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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 19, 2011 18:55:50 GMT -5
"I thank you, and you may extend my thanks to your niece as well when you visit her. We are all very saddened by her disappearance, and it is clear the entire kingdom hopes and prays for her safety." said Uther.Yes, the search is ongoing, as many hours a day as possible."
Naturally, there had to be enough men left to defend the kingdom, but what troops weren't employed in defense were out searching as much as possible. Uther would not fail in his vow to find her. He knew that Morgause was going to make things a lot more difficult than normal, but it wouldn't deter him.
"I have vowed not to rest until she is safe, and I will not fail. We face a difficult task since magic was involved, but the one responsible will be found and made to pay. It will be a great relief to all when this is over and she is home."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 16, 2011 23:26:07 GMT -5
Uther felt a mixture of amusement and sadness. Rouland's words reminded him of the relationship between Arthur and Morgana. They were both stubborn and although they had always argued a lot, that was probably why they still got along as they did. Although no one would ever know, it was his own heritage showing in both of them and he knew it.
"Probably so. It is much the same with Arthur and Morgana, I suspect. Although I will say that such personalities can be a source of much conflict as well, depending on whether they agree or disagree on something."
Rouland said that he would join in the festivities when Lord Godwin came, and Uther nodded approval. He expected many of the nobles would attend to show their support."Very good. I look forward to it."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 13, 2011 18:54:04 GMT -5
Uther had an idea that Rouland would like it if Arthur married one of the Mercian royals, but Uther wasn't under a lot of illusions that something like that would be happening. There was a truce for the moment, thanks to the peace talks, but they weren't exactly close allies. Uther could rule out anything with Cenred's kingdom as well; even if Cenred had a daughter, no one in either kingdom would allow such a marriage. Olaf was out too. Even if not for Vivian's enchantment and that whole affair, he would not be able to stand Olaf as an in-law.
"Yes, I am sure he will. Of course, he can be quite stubborn himself."Just like himself, really. He'd definitely got it from Uther."But at least he knows that the welfare of the kingdom must come first. He may complain, and he frequently does, but he knows that I won't tolerate anything that would endanger or hinder the kingdom in any way. I'm going to invite them after things have settled, after we are rebuilt." Perhaps they'd have brought Morgana home by then, he thought.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 11, 2011 19:48:49 GMT -5
"Not off hand, but I shall see that word is passed to you if anyone suitable is around. I've little time for such things myself, but there are ways to get people to keep her in mind."
said Uther. He did not have a great deal of time for such things himself, but it wasn't out of the question for some of the nobles to watch. Sometimes exchanges could be arranged; some would not mind keeping someone like Rouland's niece in mind if he or others kept them in mind.
Rouland asked about Arthur. He did not doubt Arthur could put up with her, but although she was noble, she wasn't royal. A future queen of Camelot must be of royal blood. Some of the people spoke from time to time of betrothing Arthur to Morgana, but to everyone but Uther, she was not of royal birth either. And he would die before he would reveal that secret to her or anyone else.
"I have hopes for Princess Elena, given that Lord Godwin is a close friend of mine. It would be a strategic alliance. However, I do not expect things to be totally easy. Arthur will do as I tell him, but not without complaint I'm certain." he said.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 9, 2011 0:37:41 GMT -5
Uther could sense that Rouland wasn't exactly thrilled by the idea of the celebration they would have when Camelot was rebuilt, but the lord took the path of a good nobleman most of the time. He did what he had to, even if he didn't relish the thought. That was a necessity in life; one did what was necessary, even if they didn't totally enjoy doing it.
Uther listened to Rouland talk about his niece,nodding every now and then. He did feel a pang of sadness as he thought of Morgana and how he missed her presence in the castle. He would not stop until he found her and brought her back, and nothing would change that. But, for now, he did not speak of it. It would only darken his mood and destroy his appetite-he wasn't eating like he should these days as it was. He brought his mind back to the situation at hand.
"Yes, perhaps. She will make a fine bride, I think. Did you have anyone in mind for her as yet?"Uther asked.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 6, 2011 18:36:11 GMT -5
"Yes, I agree. We will indeed have a celebration once the rebuilding is complete."said Uther."Perhaps I will see you again.
Rouland asked if the king had seen his niece in the court as of late, and Uther thought back."I believe I have, a couple of times. She did seem to be more sociable as of late. I do not believe she'll have a problem finding a suitor when the time comes. She is a fine young woman, you should be pleased."
