(Untitled)

[tiercelet]

[Sneaking treats to the hunting dogs]

Comments

[camelotsprince]

Merlin! What do you think you are doing?

[camelotsprince]

When I could. [Still does, when he can slip away unnoticed for a bit.] My father had a fit when the servants found him under my bed when he was a pup.

[tiercelet]

[He ducks, grinning at the image] I bet he did. So they moved him back here after that?

[camelotsprince]

Yeah. [He scratches Beroul fondly under the chin] But at least they put him inside. It was cold that winter.

[tiercelet]

Pity he couldn't stay with you. I'm sure you both would've been much happier for it. [Watching Arthur with fondness, as well] It looks like he's missed you.

[camelotsprince]

No, he's missing his morning sausage. [Arthur chuckles when the dog whines and noses at his pocket] Nothing for you today, pup... day before the hunt and all.

[tiercelet]

Oh, come on, Arthur. I'm certain that's not the only thing he misses.

[camelotsprince]

Probably misses the petting, too. My father's rules are no petting the dogs.

[tiercelet]

Why not? [His hand, resting on a nearby dog's back, stills] There's nothing wrong with giving the dogs some affection. They work hard during the hunts.

[camelotsprince]

He says it makes them soft. They are meant to be hunting dogs, after all. Not pets.

[tiercelet]

But that's...[Silly, he finishes mentally. Why he even bothers arguing about Uther's policies, he'll never guess]

Treating them well doesn't make them soft--it just makes them more loyal to you because they know you care.

[camelotsprince]

[Arthur shrugs, he can't exactly say he agrees with you, since it would be treason and all to speak ill of his father's policies.] Beroul is mine, though. His rules don't apply.

[tiercelet]

'course not. [Pleased that Arthur's been allowing himself this much, at least, Merlin smiles brightly] So, those times I couldn't find you before the hunts, you were here with Beroul?

[camelotsprince]

Possibly. Or perhaps I was just hiding from your incessant begging to get out of going on the hunt.

[tiercelet]

I don't beg. I ask. Very nicely, I might add.

[camelotsprince]

If that's what you think...