Camelot's great dining hall was vast indeed: the table that stood at the center could seat dozens comfortably. It stretched far along the hall, and currently occupying its length were many dishes - fruit, vegetables, but mostly a large amount of meat.
On one end of the table sat King Uther, pensively munching on a piece of roast pig while he considered his wine goblet. All the way on the other end, several feet of table and chandelier and food away, sat Prince Arthur, idly poking away at his own food.
He snuck Merlin a quick glance before, finally, clearing his throat. "Father," he began.
Uther paused, and lowered his goblet. "Yes?"
"We've received reports that a beast has been sighted in the woods near the northern borders," Arthur continued. This had to go over flawlessly, or they'd never be able to leave the kingdom again. (Possibly a bit overdramatic, but-- look, the need was high, all right? It wasn't like he enjoyed lying to his father, but Mat had sent out that
invitation, and it seemed a bit off)
He popped a grape into his mouth.
Uther frowned. "What is the nature of this beast?"
[[ for merlin, a wee scenelet, and dialogue poached from Merlin 2x02. Watch us appropriate canon in ways not originally intended! ]]