A/N: This story is set in the mid season 2 area. It won't be NEAR as ambitious as my other story: "Fate Unseen." Its not as serious, graphic, or long.

Anyway, I couldn't decide what story I wanted to do( wrote 3 off the top of my head and this one was the winner for now) and if it should contain romance or not. Well, in truth, I can't get any inspiration for anything other than Merlin and Morgana (which gets 100s of ideas)- I tried…it doesn't work out. "Clicks on trashcan Icon" If you don't care for Fate Unseen, hopefully this is more enjoyable. It will be updated only when I have time, unfortunately.


Chapter I

"Where's the Map, Merlin?"

"MERLIN!"

Arthur's call echoed across the forest. Morgana, Merlin, and even the kind Guinevere expressed annoyance on their faces. Hopefully, the prince wasn't going be like this for the entire voyage. It's only the third day and they have another three to go! It was going to be a very long trip…

"Prince prat is calling again," grumbled the manservant to Gwen. She, in turn, giggles at Merlin's ever lasting audacity. Who else could get away with calling Arthur names?

Arthur's voice rose to yet higher levels, "What was that Merlin?"

Merlin takes on a giant sized grin. Arthur, as always left himself open for insult. "Did I not speak loud enough? Perhaps your hearing is damaged from being bludgeoned in the head?"

Arthur laughed forcefully, "HA HA HA, You're so clever, MER-LIN!" I'm sure my father needs another jester for his court and it would suit you so well."

"Arthur," Uther's ward chimed in for the first time all day. "the position is already occupied by the Crowned Fool."

Merlin almost lost his balance on his horse, busting out laughing. Guinevere, also, couldn't hold her laughter. She snorted like a pig as she bit at her sleeves while failing at her attempt to conceal it.

Arthur gave them both a scow before redirecting his agitation towards Morgana. "So the Ice Princess finally comes out of her shell to join us in conversation? How delightful of her."

"I would hardly call it conversation," stated Morgana. She then proceeded to lay out her clever reply. "You see, its more like talking to a dog. I can understand what I'm saying, but you just bark utter nonsense."

The servants were having a field day as they howled in laughter. Morgana was at the top of her game today!

Arthur was none too pleased as he sat back, upon his horse, with a disappointed huff. A few minutes later, his face lit up with a grin. He finally had a come back for the witty lady. Oh surely, this was going to be good. "Sooooo….Morgana."

She sighed very loudly, "What is it now, Arthur?"

"You've been quiet all day…" he trailed of with an unasked question.

"So I have," breathed Morgana, becoming very agitated, "what of it?"

The prince had one of his goofy grins, "Thinking of anything…or anyone in particular?"

Her eyebrow perked up at his odd manner of questioning her. "Really? What would possess you to think that?" When had she ever expressed interest in anyone?

"Nothing…" he played it down, "yet, it just so happens that I've made some very interesting observations."

"Oh really now? Have you finally discovered how you could never win an argument against I."

"No, I believe that I can! I mean all the facts lead up to one conclusion!" he declared, "You and Merlin are having a thing!"

Morgana's face went blank. She wasn't sure if she should blush, laugh, or be angry. "That's ridiculous!"

"Oh, I don't think so! Just today, you spoke up only to come to his defense. And it was not too long ago when I caught Merlin sneaking to your chambers- with flowers! He's obviously trying to woo you!"

"Am not!" cried Merlin. He could feel a slight blush coming up his cheeks. Such an accusation would mean his early and permanent retirement if Uther were to hear of it. Merlin was only…checking up on Morgana because of her recent discovery of magic. She really needed a friend right now.

"Don't lie to me Merlin- I told you that it had to end. Seems like you aren't listening."

"Arthur, I think its cute," said Gwen, who had been content to listen the entire time.

Morgana rolled her eyes quite noticeably, "Well, Gwen. I'm so glad you approve…"

Arthur sat in a hushed silence from Morgana's confession. He didn't hear her sarcasm at all. "I knew it! Oh if only father knew…"

The other three of the group shared nervous glances between each other. No one dared to speak, unsure if Arthur was joking or not. Would he really joke about something like that even when it wasn't real?

After a short while passed, the quartet came upon a fork in the road. As he did at every turn, Arthur searched through his belongings and it took what felt like forever.

Morgana, once again, rolled her eyes at Arthur. This was an often occurrence, but one that was entertaining none the less. "Really Arthur? Must you take so long?" Of course it started another bout of arguing between the two royals. It was unending once they both stirred each other up.

"Oh I'm sorry," blabbed the prince," are we missing an appointment for your hair?"

"My lady, I think he's jealous," whispered Gwen.

The comment was not low enough not to be heard by Arthur. "Guinevere!" he yelled in shock. "You're picking up their," he pointed at Merlin and Morgana, causing them to chuckle, "bad habits." He then precede at being serious. "I don't want you to be corrupted by them."

"Its too late for that," chimed Merlin, grinning from a look of encouragement from Morgana.

"You-" accused Arthur, "you don't even speak. It's your fault we're stopping in the first place."

The lady let out a very unladylike snort. "I believe it was your fault- the way you rummage through your pack so. You would think we lost the crown jewels."

Arthur shook his head, letting the comment slide. "No, I mean it's Merlin's fault. I don't have it so Merlin has to have it."

"Have what?" asked the manservant.

"Nows not the time to be an Idiot. So where's the map, MERLIN?"