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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 20, 2011 19:17:45 GMT -5
Uther had not discussed Gwen during his earlier meeting with Arthur. He had his suspicions, and some of Arthur's word choices had intensified them. However, he had not felt like bringing it up with Arthur and making the prince angrier and more tense than he already was. He still intended to bring the subject up in the future, but it was better to avoid the subject for now. He would not have Arthur leave with the girl.
She came into his room, and he started, having been halfway asleep when she spoke. He rarely slept deeply; the dreams came and woke him up, and forced him to take one of Gaius's tonics. He knew this would not be an easy interaction, especially with the death of her father at the king's hands. He watched and listened, not in the mood to speak or do very much, and gave her a nod. He had little appetite, but he needed to eat something and regain his strength, even if he had to push it a bit. He didn't want Gaius back in here trying to plead with him. He did not speak of Morgana, and hoped she wouldn't.
(sorry, he's not terribly talkative lol)
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 19, 2011 18:54:43 GMT -5
Uther knew she was enjoying his unease, but he couldn't talk about it at the moment, not with them not yet outside the castle. He tensed a bit more when she toyed with the guards, hating that he couldn't protest or they'd be heard, and the magic in general. He did roll his eyes, and once they were passed, he sighed. He didn't say very much about it though, he was too busy contemplating what lay ahead.
Once they were clear, she spoke of where they would go. He saw the point in avoiding the place where the nobles gathered. The knights would never speak against him. "No, they would not. And those men of Arthur's would be less likely if they are present."
Uther nodded about the second name she gave, although he was not pleased to be going here. There were a lot of ruffians and unsavory types, and they were likely to be looking for trouble if they could find it.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 18, 2011 22:57:05 GMT -5
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 18, 2011 19:09:12 GMT -5
"I may be aging, but my physical shape is still excellent."Uther retorted. It was one of the drawbacks of being an older king-his age was a frequent target for his enemies. He was feeling the effects on his body, true, but overall, his health was still good, and he could still fight, and that was what mattered. He refused to consider the fact that Arthur had beaten him not long ago-he reasoned that he'd been trying not to harm his son while convincing the prince not to harm him.
"It's in better shape than yours. At least my people know they can be assured of their safety."Uther was not bringing up the fact that his son and several others had ventured into Cenred's lands to go to Ealdor-if the other man didn't know it already, he'd be angry to learn of it. Uther was a stern man, and hated by many, but at least Camelot's people were safe and grateful for it. Not so with Cenred. "You only care for riches and power. That is a benefit of being king, yes, but it is not the only thing."
Negotiations started up again, and Uther had to agree with Cenred, alarming though it was."Yes, let us continue, before we both decide to end this in a duel. Which I would quite like in his case. But that will not bring peace, so it will not happen."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 17, 2011 22:51:32 GMT -5
Uther was decidedly different in the days after the re-taking of Camelot. Some of the servants were either gone or dead, but the king's manservant was still there, and able to tend to Uther, but the king's response was usually to be rather passive and obedient, almost as though he were still in shock. He ate and let himself be bathed and dressed and bandaged, but remained quiet and much less argumentative than he normally would have been.
His mind was barraged with thoughts and questions, and he had few people he could speak about them to. Sometimes he spoke to Gaius, but he wrestled inwardly with his fears about Arthur, the secret of his birth and the anger the prince still felt, and many of his thoughts about Morgana. It was obvious he'd need nursing for a time, and that his body was not all that needed to heal.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 16, 2011 20:06:09 GMT -5
Uther knew that his words about the knights had been a two edged sword essentially. It was typical for a conquering monarch to rid the kingdom of all who would not pledge loyalty. The chance of an uprising could not be tolerated. It was only natural that Morgana would do what she had. Still, he knew full well that she'd also done it because she'd known how it would haunt and anger him. She was doing whatever she could to provoke him, there was no way to deny it.
