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]

"Meeting with a neighbouring landowner. It's too far away to return this afternoon so I'll stay here overnight." Arthur explains.

[ayoungboy]

"Ah," Merlin nods, smiling gently.

[royalpratness]

"Just ask Alice if you need anything." Arthur gets up and squeezes Merlin's shoulder.

[ayoungboy]

"I will." Merlin smiles at Arthur. "I'll await your return."

[royalpratness]

With one last glance at Merlin, Arthur leaves the dining room to go and saddle his horse.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin consumes himself with activity to benefit Arthur's household while he's gone.

sorry, this week is insane orz. rl is kicking my ass

[royalpratness]

Despite his announcement to the contrary, Arthur slips into Merlin's room that night just after midnight. "Merlin?"

Aw hun, it's alright <3<3

[ayoungboy]

"Mm?" Merlin mumbles, fast asleep.

[royalpratness]

"Hey, sorry." Arthur stands by his bed, feeling awkward.

[ayoungboy]

"...'rthur?" Merlin squints in the darkness.

[royalpratness]

"Yes, it's me. Sorry. I got back early." Which still doesn't explain why he's standing in Merlin's bedroom.

[ayoungboy]

"Oh...good." Merlin says, blinking away some of the grogginess. "...what time is it?"

[royalpratness]

"Almost midnight." Arthur shifts awkwardly from one foot to the other. "Would you.. can I stay here?"

[ayoungboy]

"Sure, Arthur." Merlin agrees softly, pulling back the covers for Arthur to slide in. "...everything alright?"

[royalpratness]

Arthur kicks off his shoes and slips into bed next to Merlin. "Yes, it was just a rough day. The meeting didn't go so well."

[ayoungboy]

"No?" Merlin slides his arm around Arthur. "What happened?"

[royalpratness]

Arthur all but melts into Merlin's side, sighing deeply. "We disagree on certain claims he makes in regard to my land."

[ayoungboy]

"Oh, Arthur," Merlin sighs and snuggles him. "I'm sorry."

[royalpratness]

Arthur shakes his head and closes his eyes. "It's fine. I'll deal with it." Not right now though. He wraps an arm around Merlin's middle. "How was your first day working?"

[ayoungboy]

"Good. The staff are lovely." Merlin kisses Arthur's temple. "It'll be alright."

[royalpratness]

"Good, I'm glad you're getting along with them." Arthur yawns, nuzzling Merlin's shoulder. "Thank you."

[ayoungboy]

"Why don't we sleep, Arthur? It's late."

[royalpratness]

"Mmm, yes. Goodnight." Arthur rests his hand on Merlin's side and drifts off to sleep within minutes.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin snuggles Arthur closer, tangling their legs, and nods off with him.

[royalpratness]

Arthur wakes in the early hours of the next morning,blinking into the dark. It takes him a moment to remember where he is but then he smiles, pressing his nose back against Merlin's shoulder.