The Court Jester

[pie]

Time was running out for Camelot. It's days were numbered, it was weakened from the assault on its defenses. The people's spirits were low, there was talk of people in the outlaying villages going missing. To try to lift their spirits, a feast was going on in Camelot, in some ways this added to the chaos within the city, in others, it helped calm it down. To mask tragedy, one had to divert attention elsewhere. And that was exactly what was happening.

Though, whether or not it would help, was still a question that would have to be answered. As Merlin walked about the castle, trying to complete his daily morning chores, servants ran this way and that, preparing for the feast later that day. People carried food, others ran about with with decorations or dishes. The halls were crowded as people pushed, squirmed, and dropped things. He wasn't sure if the palace was the more chaotic, or the village.

Heading back to the Prince's chambers carrying the man's armor, he turned a corner to almost bump into a rather... strange looking man. Making a curious face at the red clad man with the funny belled hat. A Court Jester! Camelot had hired a Court Jester! Perhaps that would lift the people's spirits. Or... the "important" ones at least. He doubted that anyone but the nobles and other people who lived in the castle would be allowed to come. Standing out of the way of the silly dancing man, Merlin waiting until he passed before heading down the hall once more.

He never noticed the man turn to look at him.

* * * * *

The feast was a happy one, it seemed. People were chattering, eating, and altogether having a happy, jolly time. Merlin stood against a wall, away from the main host. He had been permitted to come for two reasons only: Gaius was his guardian, and he was Arthur's servant. He was actually rather amused by the whole going-ons. And only more so when the Court Jester from earlier came in.

"Leofrick the Court Jester at your services, your majesties," the man said as everyone went quiet to watch, bowing so low that his belled hat hit the floor! "It is an honor to be here. I will lift the hearts of your people!

"Sire," Leofrick turned towards Arthur. "I have a riddle for you. If you answer correctly, you will be rewarded!

"This thing all things devours:
Birds, trees, beasts, flowers;
Gnaws iron, bites steel;
Grinds hard stones to meal;
Slays king, ruins town,
And beats high mountain down."

After he was done, he waited expectantly, watching the Prince.

_{Place: Camelot
Time: Various times. Transitions from morning, to nightfall in this post
Timeline: Two days after "The Coming of Arthur II"
Tagged: Arthur Pendragon
Notes: The Court Jester's appearance: Like This}

[Arthur Pendragon]

Camelot was not in the best state. It was almost similar to how it had once been after the great dragon had attacked the city for so long. Only this time, the enemy was far closer to the hearts of the people. Many were shocked by the betrayal, and furthermore, by the tyranny Camelot had been forced under. Arthur would never recover from this . . . the emotional trauma Morgana had caused was incurable. Both to Arthur and his father. Which brought up even a more confusing state for Camelot . . . and that was the issue of leadership. Arthur did not know if his father was in a stable enough condition to rule Camelot right now which was why Arthur was highly considering taking the role of acting king . . . at least for a while. They needed to fix up the city, recover from its damage, and instill that assurance in people that nothing of the sort would ever happen again. Including trying to find an explanation for the sudden disappearance of the people. Was that a result of Morgana, or was it something entirely different? There was a lot to be done, but it was all imperative.

Which was why they were having a feast. Among all of the devastating events, they had decided that it was necessary for everyone to just enjoy themselves and try to distract their minds from all they had suffered in the past week or so, and some of whom were still in fear of the disappearance. They had called performers from different places . . . including a jester which always made for rather enjoyable entertainment. Even if he was putting Arthur on the spot. He seemed to have good intentions though, and appeared to act the part of what he was meant to be doing. He was a new face, one that Arthur hoped would bring smiles of joy and humor to everyone. Whether they be other nobles, servants, commoners . . . whoever .

Arthur looked back at him, as he began to speak of the riddle that was clearly meant for the prince. He listened carefully to every single word, his face looking composed, even though his mind was working rapidly. He was intently focused, concentrating on every single word that the jester spoke, so that he could answer the riddle . . . correctly. To be quite honest, Arthur was not a huge fan of them. Besides, if he got it wrong it would make him look like an idiot and a fool in front of everyone . . . and that was an embarrassment he wished to spare himself of. A few moments of silence followed his riddle, and then recognition finally hit Arthur.

