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 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?"

[royalpratness]

The thought had never occured to Arthur. "Huh. Do you think that's the case?"

[ayoungboy]

"Maybe. I've never met anybody but...couldn't very well be the only one in the world, right?"

[royalpratness]

Arthur shrugs. "I don't know, but you're right, it's not very likely."

[ayoungboy]

"So...I don't know. If something better came along, I'd jump on it. But I can't risk losing my job."

[royalpratness]

"Well, we won't have to worry about any of that just yet." Arthur rests his hand on Merlin's thigh, squeezing.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin blushes a little at where Arthur's hand goes, but he doesn't mind in the slightest. "Thank you, again, for letting me stay the winter."

[royalpratness]

"No problem, really." Arthur smiles, leaving his hand where it is for the remaining journey.

[ayoungboy]

"So - what chores shall I do?" Merlin asks, as the red fades slowly from his cheek.

[royalpratness]

"That depends what you'd like to do. You could work around the house, the stables or the grounds."

[ayoungboy]

"I'll work anywhere you need me to."

[royalpratness]

"Okay. Let me talk to my staff and we'll see where they need the most help." The carriages pulls up in front of the mansion and Arthur holds the door open for Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

"Thank you," Merlin smiles brightly at Arthur as he gets out of the carriage, picking up a bag.

[royalpratness]

Arthur helps Merlin to carry all this belongings up to his room. "Is this okay?" He gestures at the room. "I can find you another one if you'd like."

[ayoungboy]

"Oh, this is fine." Merlin smiles widely. "It's incredible, really."

[royalpratness]

"Okay. How about you unpack and settle in til lunch and I'll go and find out where we can put you to work."

[ayoungboy]

"Sounds good to me." Merlin smiles. He steals a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you at lunch."

[royalpratness]

"See you later." Smiling, Arthur leaves the room to find the head of his staff.

An hour later, he sits in the dining room, waiting for Merlin to join him.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin walks in a few minutes later, apologetic for being even a moment late.