left to see after her own interests.

As the King asked her of Mercian formalities she settled a bit, of course this was a section of the conversation she would feel completely at ease with. Mercia was defiantly stricter than Camelot, or perhaps that had just been her experience of it. After all, her father had always been harsh on her because they had all been responsible for their family’s reputation.

“Mercia, in my experience, is a lot more formal than Camelot sire. I have lived there all my life and I was never once invited to dine at the King’s table.” She had only ever seen their king once or twice, as she had seldom been allowed at court, “I was very rarely at court as I am the third daughter and was therefore seen as unimportant.” She looked to her Uncle who seemed a bit surprised at her honesty but did he did not voice a concern so Caitrin presumed she had not insulted him. “Is the same true in Camelot my Lord? Or do noble families usually submit most of their family to court?”

There was of course the matter of warfare in Mercia, and perhaps the King would be more interested in that than her issues with being obscure and unimportant. “I found that most Mercian families were quite driven by ambition, especially ambition through warfare. My own father, Lord Payton de Archer, is an accomplished warlord so he was always involved in King Bayard’s campaigns.” She gave a sad sort of smile, her fathers ambitions had almost ruined her family many times over, he was constantly in and out of favour depending which way the battle went and it had almost wrecked her mothers nerves. “I do not believe that Camelot is governed by such warlike motives?” She asked the King, almost with a hint of nerves.

Then of course was the issue of magic, for a moment she wondered if she should bring it up as Mercia was not prejudiced against those with magic whereas Camelot persecuted everyone who even so much as came into contact with an incantation. She took a slow breath and gathered her courage for the words she knew she should speak. “And of course my Lord, Mercia does not have the sanctions on magic which Camelot has in place.” She paused, she did not want to sound as if she was supporting magic or disapproving of the King’s laws so she continued in haste, “But it seems that Camelot is in much better order because of the presence of such sanctions.” She left it there because she was probably quite deep in the hole she had dug for herself. It had hurt to say that and she felt slightly sick, she felt like she was betraying her kind but she had to do what she could to survive; what good would she do for her kind if she got herself killed? Perhaps one day she could help Camelot to see the good that magic could do, but until that day came she would keep her head down and abide by Uther’s laws.

Roulands ears had pricked up as the King mentioned some sort of conference between the different kingdoms. It would surely be beneficial for him if Camelot were allied with Mercia as then he would not have as much bother when he intended to visit his family. It would also be easier to navigate a marriage for Caitrin from either kingdom when the time came, which he was sure it would not for some time. At the King’s question he sat forwards in his chair and gave a small sort of smile, “I was only fifteen when I was married off within Camelot my Lord King, so I never had the chance to fight on Mercia’s behalf.” He stopped thoughtfully, his upbringing had been quite strict as had Caitrin’s, “But when I was growing up the focus was mainly on us to learn how to fight and defend our Kingdom. From a very young age I was taught the ways of a Knight even though I was only the second son.”
He thought of his own son Dristan’s upbringing, he’d taught the lad to fight yes but there had been no expectation for him to actually use his skills for anything but self defence. “I can see the differences in raising a son in Mercia and Camelot quite clearly as my son’s upbringing was quite mild in comparison with mine.”

[kinguthersqueen]

Caitrin asked about the service to the court of the nobles in Camelot. She was correct about Mercia being so formal and few nobles interacting very closely with the king himself. Uther took a drink and then replied

"It varies among the families. Some do, some do not. Sometimes it depends on how large the family is. Since only an eldest inherits his father's lands, the others can be of service elsewhere."

Caitrin inquired about Camelot's motives and mentioned Mercia being very warlike.
"It is wise to fight only when it is necessary. There are times when war is unavoidable. A kingdom must prove its strength and defend itself and its people when attacked. But, it is not wise to go into war too casually. Too much fighting would weaken the kingdom. I also see the benefits of a peaceful cooperation with other nations, if it can be agreed to."

Uther nodded at Caitrin's comment about Mercia being more lenient on magic, alert for her next words. But she did not speak against him, only said that things seemed better here because of the ban. Uther nodded his agreement."That is one of the reasons Camelot is strong. I will not allow its enemies ways to move against it. I prevent it from beginning."