"Your words are not wrong. But it should be different with men of honor, with knights. You do not care for the Knight's Code, that is obvious, because your actions violated it. Exile is always preferable to death according to the code. But they were not traitors to the kingdom as were the sorcerers I put to death. They never failed in their pledge to protect Camelot itself. It is only you they despise."
Uther had little to answer when she brought up her accident and near death. He had known of the dnager she would find out, but he had sworn Gaius to secrecy, hoping she would never discover the truth. She had probably overheard that just as she had the truth of her parentage.
"I acted irrationally, that is obvious. But I would not lose you...I could not. Clear thought is difficult when a loved one is in danger. And I hoped he would not have to go to those lengths, but as you were safe and well, I chose not to question how he had done it. I did not know for certain what he had done, I was not there."However, it was obvious what had happened-no natural cure could have saved her. He knew there was little way around this one.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 16, 2011 0:34:16 GMT -5
Uther was inclined to agree, for once, although he'd readily dispute whose ears were the truly deaf ones. He could easily maintain peace with the other kings, there were only rare wars as it was. He did not hold the same views as all of them, but he was willing to deal with the differences if it kept the kingdom from going to war. Cenred, though, was another story.
Uther stayed out of Cenred's kingdom when possible, but he knew full well that Cenred wanted to conquer Camelot. And, he often showed that he'd use magic to do it.
"You speak truth, for once in your life. Although it is not me who is always waiting for a chance to attack. You have long wanted Camelot, and will do much to conquer it. I care little about entering your kingdom, but your men look for any chance to cross the border and harrass Camelot's knights." he said."And yes, they are falling on deaf ears...mostly yours"
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 14, 2011 19:03:51 GMT -5
Uther was certain Lancelot knew what he meant, but at the same time, he was aware that there was more than just the deception in the past-there was the protection of the kingdom and the saving of Arthur's life as well. That was what rendered this instance more complicated than it once was. Although the king was sure he'd been understood, he clarified anyway.
"The code, obviously. You did serve Camelot well during the griffin attack and during the recent events, however. Even though you had no right to hold the title, you acted as well as those who hold it legitimately, that is not disputed. As long as no more of the code is broken, no action will be taken."
Uther felt like arguing his point with Arthur, but he did not feel like pushing the prince further away from him, so he felt he could not provoke Arthur now by challenging him. Things might still change once he was back in full control of the kingdom, but he would have to bide his time for the moment, he felt.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 13, 2011 19:17:34 GMT -5
Uther listened as she talked, and couldn't help being relieved. Really this was the only way he usually drove her away, with his arguing. He had been truly afraid, envisioning her forcing herself on him in ways much more troubling than simple kissing. That was terrible even for women, but a male like himself would've suffered even more greatly. Now, all he could do was drive the thoughts out of his mind. She finished talking and slowly faded, engulfed by the darkness, using her magic to flee as always.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 12, 2011 19:50:57 GMT -5
Uther was not a man who could easily look past deceptions like the ones Lancelot was guilty of. He perceived commoners as being less likely to uphold the codes nobility lived by, and always expected trouble from the men Arthur had knighted. He did, however, have to admit that Lancelot and Percival and Elyan were doing well so far. Gwaine had potential, but Arthur had to make him stop his constant drinking.
Uther was accepting of Lancelot's deference and submissive posture-one could never be certain, but it appeared he wasn't intending any harm. Uther did listen as he talked.
"I cannot forget what has happened in the past and I cannot fully agree with Arthur, but nor will your actions be forgotten. I shall not take any harsh actions right now, it is not the time. Camelot, does, indeed, need a focus of rebuilding and recovery. But a constant watch is kept, both by Arthur and I. No unbecoming behavior will be tolerated. You speak well thus far, however. Let us hope your actions follow suit."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 11, 2011 19:41:23 GMT -5
Uther didn't like the feeling of being beaten, that was obvious. She said something about less being more, and he couldn't stop an eye roll.In her case, however, it was usually true. She didn't need a lot of words or actions to annoy him, and she knew it. And while he could find the right words to annoy her, it naturally had little lasting effect, except to make her respond with words of her own.