There was only a bit of talking for the next few moments, as Rouland made another compliment about Arthur. Uther did have a tendancy to boast about Arthur, and it wasn't totally unmerited, but Uther knew it would not be polite or do him too well to push things too far. Uther nodded in agreement, but didn't continue to talk about Arthur further. He did take note mentally, though, that Arthur's reign would likely benefit Rouland's ward, given that she had made a friendly acquaintance with the prince.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 5, 2011 19:29:58 GMT -5
Rouland thanked Uther for looking after his niece, and Uther nodded in reply. Naturally, it was a duty he had to keep his nobles happy and ensure they remained strong allies, but he did it without complaint; he was happy to help as long as they remained favorable to him. It was true that he had to focus most of what Camelot had on rebuilding the city, but he would ensure that any of his allies who'd been affected would get what help was available.
"It is a pleasure to help...naturally, the primary focus here must be on Camelot's recovery, but I am happy to offer my allies who were affected by the attack whatever is available.he replied.
Uther was happy about Roluand's commending of Arthur; it seemed that the prince's reputation continued to grow; most who encountered him had many good things to say about him. Uther nodded a wholehearted agreement."Let us hope so."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 5, 2011 0:45:46 GMT -5
It was true that they went in a *lot* of circles, due to Uther's stubborn nature. She would know that she had accomplished *something* if she could get inside his head and listen to his thoughts, but he was too proud to ever admit it out loud. The things she was more likely to see were the brief looks in his eyes, the split second facial expressions that sometimes manifested as he tried to pretend she was having no affect at all.
Her words brought Morgana's to mind."For one by one, you make enemies of us all."
"You speak like Morgana. But that will not come to be. Some may desert me, but there are enough still loyal to me."
He had to stop talking about it once inside, and he couldn't answer the bartender the way he really wanted to. They were taking jabs at him obviously having no way of knowing he was there, although if they did, it might have become worse.
He did not think his taxes too high; there were enough of the people still living well. And she likely didn't get his position as royalty. These were just peasants, they didn't matter much. They farmed land for the lords and indirectly ensured Uther got his troops and crop tributes, but it didn't matter how many died, there were always more to take their place. Uther never concerned himself as much with them as with the nobles, the ones whose loyalty was crucial to the kingdom's success. Unless, of course, something killed *all* the peasants, but Uther didn't see that happening.
It took a lot of force to push his anger down and maintain his cover, and his demeanor was a bit awkward. He had little idea of what to say.
"Yeah, yeah...that's right. I'm just not certain I wish to talk about it much. I would rather attempt to forget, but it is difficult to do so."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 3, 2011 20:16:25 GMT -5
Uther noticed that Rouland didn't answer directly about his niece, but he did say that he had read Gaius's report, so Uther did not press the question. His tone of voice told the king that while she had been hurt, she was probably going to recover, given the proper time and treatment. He would have had a sadder tone if she were dying, he surmised. Rouland thanked him for caring for her, and Uther nodded.
"We would do no less. The safety of Camelot's allies is very important. And we will look after her as long as needed, until she's able to travel again." Naturally, Uther was most concerned for the nobles, his tribute payers and supporters, but that was to be expected.
Rouland asked about how Arthur was doing.
"He is well. He was indeed uninjured, despite having slain the dragon himself. He was briefly knocked unconscious, but that was all. He is a remarkable warrior and will be a great king."
Of course, Uther had no idea of the truth about Merlin and the dragon.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jul 1, 2011 19:01:02 GMT -5
Uther nodded as Rouland explained that he did have enough surplus to contribute the extra supplies Camelot needed right now. There was a sense Uther got about him, but he couldn't ever put his finger on it. He did his duty, paid his tributes and supplied his promised troops, so Uther never openly questioned anything, but it was sometimes possible to tell when a man wasn't entirely happy about his duty. Like perhaps he desired to be in a position of even more power. But, he never did anything unexpected, so Uther didn't dwell on it, just made sure that such men were quietly watched in case there was any reason to worry.
The first parts of the meal had been served, and Uther talked a little more as he ate.
"That is good. Whatever you can send will be greatly appreciated and will be put to good use."
Rouland said that his family had been unharmed.
"I am pleased to hear that. We were very lucky in that respect as well."he said."I am aware that your niece was visiting Camelot when the attack occurred and that she was injured. Tell me, do you have any word on her condition? I do hope that she is recovering well."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jun 29, 2011 18:58:45 GMT -5
Uther acknowledged Rouland when he entered and then let him get seated. As he'd expected, Rouland started to converse and ask about the recovery and, naturally, to question why Uther had summoned him. He was obviously curious and ready to tend to business immediately. He could sense a slight unease about the lord, but overall, he was cordial and polite.
