Fooling Around

[pie]

The past few days had been rather... "eventful". In fact, a simple trip to the library to fetch a book for Gaius had turned out to cause Camelot a lot of mischievous trouble. From what, you ask? A small, little, green Goblin. It sounded innocent, in all truth, at first, Merlin hadn't believed it could so wicked and dangerous... That thought was quickly dispelled when it began causing havoc in Camelot and... pretty much playing pranks on all of the people. Merlin, in all his foolishness, had let the Goblin out. Next time perhaps he'd know not to open mysterious boxes that he just happens to find hidden away and are making noise... At least no one knew it was him that released the Goblin! He intended to keep it that way.

Although he was thoroughly enjoying himself now, even though nearly everyone was cured. In fact, the one that amused him the most was Arthur's plight. Donkey ears and all. He really couldn't wait to see him, it had to be absolutely funny. He probably wouldn't be able to contain his laughter. Mind as well enjoy it when Arthur couldn't yell at him, right? For Arthur's benefit, and because, really, he had to, Gaius had prepared a remedy that would cure the Prince of his donkey similarities.

Too bad for Arthur, he didn't know that. Merlin was currently going to deliver the remedy, and he expected the Prince to be in his chambers. He doubted that Arthur would walk around in his current state. Just thinking about it made Merlin laugh. Oh, poor Arthur, he thought, smirking. This would be the perfect chance to enjoy the situation. And he intended to do so!

Coming to the Prince's chambers, he gave a small knock on the door before saying, "Arthur, it's Merlin," and walking it without waiting for a response.


_{Place: Camelot Castle
Time: Around Noon
Timeline: After Goblin's Gold, shortly after the goblin is captured and everything was set straight.
Tagged: Arthur Pendragon}

[Arthur Pendragon]

If Arthur had known that Merlin was the one who released the goblin, then he surely would have killed him. He was a donkey! Well, he had the ears, and the voice, but he wondered if it would be less humiliating if Gaius -- or the Goblin rather -- had just finished the job so that he would be unrecognizable. It was bad enough that he was half morphed into a donkey, and even worse when Guinevère had to be the one to find him, stroke and pet him -- which felt disturbingly rousing. He knew that hiding out in his room could only have gone so far, since his strange absence had forced his father to send someone to his chambers. And that was when the news came out. He desperately hoped that not everyone knew; that he would still have his dignity when he came out of this . . . that Gauis would bring him a cure as soon as possible!

And that was when he heard a knock on the door and a familiar voice. Arthur's eyes, widened as he was unable to talk without braying like a donkey! Why did it have to be Merlin?! He knew he could rely on Gaius' discretion where as Merlin on the other hand would have no problem mocking Arthur in his current, horribly humiliating state! And Arthur would not even be able to threaten him -- not through words anyway -- . This was horrible! Arthur contemplated hiding, but what if Merlin was here to bring him a remedy to turn him back into his normal, non-donkey self?!

He was currently in the corner of the room, right against his bed so that you would have to really walk in to see him. However, he was on the other side this time, and all that could be seen was the tip of both his ears, sticking out from over the bed. He didn't say a word, he didn't make a noise, and he was too embarrassed to keep over from it to see why Merlin was here.

[AWESOME LAYOUT!!!]

[pie]

When there was no answer -- which Merlin had expected, really -- he walked further into the room, looking around. It was obvious that Arthur didn't want to be found, within reason, because he wasn't anywhere visible. But Merlin knew that he had to be in here, why would he hide with the possibility of a cure coming? Or why would he leave the room looking like a donkey? Merlin couldn't see a reason, so he assumed that Arthur was still in here. And it wouldn't take long before he did see him.

"Arthur?" he'd call out.

