[ ic; contact ]

[pratentious]

[This time, the recording starts with a long, drawn out sigh. Then, surprisingly, it's still Merlin's voice that rattles off the voicemail in tones of long-suffering.]

Hello, you've reached King Arthur Pr--Pendragon. He isn't here to answer your call because he's incredibly important and busy. If you leave a message here with me, I'll make sure he gets it because I am a good servant--and friend-- [he adds the last bit in a rush, accompanied with a thwap!, an 'ow!' and an 'I heard that,' then forces the rest of the words out through gritted teeth] and will do anything my master asks of me.

[A couple seconds pass, then Merlin speaks again, this time sounding a bit further away, like he isn't speaking into the bracelet anymore.] There, happy now? If you ask me, the other one is still better-- Shut up, Merlin. It's time to do yours next. Wait, what --

[ click! ]

Comments

[Video] right after they record this

[dragonspeak]

[No, he doesn't care that you're right next to him, you're getting a message on your new inbox-message-thingy.]

Have you even listened to your message, Arthur? Maybe you should try to make a new one.

[Video]

[pratentious]

[ And he's supposed to be the insufferable one? He just sighs and starts fidgeting with the bracelet. ]

I don't care, Merlin. What part of that is so difficult to understand?

Note on Arthur's desk

[dragonspeak]

[When Arthur's returns to his room, that first day of the ice faerie invasion, he'll find something on his desk: a golden circlet that looks similar to the one he wore in Camelot, just missing the jewels. Next to it is a note, written in Merlin's familiar, messy scrawl:]


You have proven yourself again as a dependable knight, and a good prince, even to the people of Asgard. The crown isn't the same as yours, but it's a good reminder of home since it looks like we will be here for a while.

Arthur, you are my king, and the only one I will ever follow willingly. Thank you for giving me a chance today. I won't let you down. Let me know when you want to talk.

Merlin

[pratentious]

[ By the time Arthur finally allows himself to retire (and greatly at the insistence of others and the bothersome need for body heat rather than of his own volition), he is far too worn, too cold, and too sore to really care for much else than the welcome invitation of his bed. He leaves behind a trail of ruined shoes, torn armour and wet clothes on his beeline to the comforter, but the sudden appearance of a vaguely familiar object catches his eye before he has a chance to slip into warm unconsciousness. Instead, his heart skips a beat and then picks up in double time as he reaches for the circlet. It's not his, that much he could tell with his eyes closed, but somehow that makes it all the more meaningful. Careful fingers trace along the edge of it before Arthur's eyes flick to the accompanying note and he sets the circlet down in place of it.

He's torn between wanting to laugh and wanting to cry. Perhaps he'll simply cry with laughter.

What a complete and utter girl, he thinks, but there's also undeniably the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He takes up the circlet again, flips it in the air once, then stares at it for a second longer before tentatively placing it on his head. It's not a perfect fit but nothing is these days, and that's what makes it entirely appropriate. He shakes his head with a light chuckle, then takes it off and tucks it away in his desk drawer along with the note and finally sinking into his bed. One last idiot crosses his mind before he slips into a warm and easy sleep, truly relaxed for the first time since arriving in Asgard. ]

[audio]

[faints]

Uhh...hi! Arthur? A guy named Merlin said I should try contacting you about getting some help with weapons training. Um...get back to me when you can. Thanks!

[ video ]

[pratentious]

How about that - Merlin's actually done something right for once.

[ :| ]

Yes, well, you've certainly come to the right place. What's your name?

[text]

[dragonspeak]

[Unfortunately for you, Arthur, someone's learned the beauty of caps lock.]

YOU ARE SUCH A PRAT

[text]

[dragonspeak]

THE PRINCE OF ALL PRATS

video.

[auditor]

[ hello, mr. pendragon. claudia's life is stressful as fuq rn, so she would greatly appreciate some help. that message was totally irritating, also, but since this isn't the arthur that stranger-danger hugged her during that curse... (you know, a lot of things irritate her rn. it's not really the message.) ]

My apologies, messere Pendragon. [ no, she isn't calling him "prince." still, she smiles. ] I would ask, ah, Merlin, but I assume questions regarding the Citadel are better directed toward you.

video.

