AN: I surprised even myself with writing another chapter so quickly. Although I should thank Cel140 for all the encouragement she gave me. :)

I don't own anything, well, except the OCs...

The Tears of Uther Pendragon: The Feast

The clanging of swords rang out across the training grounds as Arthur spun and wove his way around his two opponents. He had decided that it wasn't enough to be the best at sword fighting, he had to be able to best his knights blindfolded, too. Merlin thought that maybe the prat was being a bit conceited, but that was Arthur for you.

"What do you think?" Merlin wasn't sure if Arthur was talking about the spar he had just paused to change weapons, or of Cyneric's earlier test to see if he was capable of being a knight. Either way, it was the same answer.

"I've seen better." No need to let either of them get a big head, was there?

"Course. Well, you are the expert at fighting with your eyes closed." Ah, so Arthur had been asking about his own spar.

"But you didn't see what I did when we found Lord Cyneric," he protested. The prince didn't realize just what his servant could do. It was quite exasperating at times.

"Because you were hiding behind a tree," Arthur retorted.

"No, I was not." But Arthur had already turned back to the field where his knights were waiting.

"I'm not going to use the blindfold, I'm just going fight like Merlin here." Mockingly, he cowered away from the knights. "I'm Merlin, don't hurt me," he whimpered. The knights laughed.

"Ready?" Arthur was going to pay for that insult. Merlin wondered how he would look with a little mud on his face…

It had been a while since Camelot had last had a celebration. With Uthur jumping at shadows and accusing innocents of magic, the city hadn't really felt all that celebratory. But now, with Cyneric visiting, and the king reminiscing about the days of his youth, a feast was more than welcome.

Morgana had been delighted to hear of it. She enjoyed the chance to dress up and stun all the men in the room. It was even better, because Arthur - and now Merlin - both glared daggers at whomever might look at her twice. Such protective gentlemen. Not that she'd tell them that, it would take all the fun out of it.

Moreover, she hadn't had the chance to meet Cyneric of Powys yet. But if the gossip Gwen had told her about him was true, he was quite the charmer. It would be a good idea to look her best. Wouldn't want to ruin Camelot's fine image now, would we?

When the hour came, and the banquet was ready, she beckoned Gwen to follow and left her room. Arthur was waiting for her at the bottom of the staircase, Merlin beside him. The prince's eyes briefly met hers then slid past to the maidservant behind her. How they thought they were capable of hiding such a thing from her, she didn't know. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that they loved each other.

"Well, Arthur. This is a new one for you. Did your father make you wait for me?" She loved making him squirm. He was horrible at being nice.

"No," he scoffed. "But he would have if you had taken any longer. Why do you always feel the need to make a grand entrance?"

Morgana just smiled and tilted her head in a way the prince had learned not to question. It always meant an answer that he would like even less, right before she soundly outwitted him in a battle of words.

In truth, until recently she had used her beauty, and her dramatic entrances as a form of power. She might be lady of the keep, and practically Uther's daughter, but she was a woman. Her opinion meant less than a man's, and so she had taken her power where she could. But now that she had magic, she didn't want the recognition. She didn't want that form of control anymore. She had something better, as long as she didn't draw too much attention to herself. But Merlin had wisely pointed out that she couldn't change too quickly. That would draw more suspicion than ever. And so she was easing into a more mature role the same way Arthur was - though he wasn't aware that he even was.

When they entered the room, her arm tucked under Arthur's, Uther looked up from where he sat with a young man who could be no other than Cyneric. Their guest looked every inch the knight he apparently wanted to be, and even borrowed clothes didn't make him look any less the nobleman he was.

They reached the head table and both Uther and Cyneric rose to greet them. After embracing her guardian, he turned to introduce her to the young nobleman.

"This is my ward, the Lady Morgana. Morgana, this is Cyneric of Powys. His father was an old friend." She extended her hand gracefully and Cyneric bowed over it, his long dark blond hair shielding his face for the briefest second before he straightened.

"It is an honor to meet you, my lady." He smiled as he spoke, his eyes twinkling with good humor and wit. She liked this man already.

"And you, my lord." She felt her own mouth curve upwards as she dipped her head in response to his greeting. He was by far the most polite man she had ever met. He even pulled out her chair himself!

The evening passed quickly with Cyneric on one side of her, and Uther on the other. She spent most of the evening talking amicably with their guest, and was pleased to find him a far more likable person than most of the nobility. He was friendly, witty, and a complete gentleman. When Uther stood to address the room, she reluctantly put aside her conversation.

"Standing here, seeing so many happy faces, seems almost like a dream." He paused. "I can tell you, I have not felt like this in a long time."

"What, drunk?" Arthur quipped. The crowd chuckled and his father swatted his shoulder.

"Drunk with happiness," Uther replied. "It has been years since I have heard news of my old friend, Aedelraed. He and I were closer than brothers. But today we welcome his son, Cyneric." He raised his goblet. "To Cyneric of Powys."

The crowd echoed his toast and the young man smiled and bowed his head in thanks. Uther turned, clapping Cyneric on the shoulder. The king staggered slightly and Morgana rose from her seat to steady him.

"Oh...I need some air." Uther turned and left the room. Sitting down again, Morgana turned to resume her conversation.

"Well, that was some speech he gave. I didn't expect a welcome quite like this one." Cyneric looked a bit bashful at the toast just given and the king's generous welcome. Morgana was surprised. She would have thought that with his father's friendship with the king, he would have known he was welcome. And she said as much.

"True, but I-" Whatever he was going to say was cut off by the sound of the king's screams.

Sorry for the cliffhanger, but this chapter was getting super long. I'd love to know what you think of the story so far. :)