Hello again. For all of you who want to find out more about Sir Darian, here's another chapter. The italic sections are flashbacks, just in case you were confused.
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
"Quit fidgeting, Merlin," Arthur hissed as the group of knights and nobles stood in the courtyard, awaiting the arrival of Sir Darian. Merlin bit back a laugh. His fidgeting was nowhere near as bad as the other citizens. Even Lord Geoffrey couldn't seem to contain his excitement for the big day. Who knew such an old man had so much energy. He certainly never displayed it when he made Merlin reorganize his bookshelves. Merlin looked at Gaius from across the courtyard. Gaius met Merlin's eye and gave him a very wide smile. Unlike Lord Geoffrey, Gaius actually had some sense of restraint. But Merlin could tell an attempt to look somewhat dignified was taxing on his mentor. Merlin remembered the previous evening, when Gaius had told Merlin some more information about Sir Darian.
"You needn't worry, Merlin. Sir Darian is a really kind man," Gaius sighed as Merlin continued to pick at his stew.
"That's what everyone is saying! So why have I never heard of him?" Merlin cried in exasperation. Gaius raised an eyebrow. Merlin grumbled but took the hint and began to eat the stew that had become cold.
"It might be that he never visited Ealdor. Some of the outlying villages have never seen him either. Or it could be he was passed off as a story in some places," Gaius said thoughtfully. Merlin remembered the conversation with Percival about Sir George the Brave. Perhaps Sir George was really Sir Darian, just with a different name.
"But you've met him?" Merlin asked, beginning to wash the bowl that had previously held his dinner.
"I can assure you that every servant that has served under him has been very happy," Gaius said forcefully. Merlin was starting to get the feeling that anybody who spoke ill of the unofficial knight would be met with the same malice he was receiving. Everyone was annoyed at Merlin's reserves.
"Is everybody ready?" Uther asked to the waiting crowd, snapping Merlin out of his memory. Most people cheered at the news. The few who had never met Sir Darian weren't so enthusiastic. They were pleased that this mysterious visitor had caused the royal family to become much happier, and therefore kinder. But they were unsure how to respond to the news that a man they never met was to be staying for a week or two in Camelot.
"Isn't it great that my father is doing so much better?" Arthur asked Merlin, another smile breaking out on his face. Merlin was beginning to understand why Arthur thought Merlin's smiles were annoying. If Arthur kept that stupid grin on his face for much longer, Merlin would smack it right off. And Leon and Elyan weren't much better. They were like two children who had just eaten copious amounts of sweet treats. Merlin half expected to walk in on Leon swinging from the chandelier on the ceiling. Gwaine, however, was the exact opposite. He was standing rigid and tall, as if to impose a sense of power on the unsuspecting visitor. Merlin knew Gwaine was mostly doing this to let people know that Merlin was not to be injured during this visit. It still didn't stop Merlin from wishing Gwaine would lighten up.
"You still nervous?" Lancelot said from behind Merlin.
"I never was nervous to begin with," Merlin snapped quietly. He could take care of himself, despite what everyone seemed to think.
"I don't think I've ever seen Arthur this happy," Lancelot chuckled. Merlin smiled and strained to hear the horses hooves that would soon be pounding on the cobblestone pathways. Lancelot was right. Arthur hadn't been this happy in years. Merlin really didn't have anything to worry about. Everyone he talked to said Sir Darian was the nicest person in the world. Even Gwen was singing her praises.
"When he was here last time, the servants were treated so much better. Morgana always treated me kindly, but even some of the more, distasteful masters were kinder to their servants," Gwen said fondly, her eyes lighting up at the memories.
Merlin decided that if Gwen had said he was a good man, then he probably was. Even so, with all of the knights watching Merlin like a hawk, any mistreatment would probably be caught quickly. Merlin looked over to Arthur and Uther, who were talking excitedly in hushed whispers. Merlin's heart dropped. No. He couldn't allow a man that made the royals so happy, be accused of abuse. Even if he were actually the worst person Merlin ever had to serve, he would take the abuse so that Camelot would have a kind and happy leader once again. Merlin was drawn out of his thoughts by the sound of an approaching horse.
