♣ 005 || Voice|Action | Just a little shopping spree

[haring_to_go]

[ the ring of a cash register sounds as Liam's voice comes over the speaker phone. ]

Thank-you, but I'll just carry that out with me. Ah, but that second one you can wrap up! It's a gift for a... [ can he even count Elliot as a friend? ] an acquaintance. I failed to help him as promised so while this won't make up for it, I do rather hope...

[ a low laugh echoes in the speaker as the shop lady does as asked ] It's often the thought that counts. I do so hope your acquaintance enjoys the handkerchief. Please come again, sir.

[ Liam deprecates ] Yes, I do so hope he does. Until another time then.

[ another pause and then the tinkle of a bell echoes as he exists the shop. Anyone wishing to catch him will find him strolling through the city, a brown paper parcel under his arm and a cup of tea in his hand. Ever since he discovered it's portability, he's never been with it. ]

Comments

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

[ a moment of silence as he ponders what it would be like to follow an idiotic master rather then one with all the knowledge of a thousand spies gathered up and stored inside his head.

It is unfathomable. ]

Or he may just be blind to certain things. Or is it with everything?

[ Liam almost says it affectionately, after a moment of thought. Xerxes was blind to the most simple truths sometimes. ]

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

Well, not everything, just a lot of things. As it should be, sometimes! But I think it's probably a matter of pride otherwise. Not wanting to admit someone might understand something better than him?

[Another shrug.]

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

He must still be a good man though, if he makes you worry. The rest, well... Wisdom does come with age.

[ Age certainly helped him learn how to handle Barma better if not perfectly. There was no perfect where Barma was concerned. ]

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

He's got a heart of gold if you dig through all the crap surrounding it.

[Arthur does keep getting wiser and wiser, so age does him good.]

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

[ he laughs, good and loud ]

They do like to hide it, don't they? It's up to us to make sure it shines. [ although he's not referring at all to Barma. It's only Xerxes Break that's on his mind now. ]

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

Yeah, seems that way. Can't let themselves seem weak, after all.

[He shakes his head lightly, and... Oh, maybe introductions are in order.]

I'm Merlin. If that wasn't obvious yet.

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

Vulnerable is more like it. Weakness is something to overcome. Vulnerability is something to be shared.

[ he smiles and bows politely over his phone ]

And I am Liam Lunnettes. It's been a pleasure talking to you, Merlin.

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

That works too.

[Arthur just always uses the word "weak". Hm.]

You too.

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

[ a narrow minded point of view ]

Perhaps next time, you can introduce me to your master. He sounds quite interesting.

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

[Arthur can be plenty narrow minded sometimes.]

If I can, I will.

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

[ he bows his head in acknowledgement ] I'll look forward to it.

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

Just what is your master like, then?

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

[ chills run up and down his spine ]

He's... well, he's... [ he looks over his shoulder. Barma can't actually hear him can he? ]

He's a horrible man who likes to tease and set impossible tasks and threatens my very life for failure to fulfill his instructions to the letter! [ cough ] But for all that, there's none better to work for. His attention to detail is phenomenal.

[ and scary. Extremely, dangerously scary. ]

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

[ffffft snerk.]

And I thought Arthur was bad.

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

[ wry smile ] you don't even know the half of it.

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

Could be worse?

[He doesn't know if it could, really, but. He'll offer that much, at least.]

[Video] 1/2

[haring_to_go]

Yes... [ Barma could be here, right now, having a hay day ]

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

[ ahem ] Regardless, it's not, so there's no point in dwelling on it.

Do you require any assistance, Merlin? [ business mode is go, but more importantly then that, he'd just like to help if he can. It's been a nice change of pace having a sensible conversation with someone again. ]

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

[Welp, poor guy looks almost traumatised...]

Ah... I think I have plenty of people to help me, but thank you.

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

[ he nods ] Then I do wish you a... pleasant stay. [ look ma! no monsters! ]

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

Likewise. Maybe we'll run into each other.

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

I would not be opposed to the acquaintance, if it were to fall to that. But, until then, have a good day Sir.

[ There will be enough time to respond, should Merlin wish, but otherwise, with a pleasant smile, Liam will end the call, just a little more at ease with the day. What a charming young man... ]

[Video]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

[Then he'll sneak in a quick, and sort of awkward:]

Ah, really, just call me Merlin--

[Video]

[haring_to_go]

[ opps, cut off, but alas, dear Merlin. You're firmly fixed in his mind as Sir even if he'll do better then make such a slip again. In the short time of their discussion, you have earned (1) Liam's respect. ]