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Post by pie on Jan 22, 2011 1:33:17 GMT -5
Merlin wouldn't let her taunts get to him, he decided. If he did, than she would have an easier chance of getting rid of him, something he knew would just please her to no end. Something she might use to her advantage, or some other nefarious plot. No, he wouldn't act irrationally in this dire moment. He would remain calm, he would act rationally and think his actions through. Perhaps not his words, but definitely his actions, he told himself. Nimueh was dangerous before, she would be dangerous now too. Probably even more dangerous. Those with a goal always were. Those who learned from their mistakes, as she had to have from that "first" encounter, always were. And this time, she would make sure that whatever had happened, wouldn't happen again, he knew.
Yes, this time, she was more dangerous.
"I wasn't aware that saving friends was any one person's 'quest', Nimueh!" he called out in a forced calm tone. Don't let her get to you, he told himself over and over. Arthur might be angry if he found him here, might not be pleased, or might be glad, but either way he couldn't change back time, neither of them could. Therefore, the Prince would have to deal with it. Therefore, whatever happened here would carry on into the future, whether he died or not. "I won't let you harm my friends!" Which was what she wanted to do, he was sure. She was using Gwen to get to Arthur. For whatever reason, she wanted to hurt Arthur, and surely she would hurt Gwen afterwards, if she hadn't already. That thought made him pause, even made him pale a little. Had she hurt Gwen? Merlin didn't know, he wasn't suppose to be in on this whole plot and business between Nimueh and Arthur. So how would he know if this evil witch had hurt her?
When she showed herself, Merlin still couldn't hide a glare. It was impossible, he didn't like this woman. She hurt the innocent, all because of something Uther had done. Something that now, over twenty years later, was unimportant. Well, perhaps not unimportant, but like he had thought earlier, neither could change back time. Be angry at Uther, yes. Hate Uther for what he had done, yes. But go after all he cared for all to get revenge? No...
But would that make what he was doing any different?
Last minutes on Earth? A chuckle escaped him, which sounded even a little arrogant. But in reality, it was a nervous chuckle, something forced to show himself that he wasn't sure if he wanted to be here. No, he didn't want to be here, but he did at the same time, all so that he could attempt to save Gwen for Arthur, so that the Prince didn't get himself killed, so that Gwen wouldn't have to suffer in Nimueh's hands any longer. Yes this whole process was dangerous, was unthought-out. Could be his death.
"Last minutes? I would say the same to you, Nimueh," he forced his tone to come out confident, though how well it worked against this powerful sorceress he knew not. This sorceress who had seen all, and then have it torn away from her by the hands of an upset King. "If you think you will be able to kill me, think again! I have come here for a reason! No one has to die if you just give me Gwen!" Yes, he told himself. He would kill her again if he had to, if she wouldn't work this out peacefully. He'd have to...
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Post by pie on Jan 22, 2011 1:32:13 GMT -5
 Merlin laid on the table, gasping in pain still, dimly aware of what was happening. The pain seemed to be lessening... somewhat, kind of... It was a different kind of pain, really. It felt like something was poking him, not cutting him. Poking him with a sharp object, yes, but still poking him. Over and over, giving him a shivering feeling. It seemed as if it was crawling under his skin! A thought the half-oblivious Merlin did not like! So yes, it was different, but no, he didn't prefer it any more or less than the other slicing pain. But, it seemed that he would have to deal with it, for his mumblings and groaning pleads didn't seem to have any kind of effect on the person working on him. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was relieved about that. But than again, he was not, as conciously, he would have prefered it if they had listened to them.
Squirming was at no end either, it still happened, he still tried to twist and turn out of the binding hold of the person preventing him from moving. He still tried to buck and rear, though that was more subconciously and a reaction to the pain. And still it got him no where. He was also dimly aware of some kind of new danger. Something that he was not fully aware of, but a sinking feeling in his stomach that told him that whoever was in the room -- was it a room? -- with him was now in danger too. Was it because of him? Was it a good thing or a bad thing? Was this "danger" his friends, or enemies of his friends? No, they weren't friends... if they were, he wouldn't feel that suffocating choking feeling that told him that something was wrong.
