Merlin

He wasn't happy, that much I could tell when I walked into Arthur's chambers that morning and it probably didn't help that I was late, again. I've been working late into the night, on our little problem in the north towers' keep, resulting in myself sleeping in and not enough concentration for me to formulate an acceptable solution. All in all it was a waste of time, but we were low on options.

"Merlin where is my formal armor?" formal armor? What does he want with that?

"I will get it milord, but why is it you need it?"

"I am to meet with Geoffrey of Monmouth and a few of his higher noble academic acquaintances, to see if I can find anything else about the girl. She hasn't given a name has she?"

"No milord," she had but it was one I wasn't willing to believe, yet.

"Merlin, I would have of you, your help." He said exasperated, fiddling desperately a the elaborate tis and buckles.

"Of course milord." Snapping out of my thoughts I made my way over to him.

As I was tying the red velvet cloak, a signet of his knight and king status, Arthur spoke up.

"What do you think we should do with her?"

I noticed his tone instantly, for it was one he used with me on occasion. He wanted my opinion because he was lost, but refused to show weakness. It was also one of trust.

"I don't know Arthur, I don't really know much about her." He sighed,

"Would you then, consider talking with her? Preferably while I am with Geoffrey."

I perked up this news, I had been looking from an opportunity to do just that, however, I didn't let my enthusiasm show, worried Arthur may become suspicious.

"Of course, milord, I will."

Arthur had just begun his meeting and I had created a more or less efficient plan in which to talk to the girl. I started making my way to the north tower where the girl was being kept. There was next to no chance that I would receive another opportunity to speak to the girl should I fail to retrieve sufficient information concerning the girls identity or her purpose in breaking into the King's bed chamber on the dawn of a very important day.

That day was cancelled abruptly, upon her attack, unbeknownst to the people of the kingdom; hence their disappointed outcry for what seemed an unreasonable cancellation. The knight's tournament was really just a day for entertainment, profit and a no-work-for-a-day event, so it wasn't as if the world would end. Even though there was now some bad blood, Merlin was relieved they were not told of the attack, the kingdom had only just begun to relax after the last threat of a magical war.

As I approached the door that would lead me to the top of the tower via, a narrow confining staircase, I heard footsteps pounding down towards the door. I took a reflexive step back and not a moment too soon, because a woman burst through the door, it swung full force and crashed into the wall on its left side. The door's path would have knocked me off my feet if I had not moved, but alas, it was in vain as the woman who burst through the door collides with me and knocks me off my feet.

I feel my head crack on the hardwood floor and for a moment my vision fades to black, by the time I regain my sight the woman is up, gathering her skirts and about to bolt down the hall. I stand quickly and grab her wrist, pulling her back towards me. I feel the muscles in her arm tense as I touch her, who is this woman? She would not be much older than me, but I have no idea who she could be, though her clothes suggest reasonable high birth and her blonde hair was tied up in an elegant knot atop her head.

"I beg your pardon miss, are you hurt?"

That was polite, right? It wasn't the place of a manservant to question a lady, but I wanted to know who she was.

"No, no I'm quite alright, besides it is my own fault"

She replies quickly, gently tugging at the arm that I hold in place, I do not relinquish my hold. She wasn't who she looked to be, so I grinned and decided to see what I could get from her.

"It's always the lower ranking persons fault, miss." She looked flustered for a moment, then she looked worriedly at the doorway, it was quick, but I noticed it. What if…

"Yes, well if you insist sir, but I really must be going, I'm in in quite a hurry. See-"

I said, "Sir? You must realize I'm but a manservant."

She really had no idea; my theory was becoming more and more likely. I could see her frustration at the slip and her mind turning, looking for a way to escape the situation. It actually rather amused me.

"Yes, yes of course! But I really do need to go; I'm already very late-"

"Where are you going in such a hurry?" at that she practically glared at me, her emerald eyes narrowed dangerously. She then proceeded to answer in a stiff barely controlled voice.

"Somewhere."

Oh, the attitude she now had! I raised my eyebrows hoping to convey my obvious disbelief, but said, surprising even myself,

"Of course, you should go, somewhere, then."

I released her wrist and she turned away and strode down the hall and around the corner, though with every step she took, my curiosity grew. But right now I had work to do; I turned to the still open door and continued on my way to the girl's tower. The girl may even know the woman, and if she did he may know soon enough.