[pratentious]

[ Not to worry, Arthur has grown accustomed to going without his title and - if he's entirely honest - he doesn't mind it too much. He smiles in turn. ]

Just Arthur is fine, and you would assume correctly. I may trust Merlin with my life, but he's also an idiot, and I'd loathe to leave you with false information.

[Audio] Day 89

[sublimity]

[FFF what kind of voice message is that? Peter doesn't laugh, but he certainly sounds amused.]

Greetings, Prince Arthur. I should like a word, if you've the time.

[ video ]

[pratentious]

[ The best kind, obv. ]

Of course, my lord. How might I be of service today?

voice

[minifridge]

Arthur? This is the third time I've called. Is everything okay? It's been a long time, and you know you can't stay in Hel that long.

voice

[minifridge]

Come on, I know you must have been getting these. Can you at least text me and let me know you're alright?

voice

[minifridge]

Arthur. Arrrrrrthuuuuuuuuuuur.

voice

[minifridge]

I'm just gonna keep calling you.

[minifridge]

Hey Arthur, I'm eating all the pot pie you said you wanted me to save.

[minifridge]

All of it. [LOUD EATING SOUNDS.]

[minifridge]

[Singing sweetly (and pretty well)-]

Why don't you build me up (build me up)
buttercup baby, just to let me down (leeeeet me down)
and mess me around~~

and then worst of all (WORST OF ALL)
you never call baby when you say you will (saaay you will~)
and I love you still!

I need you, I need you~ more than anyone darling~
you know that I have from the start
so build me up, build me up, buttercup
don't break my heee~eaaart ♫

[ video ]

[pratentious]

For God's sake, woman, what.

[Video] o hai

[dragonspeak]

[SUDDENLY, YOU ARE GETTING A CALL FROM MERLIN'S BRACELET. SURPRISE???

But when the feed turns on, all you can hear is the (distant) sound of the shower running somewhere close by. And then...]

Hroo.

[There's a pair of owl eyes pressed up to the screen, side-ways even, until Archimedes backs away.

Judgmental stare is now go.]

[Video - 1/?] o-oh. hai?

[pratentious]

[ There's an initial sort of shock - Merlin is calling? But after the other day - ]

voice; after she found out she got accepted to the citadel idk

[practicality]

Good day to you, Prince Arthur. This is Susan Pevensie, sister to both Peter and Edmund. I believe we have yet to speak to each other in person or otherwise - though I would dearly like to thank you for allowing me to take the archery instructor position in the Citadel.

I do have some questions about it, though, if you don't mind?

voice; bahaha works for me! o7

[pratentious]

Not at all, my Lady. Ask away.

voice mail! - Day 99

[magatama_no_amaterasu]

[...Prince? Merlin didn't say he was a prince.]

Prince Pendragon, my name is Natsume Maya and I'm one of the recently arrived 'travelers'. I was speaking earlier with Merlin about the Citadel and he directed me to contact you directly.

I am interested in providing instruction if there are any positions available. I am a master of the Natusme Style martial arts founded by my family centuries ago. I specialize in tojustsu, kenjutsu, nitoujutsu - all Japanese sword styles, unarmed combat and ki control.

[A slight pause and a sigh.] Never mind about the ki control. I lack access to my ki here, so I can only teach the meditative techniques of that focusing on chakras.

Let me see... I'm the captain of the Juukenbu, a martial arts club at my school, so I am used to working with students.

...I think that's it. I look forward to hearing from you.

[ video - Day 102 ]

[pratentious]

[ As the video broadcasts, Arthur seems rather pallid, rings under his eyes as though perhaps he hasn't seen a good night's sleep in well over a week, but aside from the physical afflictions, the Prince is every bit composed and formal as ever. ]

Maya. [ He addresses her with a polite nod of his head. ] I am Arthur. I must apologise for the delay in my correspondence, I - had other matters to attend to. I do beg your pardon.

[ Another bow of his head, this time in apology, and he has to swallow before he manages to return to the business mindset. ]

That said, if you are still interested in a position at the Citadel, I believe we may find something to accomodate you. There are already three swordsmanship instructors as is, but we've none of the Japanese style, which I admittedly know very little of.

[ That is to say: none whatsoever, and there's a faint smile in there somewhere. ]

I, myself, am otherwise - preoccupied, but if you'd like, I can arrange for a meeting with my partner and a few of the other instructors as well. I think, with your experience, we would be glad to have you.