"He's here!" one of the guards cried from his vantage point. Everyone plastered on those annoying smiles once again and got even more excited. Merlin didn't think it was possible. If there were any more energy and happiness in the courtyard, Leon would probably explode. A smile made his way onto Merlin's face as he looked at his friends. Only Gwaine still looked upset, but he also looked slightly happier. Merlin was also starting to feel the effects of the suspense. His heart began beating faster and he had butterflies in his stomach. Elyan's fidgeting got even worse as he began hopping from foot to foot. Merlin was excited to meet the man who had brought so much joy to Camelot.
Merlin heard some people who were farther down the road cheer as the sound of hooves became louder. Several people stood on their tiptoes, attempting to see the man sooner. Merlin couldn't help but lean over and attempt to see him as well. A horse and rider came into view as they hurtled down the pathway and came to a stop right in front of Uther and Arthur. Immediately, Merlin felt both unease and immense joy. The unease was from his magic, telling him that this man couldn't be trusted and that Merlin needed to get rid of the threat. Sadly, the unease was drowned very quickly by the happiness that seemed to radiate from this man.
Sir Darian smiled and jumped down from his horse. He had curly black hair that was cut so that it was just past his shoulders. He was tanned from being outdoors so often and had a short beard on his face. His features were fairly rugged and strong. Sir Darian looked to have a fairly muscular build, with broad shoulders and arms to rival Percival's. He was in his mid-forties with eyes that seemed both wise and kind. His face was fairly expressive, with eyebrows that looked ready to quirk the moment something amusing happened. Sir Darian looked the part of a brave and noble knight. He looked like someone you could trust. Merlin smiled and looked over to Gwaine, who had relinquished his death-grip on the hilt of his sword and was now looking rather cheerful.
"Sir Darian, it's been too long," Uther said, stepping forward to shake Sir Darian's hand.
"I'm sorry for not visiting sooner. There were several land disputes in the northern sea that I felt needed taking care of," Sir Darian responded, grasping Uther's hand and shaking it firmly. His voice matched his looks so well. It was strong, yet kind. Merlin could usually tell when nobles were being overly sweet to Uther and Arthur in order to gain favors. Sir Darian seemed genuinely upset at his inability to visit Camelot up until now.
"Arthur!" Sir Darian exclaimed happily, turning to Arthur and Merlin. "It's been so long since I've seen you. I think you've grown," Sir Darian winked.
"You're always making fun of my height," Arthur grumbled playfully.
"Well someone needs to knock you down a couple inches. Honestly, a humble king is a better king," Sir Darian replied with the wave of his hand. Merlin snorted at this. He was really beginning to like this man. Sir Darian turned to face Merlin. Instantly, Merlin attempted to make himself smaller, so as not to incur the wrath that would surely befall him.
"Who's this?" Sir Darian asked with a smile on his face. Merlin didn't feel very threatened, so he stood up a little straighter.
"This is my manservant, Merlin. He will be making sure your stay is comfortable," Arthur said graciously.
"My lord," Merlin said quietly, bowing to the knight. Sir Darian studied him for a few seconds before breaking out into an even bigger smile.
"Come on boy, don't bow to me. You'll make me feel important. Can't have that," Sir Darian laughed, sticking out his hand for Merlin to take. Merlin smiled and took the hand gladly. Sir Darian then placed both hands on Merlin's shoulders and began to study him again.
"I know you won't speak ill of your master, but surely he's making sure you eat," Sir Darian laughed.
"I give him breaks. It's not my fault he doesn't use them properly," Arthur gasped. Merlin and the other knights laughed.
"Uther, I hope you'll allow me to talk with some of your newest knights, and Leon. I wish to hear their stories," Darian said, turning to Uther and swinging an arm around Arthur's shoulders.
"Of course. I'll have Merlin prepare your room," Uther said. Merlin gasped. Uther had never called Merlin by his first name before. It was always servant or boy.
"Of course. Merlin, I only have two bags so it shouldn't be too much for you. Most people make it in one trip," Sir Darian said as he led the knights away. Merlin continued to grin. Never before had a nobleman treated Merlin with such respect. Even Leon, who was generally one of the nicest knights, was still slightly condescending when it came to Merlin's position. Merlin grinned and took up the two bags, following George to Sir Darian's assigned quarters.
