Hi everyone , this is my first fanfiction ever. It was recently loaded with only my own editing and then my partner did some thing truly amazing. He got my version edited by someone and made into a full blown book with covers and all. What a beautiful present and such a romantic gesture. I decided to reload the entire story of that version so it was easier to read. The story it's self is still the same . I do not own Merlin and I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did writing it.

Chapter 1: Guests

"RISE AND SHINE!" Merlin called loudly as he strode into Arthur's chambers, balancing the tray of breakfast.
"Go away Merlin," the king mumbled as he pulled the blanket higher over his head to muffle the noise Merlin was making.
"Come on sire, Guinevere is already up and you have a lot to do today before our mystery guests arrive," Merlin sighed in exasperation, pulling the covers off Arthur and then moving to pick up the laundry.
"MERLIN!" The king yelped as the blankets were yanked off. He picked up a pillow and threw it at his servant in annoyance.
Merlin dodged the projectile and threw Arthur a lopsided grin in triumph as he continued to clean the king's chambers.
"Merlin, I may have a lot to do , but you have a busy morning yourself. We have special guests arriving later today and before they arrive you need to polish my armor, muck out the stables, be on time for training... Oh, and one more thing; you need to make up the guest chambers for a very important princess coming with our special guests that you will be required to escort and attend later, so be on time to the throne room," demanded Arthur.
"All of that? Who is arriving today? you never told me who these mystery guests were. What makes them so important? I bet they are even more of a prat than you!"
Arthur raised his eyebrow in a very Gaius-like manner ."Yes, you need to complete all your chores before our guests get here, and no, you are not privy to everything that goes on in this castle …."
"You would be surprised, "Merlin mumbled under his breath.
Arthur didn't hear Merlin and continued talking.
"These guests are coming from a kingdom many leagues away from Camelot, and belong to a very important and powerful family. They are very traditional and so I must ask you to show the utmost amount of respect, unlike you normally do-they may take offense. So for the sake of the kingdom, please do not cause any problems. I have already spoken with Gwaine to be on the best of behavior."
Merlin frowned at Arthur "You want me to act like a bootlicker? "
"Ah, not necessarily; just be less like …well, you. This is important Merlin, and will stop anything from causing offense. They may take action if they feel disrespected," replied Arthur awkwardly.
Merlin could hear the sincerity behind Arthur's words "Oh all right, I'll make sure I am a proper servant during their stay. "
"Thank you Merlin. Now that I am dressed you need to get on with your chores. "smirked Arthur.
Merlin grumbled his way out of the king's chambers about prattish ungrateful kings and arrogant nobles.
Gwaine was in the best of moods, making his way through the forest surrounding Camelot. Arthur had allowed him to miss training to escort their special guests to the citadel. He had been expressly advised by Arthur to ensure he was sober and that no one knew what he was doing. Their guests were travelling with a small group of their own knights, so a guide only was needed to escort them to Camelot. However, discretion was required to ensure the safety of the royalty until they were inside of Camelot's walls. Gwaine was very curious about the special guests, as the king had not provided any details of who they were, only saying they had received a letter a couple days ago advising that certain royalty were visiting Camelot for safety reasons .
Gwaine was not use to going on missions on his own any more. It had been a long time since his roaming days and he did miss the chatter of the other knights. Merlin always kept him entertained by listening to his stories of tavern maids and teasing the king together.
The woods were so quiet; sunlight was streaming through the trees, reflecting off the shiny green moss. Gwaine had to keep focused, for the nobles could be anywhere. He only knew they were coming from the south of Camelot; but they could easily pass each other and never know. He was just debating whether or not to stop and take a break when he heard the most lifting and beautiful voice, singing with pure notes that made you feel the very life of the surrounding woods. The birds could be heard chirping along, adding to the sweet melody. Gwaine followed the sound to the stream, where he was met by the sight of a young woman dressed in a fine silk dress the shade of lilacs. Her voice matched her beauty perfectly. She was tall, with long brown hair that was twisted into an elegant braid. She had her back to him as she filled water skins.
Gwaine approached the young woman and announced, "I do believe I have found a fallen angel from heaven !"
