Ever since I saw Hunith and Uther meet for the very first time, in Seasons 1, the Episode10 "MOMENT OF TRUTH.("Now I am "Only assuming that this was actually the first time" both Uther and Hunith had ever met"). But as I said, I had always wanted someone to create a pairing of the two, something along the lines of the most unlikely pairing" and I'm sure you all know exactly what I mean; But yeh" kinda reminiscent of, "Like Father Like Son" type vibe" My main objective or should I say, motivation' was to see how a King of Uther's status would handle such a delicate matter, or situation of the HEART" such as falling in Love and then maybe not really realizing it". Plus I wanted to show a more gentler side of Uther. Which I think we all know he did possesses' at one point, but in the actual series we rarely ever got a chance to see." Anywho" I'd like to make this Story a special dedication to Anthony Head for the impeccable Job he did playing the character of Uther Pendragon, I only wish that he could have stayed on the series a little longer for I feel he is sorely missed*smiles*

Also a big Huge shoutout! & Massive as thankyou to Dannic38 for her unrelenting support. & for so graciously helping me to kick-start this story off'

FOR THE LOVE OF EALDOR

I Absolutely Unequivocally do not own MERLIN Magic and Secrets, "or the characters pertaining to this Series.

I only wish I did!"

Chapter 1

Gently pulling the reigns over Sir Duke's head, Uther slowly lead him towards the beautiful stream. Sir Duke quietly drank of it's sparkling waters as Uther gently patted him. Dipping his handkerchief in the sparkling stream; Uther gently dabbed the back of his neck as he took advantage of a much-needed rest of his saddle and allowed himself a moment to drink. The cool refreshing waters of the gentle flowing stream, that felt just as good as he had imagined; his eyes now gazed upon the beauty of his surroundings, he moved to sit and rest a spell. His body still somewhat weary from his long arduous journey he then slumped down on a rock, and continued to dab the back of his neck and face, while still continuing to admire the view.

The crystal clear Stream lay within the lands of Ascertir and Ealdor; Uther had always thought this part of the countryside to be one of his favourite spots. Its tranquil quiet beauty was very picturesque. It's lush green pastures, trees, with sprawling deep valleys of wild flowers, gently nestled in the surrounding snowy covered mountain peaks." Ascertir and Ealdor laid to the East of Camelot, and were governed as part of the Realm of King Cenred. Uther now fully aware that he would need to tread very carefully and take great care whilst travelling through these Lands. Pondering his thoughts as his journey now carried him in the direction of Ealdor, he had left Camelot not more than a week ago" to tend to urgent affairs in the North, once having left there; He now redirected his route East, for Ealdor. Before his departure from Camelot, Uther briefly visited with Gaius in his chambers to collect his draft for his nagging allergies, as the Rebirth of Spring now brought forth violent attacks of coughing and bouts of snizzing and sniffles. He waited patiently for Gaius to make his tonic to help remedy his ailments. While waiting however, Uther noticed that in amongst all Gaius's medicinal concoctions on his laboratory table, there laid a Package bowed with string, wrapped in brown paper, addressed to someone in Ealdor

Uther's curiosity piqued; he moved in closer for a peek at whom the name was on the Package as he then made a point of asking his old friend…

I did not realised that you knew of anyone in Ealdor' Gaius?"…

The elderly gentlemen then smiled at the King' saying…

"Oh yes Sire, I have a sister in law who lives there, Hunith. She is the mother of my young apprentice, Arthur's young manservant, Sire"

Uther looked at Gaius, he had to wonder why he'd not ever known that Gaius had a sister in-law in Ealdor' as his thoughts were now invaded by images of his son's Manservant' as he looked up at Gaius saying…

"Aah, yes of cause, 'Arthur's manservant"... Merlin" is that right?... Uther's thoughts now hindered with images of his son's Manservant." The Young man was very tall, lean kinda pasty looking lad' with striking blue eyes, he seemed a bit of a bumbling buffoon, but by all accounts was very Loyal to Arthur'. It was then that Uther made the connection of Hunith,"

Yes, indeed, he did remember her now; though briefly he had met Merlin's mother once", but quite frankly had not realised that Merlin was in fact a blood relative to Gaius;a nephew no less" and Hunith, Merlin's Mother," Gaius's sister in law, "but then was drawn from his thoughts as Gaius then said...

