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[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]

[dragonspeak]

[Another searching look, this one lacking the teasing bite from before.]

You are more important than anything else. [He frowns.] You don't have to be dying for me to worry about you.

Is this about Will? [Arthur's already had his Mordred moment, so that only leaves the newest person from home.] You know he doesn't really hate you. I'll--I'll talk to him. A lot's changed since... [Merlin shrugs a little helplessly.]

[Video]

[pratentious]

[ Arthur always wonders what Merlin sees when he looks at him like that. The Prince, the King - the man, as Merlin is one of the very few that ever do; it's unnerving. He shifts a little, looks away. ]

Will's nothing to do with it.

[ He is not envious, or guilty, or - ]

I simply need some time away, is all. Perhaps a quick hunt in Utgard.

[ That's actually a brilliant idea. The bracelets won't reach him, it's similar enough to home. Gods, but he misses Camelot every bit as much as he has grown to love Asgard. ]

[Video]

[dragonspeak]

[Liar. Liar liar liar liar.]

Oh, hunting, is that all?

[He continues in a tone that doesn't allow any sort of argument.]

When are we leaving? You'll need someone to carry your gear and your catches.

[Video]

[pratentious]

[ Of course Merlin would just invite himself along against Arthur's instructions. He has to fight very hard not to sigh. ]

First thing come daybreak. Bring the blankets and a warm coat.

[Video]

[dragonspeak]

[You can't get rid of him now!!! Merlin beams at him.]

Bring them where?

[Video]

[pratentious]

[ Puppy. ]

Heimdall House. My room.

[Video]

[dragonspeak]

All right, I'll be there.

[You can count on him!]

[Video]

[pratentious]

[ He will never be rid of you, will he? Arthur just shakes his head (with a very, very slight smile) before cutting the feed.]