Uther could see the similarities to his own upbringing when Rouland spoke. King Constantine had not been lenient on Uther because he was the third son. Dunmonia had been between the two kingdoms in its policies-not bloodthirsty like Mericia or Vortigern's kingdom, but a bit more militaristic and forceful than Camelot. Arthur was expected to prove himself a strong warrior and to be able to defend the kingdom and show that he was not weak, but he had to be wise enough not to make war without just cause."We wish Camelot's fighting men to have a balance, to be able to fight and defend, but not to become too devoted to violence. There is still a great importance on training and honing one's skills, but there is also a focus on using them properly and at the right time. I believe it is because I was brought up in an atmosphere that was between the stances of our kingdoms. Dunmonia was not militaristic to the point of your land or some of the other lands, but it was thought necessary to embrace war to a point. That held especially so for a third son such as myself. I believe it allowed me to become the warrior necessary to conquer a land of my own. However, I do not wish to see men of Camelot die without just cause, so I could not impart all of my father's ways to my son."

[Caitrin de Archer]

As Uther spoke Caitrin took the upmost care to keep her attentions on the king, and to focus on the conversation in hand as much as she could. She did not want to show any sign of being uninterested, or being bored with the conversation even though she wasn’t. She was just too aware how important it was to leave a good lasting impression upon the King; her Uncle had reminded her of this fact constantly before the meeting and it was almost making her slightly paranoid about her own actions. She nodded as Uther told her about the laws of inheritance, they were the same in Mercia then really. Perhaps there was more that the two kingdoms shared than did not.

Caitrin found herself in one mind with Uther on the topic of war. She too believed that war should only be fought if it was truly necessary. She did not believe in fighting just for the sake of it. However, to hear Uther speak like this made Caitrin feel he was slightly hypocritical. After all, he had put to death many in the Great Purge, some of which Caitrin had heard were completely innocent. She could not voice these thoughts of course though, so she just politely nodded, “I wish my father viewed war in the same way sire, he and many of the Mercian Lord’s seem to thirst for war.” She resisted the urge to shudder and looked back to her Uncle who had his lips pressed together, and was now taking a swig of wine.

“Unfortunately my niece is not over exaggerating, my brother is a prime example of the Mercian perspective.” He put in and then sat back in his seat as Caitrin nodded in agreement back to the King. She was glad she was nothing like her father, that had always been one thing she had been worried about when she had been growing up. She had never wanted to be anything like him.

Caitrin still hated herself for agreeing with Uther’s ban on magic, because she did feel she was betraying her kind. What would Helgund think of her if she was still alive? Then again, Helgund would have fought tooth and nail to prevent Caitrin being sent somewhere with no love for magic as it was such a special part in both their lives. She did not comment any further on the use of magic as she felt she physically couldn’t. Every comment made against her kind just made Caitrin feel like a hypocrite.

Both Caitrin and Rouland listened intently to Uther’s speech and at the end of it Caitrin was not really sure what to think. Rouland on the other hand nodded with admiration at the King as he spoke of what he had passed onto his son. “It seems then you have struck a healthy balance then sire. I am sure your son will prove a more than competent ruler for Camelot when the time comes.” Caitrin could not really comment on her Uncle’s words as she had not met Arthur yet so she could not really comment.

[kinguthersqueen]

Caitrin said a bit more about the thirst for battle among the Mercians, including her father."It does seem that the Mercians are that way, I agree. However, they are not the worst I have had occasion to deal with. There are those who care more for war than the welfare of their own people, and it is disgraceful."

Uther mostly meant Cenred, but Vortigern wasn't going to be a great deal better. Cenred, however, was to be feared because of rumors that Morgause had been seen in his lands. The witch's power could easily combine with Cenred's army to put Camelot and other lands into a bad situation, and Uther worried greatly. Uther thought of Cenred as little better than a bloodthirsty barbarian, and sometimes he wished Cenred would give Camelot a reason to fight him, just to defeat him and be rid of him.

"I hope that I have. It is not easy, Camelot is under attack more often than I wish. Fortunately, we have shown our ability to withstand the intentions of our enemies. And as you say, I am certain Arthur will continue in that way."