"For the most part, yes, Camelot is recovering quite well. These have been dark days, but the kingdom has stood strong in the face of what has happened. It will take time, but we will rebuild, just as strong as before, if not moreso. And even now, we are still strong enough to fight back, should our enemies try to take advantage of this disaster."Uther said.
"I've summoned you, among a number of other lords and nobles, to seek as much additional help in the form of grain and supplies as possible, in order to aid our recovery effort. Obviously, I do not seek for this to result in anyone else going hungry, but whatever additional resources can be offered will be appreciated."
Of course, by 'anyone', he was mainly referring to his nobles and tribute-payers, rather than the peasants, but it was still true that if the lord had enough for himself, his peasants probably would have enough as a result.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jun 28, 2011 18:52:03 GMT -5
Uther had no qualms about engaging in trade, but he also saw to it that Camelot was as self-reliant as possible, most of the time. This was an emergency situation, however. The normal tributes the nobles sent weren't going to be enough to replace what the dragon had destroyed. Some of them had been hit themselves, and Uther could not allow them to go hungry. Of course he would try to see to it that the peasants didn't go hungry either, but it was the nobles who would turn against him very easily if he couldn't help them.
Uther had sent messages to several of his allies, wanting them to come and dine with him while they discussed possible terms. It was a dual purpose thing, really-asking for help but showing that Camelot was still strong and was rebuilding well after the attack. A show of strength was needed, in his mind, to keep Camelot's enemies from getting any ideas. If the allies saw that they were strong, word would get around to others in the area as well, including quite likely some of the kingdom's foes.
One of the nobles Uther had messaged was Lord Rouland De Archer, whose niece had already been in Camelot during the attack. Uther had really expected him to come earlier to see how she was, but as yet, he hadn't. However, he had responded affirmatively to Uther's message and had finally arrived. Uther gave the order for the squire to show him in after the announcement was made, and he waited for Rouland to come in, then asked him to join him at the table.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jun 25, 2011 18:57:49 GMT -5
Uther had to listen to her, but arguing with him was likely beginning to get frustrating. He often yielded inwardly that she had points in her arguments, but not outwardly. It was a sort of Catch-22, although his mind would not have had that label to use for it. He was responsible for the safety and security of his kingdom, yet had to kill to ensure that safety. Still, though he might not be able to hide glimpses of expression in his eyes or face, he didn't acquiesce verbally.
"Enemies are enemies, whether from inside Camelot or out. Sometimes a few must be destroyed to protect the greater majority."
The landlord started talking and told Uther to have a seat, and the king couldn't disagree with his first statement. He hadn't been here before, because he would never have reason to. Still, he didn't want to blow his cover.
"Er, no...I'm new to here. Not to Camelot, that is, just to here."
Part of him wondered how there were many born or coming to be this poor, but another part of his brain was telling him that it didn't matter, they were just peasants. He wasn't certain how to think of them.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jun 22, 2011 18:46:04 GMT -5
Uther's stubborn nature obviously wouldn't let him admit she was right. He was a man essentially in constant conflict with himself. He was a human being, after all, he wasn't incapable of thinking and feeling. He had simply gotten into a narrow pattern of black and white thinking over the years rather than entertaining the idea of shades of gray. Ygraine's death had left him a hardened shell that little could penetrate anymore. He'd locked away his feelings and emotions in order to do what he believed was best for the kingdom. He'd embraced as his justification and mantra the idea that no one else could understand because no one else was in his position as king. And his pride and stubbornness meant he would stay that way until he died.
"I am not unaware that things were different in the past. But that was before. What I have lost has forced me to harden my heart as it has opened my eyes. I cannot allow feelings and compassion to weaken me or encourage my taking foolish risks. It is easier to avoid areas of gray and think in sharply defined terms."
Still, Nimueh's words made Morgana's ring through his mind."For one by one you make enemies of us all!"
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jun 20, 2011 19:11:17 GMT -5
Uther was able to ascertain what Arthur was telling Gwen to do, but in the next moment, Arthur's actions only made the situation worse. He reacted on instinct to being restrained and moved, his confused mind certain he was being attacked. His brain screamed that this wasn't Arthur, that he had been deceived once again. He struggled against Arthur's hold as they went toward the bed, and he surged forward once pushed down. Images of Nimueh's kiss were still vivid in his mind, and he feared what might happen next. Would she simply begin kissing him again, or proceed further this time?
"I knew that once would not satisfy you..."he growled."You will stop with nothing less than complete humiliation...You know that your magic prevents my stopping you...I would rather die than endure your advances defiling me...but you want me alive as long as possible. You wish to torture me as much as possible before you kill me...destroy my mind...then my life."
