An Audience with The King (Uther, Yassia)

[kinguthersqueen]

King Uther looked slightly worn as he prepared to hold audience in the great hall. The past few months had worn heavily on him, and he was pushing himself to exhaustion. He barely slept and some days he ate very little, intensely focused on finding Morgana. Anyone who might have a shred of information was questioned, and it took even less than usual for Uther to order an execution.

And yet, he still had to tend to the affairs of state. He would search for Morgana until his dying breath, but he could not leave Camelot to ruin to do so. This was a small matter compared to the most pressing affairs on his mind at the moment, but he still often found himself wishing he could somehow avoid dealing with these more trivial, in comparison, matters.

The girl was a noblewoman, the niece, apparently of Sir Leon, and had come to ask for help. Leon had asked for the audience on her behalf.She had a claim to the throne of her home country, but did not want to marry the husband arranged for her. Uther was as yet uncertain if he could help or not, but he'd agreed to the audience anyway.

She was announced, and as he waited to come forward, Uther thought about Arthur. He had plans to marry him to Princess Elena, daughter of his friend Lord Godwin, but he had no illusions his son would agree very easily. Children were so strong minded it seemed, and often in direct opposition to the wishes of their parents. He hoped it would come to the end he hoped for eventually. Sighing, he turned his attention to the task at hand.

As

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia’s heart was beating heavily against her chest as she inwardly counted down the seconds to when she would be announced for the audience. She still imagined to feel the comforting hand of her uncle on her shoulder as she slowly walked through the opening doors. He had offered to come inside, but Yassia had decided against it. He was kind enough to make this audience possible in the first place, but this was something she had to go through alone. Giving her pace and posture a hopefully regal but not arrogant tone, she moved her feet forward, the hem of the beautiful silver dress Romily had given her swinging around those small feet. Everything she had been through came down to this moment and it was enough to make her nervous beyond compare, however much she tried to stay composed and calm.

What if her struggle had been for nothing, what if King Uther would dismiss her request before she had even started arguing her case? She knew she probably had come forward with this at the worst time possible. Leon had told her what grave things his master had on his mind right now. His ward, the Lady Morgana, was still missing after almost a year of vanishing, no one knew if she even was still alive but apparently the king did not want to give up. Leon himself was on the forefront of the frantic search for this lady.
But maybe the king’s heart would be more mellow, seeing as he was yearning for a young lady to return to his side and here she was, another young lady, needing his help? But that could also be nothing but wishful thinking.

For maybe the three hundredst time in a few minutes, Yassia felt for everything she needed in this audience to prove who she was. The piece of parchment with the royal seal of Ailantha that warranted her birth right to be queen, the royal signet ring of her father on her finger showing the same crest, the winged stallion rearing up. Hopefully this was enough to convince the king she was no impostor, that she was truly of royal blood and had a claim to the throne she was seeking.
When coming near the throne the king sat upon, Yassia studied his face from under lowered eyelids. He seemed tired and strained, but there was still a very regal air around him, he still held his head high. He certainly was no one to mess with, but by now Yassia would not pass any judgement on him yet, even if some of the stories she had heard on her travellings made him seem like a tyrant.

When she was still a respectable distance away, Yassia lowered herself into a deep reverence, her skirts fanning out on the ground beside her. She was of royal blood as well and didn’t like to kneel before anyone, but in this realm her power meant nothing. She was the guest and he was the ruler. Like it was custom, she waited for him to be the first to speak.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther did not speak yet as she came forward and bowed down, showing the necessary respect. She was due respect herself, as royalty,and he would not have been surprised if she had not bowed. Visiting royals did still show proper deference,as he did expect, but few went as far as to bow down- but she chose to do so. He could see that she was dressed as expected for her rank, and she admittedly looked quite lovely, though this was not something he'd speak of. She wore the ring bearing her house's crest, and the scroll she carried was likely documentation of her lineage. In some ways, he thought to himself that she reminded him a bit of Morgana, and he felt a pang of sadness as his thoughts drifted to her. He had to push them away and focus on the task at hand.

