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]

"Of course I do. I have three, in fact." Arthur frowns at Merlin for asking such a stupid question.

[ayoungboy]

"Woah." Merlin blinks in surrpise. "...really?" Arthur's more affluent than he thought.

[royalpratness]

"Yes, really Merlin." Arthur's frown turns into an amused grin. "The mansion and the stables should have given you an idea about my financial situation."

[ayoungboy]

"I didn't really..." Merlin blushes a little. "Oh."

[royalpratness]

"I told you I'm a landowner. I ...own quite a lot of land." Arthur rubs the back of his neck.

[ayoungboy]

"Wow." Merlin clears his throat. "Best work on earning my keep, then."

[royalpratness]

"There's always a lot of to around the house and the land, even during the winter. We'll find something for you to do." Arthur assures him.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin nods, suddenly feeling the class divide between them.

[royalpratness]

Arthur drinks the rest of the tea and gets up. "I'll go and make sure that the carriages is being prepared. You finish your breakfast."

[ayoungboy]

"Thank you." Merlin smiles gently, biting into his toast.

[royalpratness]

Arthur puts on his coat and disappears outside. Half an hour later, a servant comes in to fetch Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin follows the servant out. He can't wait to get his own coat back from his tent.

[royalpratness]

Arthur and the carriage are waiting for him in front of the house. He holds the door open for Merlin, waving him inside.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin's shivering, and he quickly climbs into the carriage. "Thank you."

[royalpratness]

Arthur hands him a blanket to drape over his legs. "It will only be half an hour or so."

[ayoungboy]

"I'm fine." Merlin accepts the blanket gratefully. "You're very kind."

[royalpratness]

"Good manners." Arthur shrugs as the carriages starts moving. "How long will you be staying?"

[ayoungboy]

"I'm not sure." Merlin smiles gently. "How long would you like me to stay?"

[royalpratness]

"However long you want." Arthur briefly squeezes Merlin's arm.

[ayoungboy]

"Then I'll stay as long as I'm welcome, Arthur."

[royalpratness]

"Well, you said over the winter until the circus opens again."

[ayoungboy]

"Until then, yes. But should you wish me to leave a month early, I would not protest, my lord."

[royalpratness]

"My lord?" Arthur snorts. "You had my cock up your ass, I think the times of 'my lord' are gone, Merlin." He shakes his head. "And no, I don't want you to leave early."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin flushes and blinks quite rapidly. Yeah...nice. "...or have they just begun?..."

"Ah...well alright, s'all you had to say."

[royalpratness]

"Okay, we agree then. You're gonna stay for a while." Arthur smiles at the thought.