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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

[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.]