"Unfortunately, for you it is. You enjoy how easily you can annoy me."he said.
She spoke as though she were offering him a choice, though he knew his words would not influence her decision. Still, he had to say them anyway."You know full well what my desire is. But you won't oblige. You're enjoying the annoyance too much."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 10, 2011 19:16:47 GMT -5
Uther wanted desperately to pull away, to get clear of the magic, but he knew it was too late now. He was furious internally, but not showing it that much on the outside. Nimueh would probably catch it, though, she was good at that. He listened to her do the chant, to cloak them from the guards. Things had changed greatly-young Uther Pendragon had once enjoyed making use of similar spells and potions when he wanted to sneak out of his father's castle. But those days and that man were long gone. Now, he would be eager for this to be over. He hoped he would be vindicated, but that remained to be seen.
Nimueh told him to come, and he followed, feeling a lot that he wished to say, but not wanting to risk it after she'd told him 'not a word'. He refused to be shut in his own dungeon again. He hated holding her hand even more, hated any touch of hers, but he couldn't stop it now.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 9, 2011 11:40:31 GMT -5
Uther Pendragon was in his chamber, in the midst of a night like every one since the betrayal of Morgana had been. He was cautious during the day-he could not allow important visitors to the castle to think him a fool or a laughingstock, and he could not afford to do anything to embarrass himself and all of Camelot. Arthur was acting king, but Uther was still the actual king and not fully without duties and responsibilities.
He always had a few drinks during the day, but when night fell, things had gotten worse than they had been before everything changed. Gaius warned Uther repeatedly about his drinking, but he ignored the physician, and his servants were too frightened not to bring the king his requested drinks. Sometimes it was wine, sometimes something stronger and stiffer. He lifted the goblet to his lips and drank down another hefty drink, closing his eyes at the welcome numbness the liquor provided. He needed to forget, and the alcohol was the only way he could forget. He was sometimes tempted to demand Gaius get him some Opium, but if word got out the king was using that, the consequences could be dire. He would not go that far.
He did not pass out every night, but he almost welcomed the nights he did, because at least then, the anguish and despair that choked his soul would vanish for a while, and he would be at peace until he awoke.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 8, 2011 14:45:25 GMT -5
Uther still had mixed feelings about the new knights. He couldn't ignore the fact that they were not of noble birth, and that Arthur had gone against the kingdom's laws about knighthood. But at the same time, arguing it would only make Arthur angrier at him than he already was. For now, while he was still regaining his strength, he would live with what was done, and keep a close eye on the new knights. It was actually Gwaine who caused the most arguments, spending too much time at the tavern. Lancelot's deception two years ago wasn't forgotten, but at least he followed orders and behaved. Uther indicated to the guards not to be alarmed and nodded his head.
"Yes, it quite is. Camelot has always been very resilient and this time is no different. Our enemies will not destroy us so easily."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 7, 2011 19:13:00 GMT -5
Uther did feel the ghosts of old times swirling in his mind, but he would never admit it. He did recall what they had once did, how they had once talked in here, often for hours. And he recalled the physical side of their encounters as well. That was what made him ill at the moment, knowing that something could be so pleasurable and yet so tormenting. He knew that those days were long over, and that they could never happen again, and that was why she was delighting in using this situation to torment him.
"My words are my only weapons when you overpower me so physically." he remarked. And all right, perhaps he did enjoy hearing his voice-there was a certain enjoyment from time to time that he could accomplish so much with just a word, that normally, his words were as powerful as weapons within Camelot's borders. But he wasn't going to admit she was right.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 6, 2011 19:07:08 GMT -5
Uther made his way slowly out into the courtyard, and found himself having to admit that he enjoyed the fresh air and warm sun shining down on him. However, it wasn't nearly as inviting to him as it had once been. He wasn't yet up to getting himself back in shape, but he needed to start moving around, according to Gaius. He did agree that he felt stiff and tired, and he knew that lying and sitting so much meant that when he did get up, he felt weak and tired.
