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'm afraid so, yes. I don't want to take any risks." Arthur kisses Merlin's forehead.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin sighs, tilting his head to steal a full-on kiss from Arthur's lips.

[royalpratness]

Arthur kisses him back, pulling away after a moment. "I'm sorry. You understand why we need to be very careful with this, don't you?"

[ayoungboy]

"Of course I do," Merlin assures, running his fingers through Arthur's hair soothingly. "Your household won't understand."

[royalpratness]

"No, they won't." After another brief kiss, Arthur sits up. "I'll see you later."

[ayoungboy]

"Bye," Merlin smiles softly, resting back against the pillows.

[royalpratness]

Arthur quickly puts on his clothes and sneaks back to his own room. He's so exhausted from the previous day that he doesn't show up from breakfast but sleep on til noon.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin eats breakfast and works through the morning, assisting the servants.

[royalpratness]

Arthur catches Merlin in the late afternoon, behind the stables. "Hello there."

[ayoungboy]

"Wha-Arthur!" Merlin flails a little and eventually hugs the man, smiling. "Hey."

[royalpratness]

After quickly checking that they're alone, Arthur relaxes against Merlin, hugging him back. "Sorry that I missed breakfast."

[ayoungboy]

"No, no, it's fine. You needed your sleep." Merlin beams.

[royalpratness]

"Yes, I did." Arthur chuckles. "Do you want to go for a ride?" He nods towards the stables.

[ayoungboy]

"I'd love to." Merlin nods a little. "...if I'm allowed? I don't know if I have any more work."

[royalpratness]

"As your employer..." Arthur grins "I officially declare that you are free now to go horse riding with me."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin laughs and shrugs. "As you wish, my lord."

[royalpratness]

"So you've never been on a horse before?" Arthur asks as they walk inside the stables.

[ayoungboy]

"Never," Merlin confirms. "That's not part of my show."

[royalpratness]

"Okay, I'll teach you the basics then." Arthur grins, already looking forward to it.

[ayoungboy]

"M'I riding with you?" Merlin teases.

[royalpratness]

"No, I'll give you our most gentle horse." Arthur points at a horse further at the back. He spends the next twenty minutes or so to saddle the horse, explaining Merlin all the steps.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin nods and absorbs all the information, watching Arthur carefully.

[royalpratness]

"Ready to mount?" Arthur steps next to the horse, offering Merlin to help.

[ayoungboy]

"I guess I can try..."

[royalpratness]

"It's not that difficult." With his hands on Merlin's waist, Arthur helps him to climb up onto the horse's back.