Walking into the room, he would see just the tips of Arthur's new ears. So he would walk all the way in, straining to keep a calm and serious face, as he went to look at him fully. And man, was it hard to keep a calm face! So hard was it, that his mouth twisted into a grin that was obvious he was trying to keep off. He stood silently a moment, before saying, "So the rumors are true, your Hawness?" The 'title' was a play on 'Highness', which rather amused Merlin. And were there any rumors? No, none at all. Only a few people knew about Arthur's condition. Did Arthur need to know that? No, Merlin was here to have some fun... Okay, he was here to give the Prince a remedy, but he didn't need to know that, now did he?

The remedy was safe in his pocket, and with his brown jacket being just the right length, it covered any bulge that might be seen in his pocket that could be taken as a bottle. The Prince didn't need to know about the remedy... yet. He would eventually tell him about it.

[ Lol, and so is yours! ]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Damn it Merlin! Arthur could tell from that smirk and amused grin of his that he was going to enjoy every moment of ridiculing and Arthur could say nothing in protest, apart from his horrible braying. Merlin's pun was not amused to the Prince; not at all. He gave Merlin the most intense glare he could possible create . . . though he was not sure how seriously it could be taken under the circumstances, in his condition of having ear and the voice of a donkey. Why was he here?! Arthur wanted to kick him out! Perhaps he could. Just because he looked half way to being a donkey and could not talk, did not mean that he could not still beat Merlin.

And that was when he heard a word that stood out. Rumors. RUMORS?! How many people knew of this?! Worry filled the Prince's expression, since really, that was the only way to demonstrate how concerning that was.

"hee haw . . . "
What rumors?

"Hee Haw."
Any remedy?

"HEE HAW!"
DAMN IT!

The worried expression was replaced with anger and frustration as Arthur needed to talk. He angrily pouted, folding his arms across his chest as he once again glared at his servant. And that was when he mumbled out one more horrible noise.

"Hee Haw,"
Shut Up Merlin.

[pie]

Merlin had an even harder time hiding his grin when Arthur glared at him. How could he take him seriously with those ears? Those big, long... donkey ears! And then he began to speak! Or more-so, bray, trying to speak. Which wasn't working out for him very well. He couldn't contain his laugh any longer, and he had a hard time ever stopping.

Nearly choking himself to a halt when Arthur finished his 'talking' and crossed his arms stubbornly -- which looked rather pathetic and childish in his current condition --, Merlin shook his head for a few moments and stood in silence, gathering his thoughts and collecting his nerves. If he had one thing that he considered good from the Goblin's mischief, it had to be this.

Gathering together his composure, he looked at Arthur another moment before saying in a very calm and serious voice, "Just rumors. You know, people talking about your condition. News spread rather fast," he gave a small wave like it didn't matter. While he had no clue what Arthur had been trying to say, other than perhaps the tone of the braying, he would just make his best guess. Continuing, he said, "But that's not why I'm here, Arthur. It's about... a remedy." Was he going to give it to him? Eventually. What was he going to do now? Well... that would just have to wait...

[Arthur Pendragon]

When Merlin began to laugh, Arthur only glared at him even more . . . well, as much as a man with donkey ears and a donkey voice could glare. It annoyed him to death that Merlin was finding this so amusing. Of course, if the situation were revered, Arthur would surely die of laughter and never let it go, but somehow, the situation was far less amusing when it was the reverse. When he became the butt of the joke, it was not funny, and he would only dare others to laugh. Arthur just stared at him, a murderous look in his eyes as he was about to donkey kick his laughing ass!

Finally, the idiot had stopped, and Arthur waited eagerly to hear what else he had to say. Though the thought of rumors . . . the thought of people around the castle being well aware of his situation. He would really never live this down. And with Merlin, so amused by this, he would never hear the end of it from him either! And Gwen! How would he be able to ever look her in the eyes again?! He would have preferred having the substance that forced them to release so much gas, rather than be given something to allow donkey ears to grow on him. It was ridiculous! And Arthur would make it his life's mission to kill this goblin!