"At least you appear to have benefited from your uncle's influence, despite your father's love for battle. He shows that one can do well for himself, even if the land he was raised in does not always have the best attitudes and beliefs. It seems that you will make a fine lady when you are grown."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Although it felt strange to admit it, she agreed with the King that it was a shame that most Mercian’s that she had come across were in a blood thirsty mindset. She had probably met more noblemen who were in that mindset than weren’t because of her fathers inclinations and his preferences. She had never liked them coming round to the house, they always had an unhealthy interest in her sisters. She usually kept herself to herself and therefore avoided such attentions, her sisters however did not. Caitrin shuddered to think there were worse than her father, but she had heard about those who resided in Cenred’s kingdom, and their thirst for war was certainly worse than those of the Mercian noblemen. “I am glad then that I did not reside in a more blood thirsty kingdom than the one I came from.”

She was sure she would not have been quite as welcome in Camelot if she came from somewhere like Cenred’s kingdom. However, she did not so that was not something to give too much thought. She was now however more interested to meet the King’s son, Arthur, as she wondered what kind of man he was.

Uther’s next words were well received by both Caitrin and Rouland. Rouland felt rather proud in a way that he had some sort of obvious effect on his niece in these early days. When she had first come to him she had been a stubborn, angry little thing, but he was slowly showing her how to channel her anger into wit, and how to use that to her own advantage. In Rouland’s eyes there were enough pretty, high bred women at court who only had one purpose in life, to attract a good husband. Although Rouland did want Caitrin to eventually attract a husbands from good standings, he did not want her to be brainless and foolish about the whole matter.

“It is early days yet, but I hope in time to show Caitrin how different the Camelot way of life is.” He smiled at the King and then to his niece. Even as a small child she had been his favourite of his brother’s children. She’d always had spirit, and he was glad she had not lost that.

Caitrin turned to the King, quite complimented at his latter words. She so wanted to get this right, she wanted to give the right impression and eventually grow into a young woman her Uncle would be proud of. “I hope that I do not disappoint you.” She said softly, meaning that she did hope that she became a young woman who would turn heads for the right reasons when she had fully blossomed into womanhood.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther, of course, could not read their minds, though he would say that there were a few good in Cenred's land-he recalled the pleas of Hunith when Cenred had refused to send help against the raiders. However, he took pride that there were many more decent people to be found in Camelot. He nodded in agreement with Caitrin when she said that she was glad not to have come from a land such as that.

"Yes, that would be a great shame...Such an upbringing has probably ruined many with great potential."Again, Vortigern popped to mind. He had the makings of a good king, but his desire for war was going to get him, and possibly Arthur one day, into trouble.

Rouland spoke of showing Caitrin of life in Camelot, and the king nodded again. "I am sure it will go well. I think that there will be others willing to aid with that. At least, it is my hope." There were a number of young men and ladies her age who would probably relish befriending her, and though he hoped to include Arthur and Morgana, it was not restricted to them.

Caitrin spoke again, saying she hoped not to disappoint. Uther replied "I am hopeful it will go well."Of course, Uther could not know of her secret, what she truly feared being discovered.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin, though she had never understood why her father and brothers lusted for war as much as they did, had never seen it as being anything other than normal. She had expected Camelot to be the same, if not worse. It seemed you could only appreciate how foreign your upbringing seemed to another once you had changed kingdoms and spoken to the people there. She wished now that she had been sent to live with her Uncle when she was a child, perhaps the world would have seemed less cruel in her eyes. However, she supposed she could not change what had already been, and she was out of Mercia now and that was all that mattered to Caitrin.

Caitrin wondered if Uther was thinking of someone in particular, but she decided not to ask as she would not want to meet whoever it was anyway. Or at least she hoped she never would anyway. She often thought her father could have been a lot more quick witted, like her Uncle, if he had not spent his time being in such a war like mind set.

Rouland was content with the King’s words, about his hope for bringing Caitrin into the Camelot way of life went well. Rouland was sure it would, after all there was no reason why Caitrin should not be happy in Camelot was there? She was only young and still had quite a lot to learn before she blossomed into womanhood, and he could help her along the way in ways her father had been simply unable to. He was after all rather unsuited to anything aside from being on the battlefield. “I am sure the Prince will help as well once Caitrin has the pleasure of being acquainted with him.”

