[ 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

action;

[gwenhwyfar]

[Breath. She must breathe. She just needs to calm her nerves. She scoffs, taking her hands to her face, slowly inhaling and exhaling. It may take a moment or two to calm herself. The last thing she wants to do is hurt him.]

action;

[pratentious]

[ - oh. He hadn't quite expected such a visceral reaction; he's not sure how to respond. He's been warned to keep his distance, so he will begrudge her that, but he waits patiently for her all the same.

After some time, though, he will try out of concern - ]

Regina?

action;

[gwenhwyfar]

[When she finally collects herself, she glances back up to him, her eye peaking behind the fingers of her hand.]

I'm fine.

action;

[pratentious]

[ He observes her quietly a moment, then nods his head. ]

If you're certain.

[ He'll angle his body to go again, though he waits for her confirmation that she's ready to leave first. ]

action;

[gwenhwyfar]

Go.

[It's an order, not a request from Regina, who starts to take small strides. Just about the only thing she can do now is pull her head back to the sky and pray nothing happens.]

action;

[pratentious]

[ Arthur gives a small, quiet huff - still not one to take orders, but he's not here to play Prince. He's just trying to take care of Regina. He continues walking in silence, not wanting to risk setting her off once more. ]