A REMEDY! A REMEDY! YES! This is what Arthur wanted to hear! And Merlin was dragging it out. Did he not have one?! OH NO! What if there was no remedy?! No. Arthur could not imagine such a horrible possibility! How refused to live the rest of his life like this! Overcome with desperation -- and irritation at Merlin dragging this whole thing out, and finding it comical -- he quickly got up and grabbed Merlin's by the collar of his shirt, slightly lifting it, something done in a threatening manner to demonstrate that he had better start talking. Just because Arthur had no voice, and had those ridiculous ears, did not mean he could not hurt Merlin. And so, he looked at him with intent anger. "Hee haw! Hee Haw! He haw!" . . . Perhaps it be best that he not talk right now. It seemed to make his attempt to look threatening, less . . . well, threatening.

[pie]

Merlin couldn't say he was exactly surprised when Arthur got annoyed of his antics. Though he wouldn't let on that they were antics, even when he stood up and grabbed him by the collar, lifting him. The dangerous, threatening look, however, didn't do anything to dissolve Merlin's amusement. Choking on more laughter, this time he managed to contain it, even if remaining serious was a near impossible thing to do when... Arthur had the ears and voice of a donkey.

He cleared this throat and laid a hand on Arthur's around his collar. Continuing in a calm, quiet voice, he said, as if regretfully, "Arthur... I am afraid that Gaius was unable to find a cure. He said... that your condition was too severe. He'll continue to work on it, but... he says that there isn't much hope." There, he couldn't wait to see how Arthur reacted to that! To the thought that there was no cure! He had to remain in control of his actions lest he grin and laugh.

The tale wasn't exactly false, but it wasn't true. You see, Gaius had said that there was no hope if he didn't give him the cure. See? Not all lies. Merlin kept his eyes directed downwards, 'humbly', as if an apology to the braying Prince.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur's eyes widened in horror as Merlin spoke. No. NO NO NO! This couldn't happen! This couldn't be the truth! NO! He could not accept it! He would not accept it! How could he? He refused to live the remainder of his life, miserable, as a donkey! He would jump out the window before he did that! NO! This couldn't be it! And yet . . . Merlin had said it with such conviction. And it was Arthur's greatest fear that there would be no way to transform back into his human self, and get his voice back . . . and his normal ears! Oh how he missed his ears; he would never take them for granted again!

In shock, Arthur suddenly released his grasp on the collar of Merlin's shirt, and took a few steps back, his eyes still wide with horror and shock. He just stood there, paralyzed with fear. He would be in hell on earth if he had to live the rest of his life like this. How could he be king?! Oh god. His father would disown his donkey son. How could anyone rule a kingdom when they were a donkey? How would his subjects take him seriously? And then there was Gwen. It was difficult enough to convince her of a future together . . . this would be the ultimate deal breaker. No woman would ever be with a donkey. Even if she did pet him and stroke him in an arousing way.

Arthur couldn't believe this. He took a few more steps back until he abruptly sat down on the edge of his bed, looking completely zoned out as all these thoughts flooded his mind. As he began to come to terms with what this truly meant. "hee haw" He brayed, in the most pitiful voice ever imaginable of a donkey man. He then put his head in his hands, closing his eyes, as his donkey ears slightly wilted with devastation.

[pie]

Merlin couldn't say that he was too shocked by Arthur's reaction. Of course Arthur wouldn't be happy! He was a donkey for crying out loud! And who would be happy as a donkey? Probably not even an actual donkey! But, by how Arthur brayed and sat down, he couldn't help but feel a slight tinge of guilt for what he was putting Arthur through... But, of course, he reminded himself, he did have a cure. Arthur could survive for a while longer as a strange, mutated donkey. Besides, Merlin was here to enjoy these moments that he could make fun of Arthur and torment him!

Merlin sat down next to Arthur on the bed, and placed a hand 'comfortingly' on the man's back. "Oh, come on, Arthur. It isn't too bad. It's not like your father will mind that he now has a donkey for a son and future king. Or that being a donkey will make people take you less seriously in tournaments or politics." He was purposely saying things that he thought might upset the Prince further. "After all, donkeys are just creatures that are usually kept in stables, or ridden on long journeys." He 'trailed' off into another line of speech and thought, "Or killed for their hides... But it isn't like you have to worry about that! After all, you're still a Prince! A... braying, half-donkey Prince, but still a Prince nonetheless!"

