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

[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..."

[likespie]

"Why are you still asleep?" Arthur frowns. "It's four in the afternoon." Once again, it's freezing cold in the small tent.

[ayoungboy]

"Sick," Merlin croaks, sniffling.

[royalpratness]

"Oh." Arthur stops where he is, peering over at Merlin. "Is it bad?"

[ayoungboy]

"Dunno." Merlin coughs into his blankets. "How are you?"

http://tinyurl.com/pvcuewk jfc he needs to to stop being so attractive!

[royalpratness]

"I'm fine." Arthur says, still frowning at Merlin. "I received your note. I was going to propose that you move in tomorrow but by the looks of it, you shouldn't say here for a minute longer."

STOP ASHDAJSKD

[ayoungboy]

Merlin shivers and burrows under the blankets. "M'not in any state to pack. 'sides, performance season isn't over yet..."

:D

[royalpratness]

"Well yes, but you can't possibly stay here. You'll catch pneumonia if you haven't already." Arthur steps in front of Merlin's 'bed' holding out a hand. "Come on."

[ayoungboy]

"I can't get up." Merlin groans, letting his hand drop heavily into Arthur's anyway.

[royalpratness]

"You can't? Should I call a doctor?" Arthur asks, obviously worried, as he sits down on the edge of Merlin's bed, squeezing his hand.

[ayoungboy]

"No." Merlin shakes his head. He can't afford a doctor. Arthur's hand is warm, though, and Merlin can't help but curl around it, cold as he is.

[royalpratness]

Arthur sighs. "You can't stay here, not like this." Letting go of Merlin's hand, Arthur wraps one arm firmly around his shoulders while slipping the other under his knees. Slowly, he lifts Merlin out of his bed.

[ayoungboy]

"What...what are you..." Merlin coughs and groans, shivering as his blankets slip.

[royalpratness]

"Getting you out of here." With one hand, Arthur picks up the blanket and hands it back to Merlin. "We'll get you warmed up and then I'll call my doctor to check on you." He explains, carrying Merlin out of the tent and towards his horse.