A/N: Dear reader, i know that i am currently writing another fic 'I know my place' (check it out) but my co-writer KatexW didn't want to wait with publishing this one...okay so this is just a little bit of fun that we have been writing and we want to know what people think, so please please please review it let us know what you think could be better or what you think is good. Critics are welcome although nothing nasty although youre all nice people. And don't think we wont hold the next chapter ransom for reviews because we will, we're sneaky like that...anyway without much furthur ado enjoy XD

Disclaimer: Much to our continuing disappointment we do not own Merlin, or Arthur only Kathryn and Marianne and Alfred (don't ask it was the first name that popped into my head) the BBC are mean but we love them lol

Chapter 1

"Merlin" Prince Arthur started in his mocking tone "How is it that you can be stupid enough to forget everything I asked you to bring? We are heading out on a rather long journey and you haven't even got enough food!" Arthur urged his horse on and further in to the forest.

"The same way you find it so easy to be a royal prat" Merlin muttered under his breath, head hung face like thunder. It was cold and it was raining. He had been dragged up at an un godly hour of the morning and forced to prepare everything. Was it any wonder he was falling asleep in the saddle?

"What was that?" Arthur started again "More moaning I suppose, really Merlin it's all you seem to be able to do!"

"Really Merlin it's all you seem to be able to do!" Merlin muttered in a tone usually reserved for taunting siblings.

"I could have your tongue cut off for that you know" Arthur sounded on the verge of laughter "That really would be - shhh!" he cut off abruptly and held and hand up stilling their horses.

They dismounted and wrapped their horses reins around a nearby tree, Arthur drew his sword as silently as possible and Merlin secretly readied himself in case he needed to use his magic. They glanced at each other once before creeping over the wet foliage to the source of the shuffling and grumbling that was coming from just beyond that clump of trees. Ever cautious Arthur ploughed straight through sword raised ready for attack. None came. Instead of a band of thieves of rouge knights or the familiar dangers that Merlin was used to saving Arthur from they were confronted with two rather tired looking, but rather pretty girls. Merlin and Arthur could not stop staring.

Arthur saw the most royal girl first as she drew herself up to her full height at the sight of the two men. She threw back the hood of her red velvet cloak revealing her face and a large mass of golden hair that was piled neatly upon her head in intricate knots with a strand curling around her pale face; he noticed that she had the clearest eyes he had ever seen, a beautiful sea blue, they sparkled. She was beautiful.

Merlin's eyes however flew straight to the other girl who removed her hood at the same time as her mistress, she was the a little taller than her mistress, making her just shoulder height for Merlin. Upon removing the hood from her black velvet cloak she revealed a mass of dark brown hair that tumbled in loose curls down her back. She lifted her dark green eyes to his and his mouth dropped with an audible pop as she smiled lightly.

"At last" said the royal girl, her voice was musical as Merlin snapped out of his trance and looked towards the girl he had failed to notice before "someone has found us. I need an audience with King Uther. My father and I were separated along with our guards, I need help in finding him." she looked expectantly at Arthur while her pretty maid smirked at them both. Arthur had not yet snapped out of it.

"Arthur" Merlin whispered nudging him "you're staring snap out of it" Arthur shook his head and focused. The maid stifled a laugh behind a pale hand.

"Yes well you are in luck" Arthur started resuming his former princely voice "I am Prince Arthur, the kings son." he said approaching her, "let me escort you there now. Although may I be so presumptuous as to ask for your name?"

"I am Lady Kathryn of Layrinth" she said taking the offered arm with a warm smile. He led her back through the trees to were their horses stood waiting.

A/N: We hope that you enjoy our lil fic and will continue to read it, theres more, dont judge a fic by the obvious crazyness of its writers

Enjoy!

Maryandmerlin and KatexW xx