(psl.)

[courtmagic]

[it's a vision that drives him into this land. a vision that pulls a wanderer from his steady, continuous path, and weighed against what it might do to tell, it would be less livable if he did not say anything. that if he simply skirted the edges and allowed events to unfold, the damage would be too much. Merlin puts stock in his Sight - it's one of the few things that does stay constant in his travels. most else, he adapts, keeps his true nature a secret, remains an oddity and a refreshing wind.

King Solomon. it would be easier to approach him on a day that he showed his face to the public. to wait until everyone else left, and then draw near. he'll find a way through - he always has. so Merlin puts himself up in the capital, and wastes his days in waiting. in idle tricks and charms, until the right moment to show.]

Comments

[oblitteratus]

[ solomon's kingdom is a prosperous one, where poverty has been all but eradicated, crime is low, and its residents rest easy knowing that their king is favored by god, fair and wise. it runs smoothly thanks to policies put in place throughout his reign-- and thus solomon himself rarely needs to appear in public. by and large, his days holding court are for the sake of simple reassurance. his people want to see him, and the king serves his people.

he's already enthroned at the far end of the grand hall when supplicants of the day are allowed to enter. there are no guards surrounding him, though they're not far. everyone knows of solomon's great magic, knows that he's more than capable of defending himself; his small size and gentle features belie a great and terrible power.

through the morning, he sits as still as a doll through most of the proceedings. when merlin's time comes at last, however, he finally shifts, ringed fingers curling on the arms of the throne as he leans forward the slightest bit. his expression, serene and empty, brightens with soft, thoughtful interest. ]

We have watched your stay in our kingdom with great interest. [ well, after all, for all that solomon is a fairly reclusive king, there's little that goes on in jerusalem that he's not at least passingly aware of. ]

[courtmagic]

Your Majesty.

[he bows from the waist, one hand steady on his staff. respectful - that's what he's been trying to be. but there's still an odd light in his eyes as he looks at this king with a blank smile on his throne. what a contrast - this power, and this man who seems at such peace.

it is curious, really. and Merlin is always up for indulging his interest. but manners first.]

I am honored that a humble wanderer such as myself has done enough to warrant any eye.

...And would that my only words to you today would be of such pleasant things.

[oblitteratus]

[ at last, the smallest smile touches his mouth, lightens his solemn golden eyes. ] Is that what you are, then? A humble wanderer? [ he hums a soft noise that could mean anything, and sits back once more. ] As you wish.

[ he gestures him closer, up onto the dais near the throne. ]

What brings you so far from your lands and into our court? [ some unpleasant news, it seems, but he can hardly imagine what warranted this man to come so far to bring it to him personally. ]

[courtmagic]

[though he has been invited, he takes a moment before he comes up to the dais, stepping careful so as not to alarm the guards. he cannot seem too eager - nor is he exactly thrilled to deliver this news.]

A prophecy, Your Majesty, one that is no boast but truth, plain and simple. Disaster creeps closer to your city. The earth will violently shake, revolting within itself, and the city will take blows. Even then, it will not be over, for what is broken shall lead to fire, to destruction - in short, to unrest that will be no one's fault. But they shall turn to you, and ask why you did not foresee this.

[because the evidence existed squarely in the present. because sometimes, it required getting out there on your own two feet.]