He hated hangovers, he really did. They were so not awesome especially when he had to actually do something that required brain power. He was just glad that they had been forced to ride most of the previous day and that he was no longer drunk off his ass. Now all he had to deal with was tracking and finding a wayward prisoner and he could get back to the tavern. He really wanted a drink, Verdammt.

Gilbert sighed as he paused, rubbing his temples. He'd been tracking this girl for an hour now and he didn't feel like he was really getting anywhere. He ran a hand through his hair as he studied the area again. It looked as if she'd slept there for a little while at least. He bent down to double check and nodded to himself as he straightened and went back to his horse. Aleksandr looked over at him raising an eyebrow.

"Well?"

"She shouldn't be too far ahead. Her tracks are still pretty fresh." Gilbert answered idly as he urged his horse forward. Aleksandr nodded, motioning for the rest of the group to follow. They rode in silence which was honestly fine by Gilbert. He had nothing to say to any of them and he was sure they had nothing to say to him. He paused again to check the trail and found the tracks seemed to end. Frowning he looked around before glancing up into the trees. That was when he caught a flash of white before a soft rustling reached his ears. He smirked and strode over to the tree, going around to the other side of it. Sure enough there was a young woman in the branches, trying to hide. She was petite but curvy with long, messy brown hair. She had light olive skin and flashing green eyes that stared at him with trepidation and fear. "Ah, there you are. Now be a good girl and come down, ja?" he spoke, a rather smug grin on his face. Green eyes narrowed at him before the brunette shook her head.

"No, I don't think I will tonto. " She answered stubbornly. Gilbert raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not sure you're in any position to giving orders, dummkopf." He pointed out folding his arms across his chest. "Besides, I think coming down will be better than getting shot with an arrow, ja?" She frowned and seemed to debate this for a moment. His smug smirk turned to a triumphant grin as she sighed and started climbing down. He grabbed her arm when she reached the ground and she shot him a brief glare, struggling slightly. Aleksandr smirked, getting off his horse.

"Good work, huntsman. Now hand her over." He ordered. Gilbert raised an eyebrow.

"Not until I see my wife." He retorted. The young woman snorted.

"What an idiota." She murmured. Gilbert ignored her for the time being.

"You've done your job huntsman, now keep your word."

"I'll keep my word when the queen keeps hers." Gilbert spat. Aleksandr laughed, seeming to be genuinely amused. Gilbert's eyes narrowed at the other man.

"My sister has a lot of powers but you really are a durachit (fool) if you think she can bring your wife back from the dead." Aleksandr commented and Gilbert glared at him. Without giving them a warning, he shoved the young woman behind him before drawing his sword and lunging for Aleksandr, an enraged sound escaping him. He cut down the other guards, taking a couple of hits before he reached his main target. "Durachit." Aleksandr spoke, his tone full of contempt as they exchanged blows. Gilbert managed to get the upper hand and attacked with a vengeance. He knocked Aleksandr off balance, the man falling backwards down a small embankment into a cluster of mushroom looking plants. A cloud of smoke-like dust was released when Aleksandr landed and he immediately began to violently cough, which only succeeded in him breathing in more. Gilbert covered his mouth and nose with a handkerchief before turning to leave. He'd only gone a little ways away when he came across the young woman, who seemed to be waiting for him. His eyes narrowed slightly.

"Just who are you? Why does the Queen want you?" he demanded without preamble. She blinked then raised an eyebrow.

"You should know since you're hunting me." She replied and added, "If you know the Dark Forest, can you help me get out?" Gilbert snorted.

"Why the hell should I help you? I bet you're nothing but fucking trouble." He retorted studying the young woman. She smirked at him, green eyes bright with hidden amusement.

"Then perhaps you should remember to get all of your facts before you agree to hunt someone, el tonto." She suggested haughtily.

"Oh? From what they told me, you're a runaway prisoner." Gilbert replied leaning forward slightly with a smirk on his face. "So tell me what facts I'm missing."

"Oh just the poco fact that the Queen wants to cut out my heart." She answered sarcastically.

"I don't trust you, dummkopf."

"I don't trust you either, tonto."

"At least we can agree on something." Gilbert remarked as he turned and strode away from the brunette. The young woman blinked than hurried to catch up to him.

"Hey you can't just leave me here!"

"Watch me." He retorted. She grabbed his arm and made him turn to face her.

"Look, if you go back without me, you're dead. If you leave me here, I'm dead. I can make it worth your while to help me." She spoke. He blinked then frowned.

"What's in it for me?"

"Gold and gratitude? What more do you need?" she replied huffing slightly.

"How much gold?"

"However much is enough? Por favor I need your help." She spoke. He seemed to think on it then sighed and nodded.

"Ja, I'll help you. Cause I'm awesome like that." He commented smirking as he headed down a faint path in the woods. The brunette rolled her eyes at him.

"Sure, you keep telling yourself that." She retorted sassily folding her arms across her chest as she followed him.

"What's your name, or am I going to have to keep calling you Dummkopf?" he asked flashing her a cheeky grin. She blinked then frowned uneasily at him.

"I'm Isabel." She answered cautiously and added, "What's your name?"

"I am the awesome Gilbert Beilschmidt, huntsman and guide for those lost in the Dark Forest." He answered grinning. The corners of her mouth twitched as if she was fighting not to smile. He didn't particularly care what she thought of him. He was only helping her out of the Dark Forest then he'd go on his way after receiving his money for his troubles. He knew there was going to be trouble; with this one he just knew it.

She was going to be nothing but fucking trouble.

Okay so I've come to realize I'm probably following the movie a bit closely but the next chapters will hopefully not follow so closely. I will still throw in quotes and stuff but just as a reminder I ONLY OWN THIS STORY NOTHING ELSE! That is all. Please review and let me know what you think~! Also tonto basically means idiot/fool. Their relationship so far cracks me up. Enjoy!