"Sir Darian seems nice," Merlin said cheerfully as the pair continued to where the guests usually stayed. George remained silent. Merlin sped up to try and get a look at George's face. Normally, by this time George would be listing off a list of things Merlin wasn't allowed to do with the visiting nobles. The man took it upon himself to make Merlin into the perfect servant. Now, he just sat there chewing on his lip. The pair entered the chambers and Merlin went to set down Sir Darian's bags.
"George, what's wrong?" Merlin asked as George continued to remain silent. Merlin wasn't exactly fond of George, but something was bothering the man. Perhaps Merlin could help.
"Listen, Merlin. I've been a servant far longer than you have," George started. Merlin nodded, wondering if George was going to ask permission to serve Sir Darian instead of Merlin.
"I wasn't here the last time he visited, Sir Darian that is," George said, still looking worriedly at the ground while he chewed his lip.
"So you haven't met him either," Merlin said brightly. Why was George acting this way? Maybe he was one of Sir Darian's many fans and wanted Merlin to get him his autograph.
"That's correct. But the reason why I bring this up to you is that Idon'ttrustDarian!" George blurted out. His eyes widened and his hand immediately covered his mouth, as if he had uttered the most disgusting curse word in the English language.
"What do you mean?" Merlin asked. So far, Sir Darian had seemed like the nicest guy in the world. Merlin could find no hidden agenda or secret distaste seeping out of his words or being expressed in his dark brown eyes.
"Remember what I told you about Lord Cadwell?" George asked. Merlin's hand immediately curled protectively around his ribs. George took that as a yes and continued.
"I want you to be careful. Something doesn't sit well with me. That man is dangerous, Merlin. Promise me this time you'll at least ask for help this time?" George said, trying to get Merlin to understand the severity of the situation.
"Alright. I'll come to you or Gaius if he's not really as nice as everyone says he is," Merlin groaned. Why couldn't people just let him take care of things? He was actually very capable.
"Thank you Merlin. I hope you're right and Darian is a good man," George said as he walked out the door and began his day as Arthur's servant. Merlin just stood in the center of the room, dumbstruck at what George was suggesting. While it was true George seemed to have a second sense about these things, Merlin couldn't help but feel confused at the man's distrust. Still, Merlin filed away the servant's warning and went to go find Sir Darian.
Sir Darian smiled as he led the Knights of the Round Table and Prince Arthur to the East Wing. People rarely came up here and it was a favorite hiding spot of Arthur and Leon's when they were growing up and trying to skip practice.
"So!" Sir Darian said brightly. "Congratulations Elyan for being knighted. I bet Gwen is really proud," he said, turning to the group of men.
"Oh she is. She said it might actually keep me out of trouble," Elyan responded happily.
"She has met Gwaine, right?" Percival snorted.
"Oi! I'll have you know that I am a respectable member of the Knights of the Round Table," Gwaine cried out. The other's failed to suppress laughter. Darian glanced at Arthur with a bemused expression.
"Don't look at me, Darian. I didn't come up with the name. These idiots did," Arthur said, gesturing to the other knights. Darian laughed heartily before settling down against an alcove, the other knights followed his example.
"Names are a good thing, Arthur. They help create an identity," Sir Darian explained. Arthur rolled his eyes and attempted to take Gwaine's "water" away.
"What have you been up to since my last visit? Arthur still giving you trouble?" Sir Darian asked, turning to Leon.
"Hey!" Arthur cried out.
"You wouldn't believe it, but ever since Merlin became Arthur's servant, he's gotten so much better," Leon replied.
"I can hear you!" Arthur snapped, though it held no malice. His friend was here and that's all that mattered at the moment.
"Merlin does seem different," Sir Darian mused.
"He's a lot like you, just really clumsy and bad with a sword," Elyan explained.
"Oh I doubt he's that clumsy," Sir Darian chuckled.
"The idiot managed to find the only gopher hole in the entire training field and twist his ankle," Arthur joked.
