Hi!

So I have a tendancy to not finish stories. But I will make myself complete this. So I'll try and be weekly with my updates, however this probably won't happen and I'll end up doing it whenever I get the chance. Though Christmas Holidays are coming up next week so updates will happen.

This story shouldn't be more than 5/6 chapters. Just something to ease me into Merlin FanFiction:)

If at ANY point you think the characters are OOC, TELL ME. OOCness is a major pet hate of mine.

Hope you like it dudes. Like reeeaaally hope. Sharing my work is daunting. ;)

Disclaimer: If I owned Merlin, they would have the most awesome bromance going and Arthur would choose Merlin over Gwen any day, and Arthur would know and have accepted Merlin's magic and made him Court Sorcerer...So no, I don't own own Merlin. -sad face-

TAKE IT AWAY BOYS.

Merlin knew it would be a bad day when Arthur charged into his room shouting and red faced.

"Merlin!" Arthur shouted, slamming the wooden door open. He glanced around the physician's chambers, checking behind the door when his servant wasn't immediately noticeable. His useless servant. "Gaius! Where is my hopeless servant!?" Arthur strode across to Merlin's room before Gaius could even finish replying.

"He's in his room sire, I didn't realise he had to be up so early." Gaius said, standing up from a potion he was making. "Merlin normally has to be up at-" He was cut short by Arthur holding up a bucket of water.

"Do you need this?" Arthur all but growled.

"Well, no Sire, but-"He was cut short again, wide eyed with surprise.

Arthur slammed Merlin's bedroom door open, throwing the water over the boys head. Within seconds Merlin had woken up, fallen to the floor and scrambled to his feet again, glaring at Arthur. "What was that for?!" Merlin exclaimed, staring in shock at the prince fully clothed before him.

"You were supposed to be up at first light! We're going out on patrol to search for this bandit camp! Or had that slipped your mind? That we were supposed to leave nearly an hour ago?" Arthur stood hands on hip, glowering expectantly at his dripping wet servant.

"Ah, well I-"

"Will prepare the horses, pack the food and get my armour and sword ready for me within the hour!" Arthur said, his voice dangerously controlled.

Merlin sighed. "Yes sire."

"Good, and if you are even a minute late…" The King threatened.

"You'll have me in the stocks for a week?" Merlin offered, cocking his head to the side in "thought".

"Oh, trust me Merlin, you'd wish it'd be the stocks if you are late."

Arthur stormed out, leaving Merlin stood cold, exasperated and shivering in his room.

An hour and a half later, Merlin, Arthur and the knights were riding out into the forest. Merlin kept side glancing at Arthur, watching him as his body slowly started to relax the further they got from Camelot. He thought it best to keep his mindless chatter at a minimum in fear of riling the King up any more. Instead he let Sir Gwaine babble, watching with silent humour as Arthur tried –and failed – to ignore him.

Hours passed and darkness began to settle across the Kingdom. Arthur had stayed in his mood for the most part of the day, the fact that they had found no bandits meaning they were going to have to spend a night out in the cold forests.

The Knights tethered their horses to the trees, making camp before it became too dark. They had travelled some fair miles, now on the edge of the border of Camelot. Arthur sat down against one of the logs silently, lost in his thoughts about how today had been wasted. They had made no progress, and he had promised Gwen that this task would take no longer than 2 days. He watched sulkily as Merlin crouched over the fire, heating the food. His servant had spoken barely a word since the start of the journey which usually Arthur would be thankful for, however today he felt like he needed to listen to Merlin's prattle and light hearted banter. He wouldn't admit it, but he needed to calm down. The threat the Bandits posed were greater than what he was letting on. It had seemed some different groups had formed to become allies, creating a larger threat. At first they hadn't caused much nuisance, stealing apples and pears, robbing the odd unlucky person to pass through the forests. However, as their numbers grew, so did their prizes. They began minor kidnappings of men in Camelot, selling them off to slave traders. Only when Merlin had mentioned that a servant who had worked in the kitchens with him sometimes had gone missing did Arthur become…anxious

Not because he was afraid of his manservant getting kidnapped – oh no, he was easily replaced – it was the fact that he treated everyone in Camelot fairly, and it angered him to see members of his beloved Kingdom disappearing to ruthless criminals.

And well, he was a bit afraid of them targeting the King's manservant as well. Although, he was sure if they knew how well he worked, they'd drop him back off anyway.

Arthur snapped out of his thoughts, watching the food being offered in front of him. "Earth to Arthur. Food's ready and served." Merlin called, dangling the plate in front of the King.

The King nodded his thanks silently, taking the plate. He only realised how hungry he was when he took the first bite of whatever it was that Merlin had made. He ate, surveying the rest of the knights. They were all being given the rest of the food, Arthur noting unhappily that none was left in the pot for Merlin as he walked back over to the fire. Arthur considered giving some to the skinny boy, but thought better. After all, he and to keep up appearances and it would show Merlin that next time maybe he would wake up early enough to have enough time to prepare.

Setting his bowl down he closed his eyes momentarily, listening to the forest surrounding him. He focused on to the wind rustling the leaves, the trickle of water close by, the-

Arthur's eyes shot open. The sound of twigs snapping around them was certainly not a sound Arthur grew contempt with. He stood up suddenly and drew his sword, alerting the knight's attention. He placed a finger to his lip, motioning for them to be silent as they followed his lead, unsheathing their swords. Spinning slowly on the spot, scanning the area around him and his senses on high alert, he began to think it must have been a trick of the night, his unfocused mind.

That was until shadows with wickedly gleaming weapons emerged from every angle around them, charging right for them.

So yeah, just a little introductory chapter here, it will get better as it gets more angsty, promise!

Don't really like saying these things, but reviews will mean quicker updates, they motivate me and make me smile. :) Like seriously, one word will satisfy me. And constructive critisism is appreciated!

THANK YOU FOR READING!