He could make out some damage that still remained to the exterior of the castle, but the workmen were quickly restoring things to normal. The visible scars would soon be only a memory. It was the invisible ones that troubled the king. Nothing would be the same now. Morgana could never be welcomed back here. Uther had even ordered the things in her chamber packed away so that he wouldn't be reminded as he walked past.
He was being increasingly pressured-more and more whispers were making the rounds that he should abdicate and make Arthur the king formally. Uther hated the thought of spending whatever time he had left a useless has-been with no real power-but deep inside, he wondered....how long could he keep going as king? What was his future going to be like? Morgana would not stop trying to kill him, and that saddened him the most.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 5, 2011 19:36:41 GMT -5
Her slight lean back made Uther push forward, not to kiss her again, but to try and knock against her. It was a move of frustration, of helplessness basically. He knew rationally that nothing he did was going to make a difference with her, but he was angry at being restrained and without any power in this situation. Deep down, he was a bit afraid as well. She could easily kill him and he knew it. She only didn't because she wanted to prolong torturing him first. That would go on for years perhaps before she tired enough of him to kill him, but just knowing she could was bad enough.
"Because you are never quiet. You would rather unleash more verbal taunts at me along with your physical and magical torments."he quipped back.
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 4, 2011 18:48:30 GMT -5
Uther had no doubts about the truth of his son's words as he spoke. He and Arthur did not always agree on things; they seemed to argue more often lately. But, they always had and always would agree on what was truly important-the safety of the kingdom and the king's duty to think of it first. Even though he was young, Arthur was proving more and more that he was everything Uther could have wanted in a son.
"I do not doubt you."
Arthur's tone grew more casual, moving from prince to son, and Uther was glad that he felt able to do so. Often, the lines were blurred, and it was hard to tell king from father, he reasoned. It had been so for Uther himself as a young man.
"I am certain that we both do. And I become more certain that when my time passes, Camelot will be in good hands. I become more confident that you will be a king who will bring pride to the people and make the kingdom even greater than I have."
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 3, 2011 16:09:04 GMT -5
He wondered how the common people dressed like this every day. It wasn't only that it was plain and simple, it was rough and itched him. A thought occured to him and he glanced at his hands-she'd taken care of ensuring that they looked like a worker's hands, fortunately. He knew how easily a disguise could be ruined because the wearer's hands looked soft and not at all like a common worker's. Overall, he'd be extremely glad to get back and get his normal clothing and appearance back.
He stepped out, listening to her in her changed voice. She was still beautiful, but much plainer than her true appearance.
"No, you're only here to torment me. Sadism is more your fancy than masochism."He quipped. He was never one to pass up a barb just waiting to be thrown at her.
Uther felt revulsion at the fact that she'd have to use magic to sneak them out, and he wanted to tell her no. But it was a bit late now...he really feared what would happen if his guards saw him like this. He'd end up in the dungeon once again, or dead."I see why you must, but do not think I am happy about it"
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Post by kinguthersqueen on Apr 2, 2011 18:54:14 GMT -5
Uther knew the futility of arguing with Arthur. He could overrule him in court matters; he still wouldn't be able to keep himself from arguing with Arthur if he did not like something, that was just his nature. But, he was too exhausted to argue now about trusting judgement. Arthur was right about not having reason to doubt him.
However,he couldn't make Arthur believe something he didn't want to, he could only give his reasons for believing it himself and leave it at that. He always suspected that Arthur disagreed more than he'd admit, and he'd be even more apt to do it now. He didn't have a lot of reason to question the man his son had turned out to be, but he would probably always worry.
"I accept that. I cannot force you to accept something as truth. I can give my reason for believing the way I do, but no one can force another to adopt the same point of view."he said. "And yes, that is precisely so. Only time will tell."
"And,although as king, my word would still be final, regardless of the subject, you are right, you have not given me reason to doubt your judgement. I do not doubt that you will care for the kingdom well while I am recovering my strength."
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