Or was that suffocating choking feeling coming from his wound? Wait... wound. Yes, he remembered fully now! He was shot by a bandit with an arrow in the shoulder, and Arthur was taking him to an Inn where hopefully there would be someone to help them. He remembered seeing the Inn before falling completely into delirum. That must mean that they had made it, right? And that there was someone who could help with the wound. That meant that Arthur had to be the one holding him down. Yes, it made sense now. He wasn't in the company of people who were purposely trying to hurt him, but people who were trying to help him. With all of the strength that he could muster through the pain, he forced himself to relax as best as possible. To relax so that the person could finish their work on his wound.
Which meant there had to be actual danger, right? And that danger could only be the bandits... He heard a woman speak, then, something about not jinxing her, if he heard correctly. It was kind of hard to tell through the pounding on the door. Door? Yes, they were in the Inn, and Arthur was speaking next, something about telling her not to worry... And then there was the sound of breaking, and then no more pounding. "Arthur," he gasped, his voice coming out more quietly than he had expected. "Stop... them..."
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Post by pie on Jan 22, 2011 1:31:20 GMT -5
 He had walked all the way home to Ealdor. All the way home, on foot, and in a grim mood. The only thoughts that crossed his mind was how he could have healed Arthur better to keep his magic a secret still. Or how he could have lied better... or how he could have told him the truth earlier... But that time was past, those chances had escaped him. No longer was he Arthur's servant, and, he feared, no longer his friend. What would he do now? Now that he had given up his life in Ealdor to go to Camelot... And now that his life in Camelot had been torn from him.
Alas, it seemed that no longer did he have that chance. No longer would he be able to stay at Arthur's side, to protect him, to work with him, for him. The man who he had declared his loyalty to, the man whom he had promised to give his life for if the need arose... had cast him aside. All because of magic. Was magic indeed a curse, than? Even Arthur still hated it, it seemed. What was the point of having magic if you had to keep it a secret, and what was the point of having magic if it tore away those you cared for? There was no point, it wasn't a blessing, it was of no help. All he had done was protect Arthur, that was all that he had wanted to do, but his friend couldn't see that, wouldn't see it.
And so he headed towards Ealdor, without even a passing thought as to how much his feet would kill him after walking without thought.
What would Arthur tell Gaius? Or Gwen? Or even Uther? Would he tell the King he had magic, and the next thing he knew he would be completely outlawed from Camelot? Or would it put his family and those within Ealdor in danger? Should he even go back to Ealdor? No, he had to have faith that Arthur would at least not do that, would at least still care for him as a friend enough to keep this a secret from others. He had to believe. For if he didn't, then the man really wasn't his friend. . . No, this couldn't be happening, this had to be a dream, a terrible one that he would wake up from, where he could go back to working for Arthur, and they could insult each other in a way that didn't truly hurt any of them. The way only friends could.
He reached over and pinched himself, hard, and felt it. It wasn't a dream, it was reality, Arthur had really found out his secret and cast him aside. Merlin stopped walking and leaned against a tree trunk on the side of the road. He wasn't even aware of the raindrops, all that mattered was the fact that he wanted to go back to Camelot and try to convince Arthur not to make him leave. He'd remain silent if he had to, he'd painfully avoid talking to him... He'd become the most obedient servant if he had to. Anything to stay...
Anything...
[ I know, right? We can time skip now if you want, or continue to post like this, lol ]
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Post by pie on Jan 21, 2011 3:10:12 GMT -5
 Merlin cringed just slightly as Arthur fell backwards, landing on the ground and tearing his ear from the picture frame. That had to hurt. But oh well, it's what he got for trying to kill him! If he hadn't done that, perhaps he wouldn't have hurt himself! Of course, Merlin wasn't about to admit that Arthur had every reason to be completely angry with him in the first place! He had, after all, practically insulted him. And there seemed to be no end to this chase any time soon! So, leaning against the wall and trying to steady his vision, his back throbbing with the ache from where the Prince had shoved him against the wall, he stared at him as he "haw"ed at him, appearing as if he wanted him to inspect his ear.
Yet did he, was the question. Arthur had to still be angry with him, a simple push and fall wouldn't diminish that anger! He had seen it in his blue eyes! Had seen his death! So what was his plan? Did he plan on betraying him and killing him when he got closer? Yes, that had to be it, it was Arthur, a cunning, devious Prince, donkey ears or no! So what to do, what to do... Run, obviously, but where? To do what? Those were questions that needed vital answering! They were life or death questions that could solve his problem if thought out properly.
