Gwynevere ♕ Geula Sinclair (vivatregina) wrote in mythopooc, |
In a Camelot that was based on military strength, constantly seeking to expand its territory under Arthur's administration, diplomacy was relegated to the backseat. Despite that, Queen Gwynevere took the reins of diplomatic affairs, coming to be lauded as even more attuned to the sociopolitical climate of the time than her lord husband himself. She did everything in the name of diplomacy: maintaining close correspondence with monarchs of other kingdoms (including her father, King Leodegrance, and Queen Iseult1) and arranging ways to keep the peace within the Round Table (e.g. hosting parties to reduce tension between the Houses of Ban and Orkney and promote unity in the Round Table as a whole, in some accounts assisting the knights in making suitable matches beneficial to both the knights themselves and the kingdom in its entirety2). For her excellence in handling matters outside of and within the court, she became well-loved among the people. Even when charged with adultery, she found herself ranked highly in their favor, to the extent that, when she fled Mordred's court, many risked life and limb to defend her in the Tower of London. The occasion speaks volumes of her success not only as a diplomat, but also as a monarch.
Which brings us to her competency as a ruler: an advisor to Arthur when Merlin could not be, she was capable in matters of management and leadership. After all, a queen must be able to rule should her husband fall. Yet her leadership experience runs more deeply than that: with no mentions of siblings made in her history, it stands to reason that Gwynevere was heir-apparent of her father's kingdom. Ergo, from the beginning, Gwynevere was groomed to rule. Consequently, the core of her personality has always been sculpted for leadership. This explains how, compounded with innate talent, Gwynevere adapted so quickly to life at Arthur's court. Had Arthur not fallen for her beauty, perhaps we might have lore of a different Queen Gwynevere, a Gwynevere who was ruled by no man and who ruled - diplomatically, peacefully, and favorably - her own lands, in her own right.
In a Camelot that prizes diplomatic skill and endeavors, Gwynevere's skillset comes to the forefront. Charming and polite, she is just the kind of person who would stand up a mediate a struggle, smoothing over wrinkles as carefully as she once had between the houses of Ban and Orkney. Even her education in her current life stands testament to this: she worked diligently to educate herself in one of the highest educational institutions in her country (arguably, in the world) to eventually become a political power. Presently, she is building up a resumé and reputation that will support her ambitions. Yet she has never been ambitious in a way that suffocates others - again, if a fight can be avoided, she will be the first to raise a hand and address concerns in a positive way, bringing up potential solutions and compromises. This is the woman who has known to have stayed Arthur's hands on several occasions, in one documented instance preventing a beheading.3 Warm without being overly open, she knows how to play her cards while keeping her trumps close at hand. Diplomacy, after all, is not only about goodwill (which she has proven herself to have in abundance) but also about the maintenance of appearances. And, let's be real, Gwynevere is a professional at keeping appearances.