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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 21, 2011 16:07:11 GMT -5
Uther agreed that Arthur was right. Confidence did come from many places. It was something that he sometimes secretly struggled with presently, as it had been difficult at times since losing Ygraine. However, Uther had also gained confidence, confidence in what he was doing and the war he was waging against magic. He took no pleasure in ordering executions, but he was confident that each one made Camelot a bit safer.
"Indeed, it does come from many sources. As a young man, I gained confidence from having been able to assemble an army and do something to make myself more than my father expected I would be. As the youngest of my father's three sons, I was expected to content myself as a knight in my brother's service, but I knew that I could be more.
When I discovered the situation in Camelot, I realized that I could bring peace and become a ruler in my own right. It has not always been easy these last years, but I gain confidence in believing that I am doing the right thing for Camelot and that I have a son who is well prepared to take my place when I am gone. You still have things to learn, but you are well on your way in my eyes."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 20, 2011 19:44:29 GMT -5
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."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 18, 2011 18:57:36 GMT -5
Uther nodded, pleased. The prince spoke of his father, then, and his health.
"Tell your father I send my wishes for his recovery."Uther said.
It was decidedly not entirely out of friendship that he said that; his mind turned again to the thought of the prince becoming king. He worried not only for himself as king of Camelot, but for Arthur, who would have to deal with Vortigern for much longer than he would himself. He had little doubt his son could handle any problems that might occur, but he still wasn't thrilled.
Uther secretly disliked that it was difficult to tell much from Vortigern's body language, he spoke and acted well, giving little indication of anything that might be off, other than what Uther already knew. A degree of this sort of thing was necessary, especially when one was tired or ill, but it could also be troublesome at times.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 17, 2011 18:59:23 GMT -5
Uther had mixed feelings about Gildas not attending the peace ceremony. It wasn't what he'd have preferred, though at the same time, he understood that certain pressing engagements or as in Gildas' case, health problems, could have prevented his coming. Gildas had sent his son, Vortigern, instead. Uther supposed that one decent thing was that Soleria hadn't caused as many problems for Camelot as kingdoms like Cenred's.
Uther wasn't entirely pleased with meeting with Vortigern-he knew enough to be aware of the prince's love of war and violence, and none of this could be sitting well with him. Uther truthfully dreaded the time coming when Vortigern would be king, because he'd probably prove to be much like Cenred in wanting war with Camelot. A good king fought when necessary and did not hesitate to go to war for a just cause, but peace was always more desirable if it could be attained.
Most of the kings had left already, and Uther was grateful for the end drawing near, and in particular Olaf getting his daughter out of Camelot before anything else went wrong. Things never had quite settled themselves with Cenred, and Uther doubted it ever would happen. Now only Vortigern remained, and they were about to take a meal together as Uther made his enterance.
"I trust you're still finding everything to your liking. And hopefully, this conversation will prove fruitful by its end."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 17, 2011 15:09:47 GMT -5
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 15, 2011 18:06:21 GMT -5
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.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 14, 2011 19:33:16 GMT -5
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.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 12, 2011 19:11:27 GMT -5
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."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 10, 2011 19:53:54 GMT -5
The way Arthur spoke and the silent language of his posture and carriage told Uther much that wasn't said in words. However, it was what was already obvious, the tension and distrust. Uther held to the hope that while he lived, he would be able to somehow repair the distance created between himself and his son, that something would not happen to estrange Arthur from him forever. However, he knew that things would never quite be the same as they had always been. They could not be, after what had been discovered. And he did not expect Arthur to ever clearly understand.
"As do I. There are things that should not have happened, and things that I would desire to change were it possible. But no man can change the past...I can only hope that the future can be better than the past. That something can be done to prevent further distance between us."
But even as he spoke, he knew that there was also a chance things could get worse, that Arthur could learn his final secret, the one he had sworn never to reveal. He still lived in dread fear of that happening, and clung to the hope it would not.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 8, 2011 18:14:49 GMT -5
Uther knew that Arthur spoke the truth, although he wondered about certain things as well. If someone used magic, especially if it were Nimueh, nothing could stop her coming to torment him. He hated that as much as the nightmares. She wasn't going to stop until he was dead and Uther knew it. And there was a chance she'd go after Arthur as well, not wanting Camelot ruled by another Pendragon.
"Yes, I cannot go without sleep, that is true. I only regret that if someone tries to use magic against me, it will likely be impossible to stop them, no matter how many watch me. I loathe that almost as much as the nightmares. It would not be the first time...nor likely the last."
