For Your Entertainment

[ayoungboy]

The circus comes into town in the late afternoon. It's a quiet caravan, but the whispers start immediately. It's not a regular circus. This one - this is the Camelot circus. One of the most esteemed traveling acts in the country, and not for the faint of heart. This one has a flaming sword eater and a terrifying magician.

A few brave people try to peek at the preparations, but once the big tent is up, all that can really be seen are food stands being set up, and a few podiums for acts unknown. Everything else is hidden from view. You want to see? Come buy a ticket.

Comments

[ayoungboy]

"Good god," Merlin sighs, frowning at Arthur. "Why do you want to know?"

[royalpratness]

"Because you made me float in mid air through a potentially deadly obstacle course!"

[ayoungboy]

"O...kay?" Merlin rubs the sleep from his eyes. "Yes, I did. And you're alive. The magician accepts tips, you know."

[royalpratness]

Arthur crosses his arms in front of his chest. "Are you really trying to tell me that you can do magic?"

[ayoungboy]

"No, a gust of wind just picked you up off the floor." Merlin snorts. "Obviously, I possess magical properties, Mr. Pendragon."

[royalpratness]

"If that's true, then why on earth are you working here? You could make millions if you do have these abilities you claim to possess."

[ayoungboy]

"Um," Merlin blinks. "I could also be strung up. Least if I'm carnie, people can wave me off as a trickster."

bed time for me! o/

[royalpratness]

"You wouldn't be strung up if you're clever enough." Arthur frowns. "You'd clearly know how to defend yourself."

Night hun! <3

[ayoungboy]

Merlin studies Arthur for a long moment. "...you're a peculiar man, Mr. Pendragon. What are you trying to suggest?"

Is this guy after a business proposal?

[royalpratness]

"I'm not trying to suggest anything. I'm trying to understand why a man with your...abilities, would chose to spend his life here of all places."

[ayoungboy]

"Lest I get hung. I'd rather not have the conflict." Merlin shrugs. "Besides, who would care?"

[royalpratness]

"Care about what?" Arthur tilts his head.

[ayoungboy]

"My powers." Merlin shrugs again.

[royalpratness]

Arthur looks at him incredulously. "Everybody! This...this is amazing, what you can do."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin snorts a little. "S'just regular for me. How would I make a living? How would you suggest I use them?"

[royalpratness]

"You wouldn't have to work at all." Arthur muses. "Not that I support any kind of unlawful activities but..."

[ayoungboy]

"Then what are you suggesting, if it isn't illegal?" Merlin gives a surprised laugh, propping his elbow on his pillow.

[royalpratness]

Arthur shrugs. "I don't know but I'm sure there are options other than this." He rubs his hands over his forearms. "It's bloody cold in here and it's only 4pm." It must get freezing cold during the night. He's very grateful for all the large fireplaces in his mansion.

[ayoungboy]

"Why does it matter to you?" Merlin asks curiously. He sighs and slides off the bed. "Yes, it is. Here - " Merlin wraps the blanket around Arthur's shoulders.

[royalpratness]

"I think a man with your talents could do much better than this." Arthur looks surprised when Emrys drapes the blanket over his shoulders. "I didn't mean ... thank you."

[ayoungboy]

"Well...thank you? I'm flattered, but a thought doesn't put food on my plate and clothes on my back, Mr. Pendragon. This carnival does."

Merlin smiles gently. "It's not trouble."

[royalpratness]

"You should come and have dinner at my house tonight." Arthur blurts out, wondering where this came from. "I'd like to hear more about your abilities."

[ayoungboy]

"Um...really? I...I suppose..."

[royalpratness]

"Please." Arthur smiles at him. "It'd be an honour Mr... I don't even know your name."

[ayoungboy]

"Well...my stage name is Emrys." Merlin smiles gently.