21st Spell ~ [Voice]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

Good morning, City. Looks like we're a bit snowed in.

[ Merlin's voice starts out completely cheerful and, hey, he's not used to this much snow, might be a part of it. Or just because. But as he continues, after a pause, it goes a little more somber. ]

I feel like this is something that's been asked before, but...

If you got to choose whether to stay in the City or go home, which would you pick?

[ Because he... honestly has no clue. Whatsoever. ]

[ Private to Arthur ]

Are you stuck over there? You didn't come home last night.

[ Now, he sounds incredibly knowing. But that's mostly teasing. ]

Comments

[deadmanbusiness]

My boss, back home, is also Merlin. He goes by Rhys nowadays. But I was just curious.

[destinedtobeunpopular]

Ah. When are you from?

[deadmanbusiness]

The year 2011, on Earth.

[destinedtobeunpopular]

That's quite the difference.

[deadmanbusiness]

It is. Your hair and eyes aren't the same. But it's still interesting meeting a younger version of him, even from a different world.

You turn out well, at least in my time.

[destinedtobeunpopular]

Not sure how much that can be relied on.

[deadmanbusiness]

Probably not very much at all, but it's still interesting.

[destinedtobeunpopular]

How old is the one you know, then?

[deadmanbusiness]

[He sighs and rolls his eyes.]

As old as his tongue and a little older than his teeth.

As old as the hills, but younger than what's beneath them.

At least that's what he tells us.

[destinedtobeunpopular]

[ THE MOST SUFFERING EXPRESSION EVER. ]

Oh, god, please tell me I won't end up speaking in riddles.

[deadmanbusiness]

Smug crypticiness when it comes to your past?

He likes cultivating an air of mystery.

But I think it comes with age.

[destinedtobeunpopular]

I really hope it doesn't. I've heard enough cryptic talk myself, wouldn't want to inflict it on anyone.

[ Except he does it too. But only to keep secrets! Not when he's actually trying to provide answers. ]

[deadmanbusiness]

I know my uncle enjoys it.

[Of course, of course. But what happens when the secrets become more important than the answers needed?]

[destinedtobeunpopular]

I guess it's fun watching people get frustrated over not getting a clear answer.

[deadmanbusiness]

When you get that old you need something to entertain yourself.

[destinedtobeunpopular]

I suppose.

[ Or when you're chained to the floor of a dungeon for twenty years... ]

[deadmanbusiness]

I guess we'll both find out eventually.

[destinedtobeunpopular]

Mm, hopefully.

[ If all goes well. ]