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]

"Yes," Merlin admits, cheeks flushed.

[royalpratness]

"Don't be." Arthur gently squeezes Merlin's calf. "This one is very tame and gentle." He nods at the horse, leading it towards the small enclosure behind the stables.

[ayoungboy]

"I've seen people die on these," Merlin chuckles nervously.

[royalpratness]

"Not on this one." Arthur assures him. Once they walk into the enclosure, Arthur lets go of the reigns, showing Merlin how to hold them himself.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin holds the reins a little too tightly, rigid on the horse.

[royalpratness]

"Let loose a bit." Arthur tells him. "Now gently nudge her flanks with your heels to make her move."

[ayoungboy]

"...what if I don't want her to move." Merlin bites his lip.

[royalpratness]

Arthur chuckles, shaking his head. "You're ridiculous. Budge up." With one smooth motion, Arthur swings himself up into the saddle behind Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

"I thought you didn't want to ride with me." Merlin squeaks a little as the movement jostles the horse.

[royalpratness]

"No, but you looked like you need some help." Arthur grins, snatching the reigns out of Merlin's hands and gently nudging the horse forward.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin blushes as Arthur's arms encircle him to take the reigns. "...maybe a little."

[royalpratness]

"Now you just have to hold onto the saddle." Arthur brushes his nose against the back of Merlin's neck for only a second.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin ends up clinging to the saddle, leaning back against Arthur's chest. Goosebumps rise pleasantly on the back of his neck.

[royalpratness]

"See, this isn't too bad, is it?" Arthur leads the horse around the enclosure in a slow walk.

[ayoungboy]

"No," Merlin admits, tilting his head up to look at Arthur for a brief moment.

[royalpratness]

"Ready to go a bit faster? I promise you won't fall off."

[ayoungboy]

"Don't let it throw me," Merlin says uncertainly.

[royalpratness]

Arthur rolls his eyes but there's a fond smile on his face. "Merlin, you could let the horse float if you wanted to. " He spurs the animal on and it falls into an easy trot.

[ayoungboy]

"It'd be a bit of a strain. Horses are heavy." Merlin says, not realizing it was a joke.

When the horse goes faster - even just by a little bit, Merlin takes a death grip on the saddle.

[royalpratness]

Arthur chuckles, wrapping an arm more firmly around Merlin, holding the reigns with the other. "Relax. I've got you."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin lets one hand move to Arthur's, around his middle, and squeeze tightly. "...you sure?"

[royalpratness]

"Positive." Arthur smiles, making the horse trot a little faster.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin yelps a little, clinging tightly to Arthur.

[royalpratness]

"Hold on." Arthur laughs, spurring the horse on until it starts galopping.

[ayoungboy]

"Arthur!" Merlin cries, somewhat terrified.