Caitin also hoped that her transition into woman hood would go smoothly and well. She wanted to make as good an impression as possible, she didn’t want to be shoved to the side like she had done in Mercia. Here, she wanted to stand up from the crowd. “I hope you will watch my progress through the next few years sire.” Caitrin then said rather brightly and looked across at her Uncle who smiled back at her as well.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther listened, fairly quiet for a bit, eating as he took in the conversation. They talked slightly less too, as was natural during a meal-it's not exactly easy to eat while speaking, and still be proper, after all. Uther knew that Arthur would enjoy having Caitrin around, he just had to hope there wasn't another incident like there was with the earlier noble family who'd stayed in the castle. Arthur had wanted to marry her, and kept sneaking out to see her.

"I believe he will. Hopefully now, he will know to keep his head. Young men and young women..."Uther shook his head, not saying too much because he was young once, and guilty of many of the same behaviors. It was only time that could mature a man and settle him down.

Caitrin expressed hope that he would watch her progress and he nodded. After all, it would be impossible not to as long as they stayed here. Of course, Uther had other reasons as well, but he was not going to speak of that."I shall."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin began to tuck into the meal which had been served to them. It was quite possibly some of the best food she had ever tasted. Her Uncle had sang the praises of the kitchens of Camelot, and it seemed that they deserved every positive word that he had given them. She made sure of course that she acted in every way the proper lady whilst eating and only went to address the King again once she had finished the portion she was currently eating.

Caitrin resisted the urge to laugh as Uther depicted Arthur to be a typical teenage boy. A more playful smile fixed on her lips and her Uncle spotted it straight away and looked at her with a raised eye brow. She coughed slightly and pressed her lips together before looking back to the King. It was however her Uncle who answered him. "I am sure my niece will conduct herself accordingly." He said thoughtfully, but there were hints of warning in his tone. Caitrin resisted the urge to roll her eyes; honestly, anyone would think he was just waiting for her to make a fool of herself in front of a man. Caitrin would do anything but, she quite enjoyed the company of men, they were much too easy to toy with and tease and it really never got boring.

Caitrin smiled softly at the King as he said that he would indeed watch her progress as she grew into a young woman. She knew that she was still young and had so much to learn about the courting ways, and how to conduct herself. She was more than willing to learn though, and she was sure she would learn much from the other women of the court.

Now however, Caitrin wondered about what there was to do in Camelot. Her Uncle had given her a few things to think on, but she wanted to hear about Camelot's best bits from the person who would surely know better than anyone else. "Would you be able to recommend what there is to do in Camelot?" Caitrin piped up rather chirpily, "As I am new to the City I wish to see it at it's best."

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther nodded. He'd keep an eye on her, but would hold the two of them to their word for now. Obviously, the laws themselves were a strong deterrent, few people would want to risk death if they could avoid it. That said, however, there were those who chose to break the law, either because they wanted to attack him or the kingdom, or because they were fanatics and were determined to practice magic despite the ban. But these were nobles and had shown no indication of problems at the moment. Uther had only his thoughts and suspicions, and that was all.

"I am certain she will. She is young, but she seems well on her way in the right path from what I have seen."

Caitrin asked about what there was to see and do in the kingdom, and Uther began to tell of some of the options. Camelot had grown much since Uther had restored peace, and there was far more to entertain and thrill visitors now. Uther was always pleased by visits like this, that showed him the kingdom was enjoying a better standing among people, not only here but in other lands as well.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin only listened as her Uncle complimented her, once again reminding her that she was in a new Kingdom now, and she would have to learn to cope with their laws. Caitrin knew that the adjustment would be difficult, but she was already finding the transition to Camelotian life quite an easy one. She still considered herself as a Mercian noblewoman, but perhaps as the weeks changed into months and years things would be different. After all she had no friends yet in court, though she was looking forwards to making new friends. After all, she was going to be living in Camelot for the foreseeable future so she would have to get to know the other noble families.

For a moment, because of Uther's choice in words and the way in which he spoke, Caitrin almost thought that he suspected her of sorcery. She hadn't said anything to give him the idea so she just remained quiet and nodded along when Uther began to tell her about what she could do in the Kingdom. Caitrin fancied going out on a horse ride to see the Kingdom for herself, perhaps she could convince her Uncle to take her. "Are there any feasts coming up my Lord King? There was often feasting in Mercia and it would be interesting to see how the festivities differ from each other."