[ 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]

[pratentious]

[ And someone (no naming names or anything) is really, very excited to see this face. ]

Percival!

[ No, seriously. Arthur looks like a little boy on Christmas morn. Forget the rest of what's going on right now, his Knights are arriving and he is thrilled. ]

By the gods, it's about damned time you lot started showing your faces. I take it Merlin or one of the others has shown you about, then?

[video]

[sleeveless]

Yes. Merlin has been... Very helpful. [ It's true; in spite of their rocky start, Merlin's counsel has been invaluable so far in helping him to adjust to life here in Asgard. ]

[video]

[pratentious]

[ Arthur doesn't miss that moment's hesitation, and for gods' sake, just once. Once. Let this be good news and nothing more. For once, just let it be. ]

Well. Just goes to show he's learnt some use in his time here.

[ There's a smile, quick - jokes at Merlin's expense are, naturally, Arthur's favourite - but it's short lived, because when has Arthur ever been able to let things just be? ]

I suppose then, you'll understand my meaning when I ask after your last memories of Camelot?

[video]

[sleeveless]

What you ask has no easy answer, sire. From what I have come to understand in my conversation with Merlin, I am - a good deal more knowledgeable than anyone to pass through this city before. I would not deny you the truth, should you require it, but understand that the tales I have to tell may not be the kindest to hear spoken of.

[video]

[pratentious]

[ Arthur inhales, purses his lips a moment, then nods once. ]

But of course. Thank you, Percival, I appreciate your deliberation.

[ Another moment of silence as he scrubs at his brow and sighs. ]

Another time, then. You've only just arrived and are like to be here plenty longer. Take some time to rest from your trials.

[video]

[sleeveless]

[ A slight, appreciative bow of the head. Formalities have never really been much their thing, outside official ceremony, but the situation now certainly calls for some gravity. ]

Thank you.

[video]

[pratentious]

[ Arthur nods his head in return, and puts on a smile - a shade of his initial mirth, but sincere nonetheless. ]

And which House have the gods see fit to sort you into? I can send Merlin along later on to fetch you for supper at ours.

[video]

[sleeveless]

They have called it Thor, sire. I have been assigned to room 108.

[video]

[pratentious]

Ah, perfect. Our house is in the same district, as well as the training grounds I own and operate. I don't suppose you'd like to come work for your King?

[video]

[sleeveless]

I would be honored.

[video]

[pratentious]

It would be my honour to have you, Percival. But first, find your rest. We'll get you sorted on the morrow.

[video]

[sleeveless]

[ A nod of certainty. ] I will make myself ready for your summons.