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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

voice;

[pratentious]

[ Arthur just scoffs a little, and if it were video, she'd've seen his customary dismissive handwave. ]

Don't be absurd. With how many there are under our roof, we've enough to feed a small army. There'll be more than enough food, and a chair for you, if you'll have it.

voice;

[gwenhwyfar]

I am not used to eating with company.

[Well, at least she admits that.]

voice;

[pratentious]

[ He hums quietly. ]

Well then. We'll simply have to change that.

voice;

[gwenhwyfar]

Are you offering...?

voice;

[pratentious]

I am.

voice;

[gwenhwyfar]

I suppose I can join you.

[She's only doing this because you are, but you're not going to know~]

voice;

[pratentious]

[ It's a while before he responds again, and when he does, his voice is much more subdued, quieter as though he's got something else to attend to. ]

Good. You do me an honour, Regina.

[ A beat. ]

Unfortunately, it shall have to be another night. In order to prepare - if that's all right by you.

voice;

[gwenhwyfar]

[Perhaps she shouldn't be insulted, but Lancelot did coax her to do this, hadn't he? She sniffs, somewhat annoyed.]

Do as you wish, I'm returning from where I came from.

voice;

[pratentious]

[ He can hear it well enough, and he exhales shortly. ]

Regina, I -

[ A pause, and a deep inhale. ]

I am sorry. Something has hap -- [ No. No, it hasn't happened. Not yet. He coughs to clear his throat. ] Something has come up that ... needs seen to. I don't believe I will be dining tonight.

voice;

[gwenhwyfar]

[Regina could be very mean about this, yes, indeed. She heaves a sigh, still determined to go back where she came from.]

Do as you wish.

[It still doesn't make her less irritated.]

voice;

[pratentious]

[ He sighs, resigned. She can be cross with him; it's fair. ]

I will call upon you, after ... Just, after. I swear it to you.

[ After he figures out his life and his family. ]