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]

"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.

[ayoungboy]

"I don't know...I've been out from work for a while." Merlin hesitates.

[royalpratness]

"Your job will still be there, no matter when you return. You might as well stay here a little longer." Arthur doesn't want Merlin to go back to this terribly cold and uncomfortable tent at all but he doesn't say that out loud.

[ayoungboy]

"Are you absolutely sure?" Merlin clarifies.

[royalpratness]

"Yes, Merlin, I'm absolutely sure. I insist that you stay here."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin still hesitates, but then he nods, conceding.

[royalpratness]

"Good!" Arthur beams at him, gently taking Merlin's arm. "How about some fresh air? You've been cooped up in here for days now."

[ayoungboy]

"Sure." Merlin nods and smiles back a little, leaning into Arthur for support.

[royalpratness]

Arthur slowly guides Merlin down the stairs and opens the front door. "It's not raining for once." They step outside and walk down the pathway.

[ayoungboy]

"It rains a lot here?" Merlin tilts his head up at Arthur.

[royalpratness]

"Yes, unfortunately." Arthur nods. "Do you only travel in England with the circus?"

[ayoungboy]

"No. We've been to France...we were going to go north in the spring."

[royalpratness]

"Ah, France. Lovely country, not so lovely people." Arthur grins.

[ayoungboy]

"How true," Merlin laughs a little. "Wouldn't stop hounding me about my tricks."