The young woman gasped and turned around abruptly; pulling a small dagger with red rubies and intricate patterns from the tip weaving around to the handle, out from a very well placed concealed pocket in the folds of her dress. She prepared to defend herself, with the skills of someone trained to fight: Feet spread slightly apart and stance slightly forward to use her body behind an attack. She didn't show any hesitation or fear in her bright green eyes; only wariness and determination. "Who are you? what do you want? I will defend myself, "she demanded.
Gwaine smiled guiltily and shifted into a non-threatening position with open arms. "I am sorry to disturb you my lady, I did not mean to startle you and I mean you no harm. I was simply captivated by your beautiful voice. I am Sir Gwaine, a knight of Camelot and I am at your service, ". Gwaine finished with a roguish grin and an over- complicated, elaborate bow, with much twirling of his hands.
The young woman relaxed at his statement and gave Gwaine a dazzling smile while putting her dagger away. "Well, Sir Gwaine, it is wise to not sneak up on unsuspecting young woman, but it is a pleasure to meet you. I assume King Arthur sent you to escort the princess Cassandra and her party to Camelot?"
"You… know the party coming to Camelot to visit?"
"Oh yes, I was just taking a break from everyone and re-stocking some water for them," she smiled.
"Fantastic! Lead on fair lady," beamed Gwaine.
"Yes of course Sir knight; here, you can help me," she laughed, the most beautiful sound, a light chiming note, as she chucked a couple of water skins to Gwaine.
Gwaine followed the mysterious young woman. He was so enthralled by her beauty, and the singing he had heard was still hard to shake. She seemed a contradiction. She had the walk of a noble with fine gowns; and yet she was collecting water, and had been ready to defend herself without fear in the face of danger. Gwaine didn't doubt that she could be a deadly opponent, even to him. Gwaine tried to gleam more information about the princess Cassandra and the party with her. What were they like? Why were they there? He used his most charming, flattering charisma that usually worked with most woman, but the young beauty he was following just smiled and stayed close-lipped, not giving anything away.
As they neared a small hill on the edge of the tree line, they could hear a number of voices mixed with women, men and even children. As they reached the crest of the hill Gwaine was greeted by a stunning sight. A large group of weary and dirty travelers were lolling around resting, children running around as parents berated them, and knights in shining armour. The knights were wearing impressive amour with a graceful white swan as the crest, and stunning dark purple cloaks. In all there were a few hundred people, an assortment of animals, and carts with supplies.
As they walked into the group a very angry and worried looking knight came striding over towards them. " Cassandra! There you are !What have you been told about leaving the camp? It's dangerous! I was worried! I was just about to send a search party out, you're lucky William didn't realise you were gone. You set a bad example, "lectured the knight.
"Oh Galahad, you worry too much! I am quite capable of looking after myself. Besides, some of the people needed water. Plus I found a very charming knight of Camelot to guide us the last few hours to Camelot." smiled Cassandra off-handedly.
Galahad shifted his gaze to the knight, whom he hadn't realised was with the princess. He observed Gwaine with a critical eye, noticing the scarlet cape of Camelot and his open and relaxed posture. Galahad presented his hand to Gwaine in thanks and friendship. "Thank you for keeping our princess safe. She has a bad habit of wandering off on her own. I am Sir Galahad."
Gwaine shook his head and closed his mouth abruptly. The truth of the young woman's identity surprised him; her behavior suddenly made sense. He took the offered hand and smiled in greeting. "The pleasure was all mine. Sir Gwaine of Camelot - pleased to make your acquaintance."
Cassandra smiled at the knights' exchange. As they had been talking, she had given the water skins to a nearby servant and directed them to share out the water to those who needed it. "Now Sir Galahad, I think it is time that we push on to Camelot. Are the people well rested? We should reach Camelot just after midday. "
"Yes my lady, I am positive the people are ready to reach our destination. Might I suggest we make an announcement to the people?"
"Yes of course, "nodded Cassandra. She moved forward to address her people standing tall and proud, the very essence of nobility. Everyone became silent as the princess moved into position, where all would be able to hear and see her.
"People of Brenna, we have faced many challenges on our long journey to escape the tyranny of my step-brother. We have lost many good people and been forced to flee our homes. You have remained strong and I am proud of the way we have come through. I know we are all very weary, but we will be arriving in Camelot before night fall. There we will find food, a bed and good company. "The people cheered and the camp broke into a flurry of activity. The prospect of a bed and food kindled their desire and gave the weary travelers from Brenna a new purpose.