But when did he ever think through things properly?
"Ah," he said, drawing in a deep breath dramatically. "I hope that doesn't do any damage to your real ear... If you ever get your real ear back, that is," he added with a pondering expression and a shrug. He glanced to Arthur's right, down the hall where there was more running space yet again. Yet in this state of a chase, the whole castle seemed like a maze! Who knew where what would lead, or what they'd run into. What if they ran into a guard or knight? What if they ran into a crowd full of people or something else? Of course, those two things wouldn't embarass Merlin, but surely they would Arthur! And even in this current situation, his intentions weren't to embarass the Prince in front of everyone. Though if that was the only way. . .
"Sorry, Arthur, no can do! I prefer my limbs attached!" he informed, and then ran to the right, right past Arthur. . .
[ Of course you aren't alone in your amusement!  ! ]
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Post by pie on Jan 21, 2011 2:49:34 GMT -5
 Bone this, bone that! Oh, if he could only use magic... But time didn't permit such thoughts! There were two angry dogs chasing him. Angry? Alright, who knew, but it sure seemed such a way when one ran from them! What did the Prince need with dogs anyway?! Didn't he have enough things to bother himself with? Besides, "trained to kill since birth" his butt! Even if they were, it wasn't like the Prince would actually need them, right?! He could just as simply kill without them! This was just a way to torture his servants, he guarnteed! An evil way for an evil Prince! Destiny to protect Arthur? Arthur becoming a great king? Oh, how impossible that seemed right now!
The fact that others were joining in on the laughter, the "fun" didn't help Merlin's embarassment. Which he was sure was just absolutely wonderful to the arrogant Prince. Yes, his service under him would be such a fantastic time indeed... NOT! It would be horrible! Glancing around the training feild for any route of escape, Merlin could only once more look at the closest exit! Which obviously led to the town. Giving a silent apollogy to anyone that happened to get in the way of the group of three, he bolted towards it! There was no way in living hell that he was about to actually allow these dogs to make him their newest chew toy! No way at all! He'd prefer to work for the spoilt Prince for all of eternity rather than be mauled -- actually, on second thought. . .
He didn't spare any time on thinking of the consequences from Arthur after this whole chase was done -- if he still lived, that is. All he was concerned with was keeping all of his body parts safe and intact, without any such thing as a single bite mark! And so, he would try to lose the dogs in the crowd of Camelot, then take a roundabout route and go hide somewhere... Like with Gaius! Yes, hide behind Gaius! Unless Arthur would figure he was there, then it could prove a problem. He might be dragged back out and be forced to be dog food! NO! With the exit in plain sight, and barely five yards away from it, he was determined to live, whatever the cost!
Into the streets he ran without looking back to see if the dogs were still following -- he was sure they were -- or if Arthur and his evil minions were. Though, the Prince probably was to "enjoy" the "fun" and "amusement" of his "incompetent" servant. . .
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Post by pie on Jan 21, 2011 2:25:52 GMT -5
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.
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Post by pie on Jan 21, 2011 1:29:37 GMT -5
Merlin cringed and tried once more to back up into Arthur. It was futile however, and he wound up with more of an awkward backwards leaning position -- his feet weren't moving! They rooted to the spot, refusing to obey his silent commands of "move, now!", "get going!", and "MOVE!" Instead, it was a civil war bewteen mind over body, and right now as it was, the mind was losing!
Then there was that god-awful suggestion! How could any decent man even think of such a thing? Oh, right, this man was far from decent! Way below the drawing line! A whole new low! It was completely disgusting, utterly atrocious, totally... wrong!
They had dressed up as women and look at were it brought them! To a crazed, drunk, psycopathic, pedophilic -- oh, right, they were in a brothel. This was the typical kind of men one could expect in this place And while he couldn't see Arthur's look, he could certainly "feel" it! Suddenly he wasn't sure if he'd rather stay here with a man that would eventually figure out they were guys if he got anywhere, or outside with Arthur where he might meet his doom. Perhaps they could make some sort of compromise with Cenred's men?
"N-No, we don't have time. We really need to be going. Like... really, now. O-Our Mistress really needs to see us--"
"Oooo, Mistress, eh?" Had this guy not heard him earlier? "I'm sure she'll be fine if yer delayed by playing with me." Playing?! "Unless she wants to join in on all the fun?" FUN?!