Uther nodded his head to her."Greetings, Princess Yassia. I have heard about your difficulties during your journey...I am glad that you managed to arrive safely at last. You may speak...what is it you have come to ask?"

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Alright, that was a good start at least. King Uther’s voice sounded regal, but not unfriendly and Yassia felt encouraged to look up and after a few seconds raised herself gracefully into a standing position again. She was no peasant who might have to stay kneeling all the time, she could do with the basic rules of courtesy. And he encouraged her to bring forward her claim. For a long, sickening second, Yassia’s mind went blank and she found nothing to say, now that the moment had come. But that was only the nerves! The words were all there, she just had to force her nerves back! Taking a long and deep calming breath, the princess squared her shoulders and opened her mouth, tapping into the long-practised sentences stored away in her mind.

“So am I, King Uther. Truly I am glad to finally reach my destination. Under normal circumstances you would be greeted by two people now, as my stepbrother Mircea was my travelling companion for the most part of this journey. Alas, we got shipwrecked while crossing the sea that divides Albion from the continent and when I was washed ashore… he was not there anymore.” For the last part of her sentence her voice had started to quiver, like it happened everytime she thought about Mircea, let alone spoke of him.
“But enough of that… Yes, I have made this troublesome journey to ask for a favor and I wouldn’t have come had the need not be dire. I am not sure what you already know so I better start at the beginning. Some time ago, my father died, leaving me as the only heir to the throne, as my stepbrother never had any claims and never wanted them. Alas, the law of my land, Ailantha, only allows me to succeed my father on the throne when I am married. That wouldn’t pose a problem, had I not been cursed with a power-hungry uncle, my father’s brother Guifré. He always wanted the crown but as the law forbid him to seize it, he tried a more cunning approach, by forcing the idea on the crown council I was to marry his son, Gonçal. Unfortunately, the wise people of Ailantha failed to see his true intentions behind it, that he wanted to seize power through his son. I could not let this happen, so I had no choice but to flee and seek help elsewhere.” Yassia stopped and took another deep breath, now extending her hand holding the scroll of parchment.

“This is to prove that my words are true, that I am in fact rightful heir to the throne of Ailantha.”
Trembling inside, Yassia waited for Uther to take it. There was no doubt of her rightful heritage, but still, her work was only half done. She yet had to sound the actual plea of assistance, and she was by no means sure how he would take it.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther listened quietly, letting her speak her piece. She told him of a long journey, and he knew what she meant. Crossing the sea was always dangerous, between the unpredictable storms-none like the stories that were told of areas further south but still bad-and barbarians attacking whenever they could. Granted, northward travels were the worst, due to the threat of the Northmen, but opportunists and slavers worked wherever there was profit to be made.

She handed over the documents that proved her heritage, and he examined them. Kings like Uther weren't as learned as men like Gaius, since there were stewards to handle many items of business, but he was certainly able to read and write well enough to do what he had to. He finished and handed it back.

He was in a tough situation. He had to put Morgana and running the kingdom first, and Camelot was greatly taxed by both these days. He was not averse to assisting allies when he could, especially those with connections to his own court, but it would be difficult. Right now, however, he was still not entirely certain. He had to ask her more.

"You have come at a difficult time. I expect that you've heard since your arrival what has happened in Camelot. I wish to do what I can, but it may not be as much as would be possible under normal circumstances. What sort of help is it you wish, exactly? I understand what you have said, but am still not certain how we could help."

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

King Uther was not taking up her comment about Mircea, nor did he react in any visible way to it. Part of Yassia was very glad for that fact, it made her able to regain her composure. Nothing was worse for her self-discipline than actually being called up on something. If someone asked her if she was sad or what was wrong, it was so much harder to hold back tears than if her struggle was overlooked or ignored.
Nothing could bring the young princess closer to tears than thoughts of her stepbrother, who she thought she had lost for her own selfish gain. Back then, on those first hours on the shore of Albion, Yassia had been on the verge of returning. It all had seemed to fruitless and impossible at that moment. Mircea had been more than guide and guardian, he had been her company, her safe haven, to whom she could come to with all her doubts. And there had been many of these doubts, and they were still there, even now she had reached her destination.