[Video Message] Backdated to the day after the Archimedes call

[dragonspeak]

[Merlin fidgets for a bit before he finally speaks up.]

Arthur...can we talk?

[ video ]

[pratentious]

[ Oh, hey. It's actually Merlin this time. That's ... well, still odd. Arthur responds soon enough anyway. ]

Of course. What's wrong?

[ Because something must be wrong, right? ]

[Video Message] backdated (an hour or so after That Talk)

[dragonspeak]

[Merlin's been jittery since Arthur broke into the argument between Merlin and Uther. Stupid, noble prat that he is.

Surely the talk couldn't talk more than an hour? Merlin finally gives in and makes the call.]

Arthur, are you there?

[ voice ]

[pratentious]

[ But it is not done within the hour, and it is not until the second has gone by does Arthur ring Merlin back. He took the time to retrieve his bracelet from his room and situate himself someplace far from the house to just ... breathe a while. ]

I am now.

[Audio]

[fated_blade]

Arthur...

[she doesn't know exactly WHAT to say, honestly...only that she feels the need to talk with him]

[Audio]

[pratentious]

My Lord.

[ Polite. Tired. Resigned. That's pretty much all he's got for you at this point. ]

[A note, written day 110]

[foodshortage]

[Uther sends it along with Morgana after her visit to give to Arthur. It's not meant to be a way to reach out to Arthur, make Arthur less angry or hurt or anything like that. Just something that Uther feels is necessary to give. He has no wish to cut all connection - he just doesn't know what to do.

Whenever, or if, Arthur chooses to unfold it, he will read:]

Arthur,

Do no forget that you matter the world to me.

[Video Message] (somehow labeled as URGENT)

[dragonspeak]

Arthur, I think you should check the bracelet. Your father...

[Opens his mouth hesitantly, not exactly sure how he should word this.]

Your father's looking for a job.

[You, of all people, should understand why Merlin's looking so pale.]

[ not here || 1/? ]

[pratentious]

[ GDI what the Hell is happening now - ]

voice;

[gwenhwyfar]

[YOU KNOW IT'S SERIOUS WHEN SHE ADDRESSES YOU LIKE THIS.]

My lord.

voice;

[pratentious]

Regina. Is everything all right?

[text] Day 132 morning

[dragonspeak]

[It takes a long time before Merlin finally leaves Arthur replies, knowing that Arthur likely won't stop with the text spam until he hears back.]

I'm fine. Stop abusing my bracelet.

left outside his door {day 134}

[veneficus]

[ it's already evening when perhaps he'll hear a small shuffle outside his room. Someone is perhaps sorry for escaping to wander the street all day and for...other things. You know, usurping your throne, ruining your life in some distant future.

But never mind that. When he'll open the door there will be a wrapped plate waiting for him, made prettily enough to assure she did not bake the thing it contains (she thought of trying but figured he would assume she is trying to get him sick on purpose).

The plate holds a few slices of honey cake, very much like the ones she used to nick from the kitchens for them as children.

There is also a single note. ]

For old times' sake.

I kept none for myself.

I hope you shall remember that sharing with your sister is gallant and highly encouraged.

I'm sor -

Dutifully yours.

[pratentious]

[ A few hours after the treats are left for him, Arthur very nearly steps on the plate on his way to the kitchen. He notices it just in time to hop over it and crouch down, taking up the plate in one hand and the note in the other. He remains on the floor as he reads it with a slight smile (though God help any that might call it fond) before taking them both back into his room to set on his desk.

A much shorter while after that, Arthur seeks out wherever Morgana may be hiding herself within the house today and pads up quietly behind her, setting the plate down on the nearest available flat surface to free up his hands. One (the clean one) braces gently against the small of her back to hold her in place while the other (artfully covered in honey more from fiddling with a slice of cake than eating it) starts pressing against her cheeks, her forehead, her nose in a messy display of brotherly affection. ]

Oh, oh gods. Oh, that's utterly disgusting. It's everywhere, sick. That is truly just - awful, aw.

text | day 139

[minifridge]

JOHN IS HERE OH MY GOD

[Succinct.]

[ text ]

[pratentious]

[ . . . ]

Your god ?