Money for nothin and chicks for free

[veryrheged]

The entourage from Rheged is a respectful size.  It is not too ostentatious, but then again, it's not lacking in security for their king.  As it is, he's here to discuss some very important business with the King of Camelot.

Five years ago, a contract, which Urien himself carries, was signed by a certain sorceress, Morgause.  When Morgause and her

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[kingnotclotpole]

On recieving word of the entrouge's approach Arthur groans. The past few weeks have been hard enough with the attempt on Merlin's life and the trial and Guinevere's confinement to bed.

Now the man who Arthur holds responsible for the near death of his closest friend is here and no doubt expecting him to just cheerfully hand over his sister no questions asked.

If that's what Urien thinks however he's going to be unpleasantly surprised...

[veryrheged]

Urien isn't going to care about any of that. He has the legal document in hand -- Morgause, as the elder sibling had every right to sign it on Morgana's behalf, if one ignores the fact Morgause is female, and there aren't really the same rights in Rheged about those things.

Still, Urien's not a stupid man. He wasn't going to let a little thing like the gender of the elder sibling stand in the way. He made sure there was an official royal decree to make things legitimate -- an air-tight contract.

Once in the courtyard, Urien's expecting a formal, if cold greeting. Coming to demand the hand of Morgana when the King's thrown his support behind another match, isn't going to be easy.

[kingnotclotpole]

For a few moments Arthur considers not dignifying Urien with a proper greeting. However, sense pervails and he realises he'd be goading Rheged to war.

So regretfully he leaves Guinevere and collects his knights.

A notable absence will be Morgana.

Still, no-one could fault King Arthur's greeting.

"King Urien," he inclines his head. "I welcome you and your party to Camelot."

[veryrheged]

Urien does have charm. It's superficial and sel-serving, but it is there.

"Your majesty!" He sounds very affable, every inch the respectful future brother through marriage. "I am here to discuss the most joyous of occasions!"

[secrettalents]

Merlin isn't long after the King when it comes to greeting their guest. It's been a day he's been preparing for. Though really, how well can one be expected to take the idea of a bride stealing King with delusions of grandeur?

The King's adviser waits on the steps of Camelot, diplomacy failing him at the moment.

[veryrheged]

In case Merlin needs any more cause to feel offended, Urien doesn't actually know what Merlin looks like. Nor, really, does he care. He has a legal contract, but it's cheaper to try and arrange Merlin to die than it is to spend the money on the entourage he needs to look sufficiently respectable, while presenting his perfectly legitimate contract and claim on King Arthur's sister.

After greeting Arthur, Urien can guess Merlin's identity. From the information he's gathered, Arthur and Merlin are close friends, so the lack of diplomacy Merlin could get away with when others couldn't.

If Merlin's to show a lack of diplomacy, Urien is going to be the picture of appropriate behaviour. "You must be the poor man unaware of the Lady Morgana's previous contract." It is said with all due sympathy. A little we men cannot understand the ways of women.

[secrettalents]

They've seen so many like this before. Even in Uther's time it was not unusual for a friendly face to mask an enemy's intentions. Still.. Merlin holds back his thoughts and takes a few steps down to the man.

"I wouldn't consider myself a poor man at all. We've yet to determine if the contract is valid." Monmouth and Merlin may have their disagreements, but if there is anything they can find common ground in, it is that the proper research can find answers you need nine times out of ten.

[veryrheged]

In a time when Camelot is coveted for its riches, and resources, there are many enemies, both abroad, and at home, who present themselves with charming smiles and the appearance of legitimacy.

He leans a bit into Merlin, a bit of man to man camaraderie. "It's completely valid. I've brought my legal expert," he points to a short, squat, little old man riding what could only be an older horse. "I can't think of a thing in there to challenge it. More importantly, neither can he." In a world where Urien's main goal is monetary, the importance of a good contract isn't lost upon him.

Urien isn't going to touch him. That could easily be perceived as an affront. "I have to say I'm relieved I've finally been able to find her. There are few who would want such a woman, but I find her a challenge."

Now he's just being rude, but his smile is big and bright, and Merlin's the only one close enough to hear.