He gave a "comforting" pat to Arthur's back, as if not realizing his words weren't exactly helpful and like he thought that they were quite insightful and kind.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur did not feel any comfort by Merlin's actions or words. Even less so when Merlin began to list all the concerns that Arthur had. The idiot was throwing it in his face! Did he have no compassion?! Arthur's eyes widened when he heard him say all these things . . . about being a future donkey king . . . about not being able to engage in politics, or be taken seriously . . . about not even being able to put a helmet on during a jousting tournament because his ears were too big! There was no way around this! And Gwen. Gwen was not far from his mind, and had Merlin mentioned any aspect of that then he was most certainly going to beat him.

Arthur could not live the rest of his life like this. How could he?! He would rather die. He could not suffer this humiliation. He could not even say anything -- or let out any more braying rather. Arthur felt tears forming in his eyes, but not wanting Merlin to see, he quickly and abruptly turned his head to the opposite direction that Merlin was sitting. He was not going to cry in front of Merlin! He tightly squeezed his eyes shut, trying to hold back the overwhelming emotions associated with the knowledge that he would be like this for the rest of his life . . . a donkey who could not speak. He kept his head turned, and his eyes closed, just until the tears stopped! Thankfully none had made their way down his cheeks for he feared if one trailed down, the rest would follow. To say that Arthur Pendragon was devastated though, was an understatement.

[pie]

Merlin noticed that his words didn't help any... Okay, technically they weren't intended to. But they did seem to be making it worse! Though... he kind of expected that... Ah, what the hell! He couldn't deny that he was amused at the same time as feeling bad for Arthur! Good thing for Arthur that Merlin was lying. He did have a cure. But, however, he thought that he would still wait a little longer, reminding himself that this was one of the only times that he could make fun of Arthur and get away with it -- at that moment. He would probably die later. Probably? No, most likely.

"Oh, come on, Arthur," he said in a soft tone. "Don't worry so much. It's not like I care -- not that that probably matters any to you --, or that your father will, you're still his son. Gaius won't, and I doubt that the knights would say anything. Morgana might find it amusing..." Or pretend to. He couldn't say he much knew her now, though he was sure that she, a long time ago, would have. "Ah, I know who you're worried the most about!" he said as if in sudden realization. It was bound to come up soon, as he was announcing everyone. "Gwen! Hm... donkey or Prince? Nah, I'm sure that she will accept you either way!" He couldn't resist a last addition to that, "Though could that be considered beastality?" He suddenly got a gut feeling that that might have not been the best thing to bring up...

He still, however, pulled his hand from Arthur's shoulder and shifted a foot to get ready to spring if the Prince retaliated.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Each word that Merlin spoke, filled Arthur with more pain than he cared to express. His father. The knights. The Kingdom. Gaius. Morgana. And that was when Merlin brought up one of the most sensitive subjects. Guinevère. It had consumed Arthur's mind ever since Merlin said that there was not cure, and now, him acknowledging it . . . and for some reason, sounding more joking about it than anything, Arthur felt his heart break. They would not be able to be together; not because of their difference in status and rank. Not because his father and perhaps the kingdom would not approve. Not because he had to marry someone else. Not even because of Lancelot. But because he was a donkey. Who knew, that this bizarre, completely random reason, was the one barrier that they would never be able to overcome.

Beastality. As if Arthur had not been upset enough. His devastation quickly became replaced with anger -- as this was a common compensation, or replacement of emotions. It was how he expressed him when he was feeling the intensity of one emotion to much. In this case, because he was so saddened . . . Merlin's comments pushed him over the edge. Arthur gave him a murderous glare -- not caring if under his current state, it could not be taken seriously. He was still angry! He shot up off the bed, grabbed Merlin and pushed him against the wall, cornering him, and grabbing the front of his shirt again. He was furious now. "HEE HAW!" Was all he could say. Oh if only he could speak words, he would give Merlin a mouthful, or perhaps he would have shut him up a while ago. But on the subject of Guinevère . . . that was enough to make him snap. It was enough to cause an infuriated expression, directed at the one man who had brought it up: Merlin Caradoc.