"I still say you pushed him," Gwaine muttered under his breath.
"Come now, Arthur may be many things, but he has never purposefully hurt a servant," Sir Darian replied, taking the "water" from Arthur and handing it back to Gwaine with a wink. Gwaine's face brightened considerably and he took a swig out of the water skin.
"Why are we hiding out here?" Percival said, looking around.
"Because, this is the emptiest hall in the castle. It's great for trying to avoid practice," Sir Darian explained.
"Don't tell them that! I already have enough problems getting them to come to practice as is!" Arthur cried out as the others just laughed. Sir Darian smiled and began to tell some of his stories, with Elyan, Gwaine, and Lancelot adding in their own adventures. The sun began to dip lower in the sky when a cry was heard. The knights were immediately on their feet and ran to the source.
"Merlin!" Lancelot cried, running over to the boy who was sprawled at the bottom of the stairs.
"That really hurt," Merlin said groggily, sitting up and rubbing his head.
"How'd you manage that, you idiot?" Arthur called as he helped his servant stand up. Sir Darian made his way over to the servant the checked out his head. He gasped and pulled his hand away from Merlin's hair. Gwaine looked over his shoulder to see blood had covered the knight's hand.
"I didn't mean to fall down the stairs. Gravity just hates me!" Merlin cried out.
"You weren't even carrying anything," Percival said with the shake of his head. Merlin glared at the large knight. Sir Darian was still fixated on the blood that was on his hand. He swallowed and then wiped the blood on his pant legs.
"Perhaps you should see Gaius. A concussion is a very nasty thing," Sir Darian said with a smile, though it wasn't as cheerful as before, and his voice was shaking ever so slightly. Merlin wrote that off as worry.
"What about you?" Merlin asked as Lancelot began to lead Merlin away.
"My dear boy, I have lived in the forest more than in a building. I will be fine for a few hours while Gaius ensures you are not going to die on me," Sir Darian said, his voice returning to normal. Sir Darian saw that it would probably be a fight to get the boy to leave so he pushed him along. As if Lancelot wasn't already going to drag Merlin to Gaius, whether or not Merlin needed it. Merlin grumbled impassively as the two continued down the corridor. Sir Darian once again looked at his hand. There was still some blood on it. The visiting knight attempted to leave the boy's blood in the back of his mind. But nowhere had such a treat been given to the visiting knight. Merlin was going to feed him tonight, and Sir Darian couldn't wait.
Merlin continued to glare at Gaius as the man wiped away more blood.
"Honestly Merlin, we're going to have to put you in a helmet," Gaius scolded. Lancelot chuckled in the background. Merlin turned to glare at him too.
"I'm not that breakable!" Merlin snapped as Gaius rubbed some sticky substance in Merlin's hair. He was never going to get the goop out.
"You're lucky. Such a fall usually kills men," Gaius scolded again, placing his hand firmly on the back of Merlin's head to keep him from moving again.
"Sir Darian seems nice though," Merlin said honestly. George's warning had long left Merlin's memory. Every time he went near Sir Darian, Merlin couldn't help but feel content. He now knew why so many people were excited for his arrival. It was as if Sir Darian was the human version of utopia.
"I told you, there is nothing to worry about," Gaius said happily. He was unsure why Merlin was so anxious about serving the good knight. Now it seemed as though the matter had cleared itself up.
"I think he's starting to grow on Gwaine, if that helps any," Lancelot piped in. Merlin rolled his eyes but stayed quiet.
"I should probably go and tend to Sir Darian," Merlin said after a few more minutes of Gaius' prodding.
"Okay, but be careful. I don't want to see you back in here because you've tripped over the rug!" Gaius called out as Lancelot and Merlin made their way out of the chambers and into the hallways.
"But he seems fine, right?" Lancelot asked, still eyeing Merlin.
"For the last time, I am fine. I can take care of myself," Merlin snapped, picking up his pace and leaving Lancelot behind.
"I hope you're right, my friend," Lancelot said quietly as he made his way back to his own quarters.
