Hi. :')

It seems I like starting fics and I struggle to finish them… I will update my HP crossover fic within a week! I promise! But whilst you're waiting, I've rewritten all the chapters and extended some and now… You have this too! :D

I'm not at all a fan of the Arthur/Gwen pairing. It makes me cringe so bad and I'd already been working on this fic for a few months so I have a few chapters written out, just after tonight's episode and the preview of next week's… I felt the need to put this up.

What does he see in Gwen? I fail to see the attraction! Every time a new male turns up, she forgets about Arthur. Then she's left alone so she goes back to Arthur. Stop using him as a last resort. He deserves better. Doesn't she cheat on him in the stories..? Dfgyhjklobvtghbnjkm WHAT AM I DOING. SORRY FOR RANTING. Here it is. Chapter 1.

It was difficult to write, setting the scene and whatnot and I've never written a romance fic before so… All feedback is welcome! (The next 2 chapters are my favourite. :') )

ENJOY!

Chapter 1

The sun was at its peak on this fine working day in Camelot. The many citizens were working as hard as ever; planting, digging up and selling crops; rushing to and from the castle; washing; cleaning; children carelessly playing; laughing and throwing rotten food at the unfortunates in the stocks whilst the guards patrolled, checking that all was well and in order in the kingdom.

Closer to the heart of the kingdom, the castle, in a slightly more secluded area stood a tall, well-built and handsomely dressed young blonde amongst other men dressed similarly and armed with weapons. His presence, however, was a lot more evident; his rough, dirty blonde hair blew in the gentle breeze, his laugh had a warmer sound to it and his bright blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight. The handsome features of his face clearly displayed nobility and confidence as did his ease of his company, whereas his slightly tanned skin and masculine figure showed a hard worker.

Arthur Pendragon; Crown Prince and heir to the throne of Camelot.

Whilst his striking good looks and charm melted the hearts of all the ladies in the land, his fierce displays of aggressive fighting brought men to their knees on the battlefield.

Voices could be heard coming from nearby. At first, the young men ignored this, expecting it to be nothing but the typical, idle chatter of the townspeople in the upper town but the voices grew louder and more aggressive. This finally caused the men to stop and pay attention, listening carefully.

Arthur motioned to the men to arm themselves whilst remaining silent, on their guards, they prepared themselves. The loud, booming voices of the guards grew louder and more urgent and then, literally from out of nowhere, landed a cloaked figure just behind Arthur, one palm and one knee placed on the ground in order to keep balance before standing up.

The sudden landing had taken the men by surprise to say the least; they immediately encircled the stranger, swords already drawn from their sheaths, prepared to attack once given the order. The guards had finally caught up with the cloaked and hooded stranger, panting heavily from the excessive chasing.

One of them showed a bloodied face and shouted, "Arrest the wench!"

Arthur's eyes widened in shock at his command, turning around just as "the wench", whose back was still facing him, let her cloak's black hood drop to the ground, revealing her face.

"Are you serious?" She cried out, turning to face the guard who'd spoken, out of rage, "You try to violate my body with your filthy lack of manners and once taught a lesson, you want me arrested?"

A young man behind her made an attempt to take her of her but she wouldn't have it. Once she felt him get close enough, she jumped, both feet briefly landed on his back and she kicked him down before turning in the air to land behind him in one quick elegant move. Her sudden reaction catalysed an attack from the others, which didn't last particularly long.

"Stop! Leave her," the noble blonde commanded.

They put their weapons aside and stepped away and left Arthur alone with this girl. He approached her, frowning slightly.

She didn't look like a local, dressed in far too different a manner. Her rough, brown hair went in many directions, much of it falling into her green eyes; the longest of strands barely reached her chest. Her figure was tall and slender and her skin was a little tanned. What she wore clearly made her stand out. Rather than having the modest appearance that women of Camelot typically had, she appeared to be dressed more like a bandit. She wore a cream tunic of some kind that struggled to cover her hips and a skirt of the same material, which went mid-thigh. Her chest was covered by some gold-plated armour and a similar metal was bound around her upper right arm, however, her shoulders were completely bare aside from green markings, which appeared to be reaching from her back and over her shoulders. To finish, she wore leather, brown knee-length boots and gloves.

Her expression was weary as he stood in front of her but it brightened at the sound of heavy footsteps approaching them, "Kenai!"

A white horse stopped beside, tossing back it snowy mane as he stood proud and pleased to his owner. He carried little luggage from what Arthur could see and he bared no saddle, no stirrup, no reigns. Just simple bags.

She removed her cloak completely, leaving it on her horse's back before casually stretching her limbs as though she suddenly had no interest in Arthur's presence.

The Pendragon spoke, "Why haven't you run yet?"