He had been looking sort of past the jester, deep in thought, until the answer entered his mind and he regained his focus on him. Looking straight at the jester, he answer. "Time." He stated. While it was a statement, it was also sort of a question, as he did not know for certain if that was the correct answer. So he just continued to look at the Jester . . . eagerly awaiting either his confirmation or his rejection of the response. He was either going to like this jester, or be immaturely bitter towards him for making him look stupid.

[pie]

Rewarded? Merlin wondered. Rewarded how? His eyes flicking between Arthur and the Court Jester, he watched, curious as to whether or not the Prince would know the answer. He waited expectantly like many in the room, waiting in anticipation as the Prince thought. Leofrick did the same, his eyes never moving off of him, as if expecting to learn something about him from his answer. Merlin paid it no thought, just assumed that it was something natural, to keep the audience at bay. And, as he expected, when Arthur answered, the Court Jester clapped excitedly, and whatever look he had had on before disappeared.

"Yes! Time! All pass before it, all crumble under it, but some things," here if one listened close enough, one would hear a more serious tone, "some things do not wither, but grow stronger, from it." It seemed that he would not clarify the meaning of these words, but they also seemed to be directed at Arthur once more.

The Court Jester went about to go into his act, which consisted of many things, such as tricks that seemed almost like magic they were so wonderful. Displays of dancing and music and acts that seemed to purposely make fun of him and his intelligence to make those around him laugh. At some points, he would pretend that he had heard someone speak, before all of a sudden pulling a coin from behind someone's ear, or producing something out of seemingly thin air.

How does he do that? Merlin wondered curiously at one point, where, despite him having paid close attention to Leofrick, still managed to miss a rose appearing in his hand, which he presented to a young woman off to the side.

The people within the room laughed together, held their breath in anticipation together, and grinned together as the Court Jester made fun of important figure heads within Albion.

Within less than an hour, the man was earning the people's trust.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur thought a great deal of the jester's subtle riddle, even during his performance. But soon enough, Arthur became distracted and rather enjoyed the act. It was filled with what was to be expected . . . but at the same time, exceeded any past jester in his capabilities. He was a fantastic entertainer and something told him that they would be calling on his services again for the next feast they would be holding. Everyone seemed to enjoy his tricks and sense of humor. Even Arthur was thoroughly amused by the jokes, riddles and tricks. It was definitely fulfilling its purpose in helping everyone to forget the troubles of the kingdom and all they had lost.

He was winning the crowd very easily, hell, he won over Arthur. During a short intermission from the performance, Arthur motioned for Merlin to come to him for a moment. |"What do you think of this, Leofrick?" He asked, wondering if his servant was as taken by him as everyone else was. Arthur was even considering paying the entertainer double just because he was such a joy to watch. He would call for his attention soon enough.

[pie]

Merlin was highly impressed by this Court Jester's abilities to be able to amuse the people. Everyone seemed amused, and if he had to decide himself, he'd say even Arthur appeared to be enjoying himself. If the Prince was amused, and it didn't involve someone embarrassing themselves -- ... well, technically it did, but he was suppose to --, then Leofrick was doing a pretty good job indeed! It appeared that he had managed to take everyone's mind off of the current and recent happenings within Camelot.

During the small intermission of the show, Merlin noticed Arthur motion to him and walked over instantly. What did he think of Leofrick? Merlin turned his head to watch the Court Jester talk to some of the nobles in attendance. What they were talking about, who knew, but the girls of the group seemed to be laughing.

"Well, it's not really my place to say..." he started, but he knew that wouldn't get them anywhere. "He's entertaining, and the people like him. He's talented, I've never seen anything quite like his acts, it's almost... magical." He paused to think for a moment, but cast the suspicion aside... Leofrick was just a really talented Court Jester, nothing else. "I like him, I think it was a good idea to hire him."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"Since when do you ever speak within your limits," Arthur said teasingly, though it did hold some truth in it. If there was one thing he could say about Merlin, it was that he did not exactly consider what was in his place to say and what was not. Upon their first meeting he had insulted him, and when they met again -- him possessing the knowledge that Arthur was the prince -- he still insulted him. And even now, having worked for him for so many years, he still threw in an insult here and there, ranging from clotpole, to prat to . . . who knows what. Arthur's gaze had remained on Leofrik . . . that is, until Merlin mentioned magic. He turned his head to properly face Merlin.

