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]

"...Arthur...?"

[royalpratness]

"Yes, I'm here." Arthur rests his hand on Merlin's shoulder, squeezing it lightly. "How are you feeling?"

[ayoungboy]

"Terrible." Merlin coughs and smiles roughly. "But alive."

[royalpratness]

"Give it a few more days." Arthur smiles encouragingly. "It looks like you've made it through the worst part." He yawns again, sitting up straighter in his chair. "We should let somebody at the circus know where you are."

[ayoungboy]

"Shit! I missed the show!" Merlin almost jumps out of bed.

[royalpratness]

"Merlin!" Arthur grabs him by the shoulders, pushing him back down. "What do you think you're doing?! You could have died last night, you're not leaving this bed for at least another week!"

[ayoungboy]

"But I have to do the show!" Merlin looks up pleadingly at Arthur. "They could kick me out!"

[royalpratness]

"Don't be ridiculous. You're seriously ill. You wouldn't even make it down the stairs in your current condition."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin sighs in defeat, but he still looks worried.

[royalpratness]

"I'll send someone down there to let them know that you're ill." Arthur hands Merlin a glass of water. "Don't worry. If they're smart, they won't fire their main attraction."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin thanks him quietly for the water. "...I don't have anywhere else. I need that job, Arthur."

[royalpratness]

"I know that. I promise, I'll march down there personally later today and talk to your employer."

[ayoungboy]

"Thanks." Merlin says softly.

[royalpratness]

"Not a problem. You just focus on getting better, okay?" Arthur gently rubs Merlin's shoulder.

[ayoungboy]

"You're very kind." Merlin coughs into his arm.

[royalpratness]

Arthur shrugs, getting up to his feet. "If you need anything, ring that bell." He points at the nightstand. "Alice will look after you. I have some errands to run." Including talking to Merlin's boss.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin nods and smiles, profusely grateful. "I don't know how I'll ever repay you."

[royalpratness]

"Don't mention it. I'm glad I can help." Arthur smiles. "Get some more rest." He steps out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Later in the afternoon, Arthur drops by the circus ground, finds the ringmaster and explains the situation to him. He isn't happy about it but he agrees that this is better than letting Merlin die and eventually assures Arthur that Merlin won't use his spot at the circus due to his absence. Pleased with that promise, Arthur returns home.

The door to Merlin's guest room is open and Arthur slips inside quietly, in case Merlin is asleep.

[ayoungboy]

He is asleep, mumbling under his breath in the bed. "Nngh...'thur...mm..."

He's curled tightly around his pillow, piled under thick blankets.

[royalpratness]

Arthur smiles, resuming his old position on the chair next to the bed. Alice enters right after him, handing Arthur a cup of tea which he accepts gratefully.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin's sinuses wake him a few minutes later, clogging and aching.

[royalpratness]

"Ah I see you're still alive." Arthur grins down at him.

[ayoungboy]

"Barely," Merlin growls quietly. "And you?"

[royalpratness]

Arthur chuckles. "I have good news." He tells Merlin about the talk he had with his employer.

[ayoungboy]

The magician slumps with relief. "Oh thank you, Arthur. Thank you so much."