Uther's thoughts were still heavily on Arthur, on hoping that he could guide the kingdom until he was fit enough himself to return to the throne. It would take little to start the council whispering and the other kingdoms conspiring. Even some of then nobles of Camelot would likely get ideas. He would not say it aloud, he wanted to show strength and trust, but he still feared for Camelot. There was only one thing he did say.
"I hope that you will do well, that you will make me proud. It will not be easy, as long as Morgana and Morgause still live."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 7, 2011 22:36:19 GMT -5
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."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 5, 2011 19:23:12 GMT -5
Of course, Uther still had his secrets, but mostly, he was being careful. He did not want to strain things further, not until it was unavoidable. It was a situation he could not win in,really. He was not about to tell the secret of Arthur's birth, but he suspected Arthur was going to find out one day. And then he might well begin again what he started a year ago-killing him. He hated knowing that Morgana and Morgause likely both knew now, and he couldn't keep them from speaking should one of them decide to turn Arthur against him again. The only positive part was that Arthur would likely never trust either one again.
As for other feelings, he knew that the best way to handle this was to bide his time, to recover his strength. If the people were to feel confident in him and remain loyal, he would need to be strong enough to defend his place.
"No, there is not."he replied.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 3, 2011 19:22:37 GMT -5
Uther was torn. He could not determine if he should believe Arthur and Gwen or if Nimueh was deceiving Arthur as well as him. He sagged a little, frustrated at his mind. He wished he knew what was real and what was not. Nimueh would probably gloat over it if she were here in her true form. And he feared that whether this was her or not, that she would seize on it and further his torment.
"How do I know? My mind deceives me...I can trust nothing. I do not know what is real and what is not. That is what torments me. I do not know if it is reality or fantasy...or magic." he said. "She has tormented me too much. I cannot stop her. My mind grapples for proof..."
The cold water did feel good, although the fever would probably not break until he got medicine in him to fight it.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 2, 2011 19:11:00 GMT -5
"Perhaps it would be wise. Sleep is difficult, though. The nightmares may be more difficult to escape. It is difficult to tell what will happen."said Uther. He hated the way the sleeping draught made his nightmares seem inescapable, since he couldn't awaken from them. But, perhaps, he reasoned, the draught would prevent the nightmares and actually make him rest easier.
But he didn't like the idea of someone sitting by him, watching him sleep all the time either. Perhaps a compromise could be reached, something that would not feel like an intrusion, yet might add some comfort.
"Perhaps it could be arranged for a servant to check regularly. It is not known when I will need them to attend to me, so it would be a measure of comfort, yet prevent me from having someone in here all the time."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Aug 1, 2011 19:07:13 GMT -5
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.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 29, 2011 18:32:48 GMT -5
Uther was somewhat confused, his brain still fevered. He did not fight as much, but he wasn't settled either. He was focused on trying to make Arthur realize who was there. Or, who he thought was there. He cried out again, pointing as Gwen left.
"Seize her! She is dangerous! She will escape with her magic. It is not the servant, she is only using her face. It is Nimueh! She attacks me relentlessly. She enters my chambers and the guards cannot stop her. She intends to harass and torment me until she has had enough and then she will kill me. Only my death will please her."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 25, 2011 19:04:38 GMT -5
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."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 24, 2011 20:42:40 GMT -5
Uther listened to Rouland's reply, nodding now and then. That was, indeed, what he had in his favor, and hopefully it would be enough. What he could not speak of, would not speak of, was his fear that Morgause would reveal the truth about Morgana's birth if she found Morgana. That would leave him to fear what Morgana would do in retaliation. He tried not to dwell on worst case scenerios, but it was difficult not to at times.
Rouland said that he had to take his leave, and Uther nodded.
"I thank you for your confidence."he said. Yes, of course, do go. I do not wish to keep you from your niece. I thank you again for coming, and for your help."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 23, 2011 19:05:12 GMT -5
Uther listened as Rouldand spoke some more, taking a swig of his wine every now and then. He wanted to have all confidence that it would happen, that she would be returned. His biggest worry, although he would not voice it, was that she would fall into the hands of his enemies. She was a valuable hostage, and he knew other kings would not hesitate to force him to pay a huge ransom. Especially if the king was named Cenred.
He did not know yet that she knew about her sister, only that the witch had attacked Camelot with the knights of Medhir just before the dragon attack. Hopefully Morgause would not find her before he did.
He turned his thoughts back to the present. "I thank you. And, I am keeping all confidence about Morgana. I know I must not give up hope."
Rouland said that Caitrin would come and see him after she was well, and he nodded."I shall look forward to it."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 23, 2011 0:27:59 GMT -5
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.
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