[ 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

[pratentious]

Fitting, then, to a wordsmith and her craft. I would be glad to teach you, if you truly wish to learn.

[madcuriosity]

[Damnit Arthur, don't make her blush.]

I... think I should. To properly protect myself if our powers are gone or I find myself alone. In addition to all that, I wish to protect my loved ones. Frying pans, while useful, aren't very terrifying to make people at least reconsider attacking.

[pratentious]

[ But he's so good at it! ]

Morgana once wielded a dinner knife at a feast gone awry, and I can assure you she would have fared better than any that dared stand against her. Never underestimate the usefulness of crockery.

[ Okay, maybe still a bit of gentle teasing. This seriousness in Alice is a sad thing to see, for one so young that should never have this burden. ]

It may not be easy, but know that these are all the right reasons to pick up a blade. Your heart is in the right place, and it will not steer you wrong.

[madcuriosity]

I'm sure she was, and you should see Miss Rapunzel using her frying pan. She gets incredibly creative...

I'm going apologize in advance for the student I'm likely to be. The idea of hurting anyone is one I don't enjoy. But... the idea of my loved ones getting hurt and attacked is one I like even less.

[pratentious]

[ He chuckles softly. What is it with women and creative violence ... ]

We can focus on a defensive form so that you might only have to act in the interest of the safety of you and yours, if you'd like.

[madcuriosity]

There's such a thing? [She honestly didn't know!]

[pratentious]

Of course there is. I, personally, feel that one ought to learn defence before anything offensive should ever come into play. It is every bit as important to know when to stay a blade as it is to push it forward.

[madcuriosity]

Oh! Then I would very much like to learn that, sire! [That doesn't sound awful at all. She wouldn't have to hurt anyone, just learn how to defend against someone who would want to hurt her]

[pratentious]

[ He gives a soft cluck for the use of his title, but his bright smile speaks for his approval all the same. ]

When should you like to start, then? I will make myself available for you.

[madcuriosity]

[That last sentence is making her absolutely red in the face. Arthur is making time for her! She presses a hand to her cheek.]

Oh ah... as soon as we can, I think. We don't know... when another attack may occur.

[pratentious]

Such is the nature of war. Tomorrow afternoon, perhaps? I've an hour or two to start you on the basics.

[madcuriosity]

Tomorrow then, sir. I'm really very glad you agreed, I wasn't really sure whom else to turn to on the matter.

[pratentious]

Do you mean to say I wasn't your first thought? You wound me, Alice.

[ Teasing! ]

[madcuriosity]

You were my only thought, sir. I don't see how you couldn't be my first.

[pratentious]

The Doctor is rather protective of you. I shouldn't like to get between the two of you over a sword.

[ Dangerous, dangerous. ]

[madcuriosity]

.... Da- the Doctor went home.

Can't offer much of any sort of commentary when he's not here and the others don't really watch me to the degree he did.

[pratentious]

[ -- He should, perhaps, be a bit curious about that slip-up, but now is not the time. ]

I'm sorry to hear that. He does seem to make a habit of wandering through easy as you please.

[ Arthur doesn't want to say he might return, but he can hold out hope. ]

If you've need of anything in his absence, you know I would be glad to help as I might.

[madcuriosity]

It's... I just miss him, and mother is in a deep sleep and I cannot wake her. I thought perhaps she might be dreaming of all of us and waking her would make us all disappear...

I didn't know who to ask, the other Doctors don't seem to be worried at all. Although... [One is sick, one moved out, one lost his most important person, and she doesn't really know the others.] maybe they are and I simply can't see it.

I try not to stay inside. [Because the feeling, the knowing of something... someone missing is just too palpable.]

It's easier not to think about it when you busy your mind and hands.

[pratentious]

[ He stays quiet and listens closely. What a mess of messes. ]

The most important thing of all, when you find your house in turmoil, is to see that you take care of yourself as much as you might to give yourself strength enough to care for others. These lessons will help you serve that purpose, but your health is paramount before all else. Do you understand?

[madcuriosity]

Don't worry, your majesty... I... I will be alright.

I know I have you and many others if I truly need anything. And it's not as if I'm completely alone. Mr. Rory is there, and the other Doctors are just across the way.

[It's just at night, that things get lonely.]