[pie]

Merlin knew that that had been the wrong thing to say. He knew it as soon as it came out of his mouth. He hadn't thought of it before, hadn't thought that it would make the Prince so angry, hadn't even really meant anything by it! Sure, he had spoken it jokingly -- he did so because he didn't find it serious when he actually had a cure -- forgot that it was anger Arthur, because it was a serious issue to the man, he didn't know Merlin had a cure and was just enjoying himself at Arthur's expense for once! The glare that Arthur shot him in itself, despite donkey ears, made Merlin's stomach churn, and he gave an apologetic smile, thinking that now would be a good time to give him a cure.

But that wouldn't do much at this point, he thought, and almost as soon as Arthur glared at him, Merlin had begun to move; but that slight hesitation would get him caught, and he flinched when he was pushed against the wall. He didn't have anywhere he could run, especially with Arthur grabbing the front of his shirt. "A-Arthur!" he exclaimed, struggling a little. "Don't do anything rash!" it sounded almost like a plea to Merlin. He had really done it this time, hadn't he? He should have listened to Gaius' constant warnings throughout his stay at Camelot: Think before you act! The consequences would catch up to you sooner then later, as surely as they did this time!

"I didn't mean anything by it!" he said quickly. He planned on trying to talk his way out of this. He didn't even think of the remedy in his pocket at this moment, as his thoughts swirled around the current problem. What would an angry donkey-prince do? He suddenly thought that donkeys weren't so funny anymore -- a sentiment that would change again if he managed to live through this! "Honestly! I-I don't think Gwen minds you being a donkey! She loves you either way! Donkey ears and voice or not! I'm sure of it!" He flashed another apologetic smile, though he didn't know how well it would do now.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was fuming. Unable to control all the range of emotions and fears within him. He wondered what was preventing him from jumping out of the window right now! What was the point of living as a donkey for the rest of his life?! Being the butt of every joke . . . unable to leave his room without risking massive humiliation. Oh, it was too much. Arthur tried to remember the last time he felt so genuinely afraid for his future. Oh right. Every day when he thought of taking on the pressures of being king. Only know, he would have those same pressures -- if his father didn't disown him for being a donkey -- only with an ass' ears and braying.

His expression of rage only intensified. He told Merlin to shut up enough times when he spoke of Gwen -- as it was still a subject difficult for Arthur to openly discuss -- but now he was even more angry with Merlin bringing it up in this context. Arthur knew that he could not ask her to wait for him . . . not while he looked like this. She deserved FAR better than a donkey. How would he even say I Love You?! Somehow 'Hee Haw' did not seem like the most romantic phrase. Arthur did not care that Merlin was stammering. He wanted him to! He wanted to at least still be able to have the power to make his servant quiver with fear if he did not stop talking!

But the idiot kept going and going, and Arthur was going to kill him. "HEE HAW!" he repeated,as if to say 'Shut up Merlin' or even 'I'll kill you Merlin' . . . the translation was debatable. All that was important was that Arthur looked like he was reading to knock some sense into his moron of a servant who dared talk about Gwen! He was giving him hope, when Arthur knew now, more than ever that there was none. Arthur let go of his hold on Merlin and angrily marched towards his table where there was a quill and an ink pot. Arthur's anger was apparent in his actions as he furiously dipped the quill into the ink pot and scribbled on a piece of paper. When he was done, he threw it down, and held up the sheet for Merlin to read, still a very ferocious expression.

Shut up or start running.

[pie]

Merlin had really dug his grave deep this time! His grin flashed through forced innocence and fright, to shifting eyes as he tried to find a way to get the hell out of there! What was he going to do with Arthur in such an... angry state?! He could act rashly! Even as a donkey, that didn't change the fact that he could easily kill him if he wanted to! Especially with him pinned up against the wall as he was! Somehow, his braying sounded much more frightening then earlier's.