Merlin couldn't prevent himself from paleing any longer. Well, pale with that sickish green tint... Which was understandable given the circumstance, right? What fate had befallen them? There had to be some way to get out of all of this! This was just getting ridiculous! It had taken them long enough inside the room to prepare to leave, and not even a second afterwards, some creep had postponed them! Some creep with a sick mind thinking who knows what!
"What kind of freak are you?!" he asked without pause.
"I like it when yer angry, hehe," he chuckled. "Why don't ye show me that 'anger' on the other lassie, yes?"
Merlin glanced at Arthur. He was getting sick of this man! "Arrr-wen, can we kill him yet?!" Yes, kill, and stuff his huge body in a closet somewhere, or maybe hoist him into the bed and make it look like he died sleeping. Or perhaps even use him as ammo against the men downstairs! Push him right down the stairs they could! Or--
The next thing he knew, his hand was stinging and the man had a red-handprint across his face. Teach him to grab a woman's breast she would!
"You listen here, you sick, disgusting pervert," Merlin growled, his voice bordering on his normal one and the fake female one, "Some girls might like that stupid crap you try, but not us! We will not tolerate such disrespect! You might think this is some kind of game, but this is a job, a serious one, which we handle with extreme care! And you deserve nothing but to be thrown out back on the street that you came from! Now, you will move, or you will regret it! Go find some other whore to entertain yourself with! We're in a hurry, and you're delaying us!"
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Post by pie on Jan 14, 2011 22:41:32 GMT -5
It took all his will power not to let his face screw up into a more disgusted look. This man was the epitome of disgusting. In body, and spirit. Just... so perverted. The worse part was that they were guys! Guys dressed as girls, yes, but still guys! And just so... ugly dressed like this -- it wasn't as if he could deny that fact--! And this man wanted to... he shook his head quickly, trying to get rid of the flood of just wrong images that clouded his mind at that moment. Everything about this whole situation was wrong. There appeared no way to get around this man! After just having got out of the room, he had not suspected to run into this man! Another thought occurred to him, then...
"HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN OUT HERE!?!?!"
It was a most important question! Had the man just gotten there, or had he been there for a while? Did he hear what had been spoken of inside of the room, about dressing up as women when they really weren't? If so, that was just wronger! And then... then...
Was he trying to reach for his fake breast?! The indecency! Why, he wanted to hurl something at him as he stared with wide, more frightened eyes. He would find out about them being men!!! But luckily Arthur intervened, and Merlin was quick to move behind him and hide behind the Prince as he held the man's wrist, perhaps too tightly. What would the man do now??
"Ooo, does the lassie like ta play rough? Hehe," the man gave a most "evil-hearted" chuckle ever. "Don't be jealous, pretty, there's plenty of man here for the both of ya!"
Merlin visibly made a gagging motion.
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Post by pie on Jan 5, 2011 2:44:01 GMT -5
"Eeeeee!" was the high pitched cry that came forth from him at the sight of the overlarge man standing before him. Not only was he standing in front of the doorway, blocking the only exit, but he was grinning all the while, and alcohol was strong on his breath. Cringing, he took a step backwards, his face screwed up in disgust. Then he heard the man's words, and only felt more than ever, completely grossed out by a human being.
Wait, their disguises worked! ... Their disguises worked... Oh Lord, they worked... and this "man" honestly thought they were women! And from the stupid grin on his face, his intentions were far from honorable. He was about to shut the door and "wait until he left", when he felt Arthur nudge him forward. He wanted him to handle this!
"W-We were just..." he cleared his throat and started again with a higher pitched voice. "We were just heading downstairs, our... our Mistress expects our return, she does, so if you'll excuse us--" he attempted to walk past the disgusting man, but one of his thick arms came up to block the way.
"She can wait," the man assured in a voice that proved unpleasant as he leaned inwards. "What are ye two lassies' names?"
Names?! Well, he surely couldn't tell the man their real names, drunk or no! So... names? "This," he pointed at Arthur, his mind racing, "Is Arrrr... Gwen... Arwen!" he exclaimed in triumph. "This is Arwen. And I'm... uh... Morglin, yes, Morglin."
If it was possible, the leering man would have been able to figure out the "clever" lie. But right now, he was so drunk, that Merlin wondered if they could convince him that a fish was dying -- and that it was his mother! He took a step backwards, away from the man, his eyes wide in fright, wishing more than anything that Arthur had his sword!