Merlin grabbed Sir Darian's dinner and quickly made his way back up to the visiting knight's room. Merlin winced as he jarred his head injury slightly. Luckily, he had the common sense to down one of Gaius' headache cures before leaving the physician behind. Merlin just didn't get Lancelot's behavior. One minute, he was mooning over the man with the rest of Camelot, the next he was suspicious of him. George's warning came back to Merlin's mind. He also remembered the feeling he got when he first met Darian. And then there was Gwaine's sudden change in behavior. He had been the one who trusted Sir Darian the least. And now it seemed as though they had been friends for life. Merlin paused in front of Darian's door and continued to mull over his thoughts. Every time he was near the man, he was happy. Even when Merlin wasn't near Sir Darian, he just felt more at ease with the world. Merlin resolved to keep a close eye on the knight. If Darian were doing anything suspicious, he would bring it up with Lancelot. Not for his own safety, but for the safety of the kingdom.
Merlin knocked on the door and awaited permission to enter. Sir Darian's voice called out from the other side. The effect was almost immediate. Merlin's unease was gone, as were the warnings he continued to play over in his head. Merlin's face broke out in a large and honest grin. There was nothing malicious in Sir Darian's visit. He had come to Camelot several times now and nothing bad ever befell the city. Merlin shook his head at the ridiculousness of his previous thoughts and entered the room.
"I brought your dinner!" Merlin said cheerfully as he entered to see Sir Darian sitting at the desk, looking over some maps.
"And how's your head?" Sir Darian asked, looking up and clearing off the table so Merlin could set down the tray.
"A little tender, but I'll live," Merlin replied. "What were you doing?" he asked as he tidied up the room.
"I was looking over some maps of mine. I'm thinking of traveling to Mercia after I finish my visit here. I'm sure King Bayard would be delighted to have me in his company," Sir Darian responded, cutting his chicken slowly. His eyes were fixed on Merlin's back.
"So you've traveled quite a few places then?" Merlin asked, turning around and giving Sir Darian a lopsided grin.
"Oh yes. I dare say that I'm as well known as Sir Gwaine, though for entirely different reasons," Sir Darian laughed. He glanced down at his hand, Merlin's dried blood still caked the underside of his wrist. Just a little longer and he could begin. Merlin continued to move about the chambers, completely oblivious to the knight's dark thoughts.
"I'm sorry I didn't put any of your things away. Some people are really particular and I wanted to ensure that the setup was to your satisfaction," Merlin said cheerfully, refilling Sir Darian's goblet with some wine.
"I suppose you were trying to find me when you took your tumble," Sir Darian chuckled.
"I'm sure Arthur's already told you about my clumsiness," Merlin mumbled.
"I didn't believe it until I saw it myself. Don't worry though, I'm sure you've gotten better," Sir Darian assured. Merlin smiled at him again and continued to fluff the pillows.
"You can take my plate back to the kitchens. When you come back, I would like to discuss some arrangements with you," Sir Darian said, placing his knife and fork down on the table.
"You don't look like you've eaten very much," Merlin said, looking over at the plate.
"I rarely do. The food is often too rich for me to stomach on the first night back in civilization," Sir Darian replied. Merlin nodded and grabbed the tray so that it could be returned to the kitchen. Darian sat back and smiled. The spell on Camelot was already starting to take hold. The boy would be his within the hour, and no one would care.
Arthur sat back and groaned. George had given him entirely too much food. Merlin made jokes about Arthur's weight, but in reality, a long-term employment of George would ensure Arthur's weight gain.
"Is there anything else you require, my lord?" George said as he bowed again. Arthur rolled his eyes. How did the man not have any back problems?
"No, just prepare me for bed," Arthur replied, waving his hand in George's general direction. Leon had scolded Arthur the previous day for making Merlin feel unwanted. It wasn't Arthur's fault that Merlin was such a girl. Still, he hadn't really meant what he said. Merlin was a servant but he was also a fr-, a really close acquaintance. Arthur didn't feel the need to apologize, and Merlin seemed to have forgiven him that evening. But Arthur was still worried that it was just Merlin pretending to be better so that no one would worry about him. The idiot usually pulled stunts like that. Arthur regretted his decision to put Merlin with Sir Darian. Because George was just so boring! Not at all because Merlin was hurt by Arthur's actions and words. Arthur did not care about Merlin's feelings and if he wanted to act like a girl then fine! Although Merlin's face when he left the room was so broken. A knock at the door stopped Arthur in his thoughts.