The documents seemed to satisfy him as he also didn’t seem to need to comment on their validity. Another step succesfully taken and Yassia heaved a little sigh of relief. Not that she had had any doubt about the correctness of her birth certificate, but still, she had learned the hard way in her long journey that anything could go wrong if fate decided to give you a hard enough time.
Now, the next step had to be taken, her actual plea for concrete help, and once again she had to weigh her every word carefully. That wasn’t one of her best traits due to her temper and so she got nervous again, moving her tongue over her lips repeatedly and swallowing.
“Yes I have heard of these events and I am sorry for your loss and hope you will find your ward again in good health!” she commented, then prepared for the second part of her speech. The formerly prepared words suddenly didn’t sound so appropriate anymore. She might have to improvise.

“You could say… military help to SOME extent”, she began and hastily added to not cause any misconceptions, “which doesn’t mean an army of course, no, I would never be so bold as to ask that. What I’m asking for his maybe a band of… ten to fifteen good men that show support to my claim more symbolically than actually in case of combat. You know what I am getting at?” This was by no means an impolite question, negating his common sense. It was just that Yassia knew enough about different cultures by now to know just how much they could differ in everything. It could well be that what was called Guàrdia de Confiança, Guard of Trust, in Yassia’s homeland was a concept unknown here.

[kinguthersqueen]

(ooc somehow I missed the Mircea comment actually lol)

Uther knew that he had to tread delicately. He wanted to offer assistance, and he was aware of the Guard of Trust. Yet, he would have to think it over for a few days, to determine if he could spare such a detachment. He was pleased with her words about Morgana, it showed that she was not thinking only of herself.

As for the marriage,Uther believed that under most circumstances, an arranged marriage should go ahead, but this was clearly a case where it would endanger the kingdom. She had good reason to try to avoid going through with it. For all his traditional desires, Uther would not, were Arthur in such a case, allow such a union to proceed either.

"I am aware of this type of guard...a Guard of Trust it is called. I am also grateful for your concern about Morgana. I hope as well to find her safe. Remain in Camelot for a few days...I assume you are already being well accommodated? I must give the matter some thought and perhaps discuss it with the council before making a final decision. I will make every attempt to find a favorable solution, if it is at all possible."

Uther's word was law and final, but he was not averse to asking for advice when he felt it was warranted. He would consider the matter himself, and speak to his advisers, then render his final decision.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia heaved a little sigh of relief. Alright, he knew about the custom. That was a start, a good start. Nothing was more complicated than trying to explain something that seemed to be in your flesh and blood. To explain something you hardly ever thought about and therefore had no words for. But here in Camelot, a Guard of Trust seemed to be known, if not even in practise, which would make this whole affair all the more easier. Now they were talking the same language – not only literally speaking.
The concern that showed in the king’s reserved answer about his ward moved Yassia. This Morgana, whoever she was, could really think herself lucky to have such a caring guardian. A man caring for her like a father would. Not someone who would stab you from behind to gain what was yours. Sometimes the wolves in sheep’s clothing were the true tyrants, not those who were marked as such. At least with them you could always be sure where you were at. But Guifré, he had the whole Crown Council eating out of his hands, because he could make them believe what he did was for the good of Ailantha.