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Post by pie on Jan 4, 2011 20:54:42 GMT -5
He just wanted it to end. Whatever it took, he just wanted this torturous pain to come to its end by whatever means possible. Every time the searing blade cut into his flesh, he wished that he could gain control of his own body back. He would attempt -- wanted -- to jerk the other way, to get away from the pain as if it could help. While on the other hand, he wanted to lay still and let whatever was happening run its course, so that it would end quick enough for him to slip into unconsciousness or whatever awaited him there.
Yet it seemed impossible, for whatever was digging into his flesh seemed to be there to stay until it completed its task. And then it grew worse. As the knife began to cut off the barbs of the barb-shafted arrow embedded in his shoulder, Merlin's cries would turn into moans and pained sobs, and his body began to ignore any of his will and flail more. If it wasn't for whatever was holding him down, he was sure that he would get himself more injured.
The pain, however, did have one positive effect -- or maybe it was negative? It brought him further out of his deliriousness. He became dimly aware that he was in fact not dead -- though at the moment, he wished he was! -- and that someone was banging on the door... Door? He tried to open his eyes, but the pain was so intense that he was unable to. Where was he? Who was cutting into his shoulder? Where was Arthur?!
As another cry escaped him, his body automatically tried to rear up once more, but there was still someone there, holding him down. Who was it? Why were they letting this happen? What was happening? He remembered something... running... He jerked away subconsciously again, pressing his head further down into the makeshift-pillow, as if trying to sink into the hard surface underneath of him.
"Just kill me!" he cried out, begging whoever was there. The pain was too intense. He wasn't the type of person to be able to withstand such a thing and he was slowly starting to slip back into the painful bliss of delirium, where he wasn't aware of the slicing of his own flesh in its totality, but more just subconsciously.
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Post by pie on Jan 4, 2011 17:44:21 GMT -5
Merlin heard a voice speaking to him dimly. Whether or not it was suppose to sound so or not he was unsure of, but he knew it spoke to him, and it caught the little attention that he had left in him. He wasn't sure of what it said, just that the tone was comforting and something to grasp at to try and keep himself conscious. Focusing as best as he could, he grasped at that voice with his mind, subconsciously trying to keep hold while his body resisted.
And then he felt an even worse searing pain in his shoulder that sent his body rearing upwards, or at least trying to. Whatever was in his mouth probably saved him from biting his own tongue off as he bit hard into it, instead, choking out a scream through his clenched teeth as he tried to resist it. Whatever was holding him down was preventing him from getting away from it! As the knife slid into his flesh and tore through it, his body wracked in painful spasms as he tried to free himself.
"Make it stop!" he managed to cry out as his teeth clamped down hard on the glove. He didn't know what it was, or why it was happening, but he knew that he wanted it to end! The new onset of pain managed to keep him from sliding into unconsciousness, but at this moment, he would prefer to fall unconscious, even if it never returned. He was panicking too much to be able to form a logical thought, or perhaps he would have realized that it was Arthur that was holding him down.
His legs kicked outwards as best they could, one of the only parts of his body that wasn't completely restricted from movement, but his hands tried to come up too, which caused the one attached to his shoulder to only hurt more and he cried out even louder, as the other one searched frantically for whatever was pressing down on his stomach...
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Post by pie on Jan 3, 2011 23:48:28 GMT -5
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."
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Post by pie on Jan 3, 2011 20:55:57 GMT -5
All that he was aware of within those next few moments was that something was preventing him from moving. His heart leapt to his throat at this sudden restriction, as if it meant that something was wrong. His body automatically wanted to twist and turn, to try to squirm away from the pain like it was possible to run from it. To finally be unable to move brought fear to him to add to the pain. He tried to squirm more, but failed and was dimly aware that something had been put in his mouth. It felt like something... leather, perhaps? Whatever it was, he didn't have the energy to spare in figuring it out.
He thought he heard his name... it was his name, right? There were people around him, he thought. Or was it something other than people? He thought that he was dead, or dying at least, but somehow voices got to him. Who were they? There were two, and as far as he thought, he had only been with one person... Unless bandits had caught them? "Arthur... run," he gasped out -- before biting down hard on the object in his mouth -- as if it would make a difference in what the man did.