"I wouldn't say that too loudly if I were you," he warned him. The word magic was a taboo in this kingdom; it immediately arose suspicion. If his father heard it, not matter the context, he would most likely react. While Arthur knew better than to underestimate the abilities of sorcerers, Leofrik did not seem like a sorcerer. "For once, I agree with you," he said in regards to Merlin liking him and saying it was a good idea to hire him, as Arthur's gaze returned to the jester. "He has won over the audience, so I'm pretty sure we will be seeing him more frequently at banquets and feasts."

[[ Whenever you want to time lapse to after the banquet, feel free ]

[pie]

Merlin shrugged to Arthur's words. Truth upon truth, of course. It was correct that he wasn't ever exactly inclined to not speaking his mind. If he saw the need to, he'd do so. If he felt like it, he'd usually do so. Sometimes it would get him into trouble, others it would actually help. Most of the time, however, it just got him into trouble. Or did absolutely nothing at all. Either way, he never really saw the need to keep quiet. If he did, he would, simple as that. After all, what was he if he couldn't even speak his own mind? He was a servant, yes, and he wasn't suppose to do so to the higher-powers unless told to do so by that person, but, well... He never was one to believe in that sort of tradition.

Arthur also proved another point. He gave a small nod and glanced Leofrick's way. Yes, magic was against the law in Camelot, and it would be a wise decision not to mention the word in the same room as the King. Anyone with magic was killed in Camelot, therefore, anyone suspected to have magic usually was also. The word "magic" was like some kind of curse, no one wanted to see it as a good thing except those very few rare people. Another reason that he hadn't told Arthur of his own secret -- the very one the Prince had just warned against speaking of allowed.

"Then Camelot is sure to be a happier place," he mumbled, giving a short, innocent whistle afterwards. The people in attendance seemed to love Leofrick, more of the man would be a good thing, Merlin believed. And so, as the Jester went back to finish his act of entertaining the people, Merlin stepped back and watched, thoroughly enjoying every bit of it.

* * * * *

The feast was over, the people were happy and well fed, and everyone had forgotten about the troubles that had recently befallen them. The troubles of the missing, evil Morgana. The troubles of the missing villagers that had mysteriously disappeared without a trace. And as Camelot would soon discover, missing people from the grand city itself. What was happening? people would wonder. Was it a curse? Were the gods angry with them? Was it the end of Camelot's very existence?

Only time would tell.

As people left the Grand Hall, chatting amongst themselves, an amused Leofrick leaned against an opposite wall, still clad in his Court Jester's outfit, and watching them all. He gave the ocassional smile, wave and bow as passing people required. And he also gave a deep bow to the Prince as he eventually exited the room.

Yes, only time would tell.

[Arthur Pendragon]

The feast continued on wonderfully, everyone enjoying them selves and it seems that their spirits were high. It was regrettable when it began to draw to an end, as the guests slowly and reluctantly retired for the night. Arthur noticed Leofrik looking at him, giving him a bow. The Prince nodded his head in acknowledgment, as just as quickly as things had seemed to turn for the better, they changed for the worse. A guard approached the Prince, murmuring something in his ear. It immediately Arthur with concern as he looked at him, quickly asking a few questions, before standing from his seated position, excusing himself from the company of the people who were still present. Not even a feast would prevent crimes from occurring in the kingdom. People were still going missing, as this time, the numbers had tripled.

It was far too alarming to be coincidence. It seemed that people were just vanishing into thin air. And there were so many of them . . . and no bodies. While this gave hope that they were alive, there were no clues as to where they could be: no trail, no suspects . . . nothing. His father had hastily reached the conclusion that it was the work of a sorcerer and Arthur was beginning to agree with him. While the king sometimes leaped to that conclusion, he had spent most of the night with his men, trying to find something trace of something, anything! But they had come out with even less information that they knew going in. It was decided that they would regroup in the morning, when the light was better outside and start a very thorough search for the missing citizen so Camelot.

Arthur was on his way back to his chambers, Merlin walking with him. He had gotten out of his armor before, and was now dressed in his regular clothing. It was late, rendering everyone exhausted, though Arthur doubted he would get any sleep. Still. He had to try. He would be of no use in the morning if he did not. His fear for the people was great though, and just hoped that no one else disappeared within the next few hours. "We have an early day tomorrow," Arthur began to tell Merlin as they walked down the hallway. Well, earlier than usual. But he was just warning his servant that it would be busy and chaotic in the morning, and that he best be prepared.