She accepted his invitation to stay for a little while with a graceful bow of her head. “I am, King Uther. Everything is taken care of most kindly. I feel most welcome and I cannot thank Camelot and you who rules it enough for this show of kindness and hospitality.”
It was true, she was by no means speaking words of empty flattery. Though after her long journey and all the troubles she had been through concerning more… hostile encounters, a bed in the servant’s quarters would be also seen as appropriate by her. But Yassia knew herself well enough to know that this humility would not last long. Soon, she would be used to spleandour again and expect nothing less. The power of habits…

She also knew not to expect anything else from King Uther right now than the vague promise to give it some thought. The princess had by no means counted on a quick audience, an even quicker ‘yes’ and a return to Ailantha the following day. This was not how it all worked. It might not seem like so much, but concerning the time and state Camelot seemed to be in, even to lose fifteen soldiers for an unknown amount of time, was a risk that could not be undertaken lightly. That much even Yassia knew about politics yet.
“Take all time needed, Sire. A few more days or even weeks don’t count as much for me now that I’m finally safe. Between us”, she lowered her voice and let an almost conspiratorial smile play around her lips, “I wouldn’t mind to abdicate from the dusty road for more than three days. It can become quite tiresome.”

[kinguthersqueen]

She was willing to be patient, and that was a relief. She replied that she was being well attended to, and Uther nodded in reply. He knew that it reflected well on Camelot's reputation to show hospitality to noble guests, though, granted, they were the only people who mattered in his mind. Not that lower class people would have much reason to come to the castle anyway.

The king sensed that Yassia was aware of the politics at work and the fact that things did not always come easy, even for nobles and royals. It was obvious that she was aware of the complexities of things and the fact that Uther couldn't act rashly or impulsively. Especially now, every decision had to be well thought out in advance.

"That is fine. I am sure that you will indeed be safe, it is very difficult for anyone to gain entry into the castle, and the knights are always vigilant. I'll see that you continue to receive good care, and I will send word when I have come to a decision, in a few days' time."

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yes, she was safe. A few months before this word would not have meant so much to Yassia. Safety… it had been a given all her sheltered life, growing up as a princess in a peaceful country. That peace had been breached once and her firm tower had wavered a little, but the fact that both the assault and the war following it afterwards had taken place outside of Yassia’s imminent notice, had done little to really shake the foundations of this feeling of security. Only when walking the roads, posing as a woman without privilege, being bent under fate’s harsh yoke, she had learnt the true meaning and value of safety.

“Oh I am quite sure Camelot is well able to protect those seeking shelter inside”, she replied with a smile. “I’ve barely seen such strong walls and defenses anywhere and I can say I’ve seen some parts of this world. I will feel safe and well here, I have no fear for that.”

Uther’s next words, kind as they were, also beared a hint of finality. Was her audience drawing to a close so soon? Of course Yassia knew that she probably wasn’t the king’s only and by no means his primary concern, still… even though she had reached the only outcome she could hope for for now, she didn’t feel like ending this conversation quite so soon. Maybe it was this indistinctive feeling of finally not having to pretend anymore, finally being amongst her own kind. Not only by status, but also by mindset. Her last encounter with a king had not been quite as expected. Camelot, however, was not comparable to the pigstall that was Cenred’s kingdom. Here she found what she had always connected with royalty: chivalry, honor and grace. Might people and rumors say what they may, until now Yassia had not witnessed any flaw in Uther Pendragons behaviour. Innocent until proven guilty, she would not let herself be ruled by hearsay!

And somehow deep inside, there suddenly arose the yearning to give something back, something that could serve as a show of gratitude towards those who had shown her such grace. It might be only what was right and proper, but Yassia didn’t care.
“Your Majesty”, she spoke up hestitantly, “I hope you will not find my request improper or insensitive in any way, but I would wish to express my gratitude in more than words. Can you think of any way that would make my stay here not only a burden, but an enrichment?” She shrugged, but then a faint smile spread across her lips. “I do possess some healing skills, as your son might probably attest you.”

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther did not want to rush her out, but she likely knew it was only natural for the king to be busy. He did take care not to seem too impolite or brusque, he had to walk a line as it were, to not draw things out too terribly long but without appearing rude and making a bad impression. He knew that anything he did that made a bad impression could potentially create a negative opinion of the entire kingdom.