But any coherent thoughts he was beginning to form fled from him as another wave of pure pain shook him. His groan turned into a whine, which was choked off abruptly he clenched his hands into fists subconsciously.
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Post by pie on Jan 3, 2011 19:31:56 GMT -5
He wasn't much aware of what was going on as they entered the tavern. All that he was aware of was that the pain seemed to be sucking away his energy, leaving him with just that -- the pain. Whether or not they actually entered the inn he wasn't even sure of, he had no mind to pay attention to his surroundings, just the fact that an agonizing throbbing was spreading throughout his shoulder. The rest of his body seemed to go numb, and even if it hadn't, he wasn't keen to explore that notion.
He wasn't sure if his eyes were closed or open, as all he could see was dark space all around him -- he wasn't aware that he had them shut so tight to the point that naturally one would get a headache. He wasn't aware if Arthur was still supporting him, or if something had happened and they were once more attacked by bandits. He wasn't even sure of his name at this point. In all aspects, he couldn't help but wonder if he was dead already and whether or not this was Hell.
"Nng, Arthur," he groaned as he was laid upon the table, which he was very dimly aware of. "The bandits..." If truth be told, Merlin wasn't even aware that he was speaking, mumbling incoherently, groaning, or even making any noise at all. Part of him wanted to sink into the blackness that tugged at his consciousness, the other part wanted to remain conscious, as it was afraid of what would happen if he did otherwise. Afraid that death would consume him.
The pain was so strong, however, that he knew he was bleeding to death even if his mind wasn't working in conjunction with his wishes. The tempting darkness tried to sink it's claws into him, to pull him into it's depths, where only more darkness awaited him. "No," he mumbled, squirming a little on the tables as if tossing and turning like he was in a nightmare would wake him up, would free him from Death's cold grip.
He was burning up, or so he thought. He felt as if he were bathed in fire, as sweat poured off of his twisting body from a pain induced fever. His hands clawed at the tables beneath him, and his breath came in quick gasps, almost as if he were having some kind of panic attack. "Stop it... quit... please!"
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Post by pie on Jan 2, 2011 22:07:33 GMT -5
 When Arthur looked at him, he had to force himself from not widening his eyes in return. Right, Arthur was without the knowledge of Morgana and Morgause working together, he wouldn't be able to readily assume that Morgause was behind this. He shifted uncomfortably as Arthur suddenly stood and began to pace about the cell. He should have known not to say Morgause's name and just played stupid. But it had slipped out, and he had said it without thinking.
He tried to ignore the questions, but he knew that they were directed at him and not rhetorical, he would have to answer with something to get Arthur's suspicions off him. It wouldn't be good idea to say the truth, as who knew what that would cause from the man? Perhaps just a hint of the truth? That way it wasn't a complete outright lie? Saw her... No, not really... Not this day, at least. Though that was what Arthur meant, he was sure.
"It was just a glance," he said, drawing his eyes away from the Prince and to stare intently at the door. "It might not have been her. It's just, she's an enemy to Camelot, so I just assumed that she might be behind this... Remember how she showed you the illusion of your mother. She doesn't exactly like you."
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Post by pie on Jan 2, 2011 6:35:14 GMT -5
Scrambling to his feet didn't help much, it seemed, for just as the groggy man managed to get into a rather awkward half-standing -- it was more of a very low crouch -- position, Arthur caught up to him. His eyes went wide as his head swam, giving him the impression that everything was swimming as he was roughly shoved against the wall! And looking into the eyes of the Prince, that dizziness suddenly didn't seem that important any more -- he was more concerned with the anger that seemed to seethe from him!
The position he was in wasn't too promising for escape! With Arthur's hold on him, it would be nearly impossible! What was he suppose to do?! Perhaps he should apologize-- what was he thinking? Apologize?! Arthur wouldn't listen! Any sanity the man had left had flown the coop at Merlin's earlier words!
But then, just as a rather risky and impossible idea began to formulate in his mind, Arthur's "ear" got caught in the corner of the frame! Perfect! "That's even better than magic!" he exclaimed, not thinking much that that had the possibility to induce more anger than was intended. Using this as his break, Merlin pushed as hard as he could -- particularly given his current position -- against Arthur's chest to attempt to send him flying!
