Merlin doesn't belong to me.

AU set in olden times but with computers, internet, and email etc, just bear with me.

Gwen has just been 'promoted' and has been Morgana's maid for a little while although she has always worked in the Castle.

Phoenix and Aqua

"So, how was it?"

Gwen turned to her father and smiled. "It went well, she liked me."

"Of course she did," Tom hugged her, "everybody likes you."

Gwen had been walking in the castle for five years and she'd finally been promoted from kitchen maid to the Lady Morgana's maid. Ever since the death of Ygraine, Uther's wife, Morgana, his ward had become the highest ranking woman in Camelot. In fact she was one of the most powerful people in Camelot second only to Uther and Arthur.

"It means more work for me," Gwen reminded him.

"You're up to the challenge."

"I know," Gwen said. "You taught me well."

They sat down to dinner and after she had cleared up Gwen took out her laptop. She couldn't wait to share the news with Phoenix, her closest friend.

Phoenix. Just the thought of him, Gwen wasn't really sure but she hoped that Phoenix was male, filled her with happiness. They had met online quite by accident in a chat room, a few months ago, and had become sort of friends, they had exchanged email addresses and begun to correspond and Phoenix had become one of her greatest encouragers.

She smiled when she saw that she had an email from Phoenix.

'Dear Aqua,' she read.

'I hope that you are fine. Do you get the new job? I hope the interview went well at least. You can't believe how hectic my life has been these days, or maybe you can. I got a new assistant and I don't know if it'll work out. It's only been a few days though and I can already hear you writing me back to say it's too early to tell so I won't complain although I wonder about some of his methods.

Remember the contest I told you about the other time, well, I did pretty well and if we hadn't promised never to say exactly what we did I would bore you with the details but for now I'll only say that it was great.

Phoenix.

PS. I know we agreed not to talk about this but are you a girl by any chance?'

000

Arthur made his way back to his chambers. It had been a long few days, what with almost being killed by an old woman with a grudge against his father a week ago, getting Merlin as his new servant and then almost being killed by Valiant a few hours earlier, he was exhausted. He hit the shower and as he toweled himself he saw his laptop at the foot of his bed.

He smiled as the thought of finding an email from Aqua hit him. It would just be the thing he needed to get his mind off a man trying to kill him.

'Dear Phoenix,' he read,

'I GOT THE JOB! YAAAAAAAA!

Things have been quite hectic in my life as well. My new job is going very well I really can't complain. My boss is quite nice and well who can really complain about life in Camelot? Give your assistant a chance he may surprise you.

I am quite tired and although I promised to write a longer mail and to answer all your questions I won't be able to do so today. So … expect to hear from me quite soon. Am I a girl? Really? Does it matter?

Aqua'

Gwen laughed as she sent the mail. So Phoenix was also interested in knowing the sex of the person he was writing too! She would write to him tomorrow after seeing how things went with Morgana.

For the millionth time she regretted ever coming up with the 'no personal details' rule, she suddenly wanted to know who Phoenix was.

000

For the hundredth time Arthur wondered who Aqua was, they probably saw each other every day but didn't know it. The only people he was sure weren't Aqua were his father, Uther definitely had no time to waste on the internet; Gaius, who also seemed too busy; Morgana, because he had asked her and she had laughed in his face; and Merlin, Arthur couldn't picture Merlin writing anything. He hoped he wasn't writing to any of the knights.

000

What do you think?