[pie]

When the guard approached Arthur, the fact that something was wrong was evident. Merlin watched curiously, not wanting to interrupt, but as soon as the Prince got up, he followed him without a second thought. Something was going on, and it seemed that it was the mysterious case of the missing people once more, the numbers dramatically increasing. Something was going on here, and he didn't think it was good. It had to be magic, he knew, people didn't just disappear out of nowhere like that.

As they left, Leofrick, still present, cast them another look, this one a mysterious grin. Things were getting very interesting it would seem. . .

The next few hours Merlin stayed by Arthur's side as much as he was needed. There seemed to be no explanation as to why the people were missing. There was no trace of them leaving, no magical trace of them disappearing, nothing. So how, then, was it happening? And how long would it take for them to figure it out? As they were heading back to Arthur's chambers, Merlin nodded to Arthur, understanding clearly that tomorrow would be earlier, and more frantic. "I'll be here, don't worry," he replied truthfully.

As they neared Arthur's chambers, Merlin stopped walking with the door in sight. "Arthur, did you go back to your room at some point?" he asked slowly, in a tone that signified that he thought something was amiss. The door was cracked open, and not in a way that it would be if the wind just blew it open, there wasn't enough to blow the door open that far. It was open to the point that made it appear that someone had entered the room. . .

[Arthur Pendragon]

Had he been back to his room? "No . . . why do you . . . " But Arthur's voice trailed off when his gaze followed Merlin's, to see the door open. He knew it had been closed before he left, for it was a habit to keep the chamber doors closed. It prevented people from stealing anything. So the fact that it was open to a point where it looked like someone had gone inside, was alarming indeed. Arthur pulled out his sword, holding it up in a defensive position, ready in case the intruder was still inside. "Stay back," he told Merlin, not wanting him to be in harm's way. Arthur then proceeded to very slowly, open the door a bit more, cautiously stepping inside his room. His eyes scanned the area, checking his surroundings, seeing if anything was out of place. Nothing appeared to be trashed, for his room looked to be exactly how he had left it. It meant that either the impostor was still in here, waiting for him to return, or someone knew exactly what they were looking for.

Arthur moved around his room, checking the cabinets, and behind the curtains, but there was no indication that someone else was present. Odd. As he walked by his desk, towards the other door he paused when he saw a piece of paper there, not having remembered putting it there. He slowly put his sword back in its sheath, his expression now a curious one. "Merlin," he called, letting him know that it seemed to be safe, though he had not fully lowered his guard yet. He picked up the piece of paper, not recognizing the writing on it, and began to read it out loud.

I am a sky of stone, buried deep.
I live within a lair of a monster with breath of fire,
Never have I seen the stars, but the stars have seen me.
Long have I laid here, with secrets kept,
Awaiting the right king.
Within me there are tests with many paths,
But only one is the answer,
To save your lost past.

When he was done, it look at it for a few more seconds, turning it around to see if there was any sort of sign as to who it was from. He silently skimmed over the words again, his expression turning from curious to a bit irritated. Someone had gone through the trouble and risk to break into his room, to what, leave this ridiculous note? He looked at it, in very much the same way that he had looked at Anhora upon hearing his final test to break the curse. "What the hell is that supposed to mean," he asked rhetorically, unsure if Merlin actually knew but felt the need to express his agitated confusion.

[pie]

Merlin nodded obediently and stood back for Arthur to go ahead of him, not wanting to get in the Prince's way. Someone had been in Arthur's chambers it seemed, as he said he hadn't been back to them. Merlin knew that Arthur would have locked them, as it wasn't exactly something easy to forget. Now, him on the other hand, he might have forgot, but he knew that today at least, he hadn't. So, creeping behind Arthur and standing off to the side of the door, glancing in around the corner, almost snoopily.

When Arthur called out to him, revealing that no one seemed to be in the room, Merlin walked in, and by the simple fact he was at the Prince's side in an instant, revealed that he hadn't exactly "stayed back" as silently promised. He noticed that he held a piece of paper with writing on it, and Merlin read it over Arthur shoulder as the Prince read it allowed. "It's a riddle," he said, stating the obvious. But a riddle about what?