Yes... Arthur was quite frightening in such a mood! Even as a donkey! Which Merlin was sure he was just happy about! He squirmed some more, trying to get loose still, without much success. "Please?" he tried, flashing another one of his innocent grins. Really, if Arthur killed him, then he wouldn't get the cure! Or, well, he might eventually, as Gaius would probably wonder why Arthur was still a donkey... Then he had the feeling that he would feel Arthur's anger even when dead...

"Arthur-" Merlin was about to tell him about the cure -- to save himself from certain death -- when Arthur released him, however, he got back that confidence in picking on the Prince, though he was still quite shaken. He waited, unmoving, while Arthur wrote on the paper angrily. He was reluctant to read it when the Prince was done, but did so hesitantly.

Shut up or start running.

He preferred the second. Giving a slow nod, he edged sideways a little, putting his back to the door, then suddenly, a grin breaking out, said with amusement, "Arthur is a donkey!" He was tempted to add "stupid" one! Really! Did Arthur not have enough trust in him?! He wouldn't be picking on him if he didn't have a cure! He wasn't that heartless! After that comment, he spun around and ran for the door, where, if he successfully made it, he'd hide outside of it, hoping Arthur didn't come out because of his donkey-state.... Because Merlin could hardly hope to outrun the Prince!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had not expected Merlin to take the second option. He thought he was going to stay, though he was on his way out. It was probably the smart thing to do, since apparently shutting up was not an option. He was raged. As Merlin made his exit, throwing out another sarcastic remark before he left, Arthur quickly picked up a plate and threw it at him. Unfortunately, Merlin had already made his leave so the plate hit the back of the door and smashed into dozens of pieces. Arthur was not done though. He choked back yelling at him, when he realized it would only come out as a very loud donkey noise and he did not want to bring any more attention to him. . . just in case there was a guard walking by.

He didn't understand. Usually Merlin was more . . . sympathetic. And now, he seemed to be throwing it in his face, finding far too much amusement in Arthur's horrible predicament. Arthur had known his servant for a few years now, and this was not like him at all. Was he still under the influence of the Goblin in some strange way? Merlin was usually the comforting, caring type . . . which Arthur gave him hell for, but in reality, he did appreciate it. Which was yet another thing he would never admit to anyone. So why was he acting this way now? Why was he being so terrible about this when he needed support. But again, he would never reveal this necessity. He was about to demand answers from his idiot servant.

He angrily walked towards the door, about to open it before pausing. Damn his ears! He could not leave in this state! But he wanted to know where his moron servant had run off to. He went to the cupboard and took out his cloak, putting it on, and covering his head with the hood. While there was still a bit of an obvious shape of the ears, it was still at least better than going out there, exposing his donkey qualities. He was so angry, so preoccupied, so distracted, that he just began to walk down the hall, not noticing that Merlin was hiding just outside his room.

[pie]

Merlin leaned against the wall right beside the door so that when, and if, it opened, it would hide him. He held his breath, forcing himself not to breath. Why? Because if Arthur did come out, he really didn't want the Prince to catch him! Yes, yes he was actually quite afraid right now. In a strange way. Afraid, but thrilled at the same time, and still rather amused. And, also, he was still pretty surprised that Arthur didn't see through his actions.

And then the door opened, revealing a cloaked and hooded Arthur, who, to Merlin's relief, began to walk down the hall. He waited, silently, until he was sure that Arthur wouldn't notice before he slipped quietly back into the room, leaving the door open just a crack and walking quietly towards the Prince's bedside table. Gently, with great care, he pulled the small clear vial filled with a strange dark blue liquid out of his pocket and set it on the table. If Arthur happened to try and murder him or something else rash and angry, he didn't want the potion to break and therefore render Arthur forever a donkey, or make it so Gaius had to find more ingredients to make it.