"Come in," he called. George entered again with a bow and started to prepare the chambers for the night.
"Sire," George said in a timid voice. Arthur stopped and turned to the man who was standing nervously by the bed.
"Yes?" Arthur asked. George usually didn't speak out of turn, so it must be important.
"I was wondering if I could have an audience with Sir Darian?" George said quietly. Arthur quirked an eyebrow.
"Why would you want that?" Arthur said.
"I have unfairly misjudged him," George said, slumping down a bit.
"What do you mean?" Arthur asked. Why was everyone so insistent on beating around the bush?
"Well, sire, when the knight first came here I had a bad feeling about him. I warned Merlin to be careful, the boy has absolutely no sense of self-preservation," George explained.
"Why would having a bad feeling cause you to warn Merlin?"
"Because, sire, as a servant it is my job to immediately judge who is a fair master, and who is a cruel master. Merlin has yet to perfect that skill so I try and warn him which ones to look out for," George answered. He was beginning to calm down a bit.
"And has Merlin ever gotten one of these, cruel masters?" Arthur asked. If anyone had hurt Merlin, Arthur wanted to know so he could beat the living daylights out of them. Mostly because he couldn't have the people thinking he couldn't protect Merlin. It wasn't at all because he cared deeply for him and the thoughts of someone hurting a person who was like a defenseless kitten made his blood boil.
"You were unaware?" George asked. Arthur gasped. Apparently it had happened before and he never noticed. Arthur recovered quickly.
"Listen, George, Sir Darian is a very nice man," Arthur started.
"Oh I know. That is why I wished to apologize to him. He helped me carry some armor into the armory and showed me how to repair it quicker," George interrupted.
"What I'm trying to say is you don't have to apologize to Darian. So long as you have treated him with respect, he should not be offended," Arthur continued.
"I understand sire," George said as he went to bow out of the room, leaving Arthur in the dark to work through his thoughts.
The first thing he tried to figure out is when Merlin had been hurt. It had obviously been pretty bad if George thought that Arthur should notice it. It also explained why Gwaine and Lancelot seemed more overprotective of Merlin than usual. Arthur tried to find a time when Merlin wasn't himself. A time when he was limping slightly, or favoring his ribs, or even when his smile didn't reach his eyes and the friendly banter was more forced than usual. It was with sinking realization that Arthur realized he couldn't think of a time when mysterious injuries had plagued Merlin.
Was he really so clueless to his friend's plight that he hadn't even noticed when Merlin was injured? Arthur probably made it worse. Berating Merlin for being late when he was trying to cover up his injuries. Piling more chores on him because it would be amusing to watch Merlin grumble under his breath, not caring that he was limping and cradling an injured arm. Arthur refused to believe that he would ever do something to injure Merlin. But George seemed so sure that Arthur would notice something was wrong. Arthur didn't know if that made it better or worse. Perhaps the people saw him as a bully who made his injured servant work.
Arthur angrily punched his pillow. It was really Merlin's fault. He should have told Arthur is one of the nobles was hurting him. Did he not think Arthur would help? Maybe he didn't. Arthur always called Merlin a girl and told him to stop complaining about everything. Perhaps Merlin took that to mean that Arthur just didn't care. If he came to him with an injury inflicted by a knight or lord, Arthur would just tell Merlin to brush it off. Arthur fell back down into the bed. How many times had Merlin silently begged him to notice something was off? To see the damages he had received? How many times had Merlin wished that just for once in Arthur's life, he would notice something other than himself? Perhaps that's why Merlin never came to Arthur. He wanted Arthur to notice Merlin's injuries and force Merlin to tell him what happened. He wanted Arthur to show that he cared.
