
Merlin came strolling into the busy bustling kitchen, smiling at some of the servants he knew. Merlin was rather popular among the domestics, and several called out greetings.
Waving, he caught the attention of the Head Cook, a plump woman named Karen that everyone just called Cookie. "Somethin' I can get fer ye, sweetie?" she asked.
Merlin liked her. Cookie was merry, and soft, and she thought he was too skinny and was always sneaking him treats.
"Arth-- Prince Arthur's going riding with the Ladies Katherine and Morgana," he said. "He'd like a picnic lunch box to take with."
So, Arthur hadn't asked for a picnic. So Arthur was a romantic clod. It was good to have a pal like Merlin watching your back.
Cookie pinched Merlin's cheek and handed him a biscuit to munch on. "Sure thing, luv," she cooed, and bustled off to make the basket of food up.