[ 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

voice;

[practicality]

I'm sorry - Kirkland?

voice;

[pratentious]

Arthur Kirkland. The Citadel is under both of our ownership; he minds more of the paperwork while I handle the grounds. If memory serves, however, he's quite the archer himself. He may want to you yet.

voice;

[practicality]

I will greatly welcome a meeting with him. Any and all suggestions as to how to better the forthcoming archery lessons will be much appreciated, for my part.

voice;

[pratentious]

Nonsense. Your brother assures me you'll make a fine teacher, and I've the utmost of confidence in you - but if you should find yourself in need of any assistance, do not hesitate to ask.

voice;

[practicality]

[ there's a smile somewhere in her voice when she speaks next, though she wonders which brother he's referring to. ]

I do have two more questions, if you don't mind? And I hope it's not being terribly forward of me. [ actually, it is, but she has to know. ] Am I to demand payment from my students, and, if yes, how much will that be? Following that, am I to forward the payments to the Citadel, or am I to keep them for myself?

voice;

[pratentious]

Every student will pay a course fee upon enrollment, a small portion of which will go to paying off the loan used to build the Citadel grounds. There rest will be your personal salary.

voice;

[practicality]

Thank you, Prince Arthur. That will be all.

voice;

[pratentious]

I'm glad to have been of service, your grace.

voice;

[practicality]

Susan. Just 'Susan' will suffice.

voice;

[pratentious]

Then I hope you might call me by Arthur in return, Susan.