[ Yes, of coooourse it is! *secretly hides the fact that this thread makes her laugh the whole time too!* ]
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Post by pie on Jan 2, 2011 6:20:21 GMT -5
Merlin took the hint to fall quiet and immediately did so, his hint of a grin fading to situate a more... suitable blank expression. He gave Arthur a small, innocent shrug and averted his eyes, as if nothing was the matter, and as if this was perfectly normal. Still, he felt a rather comical mood over the whole situation, and a grin was slowly starting to come back onto his features.
The door, though. As he stared at it more, the more this started to feel like something from a horror story. They were dressed as women, while definitely not being women, and were about to leave a brothel room where who knows what had happened in. What if, upon leaving, Cenred's men ran into them? But, for surely that would happen somehow, what if they recognized them? What if this guise didn't manage to do as intended, but made them stand out and look suspicious, even?
For the sake of the life that he rather enjoyed living, he prayed that that wouldn't happen.
He nodded grimly to Arthur's words and, when no movement came from him, took the fact that he was waiting for him to exit first. Making an indecisive frown, Merlin walked towards the door with just brief hesitation, his hand reaching out to rest on the doorknob. When the door opened, there would be no going back. Whatever awaited them on the other side, they would have to face. "Well..." he said, drawing a deep breath. "Here goes nothing." With one quick, yanking movement, Merlin pulled the door open and stepped out...
Only to run into an old man.
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Post by pie on Jan 2, 2011 0:38:33 GMT -5
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.
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Post by pie on Dec 30, 2010 22:17:49 GMT -5
 She seemed calmer, which was a plus. The only problem now was convincing her that he was Merlin, and not someone who plotted to bring about the downfall of Camelot -- or some other nefarious plan -- by taking on the guise of Prince Arthur Pendragon. He stood silent a moment, trying to piece together a plausible explanation for his strange behavior and why all of a sudden he wasn't Merlin. If she didn't believe him at first, he'd just have to keep trying to convince her, he told himself.
Taking a deep breath, he stared continued to stare at her. "No, I'm not Arthur," he said, testing his voice. "And I'm by far glad that I am not. In fact, I rather prefer my much simpler position as his manservant," he went on. Yes, being the Prince was hard! Not only did he have to pretend he was Arthur, but he had to pretend he was noble, pretend he could fight with a sword, and attempt to train the rather frightening knights! Well, it wasn't that they were frightening per say, but when you were on the other side of their weapons, against them, it wasn't pleasant.
"Gwen, you've got to believe me, I'm Merlin."
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Post by pie on Dec 30, 2010 17:18:58 GMT -5
 He wasn't going to let her die.
Merlin waited impatiently after going to his room, standing by the door and listening silently for the noises that would let him know that Gaius was in bed. Finally he was convinced that the man was asleep, and he silently opened his door and creeped downstairs. He had to pause once as the physician groaned and rolled over, but when there were no signs that he would wake, Merlin left the room.
He wasn't too sure of why he was doing this; it was dangerous, he was suppose to keep his magic a secret, and he didn't know this girl. But then, that was the way Merlin was. He did what he believed was right, and damned the consequences -- he'd worry about those when they came. And right now, he wasn't convinced that this girl deserved to die just because she was a Druid and had magic. The Druids were peaceful people, why would someone purposefully go out to capture them and kill them? Surely this girl meant no harm, whatever had happened...
He quickly headed back towards where he saw the girl earlier, outside of The Rising Sun tavern, avoiding any guards that he crossed. Much to his relief, she was still there, and the Bounty Hunter hadn't left with her. There was still time to save her. Stepping lightly, he peered into the tavern door to make sure that no one was coming. He was instantly able to pick out which guy was the Bounty Hunter despite not having seen him before -- he just had that appearance about him.
Shutting the door, he walked over to the cage, wrapping his fingers around the bars as he stared at her. "Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you," he said. Hurrying to the other side, where the door to the cage was, he said, "Tospringe!" his eyes glowing gold before the cage door swung open. Wasting no time climbing into the cage to get to the frightened girl, he knelt before her. He reached out for her hands in a way that wouldn't frighten her, or, at least, let her know that he was trying to help her. Closing his eyes to concentrate, he mumbled, "Unspanne thas maegth!" and the cuffs fell off...
*Tospringe - Burst open/spring asunder
*Unspanne thas maegth! - Unfasten this maiden.
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