"Things have not always been easy, and we have had our share of attacks, but Camelot has always stood strong and come through in the end."he said."Her walls are strong and so is her army, and her leaders."Uther was mostly referring to Arthur, although he wouldn't fault her if she thought he meant himself as well.

She asked if she could be of service, and Uther saw no reason not to allow her. "It can be seen to that you meet with our court physician, Gaius...if he is in need of assistance, it might be possible."Uther thought about adding a warning about her skills being natural rather than magic, but he thought it would be rather obvious already, given his policies and the unwritten words in his eyes.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Uther showed his pride in his country openly, and in Yassia’s eyes that was well deserved. Normally she hated self-praise from the bottom of her heart and always felt an uneasy squirm in her guts, but not this time. What she had seen of Camelot so far had made a very good impression and she didn’t doubt that such a well organised city could only be governed by strong leaders. Though there were always different kinds of strength and Yassia liked this one the most that could do without saber-rattling and oppression, that didn’t need to fight for superiority but simply was there. A town was then the most secure not when a lot of guards were patrolling the streets but when there were no guards at all, as they were not needed.

It had been like that in Taykhe and throughout Ailantha, until the mecenery raids had put a brutal end to this kind of idyll. But for the better part of her life, Yassia had been used to be able to go anywhere whenever she wanted to, without fearing for her safety. How must it be like to grow up in a country apparently as used to threats and danger as Camelot? It surely could make you wary of your own shadow…
“And hopefully Camelot will never fall prey to any attacker”, Yassia concluded with a little bow of her head. At least please not while I am there… and not when Leon is involved in anything… or Arthur… How strange it was the fate of this kingdom was suddenly her very own concern, just because she had formed bonds to its people. But she guessed that’s just how things worked.

When King Uther mentioned a physician named Gaius Yassia made a mental note to remember this name and seek him out later, or at least ask Leon for advice. The incident in the tavern with Arthur had showed her again how dearly she loved this unusual trade, and in the last unfortunate weeks of her travelling she had been forced to rely on her skills to earn money to survive. Simply stepping down now and abdicating from healing now because she didn’t need to do it anymore seemed impossible.
“Gaius you say? Then I will gladly wait for a meeting to be arranged or seek him out myself. If only to exchange knowledge, but I am also ready to help.”
She only hoped her ways of treating illnesses and wounds wouldn’t be viewed as peculiar here. Her mother of course had brought her skills with her from Albion, but over the years of being in Ailantha had adopted many things from there. Yassia might need to be careful not to arouse any suspicion, because she might not be in Camelot for long, but she already knew how quickly it could come to someone being accused of using magic – and being a Princess wouldn’t help her then.

[kinguthersqueen]

[color=yellow."Yes, that is our hope. Our enemies are always moving against us, but we are strong."[/color]Uther was most proud of his son, but he chose not to openly brag about him too much. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy talking about his son's accomplishments, but he didn't want to overdo things too much. "We have faced adversity several times, but have always been able to prevail."

Yassia spoke about Gaius, and Uther nodded."One of the servants can show you to his quarters when there is time. Perhaps Prince Arthur's boy can show you when the Prince does not have need of him. He is Gaius's ward and assistant as well as the Prince's servant. Just be warned that one's a bit odd...we think he has a mental affliction. Harmless, but an idiot sometimes. I'm certain you'll get on well with Gaius, though. Your help will be appreciated, I expect."

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia raised her head in mild surprise when Uther brought the topic on Arthur’s servant boy. Could it be he meant Merlin? That very same Merlin she had treated on a crossbow wound just a few weeks ago? It hardly seemed possible, but then again, did Arthur really have any more servants directly to his command? That seemed highly unusual. But Merlin, mental afflicted? Given, she had not noticed much coming from him as he had been in a state of unconsciouness due to pain most of the time, and it might be a bit stupid indeed to be the one of all people getting hit by a bolt when running from your enemies, but call him an idiot just like that?