Arthur continued to stare at the ceiling. His next worry was Sir Darian. George had obviously thought he was some kind of threat to Merlin. Arthur wasn't about to let that slide. At the same time, Sir Darian had always been there for Arthur. He was one of Arthur's oldest friends. And now there was a suspicion placed in Arthur's head by a servant. And that suspicion wasn't going away. Everyone always said Sir Darian was such a nice man. Surely George was just overreacting. But if servants could tell which nobles were good and which ones were bad, then George couldn't have been the only one with some reserves. Arthur resolved to ask Guinevere and Elyan about their first encounters with Sir Darian. Perhaps they had the same reaction as George. Arthur would also keep an eye on Merlin. If that idiot so much as stubbed his toe, Arthur wanted to know about. This time, Arthur would ensure no harm came to his good acquaintance. No, he would ensure that no harm came to his friend. With this resolve, Arthur rolled over and got some sleep, completely unaware that he never had a chance to keep Merlin safe.
Merlin knocked on the door and awaited Sir Darian's invitation. He got it quickly and waltzed into the room. Sir Darian appeared to have put the maps away and prepare himself for bed.
"Merlin, my dear boy, you don't have to knock. Arthur tells me you're rather impartial to it," Sir Darian chuckled as he motioned Merlin to sit. Normally, Merlin hated to be called a boy. He felt as though it made him seem more helpless. Most of the knights didn't refer to Merlin as a boy, though Leon occasionally did. Despite Merlin's insistence that he was not a boy, the way Sir Darian said the word, made Merlin feel happy. It reminded him of Gaius and Balinor. It was almost fatherly, so Merlin put up with it. Merlin smiled and sat down in the chair.
"I'm sorry to do this to you, however I do like it when servants stay with me in the antechamber," Sir Darian said sadly.
"Are you sure you want me to? Arthur says I snore," Merlin joked.
"I'm sure. Besides, there will be a door separating us. I try not to be too demanding with my helpers. However, this is one thing that I'm afraid I simply have to do," Sir Darian said with the shake of his head.
"It's alright. I understand. Do you mind if I go tell Gaius so he doesn't worry?" Merlin asked, prepared to leave.
"I already sent that nice man George to let him know. I know curfew has begun and I would hate to get you into trouble," Sir Darian replied quickly. He couldn't risk losing his prize. The boy needed to be contained immediately.
"That's very kind of you," Merlin said. Sir Darian was really thoughtful. Perhaps he should offer his services fulltime. Merlin grinned at the thought.
"Here, have some water. You must be thirsty," Sir Darian said, offering Merlin a goblet.
"I'm fine. You are already too kind," Merlin said, rejecting the water. Darian frowned. Why did this one have to be so stubborn?
"I've met Gaius. I really don't want to be poisoned because I let his ward get dehydrated," Darian forced a smile. Merlin thought to himself for a minute. Gaius probably wouldn't poison Sir Darian, but Merlin didn't want to get into trouble for not taking care of himself again.
"You're right about that," Merlin grinned before taking the goblet and drinking from it.
"What's in this water? It doesn't taste right," Merlin said, looking down at the clear liquid, trying to see if anything had gotten into it. Merlin's vision began to go fuzzy.
"What did you do?" Merlin cried out as he attempted to stand, only to fall onto the floor.
"I really couldn't have you making a fuss, now could I?" Darian smirked as he walked over to the boy who was still trying to stand.
"You'll hurt yourself if you keep trying to move," Darian sighed, clicking his tongue as if Merlin was merely a child who wasn't listening to his parents. Merlin continued to try and call out for help, but his strength was fading rapidly. Darian sat there for a few more seconds, to ensure the boy was truly unconscious, before bending down and scooping the boy up so he was cradled in Darian's arms. Merlin's head flopped backwards and his arm hung limply at his side.
"Oh Merlin, my little lamb, you are going to give me so much life," Darian smiled as he made his way to the antechamber to secure the boy.
At the other end of the castle, Arthur bolted upright in bed. Sweat covered his body as he attempted to calm his breathing down. It was only a nightmare. Arthur tried to tell himself. Surely Darian would never do such a thing. After several minutes and cursing the bad food George had surely given him for dinner, Arthur sank back down into the land of sleep, quickly forgetting his nightmare.
Oh no! What's going to happen to Merlin? Well you will just have to wait and find out. As for Darian, he is a lot creepier than I originally imagined. Have a great rest of the week!