[Nearly jumps in surprise--he whirls around] ...nothing? Just ah...taking a walk 'round the castle grounds.
[After a pause, he belatedly hides the plate, full of various little tidbits he's snuck from the kitchens, behind his back with a sheepish look at Arthur]
[Said dogs whine at Merlin, smelling the food he's brought for them. He gives the closest one a reassuring pat on the head--don't worry, the prat's no idea what he's going on about, you aren't ruined--and places the plate on the ground for them]
They looked hungry, [Is all he offers Arthur in reply]
[He returns that frown, except now it's just slightly accusatory] It's cruel, starving them on purpose. Why not give them enough to tide them over for the night? It isn't as if they won't be hungry again in the morning.
[Arthur shakes his head, but there is a small smile on his face. The kind you give to crazy people who do crazy things and want approval.] What am I going to do with you, Merlin?
Not take me on the hunt tomorrow? [He knows there's no chance of that, but he hopefully throws it out in case Arthur, by some miracle, actually agrees] All I ever do is trip over things and scare the animals away, you know.
[Like Arthur is ever going to agree to that! Merlin gives him the perfect excuse when they come home empty handed because he can blame his incompetent servant for scaring away all the deer. And after a frustrating day of not finding anything, Merlin falling on his face is always good for a laugh. Not that Arthur will ever tell him this, of course.] I need someone to carry my things. And someone has to serve the midday meal.
[Not that Arthur's answer comes as a surprise, but Merlin heaves an over exaggerated sigh anyway] Of course.
[While he mournfully thinks of all the equipment he'll be carrying on the morrow, one of the dogs approaches Arthur, tail wagging. The rest settle around Merlin, realising he has nothing more to give them] You know...I've never seen you visiting the dogs in between hunts. What were you doing here?
[Arthur kneels down to pet the dog that had approached him, scratching it gently behind the ears. It's name is Beroul, and it's Arthur's favorite. He'd had it since it was a pup, and it's familiarity with the prince is obvious when it noses against his chest.] Just checking in to make sure everything is ready for tomorrow.
[Aha. The smile on his face widens at Arthur's actions--it isn't everyday he sees Arthur being sweet to one of the castle animals, not that the prince would ever admit it]
They look healthy enough. [He nods at Beroul] That one seems to like you. [His tone takes a teasing turn] Can't imagine why.
[And that is the reason Arthur has always made sure no one was around when he came down here. The crowned prince is not meant to show the level of affection he is towards the dog, rubbing it's sides and back as the dog leans into him, ] His name is Beroul. I personally oversaw all of his training when I was younger.
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[After a pause, he belatedly hides the plate, full of various little tidbits he's snuck from the kitchens, behind his back with a sheepish look at Arthur]
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They looked hungry, [Is all he offers Arthur in reply]
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Peeking up at Arthur, he offers a small smile] Well. There wasn't much on the plate anyhow. The cooks chased me out before I could grab more.
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[While he mournfully thinks of all the equipment he'll be carrying on the morrow, one of the dogs approaches Arthur, tail wagging. The rest settle around Merlin, realising he has nothing more to give them] You know...I've never seen you visiting the dogs in between hunts. What were you doing here?
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They look healthy enough. [He nods at Beroul] That one seems to like you. [His tone takes a teasing turn] Can't imagine why.
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Did you visit him often when you were younger?
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