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]

"I don't have much money to go out and entertain myself." Merlin laughs. "I am the entertainment."

[royalpratness]

"They don't pay you well?" Arthur frowns. "I bet half of the people in the audience only come to see you."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin shrugs. "I'm still just a carnie, Arthur."

[royalpratness]

"You could be a lot more than that." But they already had that discussion earlier. "Come, I'll show you the horses." They've reached the end of the gardens and Arthur leads Merlin towards the stables.

[ayoungboy]

"I really can't," Merlin shakes his head and follows Arthur to the stables.

[royalpratness]

They enter the stables where the air smells like hay and animals. Arthur stops in front of a horsebox and points at the black stallion. "That one is mine."

[ayoungboy]

"Wow...he's beautiful." Merlin grins. "What's his name?"

[royalpratness]

"Excalibur." Arthur reaches out and gently strokes over the horse's nose. "Best one I've ever owned."

[ayoungboy]

"He's really fantastic." Merlin can't help but smile.

[royalpratness]

"I'm afraid he's not really suitable for beginners, but I'm sure we'll find you another horse to start with." Arthur grins as he keeps on walking, showing Merlin the other horses.

[ayoungboy]

Arthur's estate is impressive, and Merlin can hardly understand the man's interest in him.

[royalpratness]

Once they're out in the open again, the sun has almost set. "You should probably head back if you want to back it there before nightfall."

[ayoungboy]

"Yes," Merlin nods and smiles at Arthur. "Thank you for dinner."

[royalpratness]

"Again, you're very welcome. I thank you for the company." Arthur smiles right back at him. "Let me get your coat." He disappears inside and returns again a minute later, handing Merlin his coat and hat. "Think about my offer, Merlin."

[ayoungboy]

"I will. I'll...talk to you soon?" Merlin says, gratefully accepting the coat.

[royalpratness]

Arthur nods. "I'm looking forward to it. You can come by here anytime."

[ayoungboy]

"I'll be by as soon as I can." Merlin promises.

[royalpratness]

Arthur smiles and bows his head slightly. "Good night, Merlin."

[ayoungboy]

"Goodnight, sir." Merlin's lips curve in a soft smile.

[royalpratness]

Arthur watches Merlin until he rounds the corner and disappears from sight. "What an odd man." Arthur mutters, smiling to himself as he makes his way back inside the house.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin doesn't see Arthur, but a note comes to the Pendragon estate. We are staying the winter...and if your offer stands, I would like to accept. - M

[royalpratness]

The day after receiving the note, Arthur saddles his horse and makes his way into the village to where the circus is located. He finds Merlin's tent quickly this time, lifting the flap just a little. "Merlin? Are you there?"

[ayoungboy]

Merlin's buried under a pile of blankets, fast asleep and clearly a little under the weather.

[royalpratness]

Arthur feels bad that he has to wake up Merlin yet again. "Merlin." He steps closer to the small cot. "Hey."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin groans and twitches under the blankets. "...mm..."