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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

[audio]

[pratentious]

I don't know that we should ever lay claim to knowing the gods' minds, regardless of how long we may come to be in their charge.

[ A huff. ]

But you've the right mind about it, and for that, I shall always be grateful.

[audio]

[the_good_doctor]

On the subject of being grateful--

Well, I've no mind to be presumptious, but it seems like your manservant might be feeling a little disgruntled about something?

[audio]

[pratentious]

Merlin? What's he got up to now?

[ Is Arthur worried? Should he be worried? ]

[audio]

[the_good_doctor]

Perhaps it's nothing. I fancy your message sounded somewhat ... dissatisfied.

[audio | 1/2]

[pratentious]

My ... message?

[ Hold, please. The message will start playing in the background.

[audio | 2/2]

[pratentious]

[ And then Watson will hear Arthur mutter 'oh, he is so dead' before he remembers that there's ... still someone on the other line. ]

Right. Well. [ Tense. He might be smiling. Through gritted teeth. ] If you'll excuse me, I'm some regal sulking to do and a best friend to strangle.

[audio]

[the_good_doctor]

[As you do.]

Well, then. I shan't keep you any longer, your Highness. Once again, I am greateful for your confidence and hope that you'll let me know should I be able to be of service.

[audio]

[pratentious]

Of course. And the same of you, Doctor. You know where to reach me if ever you've need of me.