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]

"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."

[royalpratness]

"You're welcome. I told you it wouldn't be a problem." He grins. "Now you can focus on your health."

[ayoungboy]

"Yeah...how am I alive?"

[royalpratness]

"You have Alice and Mary to thank for that. They looked after you for the past two days."

[ayoungboy]

"I've been out two days?" Merlin gapes a little.

[royalpratness]

"More or less, yes. Don't worry, you didn't miss anything. Weather has been terrible." Arthur jokes.

[ayoungboy]

"Oh my god." Merlin blinks in surprise.

[royalpratness]

"What?" Arthur frowns, tilting his head.

[ayoungboy]

"I just can't believe I was out so long and I'm still alive."

[royalpratness]

"You're pretty resilient." Arthur pats his shoulder. "You're not quite out of woods just yet. You'll have to stay in bed for at least another week. Doctor's orders."

[ayoungboy]

"Are you sure that's okay?" Merlin asks, worried. "I don't want to be an imposition, Arthur.'

[royalpratness]

"You're not. I'll make you twice as hard over the winter to pay me back." He grins, obviously not really meaning it.

[ayoungboy]

"I'll earn it," Merlin assures.

[royalpratness]

"I know. Like I said, don't worry about it." Arthur gets up again. "I'll ask Alice to bring you some soup."

[ayoungboy]

"Thank you, Arthur." Merlin calls softly, offering him a grateful smile.

[royalpratness]

Over the next few days, Arthur comes to visit Merlin several times a day. They sit and talk about various topics, Arthur clearly enjoying to hear about Merlin's experiences at the circus and his travels.

Eventually, Doctor Gaius drops by again and announces that Merlin has recovered completely and is allowed to leave the bed again.

[ayoungboy]

Arthur's a good man to talk to. Merlin enjoys their conversations, looks forward to them. He's happy to be out of bed, though, and only wobbles a little when they let him stand.

[royalpratness]

"You should take it easy for a while. Stay here for a few more days." By now, there are only two weeks left until the circus closes for the winter anyway.