Sky of stone? What kind of sky was made of stone? And what were these tests mentioned? Whatever it was, it didn't sound... "good". He pondered over the riddle in his mind at Arthur's rhetorical question, trying to come up with some kind of answer. "The 'monster with breath of fire' is the Dragon," he commented in a helpful but not-so-helpful tone. Again, probably stating the obvious. If it meant the Dragon, then he knew where the lair was. But what was the point?

"Remember, your father had the Dragon locked away for like, twenty years until it got free. If there's a lair, it's below Camelot?" It was more of a question than a statement, asking Arthur if he thought that perhaps that could be it. Riddles... what was up with them today?

[Arthur Pendragon]

How could Arthur forget. The dragon had terrorized Camelot for days, killing innocent people . . . and the had still not uncovered how the dragon managed to break free. Clearly, someone had aided him and the fact that they had not discovered who was still something that bothered Arthur. But that was not what this was about. What Merlin said did in fact make sense. But why there? Who was this from? Why did he want him to go down there to the vacant lair that once held the dragon captive? It seemed there was only one way to get the answers he was thinking of. Breaking his gaze from the note, he looked at Merlin with an exaggerated expression of shock, that would go along with what he was about to say.

"It always amazes me how you manage to actually say intelligent things sometimes," he said mockingly, implying that Merlin was not all that bright. While Arthur teased him for not being so, he knew his friend was wise. But knowing it in his heart and admitting it, were two very different things. "It doesn't say who its from," he added, looking at the back of it once more just to be entirely sure. It seemed that he was not going to sleep tonight after all. He wanted to find out the purpose of this letter, and who had written it. Surely this was linked to the disappearances . . . it was far too great a coincidence otherwise. If that was the case though, then he would have to approach it with extra caution, for they would be dealing with magic, and even Arthur was no match for sorcery.

"Well, come on then," he said, holding the letter in his hand, and turning to leave his chamber. "Lets go to the lair and see what they want us to." He knew it could very well be a trap, but it could also provide them with answers as to why this was happening in Camelot. It was a risk that Arthur was willing to take, for the sake of his people.

[pie]

"Sometimes? How come only sometimes?" he asked curiously, feigning stupidity, knowing fully well that Arthur was just mocking him. Besides, even if he hadn't been, it wouldn't have bothered him one bit. He could just as easily go and insult him right back, after all, and while it might not appear to mean much when he called him a clotpole, or stupid, really, it would mean quite a bit. Merlin had been lying to him right under his nose for over three years!

Though Arthur was right, it didn't say who it was from. Of course, that would make sense, as the person probably didn't want to reveal who they were just yet. "Do you always have to rely on me to lock your own door?" Merlin commented. He was just going to assume that Arthur hadn't locked his door and so the person was able to just walk right into the room. Of course, if the person was the same person connected to the mysterious disappearances, and had magic, they could just as easily open it that way. Still, it was fun to taunt Arthur.

"Wait, we're just going to..." he paused, pointing at him and Arthur, than the door, and than downwards, "go there?" he was referring to the Dragon's lair, of course. Though when there was no Dragon there anymore, there was no danger... Er, right? Why did they have to go there anyway? He sighed, shaking his head, and followed Arthur. "Do you even know where it is?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Why sometimes? "Because most of what comes out of your mouth is nonsense." If Merlin was going to tease him, then Arthur was going to mock him right back. Oh the joys of such a dysfunctional bromance. As they exited his room, Arthur paused, hearing Merlin speaking of constantly being the one to lock his door. "It is your job after all Merlin. So stop complaining." Of course a locked door prevented thieves and intrusion from people within the castle, but it would probably not be difficult for a sorcerer to get in. Such as the one who had so gracefully entered to leave him a note. And now, they were about to meet him. Or hopefully. Who knows what this practitioner of magic had planned.

Arthur rolled his eyes at Merlin's next question, or reluctant statement rather. "Don't be such a girl Merlin," he said in that ridiculing way he always said this phrase to Merlin in. He knew the man was brave, as he had proven it on several occasions . . . but it did not stop his servant from expressing his fear or uncertainty about a situation. "It should not be difficult to find. It is in the bottom most level of the castle," he told him. He had only in fact been in there once, when investigating how the dragon had escaped. Even without that one time, it should not be hard to find. Arthur knew the castle like the back of his hand, an advantage that had proven to be particularly helpful when they won back the kingdom. Without waiting for further hesitation from Merlin, Arthur walked down the hall, expecting him to follow.