"Yes' Sire, I missed the carriers yesterday and the next delivery won't be for at least another fortnight or more. So I am afraid I shall have to wait till then, but it is fine, tis only dried herbs amongst other things for Hunith to make up as required."

As if quite by surprise, Uther now found himself offering the unimaginable, or, maybe it was because' Gaius was a dear friend of his, whatever the reason' he had regrets.

Regrets, more likely being a factor. Realizing at a time when he could, or rather he should have shown his more charitable side but had instead allowed his head to hinder his decision, rather than listen to his own self-reasoning to do the right thing. But of cause he did not see the logic in waging war against a neighbouring Kingdom" especially at the cost of losing hundreds" or possibly thousands" of Lives, all for the sake of less then a handful of People and so felt he had made the only decision feasible to him, In accordance to a King of his standing; he had refused to provide assistance to the small village and it's People.

Uther instantly remembered that it had been during the time of the attacks on Ealdor. Although a very small humble village it had suffered greatly at the hands of Bandits and Tyrants. But moreover Uther remembered well the face; a very humble attractive, quite a small genteel woman of her class." But whose spirit displayed strength in character, confidence assured, as she gently stood tall now speaking to him.

Remembering that faithful day, but more so' the disheartened look in Hunith's eyes" which was something that Uther knew he would not easily forget; originally when first meeting her", her name had escaped him" but was now thankful to be able to put a name to the face of the woman whom had sort an audience in a bid for her People to speak with him directly. Uther had watched Hunith intently as she spoke or maybe it was more so of her quiet gentle plea, asking for help to rid raiders from their home and Lands." Although he had had" to say NO!" he soon afterwards, had battle with his conflicting emotions, but had no regrets for the decisions he had at the time,' had had to make, and felt he of cause had done the right thing" inspite of everything!" and of cause unfortunate as it may have seemed at the time, that was the way of such matters, especially for him; a King Governing a Kingdom and Serving it's People. For Uther knew that' just the act of crossing through Cenred's territory would have instantly been considered an act of WAR on Camelot's part, Which Uther knew he could well null afford or endure.

Although Hunith being a very gentle softly spoken woman, she had displayed to Uther' a confident strength in her backbone, but more so in her character' which he had so admired, and of cause,' whom he had only ever recognized in one other; even though it had been many years, he was still able to identify it", the unmistakable" familiarity of strength and nobel characteristics that this woman displayed, especially for a woman of her station, which for him, were the very same strength and qualities that he had only ever witnessed in his own beloved wife, Ygraine. But of cause, whom had now dearly long since departed from this Life.

Impulsively Uther advised Gaius that he would be passing through Ealdor, on his way back home and would be more then Happy to deliver his package.' In truth, Uther knew that part of what he had said about passing through Ealdor was slightly stretching the truth somewhat", as his business lay in the North, meaning he would have to double back slightly to set a new course for Ealdor; in the East, but to Uther this was but a minor detour, as he now looked at Gaius, who at first declined his King's kind offer, but of cause Uther, being quite insistent motioned towards Gaius saying," …

"Nonsense Gaius' I would be more then happy to deliver your package for you, honestly It is not a bother"…

…and with that Uther lifted the Package from the table, and thanked Gaius for his draft as he quickly strode away across the room to make his way to the door.

Gaius grinned a smile at Uther then and said…

"Well if your quite sure..."Sire?"

Smiling, Uther looked at Gaius as he made to turn the handle of the door bidding his old friend farewell' and said,

I shall see you upon my return Gaius,'I know you shall take good care of Camelot and Arthur while I'm away.

But before Uther managed to get out of the door, Gaius quickly bid him saying…

"Sire, I forgot to mention, please could you advise Hunith that when she brews the medicine she must only let it brew for a maximum of 20-30 minutes exactly no more no less."

Uther acknowledged his old friends instructions saying I shall surely endeavour to relay your message Gaius" would you also like me to inform her of your own health" and wellbeing?

Uther now smiling a wide grin at Gaius, as Gaius then replied…

"That would be most kind Sire. Thankyou…and with that Uther finally left, gently closing the door behind him.

AN: Yeh I really loved the Uther character, and can't help feel that the producers/writers really did themselves an injustice!" writing him out of the series' especially this early in the game!"anyway onwards to the next chapiee...

Special Note: also just a little Headsup' for all you "Quest for Guinevere" readers, kinda finding my Muse"But I definitely haven't forgotten Ya'll and working on more chapters as we speak!*smiles*