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]

Merlin smiles back, leaning back against the carriage seat. "I suppose so."

[royalpratness]

The carriage ride to the circus passes in no time and soon enough, Arthur helps Merlin out of the carriage, heading for the array of tents.

[ayoungboy]

"Thank you," Merlin smiles softly, squeezing Arthur's hand as he helps him out of the carriage.

[royalpratness]

Arthur follows Merlin to his tent and helps him gathering his belongings. "Anything else?"

[ayoungboy]

"Did you want me to bring any of my tricks?" Merlin asks.

[royalpratness]

"Since when do you need props for your 'tricks'?" Arthur winks. "Sure, why not."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin laughs a little and gathers a few items from his trunk.

[royalpratness]

Arthur takes some of them from Merlin, helping him with the carrying. "Do you need to talk to your boss?"

[ayoungboy]

Merlin hesitates before sighing and nodding. "Yeah, probably."

[royalpratness]

"I'll go back to the carriage and wait for you there." Arthur shoulders one of Merlin's bags.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin nods, taking a deep breath before heading off to find his boss.

[royalpratness]

Arthur returns to the carriage, waiting for Merlin to join him.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin's gone for about fifteen minutes, returning with a red cheek and his pay clutched in his grip.

[royalpratness]

Arthur's eyes narrow when he spots Merlin's red cheek. "What happened?"

[ayoungboy]

"I got my paycheck." Merlin says, rubbing at his cheek.

[royalpratness]

"Does that usually involve getting hit?" Arthur waits for Merlin to climb into the carriage and closes the door behind him, shielding them from view. He cups Merlin's cheek gently, frowning at the bruise.

[ayoungboy]

"Yeah, actually." Merlin smiles softly at the gentle touch. "It's alright. No blood."

[royalpratness]

"Are you serious?" Arthur's frown deepens. "Why the hell would you let him treat you like that? You could take him out with one blow." His hand slips to the back of Merlin's neck, stroking it gently.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin laughs a little, leaning into Arthur. "I don't know...he's my boss. He could throw me out."

[royalpratness]

"Oh and that makes it okay for him to abuse you?" Arthur shakes his head, glad that Merlin won't be returning there anytime soon.

[ayoungboy]

"He holds my livelihood in his hands, Arthur." Merlin says gently. "There's not much I can do about it."

[royalpratness]

"I'm sure there are other circuses than this one." Arthur gently pulls Merlin to sit down next to him when the carriage starts moving.

[ayoungboy]

"I'd have to find one. And if I couldn't, I'd be broke. And if I could, there'd be competition for the job."

[royalpratness]

"With your talents, I doubt you'd have to worry about competition."

[ayoungboy]

"What if I'm not the only one out there with real magic?"