A/N - So, here I was thinking I would just concentrate on one story at a time, but no. This one just won't leave me alone. Here is the first chapter.

Disclaimer - If you recognise it, it's probably not mine.

Full Summary -

Before Gwen there was one how brought out the best in him, even from the time they were both children, the one who, when she was there, helped him be the boy he was supposed to be, not just a prince in training. He'd loved her, he still did. It had been years since she had visited Camelot, but they still wrote and he cherished every one of her letters. But what will happen when she crashes back into his life, when he almost loses her. When the secrets, lies betrayal and deception surrounding their lives are revealed who will they become? What will they have to do to have the lives and love they both so desperately want.

Chapter 1 - The Hunt

"Arthur, please don't make me go on the hunt today. Gaius already has so much for me to do," begged Merlin. Arthur looked at him, wondering who it would be more punishment for if Merlin came today.

"Fine, it's not like you would be any fun anyway," he replied as Merlin finished helping him dress. A day out with just the few knights would be more pleasant if Merlin wasn't there.

"Thank you Arthur, I promise I'll make it up to you. Anything..."

"Merlin shut up and go before I change my mind or take you up on the offer. You did say anything." Arthur left the unspoken threat hanging in the air.

"Going," said Merlin as he disappeared out the door.

As Arthur was about to leave to join his knights, a knock came at his door.

"Finally remembering to knock are we Merlin? What did you forget?" Arthur asked as he opened the door. Except it wasn't Merlin, it was his father.

"Father, what brings you here? I was just on my way out." His father knew he was heading out today and Arthur wondered what was so important to bring him here first thing. He hoped it didn't have to do with last nights conversation regarding him settling down and finding a bride.

"I know. I just wanted to personally deliver your mail," Uther said as he handed Arthur a letter.

"Thank you Father," Arthur replied as he took the letter, smiling at the familiar writing he knew so well. Unfortunately he would have to wait to read it until this evening. Something to look forward to though, knowing it would be a very enjoyable evening.

"Have a good hunt," said Uther as he left.

"Thank you Father," Arthur said to his retreating back.

Carefully he placed the letter on his bedside table, the temptation was very strong to rip it open. He knew it would be long by the weight of it. Reluctantly he walked away, three of his knights were waiting for him.

Arthur joined his knights, Leon, Oliver and Thomas and, after mounting his horse they rode out together, heading to the familiar woods outside Camelot to hunt.

They were almost to their destination, talking amongst themselves, when a clanging of swords ahead had all of them on alert. Arthur pushed his horse forward faster, tense and ready to fight, stopping once he saw the source. There were two fighters, caught up in a battle with four others who looked like the raiders that had been haunting the road out of Camelot recently. He thought they had been taken care of. There were already two dead on the ground. Raiders by the looks of them.

"Let's go men," he said as he dismounted, then called for a halt to the fighting. No one listened, so he and his men joined in the fight, taking down two of the raiders before he heard a decidedly female scream ring out.

"Tristan!"

The voice sounded familiar, but it couldn't be. He turned to see the taller of the fighters take a blow to the head from behind and crumple to the ground unconscious. Noting Leon and Oliver were moving to intercept, he turned to the source of the female voice, the smaller fighter. But neither he or Thomas were able to reach her or the final raider before the raider pierced her with his sword. He heard her scream and his heart briefly stopped in his chest. He knew that scream. The raider pulled his sword back and she collapsed to the ground. Rushing over he took out the final raider quickly before turning to her and kneeling next to her.

Gently he pushed the hair away that was covering her face.

"Tayla?" he said, his voice strained with worry. Please let me be mistaken.

She looked up at him, pain evident on her beautiful face with those familiar eyes. She smiled at him and his heart ached, wishing so much that he had been wrong.

"Hi gorgeous, miss me much?" she said.

A/N - So what do you think? Keep going?