011. [voice]

[oncefutureking]

This is madness! For all I can be told on the goodness of magic, you would have this- this beast kill another for--

[But as the prince fights for the words to describe what he had just witnessed that sorcerer do, Arthur's tirade on the evils of magic is quickly cut short, and the clang of metal is heard over the thump of the communicator hitting

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[destinedsorcery]

Arthur!

[ He startles violently, all but shouting into the receiver. ]

Arthur are you alright?

[oncefutureking]

[Its a moment before he answers, and even then, he sounds shaken.]

I am uninjured, if that is what you mean.

[destinedsorcery]

[ There's a pause, something of uncertainty, a space where he might be sputtering but instead struggles to find the words. ]

Who was- I mean, what happened?

[oncefutureking]

Have you been asleep this entire time? There was a beast in the shadows, it attacked me, and as the sun rose it became Lancelot before vanishing into thin air.

[destinedsorcery]

Yes but I mean- well it wasn't really Lancelot, was it?

[oncefutureking]

Well unless Lancelot can suddenly vanish into thin air and possesses red glowing eyes, no, Merlin, I would say not.

[destinedsorcery]

[ There's a pause, a space of silence before he speaks again, but his tone still more concern than any real sarcasm. ]

And you said you aren't injured?

[oncefutureking]

[His voice is tense, as though Merlin in trying his patience. Which is already thin.]

I said that, Merlin. Or are you deaf, now, too?

You haven't gone and had yourself wounded, have you?

[A hint of concern creeps into his voice, despite himself.]

[destinedsorcery]

Oh no, no, I'm not hurt.

[ His tone softens, lighter even in the face of Arthur's near growl- maybe an attempt to cheer him up, it's hard to say. ]

It's just that if it wasn't really Lancelot and you aren't hurt, I was wondering what all the noise was about.

[oncefutureking]

You're telling me you missed that? The sun didn't rise of its own volition, Merlin.

[Now he sounds scandalized.]

[destinedsorcery]

Right- that.

[ He lapses back into silence, very obviously quieted by the subject, something he'd rather forget. ]

[oncefutureking]

Yes, that.

[He sighs, and sounds both frustrated and frazzled.]

[destinedsorcery]

But there- [ He's struggling with the words, both at finding them and getting them out. ] -there really isn't anything we can do about it, is there?

[oncefutureking]

There isn't anythi--

[He has to stop, and take a deep breath, so not to try and rip Merlin's head off through the magic box.]

Merlin. He killed a man.

[destinedsorcery]

Yes- I noticed- [ The words are almost snapped, but instead of his temper flaring, Merlin bristles. Hands lifted into the air in exasperation and he almost sputters. ]

But we can't just go out and kill him for it. I mean, you do realize everyone is just waiting for you to go out and attack someone!

[oncefutureking]

It is unjust! I could care less whether he is a wizard or not, Merlin! If we are to let killers walk amongst us unchecked then what are we?