A/N: I wasn't planning on writing this yet- or on writing it like this, but it just assaulted me today.
In fact, this was supposed to be the second in a small series (or third, if I wrote a little prologue) so now I feel like Brian Jacques or something, writing stories out of sequence. But then again, this has deviated enough from my original concept I should probably count it as a different story... *renames it*
I really cannot decide what genres are appropriate- if you guys have any suggestions as you read, please share.

Warning: I considered rating this one 'M' and may yet change it due to the actions of an exceedingly creepy villain. This, while not unusual in the scope of the fandom, will go beyond what I ever expected to write myself and includes the sort of thing I typically avoid reading. I expect the foreshadowing will be enough to warn you more specifically before we get to any events, but if you want a more thorough warning before reading feel free to pm me (I don't want to completely give it away here).

Merlin shifted uncomfortably in his spot with the other castle servants waiting to fulfill their duties in helping the visiting Lord Livenn and his entourage settle into their guest quarters.

Something about the noble set him on edge, and he could swear the man's arrival had made the courtyard grow colder.

He looked like a typical noble- overweight from an abundance of luxurious food, clothes more ornate than the king or queen were wearing, a generally disinterested air as he exchanged pleasantries with King Arthur. He was sweating slightly from the exertion of getting out of his carriage and walking across the flagstones. Merlin was uncertain if the pink tinge of his flesh was the natural shade or another side-effect of the exercise. His short, mousy brown hair and plump face mostly obscured his dark eyes, only increasing the warlock's (so far) unfounded distrust of the man. Plus, his cloak was black.

Merlin felt a bit childish for thinking cloak color mattered, but he had a bad history with people who preferred black.

Greetings complete, the royal party was leading Livenn toward the banquet hall, the man's two personal guards trailing behind.

The servants sprang into action then, directing the noble's remaining guards toward the small barracks reserved for visiting troops as they themselves scooped up various chests and belongings to be delivered to the appropriate quarters.

Merlin took charge of Livenn's scribe; a thin, nervous-looking man who was probably only a year or two younger than the warlock himself.
"If you would follow me, I'll show you your chambers."

"A-are they near Lord Livenn's?" The youth stammered slightly, apparently hesitant to ask.

"No, I'm sorry. Chambers for the nobility are placed closer to the king's. Yours, I'm afraid, are nearer the servants' quarters."

Contrary to Merlin's expectations, the scribe seemed relieved.
"Oh, that's quite alright- I'm sure they'll be just fine!"

The servant frowned slightly as he turned, a bit worried at the other man's reaction.
"This way, then."

He hefted the scribe's kit and led the way across the courtyard.

After dropping off his charge, Merlin went straight to the banquet hall and took up his position behind Arthur, pitcher of wine in hand as he eavesdropped on the conversation without appearing to do so.

Livenn had glanced back at him when he arrived, but appeared to ignore him otherwise.

His conversation with the king and queen was perfectly ordinary, nothing suspicious in his choices of topic or opinions expressed, and the servant began to relax the tiniest amount- until Arthur beckoned him forward to refill his goblet and the lord leered at him as he bent forward.

Merlin retreated a bit further back than he had been standing previously, highly unnerved by the look he had seen flash across the piggish man's face (pink was his natural tinge).

His new position was too far away to hear what was being said, but he could see that Arthur disapproved of whatever Livenn was suggesting- though the change in expression was too subtle for the noble to have detected. The king shook his head, spoke a few words, and Livenn settled back into his seat; starting up another conversation as if the previous one hadn't happened.

Feast complete, Merlin helped Arthur divest himself of his formal clothes before he shrugged on a nightshirt.

"Merlin."

The servant, who had been about to leave for the night, turned back to his master.
"Yes, Sire?"

"I want you to take a few days away from the castle. Visit your mother, collect some herbs for Gaius, whatever you like- just don't come back until Thursday."

Thursday, the day after Livenn was scheduled to leave.

"Is something the matter, Sire?"

"Nothing, I just thought you might like some time off, is all."

"Now I know something's wrong."

"Merlin, I-" Arthur sighed "I shouldn't be telling you this, but I need you to listen to me. There are some... unsavory rumors about Livenn's treatment of manservants and... and he requested to 'borrow' you during his visit. I told him you would be too busy assisting Gaius and likely would be away from the town most of the time. Merlin, I want that to be true- please just find someplace else to be while he's here. Please."

Merlin stared at his king, more shocked by his pleading tone and open show of concern than the news about Lord Livenn.
Still, there was no way he could leave Arthur alone while that suspicious man was in the castle.
Of course, he wouldn't say as much.

"Alright. I'll leave in the morning. I'm sure Gaius would appreciate his herbs being restocked."
He gave Arthur a weak smile and the king visibly relaxed.

"Good. Just make sure to get another servant to cover you while you're gone- not George."

"Of course, Sire."
The grin this time was genuine.

"Gaius?"

"Yes?" The physician looked up from his book, glasses near to slipping off his nose.

"Arthur has instructed me to stay away from the castle for the next few days while Lord Livenn is here so I'll be leaving first thing in the morning."

The old man looked incredulous.
"Arthur gave you time off? You're actually going?"
He wasn't sure which was more remarkable.

His ward beamed back at him.

"You know me better than that, Gaius. I'll just be hiding out- probably in Kilgharrah's old cave since they're not guarding it anymore."
He stopped, once more feeling unsettled. "There's something about Livenn, I don't trust him."

Gaius smiled reassuringly.
"Well, if he's up to something I'm sure you'll find out."

"Thanks, Gaius." He gave his mentor a hug. "See you Thursday at the latest."

Birds tittered in the pre-dawn light as Merlin gathered up his satchel, thankful he had packed before going to bed for the night.

He slipped out his door and down the short flight of steps, magically resettled the blankets about Gaius's slumbering frame, and out into the corridor.
He was almost feeling excited about his pseudo-holiday when a foul-smelling cloth was shoved over his mouth and nose from behind and he found himself floating into unawareness as he breathed in the noxious fumes.

Why is it always like this?