“You mean Merlin?” she ascertained just to be completely sure. “Well, I’ve met him before and can’t say I’ve found him very mental afflicted, but of course you all know him better than I do.” And that Merlin seemed to be this Gaius’ ward and assistant was also interesting. Hadn’t he been so out of it, maybe he could have even treated himself then. There hadn’t been much time to talk back then, and not much opportunity to, else Yassia would have been much the wiser concerning Arthur’s status above all. She still couldn’t wrap her head around it sometimes and still remembered the shock it had caused when she had stumbled over him in the hallway just a few days ago. “And by no means would I ever challenge your judgement in this matter. I haven’t seen him ever since and I hope he recovered well from that crossbow wound. As for Gaius”, she finished with a smile, “I am sure I will get on with him well, as I am eager to learn and help. I might be a princess, but I don’t shy away from gruesome work such as healing and treating wounds can be.” She shrugged. “It is how I was raised, but I hope no one here finds this behaviour offensive or inappropriate.”

[kinguthersqueen]

Yassia asked if Uther meant Merlin. Yes, that was his name. Uther nodded in reply.

"Yes, him. Whatever the reason, he seems to get into more than his share of problems. I wouldn't keep him around, but Arthur and Gaius obviously see something in him."

Yassia spoke some more, about her recovery and her upbringing. It was not the norm in Camelot, but Uther knew that customs differed in other lands. He was not going to argue it with her, as long as she was well behaved.

"You seem to have recovered well. And, although such things as you speak of are unusual here in Camelot, but not unheard of. As I suppose is the case in other lands as well. I will not forbid it as long as there is no embarrassment on your part. And I'm certain Gaius will appreciate the help."

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia bit her lips to keep an unseemly chuckle frome escaping her lips. Now that was truly funny indeed. She wondered what Merlin had done for so thoroughly vanishing from King Uther’s books. Yassia herself had never showed quite so much interest in her servants back in Ailantha, they had been there and she had been friendly to them, but apart from her favourite handmaid, she had never developed any close relationship with them.
And she had not seen enough of Merlin to really fathom his personality, but when he was prone to trouble, she could understand he was not the most favourite person in the king’s eyes. For trouble meant unnecessary expense often enough, of time and money.

Then again, Arthur surely saw something in him, and even though he had been unconscious most of the time, Yassia had grown to like Merlin’s heart of gold as well.
“Maybe he can prove useful then from time to time”, she commented nonchalantly, not wanting to speak out of line.

Uther’s words caused Yassia to furrow her brows in confusion for a second, until what he had wanted to say formed some sense in her mind, and she could not help but chuckle this time, shaking her head wildly.
“No, King Uther, you got me wrong. Not I was the one suffering from such a blow, it was Merlin! I thought your son had told you about this little adventure? That’s how I got to know them, they were both running from some bandits and Merlin was injured. I happened to be in the tavern they chose as a shelter, and I got the bolt out of his shoulder.” She better didn’t mention all the uncomfortable things that happened after that, how the bandits had found them again and Arthur had and some impossible good luck had saved them just in the nick of time.

“And I thank you for your kindness, Sire! I will make sure not to cause any embarrassment and will try to give back what I have been offered here”, she said, her eyes suddenly gleaming. “I thank God for the fate that provided my mother with a brother that is now one of your knights!”

[kinguthersqueen]

"I suppose"said Uther."Arthur must see something in him that warrants keeping him around."

Yassia began to explain that Uther had inferred wrong assuming that she had been injured. It had actually been Merlin who was injured, and Yassia had tended to him. Obviously it could not have been extremely serious...Arthur knew that time couldn't be wasted on a severely injured servant when his own life was in danger and he could easily get another. He likely would inquire about it to Arthur later, just because although Arthur had told him about it, he could not recall everything that was said.

Yassia thanked him again and expressed thanks about her relatives and standing.

"I am certain you will. It will be greatly appreciated. And yes, fate has provided well for you."