He pulled away, moving back toward the far side of the bed, eyes fixed on the figure in front of him, shivering and weak, but knowing he could never give in to her while he had any strength or breath in his body. He growled and tried to get his legs under him to lunge at her again.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jun 18, 2011 19:56:52 GMT -5
Uther shook his head, though he did not argue back so to speak. He was still tired but fighting it a lot now. He hated to show weakness and hid as much of it as he could, never willing to admit that Arthur was somewhat correct. It was simply his nature, his desire for victory or death rather than surrender. To him, there was little middle ground to speak of.
He was afraid much of the time of what he might eventually do. He was strong willed and stubborn, and his growing impatience probably made him more dangerous than either he or Arthur realized. He sensed a coming time when he would battle with Arthur, when his anger and pride would drive him to try and force his way back to the throne, ready or not. He would not raise a hand to harm Arthur willingly, but he envisioned things coming to a head with a duel or competition for the throne.
The only reason he held back now and did not make any unwise remark or challenge was because he could not make his play as yet. He was more than willing to pose a challenge, but he needed to be at a point where he stood a chance of winning, and that had not come yet. He just gave a nod, eager for the time to be right to make a move.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jun 18, 2011 1:00:52 GMT -5
Arthur's anger was still visible, even though he wasn't speaking of it right now. Most likely, he was still too upset to discuss it any more without both of them shouting. Uther himself felt troubled and saddened for reasons aside from those already obvious. He regretted lying to Arthur about so much,but he felt that would never get Arthur to understand his reasoning, that he had done so because he felt compelled.
He was too tired and exasperated to bring it up now, and he didn't want to have Arthur storm out. The prince was quieter and no longer using the angry tone he'd used before, and Uther chose to leave it at that for now. He shivered, his body fighting the effects of an illness from the damp cell. He wouldn't be fully sick for a time yet, but he felt the thing beginning.
"He has provided some medication, yes. I am torn about the sleeping draught...I have little doubt I will require it, but I know it will make it more difficult to escape the memories."He knew that it would keep him asleep and make it hard to wake up from the nightmares, and he wished he didn't need it but knew he would at the same time.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jun 12, 2011 23:44:22 GMT -5
"It is both. Camelot needs a strong ruler while I recover, but I allow it because I know that it is best for the moment."
Uther replied.
About the other, the king was caught, realizing that Lancelot had a point even though he wasn't keen to admit it. He did not want to be thought of as weak or powerless; he wanted to be able to assert himself and make decisions for what he still considered his kingdom. But, he knew that it was going to have to be done carefully. Uther knew he could easily just say that he was deciding and the matter was closed, but then Arthur would get angry. He wondered...would the prince really leave? Or had that simply been the magic he'd been affected by? He hated how the things that had happened had altered his relationship with Arthur probably forever.
He did not verbalize his conflict, but it was evident in his eyes as he spoke again.
"I do not wish to discuss it further. It is obvious that there is much to be considered. The situation is very complex now, and I must think on it."
This was also Uther's way of trying to draw the talk to a close without yelling and getting Arthur annoyed. He would if this failed, he wanted to yell, wanted to show his anger, but he sensed it wasn't wise. If he could stop the talk simply in this manner, it would be preferable.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jun 8, 2011 19:05:55 GMT -5
Uther did have to concede that Nimueh had a point, but at the same time, it wasn't entirely correct, what she was saying. It was true that there was some similarity to leading a family, but it wasn't the same. Even the head of a family didn't have an entire kingdom looking to them for safety and protection."There may be a likeness, but it is not the same."he said."And do not tell me whether or not I care. I care that my kingdom does not fall and that its people are safe."
They came to a smaller, more dilapidated tavern, which Nimueh said was the meeting place of the poor and destitute. Uther did not consider himself a harsh man in the area of taxes, but he was curious as they entered what the people here would have to say.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Jun 7, 2011 22:02:35 GMT -5
Uther knew that she was trying to make him angrier. He shook his head, unable to avoid showing that his anger was rising. He would take his place again; this was only until he was strong enough not to kill himself if he stepped up again. Arthur had assured him of that repeatedly, and he would not allow it to be any other way.
"It is temporary. He said so himself, and I am holding him to that. I will be king again, as soon as I am healed. There will be no fighting over it and no killing over it."
She started to speak about his hatred of magic, and even if he had once used better rhetoric against her, her arguments stayed much the same as well. A part of Uther realized that she was right, deep inside, but naturally, he'd never admit it. He wasn't certain if any of it showed in his eyes or not, though.
"Perhaps so, but anyone who would attack Camelot because of such an action is an enemy themselves, or they would not be attacking. That is why it is necessary to fight. Only when magic is gone can there be peace."
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