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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.

[auditor]

[ hello, mr. pendragon. claudia's life is stressful as fuq rn, so she would greatly appreciate some help. that message was totally irritating, also, but since this isn't the arthur that stranger-danger hugged her during that curse... (you know, a lot of things irritate her rn. it's not really the message.) ]

My apologies, messere Pendragon. [ no, she isn't calling him "prince." still, she smiles. ] I would ask, ah, Merlin, but I assume questions regarding the Citadel are better directed toward you.

video.

[pratentious]

[ Not to worry, Arthur has grown accustomed to going without his title and - if he's entirely honest - he doesn't mind it too much. He smiles in turn. ]

Just Arthur is fine, and you would assume correctly. I may trust Merlin with my life, but he's also an idiot, and I'd loathe to leave you with false information.

permavideo.

[auditor]

[ she chuckles. ]

Bene, I hate false information. [ an informant would... she shakes her head, setting the pleasantry aside. ] What I want to ask is, do you teach the natives as well?

[pratentious]

I do, as much as they have the capacity to learn. This land is rightfully theirs, they should know to defend it.

[auditor]

[ so as much as claudia doesn't call him a prince, he does strike her as one. not diplomatic but there is an authority to his opinions, which seem fair thus far. she can respect that. (he wouldn't last a second in firenze or roma. it's unfortunate.) ]

Then, I have six students for you.

[pratentious]

[ He blinks a little, surprised, then smiles. ]

And I would be glad to have them. Though, I must confess, I am a bit curious. Are these friends of yours?

[auditor]

[ more like employees... but the brothel isn't running yet, and claudia doesn't collect on their earnings. ]

They are. I insisted they speak. [ she waves her free hand. ] But I can't get some of them to stop, now.

[pratentious]

[ He laughs lightly. ]

Ah, brilliant. Four years dealing with one, what's another half dozen?

[auditor]

I promise they are good students. They learn fast and work hard.

[ pride? yes, definitely. ]

[pratentious]

I will see them taught well.

[ He inclines his head politely. ]

[auditor]

[ and in return, claudia bows hers somewhat. ]

Grazie.