second; dictated/action

[magicus]

[ Merlin hadn't really expected to ever be running inane errands for Arthur again (for more reason than one), but he took to it with thrilled enthusiasm at the start. It was familiar, and it was simple, and-

Well, it got old after a few days, actually. And it's particularly old right now. He's attempting to carry a tenuously high stack of books back from the castle's library to Arthur's house (which, Arthur living in a house when there's a castle nearby, how's that for backwards) when he trips in the snow and sends the books and himself sprawling.

He only looks mildly chagrined as he goes to collect the books, some of which have more or less vanished into a snowbank. His journal happens to be one of them, and no, he's not aware it's open. ]

- perfect, now he'll call me an idiot for ruining the pages. Probably doesn't even read them. Don't know if anybody's told you, Arthur, but you aren't exactly busy being a king here. If you really wanted to read, you could go to the library like a normal person instead of just keeping books round the house to make you look intelligent.

[ Then, a bit more distracted and muttered under his breath as he focuses on one of the books: ]

King of Cabbage Heads, maybe.

[ Okay, so he might be more than mildly chagrined. He's also crouched down and testing out drying one of the books with magic, but if anyone sees him, he just looks like he's focusing very hard on a ruined book. ]

( ooc: open to action or over the journal! )

Comments

[magicus]

Now that might be pushing it.

[ "Kindly" isn't a word he'd usually use to describe Arthur. But more seriously, when compared to most royalty he's encountered- ]

But you're right. If it were up to any of the queens here, I imagine I'd be quite a bit shorter by now. [ Roughly a head shorter, get it. ]

[ladywinter]

Is it? He has been a perfect gentleman in my presence. [But Cat is a special case, so.]

[Yeeeah, she doesn't really find beheading jokes very funny. So she'll just... dance around that.]

In Westeros, you might have received a beating or two, depending on your master.

[magicus]

[ Oh. Well, yes, that sent a message, though he's not entirely sure what kind. Mostly just don't mess with this one.

He's also quickly getting the impression that he's run into another form of royalty, though he's not sure what. What is it with these fussy nobles and their inclination to violence. ]

Then I'm happy to not be in Westeros. That's your kingdom, I assume?

[ladywinter]

It is my home, but not my kingdom.

[Just a noble, not royalty. But she's not entirely as bad as she seems- so her voice softens a little.]

Do not mistake me: the servants of House Stark are not so poorly treated. I only state facts.

[magicus]

[ That's a relief, actually. He's had enough royalty for one day. ]

Lady Stark, I assume? Then as a servant, I thank you on behalf of any in your household for your lenience. [ It's half a joke, meant to match her lighter tone; don't worry, you haven't scared him away entirely. ]

[ladywinter]

[There's a little chuckle. Glad to know she isn't completely terrifying yet.]

You assume correctly. And your name?

[magicus]

Merlin. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[ He means that, even with the comment about beating servants. He couldn't say it if he didn't, technically. ]

And I really am sorry if I've made a bad first impression. I don't usually call him names in public, if that counts for anything. [ ... it probably doesn't count for much. ]

I AM SO SORRY for the horrible late

[ladywinter]

I have heard far worse. [She was more amused than anything.] You are obviously loyal to him; there is nothing to keep you to your work here if you wished to leave it.