Two days passed without much incident. The Castle was still repairing its morale after the King's controversial decision and his relationship with the younger of his circle, Morgana and his son Arthur in particular, had become more strained than ever. Whilst Arthur maintained his silence to keep his father happy, Morgana found it increasingly difficult to keep her emotions under wraps and more often than not she gave a passing remark on Uther's decision to behead the young boy accused of magic. Trust and faith in the King's decisions was at an all time low. Uther knew this, but made a show of standing by his principles at any opportunity. Though he confided in Gaius over his fears he was losing the people of Camelot he found himself able to withstand the silent stares of his citizens and court. He had been right to do it - he knew he had been right - but it did not make his position any easier. The fact that cases of magic were increasing only intensified his will to cleanse Camelot of sorcery once more. That was the only way he could possibly protect Arthur and preserve the line to the throne, but it would help if, some way, Arthur could be constantly protected....
The arrival of a group of travellers in Camelot went some way to distracting the city. The visitors' arrival in the capital was to a bleak atmosphere, and they themselves seemed to have a distinct air of melancholy about them. Not much was known about the guests to Camelot. The four arrived at midday and by the afternoon they had managed to secure an audience with the King, surprising many court officials. Uther had only been persuaded to do it by Morgana, who had once again succeeded in twisting him around to her way of thinking - her way being that he could possibly win back favour with those who now viewed him differently, instead of callously dismissing these newcomers like he originally wanted to.
The travellers were to put forward their requests to the King before the court was due to break for the evening's dinner. As the hearing began some were surprised that Uther was so agreeable to their appeals; an older man was granted a job in the stables, another two young men were given minor roles in the castle grounds - now all eyes fell on the woman of the party. A young woman of around twenty-one, Uther noted everything about her as she stepped forwards: she wore her dark brown hair tied at the back, her hands clasped neatly and respectfully infront of her. When she looked to him it was with bright, forest green eyes which displayed no trace that she was about to plead - more suggest. There was nothing particular striking at the first glance, but Uther's interest had spiked, his attention obvious to the rest of the court. Removing his hand from his chin, the King sat straight in his chair to observe her better.
"And what are you here to request?"
With a polite and effective curtsey, the woman raised her head. When she spoke her tone was soft and nervous, yet confident enough. "My name is Théa Aldred, my Lord... like my company me I am a traveller from Belesor on the outskirts of Albion... I come here with a wish to serve my King and expand my knowledge of medicine, if you would have me."
Uther shifted only slightly. "Our physician already has an apprentice. Why should I agree to this?"
Théa took a breath. "I have been told I have a talent for healing... science has always been a fascination of mine and I am eager to learn anything I can related to this subject. With Camelot's reputation far exceeding any other city I saw no better opportunity than to come here with my fellow travellers and try to help both you and the Kingdom as best I can. I bring reccomendations from several physicians I have helped in the past..." A guard took these papers from her as she handed them out from her bag, "... and all are quite favourable... plus with the recent counts of sorcery tallying up in recent weeks it seemed like you could use an extra pair of hands on your staff..."
A stroke of his chin showed that Uther was considering this. Once the guard had handed him the papers he surveyed them slowly, careful to disguise his thoughts before he handed them back. He paused a moment before replying. "They appear to be in order. But your claimed talent for healing... how could you possibly prove this? How am I to know you do not use magic to get your results?"
If Théa had not looked thoroughly offeneded, Uther may have suspected her of witchcraft even after her answer. "Our resources within our home grounds are limited, it is true - but I have managed to cure many maladies. I cured fever with bauroot, a problem with circulation from almond oil.... sleepness nights with lavender and camomile, and I cured Granlass, who you have just administered as stablehand, of a skin ailment with a particular paste..."
Uther raised his hand to halt her speech and looked to Gaius who nodded. "She is quite correct on all accounts. It is impressive if she is not learned of such things, those basic necessities are not widely known... almond oil in particular is quite ingenious."
Looking relieved Théa turned her eyes from Gaius only to meet those of Uther staring back at her. He conferred with those at his side, beckoning Gaius to come and offer his opinion. Théa took this chance to glance around the court - the eyes of Arthur and Morgana watching her beadily as they attempted to figure out her character. The Prince's manservant appeared to be quite miffed for some reason and the lady in waiting was too busy watching Merlin's reactions to pay Théa any attention. Merlin was secretly annoyed - or not so secretly, as his thoughts were displayed plainly on his face, unable to conceal the slightest fluctuation in his mood. He did not wish to be removed from Gaius' services nor did he want to be shoved aside for the sake of a newcomer and both were a danger of coming true. If this girl was to be part of Gaius' work then that would complicate things....
Or perhaps not. Since he was not allowed to use magic at all there was no real danger of her discovering his gift, but still... a possessive-like feeling was coming over him at there mere thought of losing Gaius to this traveller.
Once a decision had been reached Uther turned to break the news to the anxious waiting woman. "You will have one week to show us that you are worthy of this position based entirely on Gaius' reports. Be glad I am in a generous mood... and be glad a position just become available..." Glancing at Merlin Uther suddenly changed his tone. "The Crowned Prince's manservant is to relocate from the physician's quarters into the royal wing where he will attend the Prince at all times... he will report to Arthur at once and remain with him until further notice."
Arthur's face of surprise and impending doom matched that of Merlin at his side. "Father..!"
"Miss Aldred will replace him as Gaius' assistant effective immediately. Now -...." Uther stood. "As you are now a member of this castle, you will dine with us tonight. For the rest of you a feast will be sent to your new chambers. Merlin - show Miss Aldred her room."
As Merlin's heart sank Gaius walked from the King's side with an apologetic look, patting him on the shoulder as he walked past, uttering a little "I'll explain later". Théa simply stood in a stunned silence, looking to the King's family before she turned in silent relief to her friends; Morgana turned and left after the King, Arthur gave Merlin an apprehensive glance and Gwen seemed to think the decision preposterous as she viewed Théa suspiciously.
Things had certainly taken a new turn, and as he stepped forwards to show Théa to her new room Merlin realised it was something he would have to cope with until he learnt more from Gaius.