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]

"I think a man with your talents could do much better than this." Arthur looks surprised when Emrys drapes the blanket over his shoulders. "I didn't mean ... thank you."

[ayoungboy]

"Well...thank you? I'm flattered, but a thought doesn't put food on my plate and clothes on my back, Mr. Pendragon. This carnival does."

Merlin smiles gently. "It's not trouble."

[royalpratness]

"You should come and have dinner at my house tonight." Arthur blurts out, wondering where this came from. "I'd like to hear more about your abilities."

[ayoungboy]

"Um...really? I...I suppose..."

[royalpratness]

"Please." Arthur smiles at him. "It'd be an honour Mr... I don't even know your name."

[ayoungboy]

"Well...my stage name is Emrys." Merlin smiles gently.

[royalpratness]

"Yes, I know. What's your real name though?"

[ayoungboy]

"Merlin," He answers quietly.

[royalpratness]

"Merlin." Arthur repeats. "Like the bird." He takes the blanket off his shoulders and folds it neatly. "Well then Merlin, do you accept my invitation?"

[ayoungboy]

"I suppose so," Merlin laughs, then nods at Arthur's question. "I'd be delighted, Mr. Pendragon."

[royalpratness]

"Great!" Arthur smiles at him and explains Merlin how to find his mansion. "Should we say half past six?"

[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.