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 nods his understanding. "Yes, that should work out charmingly. I'm not part of the show tonight." Doing a little children's version for the town - and he's too frightening.

[royalpratness]

"Excellent." Arthur smiles, handing Merlin the blanket back. "I'm looking forward to welcoming you in my home, Merlin."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin looks vaguely bemused, and he accepts the blanket with a smile. "I thank you for your invitation."

[royalpratness]

"I'll see you tonight." With a grin, Arthur turns around and leaves the tent.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin shakes his head and goes back to sleep. Mr. Pendragon was quite peculiar.

He shows up later that night in a more moderate vest and pants, along with his cloak and hat.

[royalpratness]

Arthur's butler opens the door for Merlin but Arthur is right behind him, smiling. "Good evening. Come in, please."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin declines to let the butler take his cloak, smiling at Arthur. "Good evening."

[royalpratness]

"I hope you found your way here without problems?" Arthur asks, leading Merlin into the dining room.

[ayoungboy]

"Oh, the way is quite straightforward. I had no trouble."

[royalpratness]

"Good, I'm glad to hear that." Arthur gestures at a chair. "Please, sit down. Dinner will be served shortly."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin pulls off his cloak with a soft flourish and sets it on the back of his chair, taking off his hat and joining Arthur.

[royalpratness]

"I've asked my staff not to attend this dinner to give us some privacy." Arthur explains, sitting down opposite Merlin at the table. "Tell me about yourself. When did you join the circus?"

[ayoungboy]

Merlin raises an eyebrow at the privacy request, but he doesn't mind. "Will your wife be joining us?"

"Ah...when I was about...16? 16 or 17."

[royalpratness]

"I'm not married." Arthur smiles and adds. "Odd at my age, I know. I ... didn't find the right person just yet."

He takes a sip from his wine. "Oh that must have been..ten years ago?" He guesses.

[ayoungboy]

"Really? Wow. If there's no one for you, what hope is there for the rest of us?" Merlin jokes.

"Ah, almost. I'm 24."

[royalpratness]

"I'll take that as a compliment." Arthur grins over the rim of his glass. "Why did you join in the first place?"

[ayoungboy]

"Mum wanted opportunites for me. Village wasn't as accepting of my abilities as carnie folk, so I didn't have many."

[royalpratness]

"I'm sorry to hear that." Arthur frowns. "It must have been difficult to leave your home and family."

[ayoungboy]

"A bit, but. The ringmaster is a family friend." Merlin smiles a little. "So I wasn't completely alone."

[royalpratness]

"That's something. Are you still in touch with your family?" Arthur imagines that it must be difficult since the circus is moving around so much

[ayoungboy]

"It's just my mum, really. I send her letters."

[royalpratness]

Arthur smiles but there's a sad look in his eyes. "It's good to have family."

[ayoungboy]

"You don't?" Merlin tilts his head a little.

[royalpratness]

"No, not anymore." Arthur sighs. "I never knew my mother and my father passed away last year. I have a half-sister but she lives down in London. I don't get to see her often."

[ayoungboy]

"I'm sorry, Arthur." Merlin smiles sadly, but understandingly.