Spellbound

[ayoungboy]

This week has been fucking exhausting. He'd been consuling all week and dealing with a threat over in Norway. Somebody trying to brew mind control potions, again. Why couldn't everybody just get along and stop fussing? He's finally back home, in England, heading up the wizarding council while they go over worldwide news, and he gets an invite - no, it isn't that. It's more of a demand, from King Pendragon.

He's a bit tired, really, and didn't feel like dealing with it. "Not now, thank you. Politely decline, for me?" He told the runner. "Send him some magical candy."

He just wanted to go home and finish his book, thank you. He didn't ask for these powers, but if he took a holiday the world would flip out. People held him in high regard for some reason - he wasn't that wise, or old. He was just a young man trying to do right. Yet somehow the King was demanding his presence.

Comments

[ayoungboy]

I try! Doesn't always work, I grant you. I'll be there.

[royalpratness]

Okay. Be safe in Belgium.

Arthur hopes he won't have to treat another injury. Sighing, he put his phone on mute and walks into his next meeting.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin shows up half an hour late, in the same clothes he always wore - as a woman. His eyes were still the same, wide and tired as he appeared there, in the chambers. "Alright, what do I have to do?"

[royalpratness]

"Jesus Christ!" Arthur jumps, almost falling out of his chair. "Can you warn a man before appearing out of the blue?!" He takes a moment to look Merlin's new appearance up and down. "Not bad." Looking at the clock, Arthur gets to his feet. "We'll have thirty minutes to get that dress fitted. Should be enough time."

[ayoungboy]

"Part of the perks," Merlin smirks, looking down at himself. "Yeah? I prefer my cock to these." He squeezes one breast, then makes a face.

[royalpratness]

Arthur laughs, raising an eyebrow. "I can't see anything wrong with them." Grinning, he opens the door for Merlin. "Let's go see my tailor. Oh, what should I call you?"

[ayoungboy]

"They're not two balls and a dick," Merlin deadpans, nodding and walking through the door. "Ah...Mary? Lynn? I don't know. Pick whatever you want."

[royalpratness]

"No but did you know that vaginas have thousands more nerve endings than penises? Orgasms must be so much better for women." Arthur muses, wondering where he had read this. "Mary it is."

[ayoungboy]

"...well no, I don't suppose I did." Merlin smiles wryly. "And you are only to call me that when I'm a woman, aye?"

[royalpratness]

"Fine. Mary." Arthur grins, opening the door to one of the downstairs rooms where his tailor is awaiting them. He presents Merlin with several dresses he has selected, letting him (now her) make the choice.

[ayoungboy]

"They're all awfully ornate, aren't they?" Merlin raises an eyebrow, glancing over at Arthur. "Ah...this one will do fine, Arthur."

[royalpratness]

"Very fetching." Arthur nods approvingly, straightening his own suit. "Ready to face the press?"

[ayoungboy]

"Never done it before. Might have to walk me through it." Merlin warns, fiddling with the heels he'd been given.

I'm off to bed now o/

[royalpratness]

"Bottom line is, be careful what you say; they manage to spin a story out of the smallest remark. Let me do most of the talking." Arthur gives Merlin an encouraging nod and leads the way towards the press room.

Night! <3

[ayoungboy]

"They're going to ask me about Emrys," Merlin laughs, following Arthur and covering his eyes at the camera flashes.

[royalpratness]

"Very likely, yes." Arthur leads Merlin into a room filled with press, where they sit down at a table. For the next hour, Arthur explains that this is the first in a longer series of meetings between himself and representatives of the magic community. He talks about one of their first project which involves an exchange in doctors and magical healers to see if their respective knowledge could be combined in a way that's mutually benefitial.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin sits there and listens, raising an eyebrow. Well he could have already told Arthur that, and when was he consulted on this? Maybe he should stop being so friendly. He still had to do what was right for the magic community, not make a friend...

[royalpratness]

The meeting goes relatively smoothly, apart from a few very critical questions aimed at Merlin about the safety issues some people still have with magic and its users. Arthur assures them that all this has been discussed at length and the general public shouldn't worry.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin's demeanor gets more professional, and he stops smiling at the cameras. Right then. He does his best to make the same assurances, though he's a little more aloof about it, and mentions that they come from Emrys.

[royalpratness]

Arthur keeps glancing at Merlin, realising that he seems to be upset about something. The hour with the presses passes quicker than expected and soon, Merlin and Arthur are left on their own in the room. "That... wasn't too bad." Arthur takes off his suit jacket.

[ayoungboy]

"No, sire." Merlin stands up, nodding to the man. "You need to consult me before you say things like that. Half of your doctors are already magic users. There are also different types of healers."

[royalpratness]

Arthur frowns at Merlin calling him 'sire' again. "I wanted to consult you but were too busy touring Europe." He sounds defensive, knowing very well that he should have discussed this with Merlin before telling the press about his plans.

[ayoungboy]

"Excuse me?" Merlin's voice gets a little cold. "I'd hardly call it touring."

[royalpratness]

Arthur rolls his eyes, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Yes, alright, preventing assassination attempts or whatever you get up to over there."

[ayoungboy]

"Yes." Merlin stares at Arthur for a long moment. "This can stop at any time. If you don't respect magic and it's people, this will never work. Frankly, I'm insulted."

Touring Europe. Exhausting himself to protect Arthur and his kingdom. And here, Arthur had been texting him to complain about his meetings! He could haven mentioned his plans and ideas. Merlin frowns, upset. He shouldn't be making a friend.

"Right then. I'd better be off, to tour Europe. With the imaginary money I have." Merlin snorts sarcastically.