She stood up straight, acknowledging the Prince by looking at him firmly in the eyes, "Is there any reason for me to run? I've heard of the mercy the heir to Camelot displays; I have nothing to fear."

"What's your name?"

"Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn Maia Sienhagen."

The name rang a bell in Arthur's head yet he couldn't quite place where from so he ignored it and continued his interrogation, "Why were the guards chasing you?"

"We-"

"We?"

"Kenai and I. We," Her eyes narrowed, "came in search for something, well, someone. Recognizing those men to be royal guards, we requested help from them. It appears to me they had been slacking from their duties and spending more time in the tavern. They laughed and stared as though my request was so shocking. One said he would want something. He made a vulgar move towards me so Kenai got angry," she notced Arthur's shocked expression. "I wasn't prepared and fell off as he kicked at them. I ran, I jumped and I climbed and they chased me. Then I found you and… Here we are, it seems."

"So your horse is responsible?"

Kaitlyn glared at him, "No, they hurt me, you insensitive, mindless-"

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean-"

"I've travelled by myself nearly all my life. Many men have approached me with their inexcusable, vile habits and all have received the same treatment. I don't expect you to understand, Sire, being safely hidden behind the castle walls, safe fro-"

He cut her off once more, "I sincerely apologize if I've offended you in any way. Those men will be dealt with accordingly. To make up for this, do you require hospitality?"

She was taken aback by his change in manner and thought about his offer, "That's a generous offer and one I am more than willing to accept."

"Then let me escort you to the castle so my father is aware of your presence."

"Thank you, Sire."

Arthur led Kenai towards the courtyard on foot as they made conversation, "How do you ride like this?"

"What do you mean?"

"No saddle. No reigns. A completely bare horse. Surely it's difficult to maintain your balance, especially when travelling at great speed…" Arthur frowned.

She smirked, "It seems you are in dire need of a real riding lesson, Arthur Pendragon. The equipment which makes your riding more comfortable does nothing but tire your horse."

They stopped in the courtyard, near the entrance to the halls of the castle. Arthur, ever the gentlemen, extended his hand to help her down but she unintentionally ignored this, jumping off and landing perfectly on her two feet at his side. Arthur's eyes were transfixed at the spot where she had been sitting. He then slowly withdrew his hand and turned to face, still fazed by her movement.

Coming to realize what had happened, Kaitlyn couldn't help but laugh a little, "I'm sorry! I didn't notice!"

"That's fine…" Arthur muttered.

As they were about to walk inside, two guards moved to stop them, blocking their entrance.

"Our deepest apologies, Sire," one of them spoke up. "We need to check the lady for any weaponry and forbidden objects."

Arthur was about to speak but Kaitlyn beat him to it, "Here." From her boots, she withdrew two identical swords; from the opening of her gloves and her armour, several very small throwing knives and tied to her waist, a dagger.

The Prince gawped at her for a split second before composing himself, "You were carrying all of that the entire time?"

"Surprised? You shouldn't be. I need to be armed at all times. I'd be foolish not to."

As the pair passed through the hallways, Arthur beckoned forth a passing knight, asking about his father's whereabouts whilst Kaitlyn took in the sights of the castle: the beautiful architecture, the white statues, the striking tapestries…

Arthur led her into the cellars; apparently, King Uther could be found there and there he was, doing a monthly check-up on his private stock in the cold, dark, torch-lit cellars.

Arthur caught his attention, "Father! We've been looking for you."

"We?" The King asked as he turned to face his son, only to also be greeted with the sight of a young girl with him. "Who is your… companion?"

Arthur's eyes shifted from his father's to Kaitlyn's and back. He spoke hesitantly, "This is Kaitlyn. I came to seek your permission to give her hospitality within the castle after a few guards mistreated her…"

Uther sighed, "Who are you, Kaitlyn?"

Kaitlyn understood this question and curtseyed before responding, "I am not a commoner. My name is Kaitlyn Maia Sienhagen. My father was a Lord Rian and my mother a Lady Maia. I was born in the forest of Medhir 19 Winters ago and today, I have returned to Camelot for my family's name."

Uther's eyes were locked with hers as he searched for any signs of dishonesty but when he found nothing, he nodded his approval, "In that case, my child, we have much to discuss. For now, Arthur will escort you to your chambers."

"Sire," She curtseyed, thankful.

Later, Outside Kaitlyn's Chambers

"So, I trust you are satisfied with the standard of your room?" Arthur asked Kaitlyn as he walked out of her new room.

She looked up at him, an expression of disbelief painted all over her face. She shook her head, "Really. Compared to the caves and forests I've slept in, this is heaven. I can't thank you enough for your help and for trusting me when you didn't even know me… I am very grateful," she smiled.

He smiled and took her hand to kiss it, "You are more than welcome."

This is turning out better than I thought it would, she thought, pleased with the outcome. Things will be so much easier for you, Arthur.