After that, he would again slip back out of the room and shut the door -- this time, though, it made a small clicking noise as it closed -- and look to see if Arthur was still within view. He didn't want to lose the Prince, because he knew that he would continue to look for him until he got whatever he wanted at this moment, and if he did stop, Merlin wanted to be able to tell him there was a cure at his bedside.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had not noticed Merlin slinking back into his room. He had been walking down the hall, trying not to draw too much attention to himself. Which was why when a couple of guards began to walk towards him, Arthur swiftly spun around and began walking back towards his room. He was really going to kill Merlin. The Prince was not ready to be in the public eye, showing that he would forever have two ears and a voice of a donkey. Would he really have to rely on writing all his orders down when he was king? Would his father still even let him be king?! These thoughts were going to forever haunt Arthur, until he died, which he hoped was soon. It was better than living the rest of his life . . . like this.

When Arthur had turned to walk back down the hall towards his room, that was when he heard the clicking noise, and then saw Merlin. He opened his mouth to speak, but quickly stopped himself, knowing that all which would come out was a very loud braying, and in turn, would capture the attention of the guards who were not far. Merlin was still at a bit of a distance, and he was not sure of he saw the hooded Prince, so all Arthur could do was quicken his pace. He was not running -- again, trying to avoid arousing suspicion and attention -- so he walked hurriedly, with a raging expression on his face. Even if Merlin was too far to see it, it was there, and would continue to remain there while Arthur killed his servant.

[pie]

Merlin should have known that Arthur would spot him after he came back out of his room. Yes, he should have known that, and probably should have stayed inside. It would have been safer, he was sure, as he doubted that Arthur would have suspected that he had successfully managed to slip back inside and instead just assumed that he had run away. Arthur would have followed what he believed Merlin had gone. But no, the clicking noise has caught the Prince's attention, which he realized when he saw Arthur looking his way.

He stared at him a moment with wide eyes, knowing that this time it would be harder to get away, and any reasoning flooded out his head. No, instead of telling the Prince about the potion, he would instead be thinking about keeping his life intact with his body and all of his limbs! He didn't even think of the remedy at that moment!

"A-Arthur!" he exclaimed, almost as if to begin an excuse, and it came out as a squeak. Instead of continuing with any excuse, he turned abruptly away to start hurrying down the hall away from the angry donkey-Prince, picking up pace as he moved away. He had to think of a way to get away from him!!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Damn it! The imbecile kept running! Arthur did not want to chase him around the castle. Even though Arthur knew others would have to get used to his current state of donkeyness, he was not yet ready to advertise it. He was not ready for the pointing and laughter. He needed more time to adjust to this horrible plight himself. And yet, his servant kept trying to avoid him. Did he think that just because the Prince was a donkey, that would stop him from his duties?! Oh! Quite the contrary! Arthur had a lot of built up anger -- at the moment it had been caused by Merlin's words of 'reassurance. Merlin really was terrible at cheering people up! But, he would prove to be a perfect outlet for the Prince's consuming rage.

He opened his mouth to tell him to stop again, but paused, knowing what would come out: the echoed sound of braying. This only made him madder. His eyes darted around the hallway making sure no one was around, and continued to speedily walk after him, not about to let him get out of this. He was going to catch Merlin and -- because Arthur really had nothing better to do at the moment -- he was going to make Merlin find out who was response for letting out the Goblin who had made Arthur like this. Part of his anger would be directed at Merlin, but the bulk of it was at the person who released the goblin. Little did he know, that it was in fact the same person.

Seeing Merlin down the hall, Arthur was out of reach from him unless he ran. Or somehow hindered his servants running. The donkey man paused for a moment, looking around at his surroundings as his gaze rested on an armored statue in the hallway. Perfect! Arthur took the helmet and held it in his hand. He then looked down the hall way at Merlin, slightly squinting his eyes as if to get good aim. He pulled his arm back and with all his strength, threw his helmet right at his fleeing servant. He did not know if it would hit him, seeing as how there was a great deal of distance so Arthur held his breath as he watched the helmet fly through the air.