Disclaimer: I do not own 'Merlin'. Please remember that I do not own, make money off of, or profit from this story and/or its characters in any way. I only own the plot and any OC characters!

Rating: T for language & fight scenes.

A/N- Thank you SO much TheWickedHeart, GemStoneLovely and ImaLady for your reviews! I'm glad you are enjoying the story :) Thank you also to all of those who have added this story to their alerts or added it as a favourite :)

Please leave constructive comments- no flames please. I'm just trying out this story as I've been thinking about it for a while now, so it would be useful to get some comments and feedback from readers :)

Thank you to my fantastic beta GemStoneLovely :)

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Chapter 2: Introductions

Camelot, Date Unknown

Merlin managed to get the girl to Gaius's chamber without anyone seeing. He'd had a few close calls, but had managed to evade notice by hiding behind tapestries and doors in the castle, with the girl levitated vertically besides him. If anyone had seen him, it would have looked quite strange, he was sure of that.

Merlin huffed, Arthur's probably still hunting in the forest and hasn't even noticed I've gone. Prat.

He headed towards Gaius's chamber, where his old mentor and father-figure worked and kept all of his potions and medicines. If anyone can help, Gaius can. He's been around so long he's bound to have seen something like this before… Pushing the big, wooden door open, Merlin shouted, "Gaius, I need your help!"

Looking over the top of his book, Gaius raised his left eyebrow at Merlin, "Weren't you out hunting with Arthur?"

"Yes, I was, but… never mind that. I found a girl, she fell out of this orb… thing. I think it was magic." At this, Gaius quickly raised out of his chair and hurried over to the floating girl Merlin had brought to him.

"Orb thing? And Merlin, what if somebody had seen you? What if Uther had seen you?"

"Yes, it was a bright, shining orb, and I am sure that it was magic."

"Don't ignore me, Merlin. Bringing her like this was reckless! Did anyone see you?"

"No Gaius, they're all out hunting with Arthur. Not that any of them would notice magic, even if it hit them in the face–"

"That's not the point Merlin. If you are seen using magic, Uther will put you on trial as a sorcerer. He will sentence you to death. You've been in Camelot long enough to know this, what is wrong with you?"

Knowing Gaius was right, Merlin looked sheepish, "I'm sorry Gaius, I wasn't thinking…."

"No, you weren't." Gaius responded, with an unamused look on his face.

"But Gaius, I just had to help her, I felt like it was my duty… I can't explain it, but I knew it was important to bring her here and to make sure she was alright."

Gaius sighed, shaking his head, and motioned towards the girl, "Do you know who she is?"

Merlin shook his head, "I have no idea, she passed out before I could ask her anything."

"Hm. Look at her closely Merlin, what makes her different from all the other people you've brought to me?"

"I- um, she's a woman?"

"Really, Merlin. How very observant of you. I used to worry your magical talents had been wasted, but evidently I was wrong."

Merlin pursed his lips, Gaius, always sarcastic. He looked at the girl again, "What she's wearing, it's very strange. I've not seen anything like it before. She's… well she's showing an awful lot of skin…" Merlin felt the tips of his ears burn with embarrassment.

Choosing to ignore Merlin's obvious discomfort, Gaius nodded, "Indeed. It seems as though this attire was intentional, which is very interesting." Gaius motioned for Merlin to lay the girl on a nearby work bench.

Merlin could tell that Gaius was thinking of something else, "Anything else?"

"No." Gaius was lost in thought, wondering who the mysterious girl was.

Merlin sighed, I'll have to wait for Gaius to give her a medical check-up, to see if that reveals anything about who she is and why she is here. I'll speak to Kilgharrah tonight to see if he knows anything.

As if reading his mind, Gaius turned to Merlin and said, "Merlin, please leave us. I know you want to know more, but I need to ensure this girl is healthy and has no ailments which may be affecting her, or which could pass on to others."

"What should I do then?"

"Perhaps it would be wise to go back to the forest to find Arthur. Remember what the prophecy said, you are to remain by-"

"Arthur's side, I know, I'm going." With that, Merlin turned around and headed back to the forest.

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Merlin grumbled as he got smacked in the face for the fifth time by a low hanging branch. The forest is out to get me today, I'm sure of it.

"It's all because that bloody clotpole ran off and-"

"Merlin, just where have you been?" Stopping in his tracks, Merlin turned around slowly, already knowing who had spoken, as there was only one person who would emphasise his name in such a way.

"Me, sire?"

"No, my other manservant."

"Um… but, I-"

"You really are an idiot, aren't you, Merlin?"

"Takes one to know one."

"I'm in a good mood today Merlin, so I'll choose to overlook that."

"Right."

Giving him a pointed look, Arthur continued, "every time we go hunting, you either get lost or hide behind a tree like a girl. Merlin, is there anything you're actually capable of doing?"

"I put up with you." Merlin answered, smirking.

Rolling his eyes, Arthur walked up to Merlin and smacked him on the back of the head, "Come on, we've been waiting for you for ages. We're going back to the castle. I caught a nice big deer for tonight."

Snorting, Merlin commented under his breath, "Like that will feed the entire dinner hall."

"What, Merlin?"

Merlin rubbed the back of his head, "Nothing, you're right, let's go back to the castle."

"And what must we not do again?"

"Get lost when on a hunting trip." Merlin sighed.

"Yes, that's right Merlin. Well done."

Trudging after Arthur, Merlin couldn't help but wonder about the girl he had found this morning. She was so mysterious, and rather beautiful. Thinking about her again, he blushed thinking of her pale skin, with rosy cheeks and pink lips. Her eyes had been green in colour, and he wished he'd been able to look into them for longer. She had straight, blonde hair which reached down to her elbows, and had been silky to touch. I've never felt hair so soft. Blushing again, Merlin banished thoughts of her from his head and ran a few steps to catch up with Arthur.

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Back in his chambers, Gaius had finished giving the mysterious girl a medical check-up and had concluded that she was perfectly healthy. He realised she would need appropriate attire, in case others happened to walk into his chambers requiring medicine or aid. He quickly swept up to the second floor of the castle, where he bumped into Guinevere. He asked her if she would mind bringing him a woman's dress. Receiving a strange look, Gaius immediately began to bumble and explain that the dress wasn't for him, but was in fact for a young woman that had been rescued. Smiling, she had agreed, and ten minutes later, had brought him one of her dresses. Gaius went on to ask her whether she would mind dressing the girl, and Guinevere happily agreed to help. At least that will stop Merlin going bright red just from looking at her. He might need to help with his magic if we are to work out what has happened to her.

All that was left to do was for her to wake up so he could ask her a few questions. Merlin had been so sure that magic had been the cause of her appearance, but where she had come from, Gaius was not certain. Walking over to his desk, he poured himself a glass of water and sat down on his rickety stool. Her clothes were not of this realm, and I doubt other Lands would allow such revealing attire. Where did she come from?

BANG! Merlin came thundering through the door, "Has she woken up, Gaius?"

"Not yet, but she might havewith all the racket you are making. My goodness boy, what's chasing you?"

"Ah, sorry Gaius, um... well I wanted to make sure she was alright."

"Hm."

Moving over to where the girl lay, Merlin noticed she was wearing different clothes.

"Her clothes have changed."

"Yes, I asked Gwen for help and she dressed the girl. Gwen had quite a hard time considering she was completely unconscious for the entire exchange."

"If that didn't wake her up, I wonder what will."

"Quite a lot, I would think. What happened in the forest? Did you find Arthur?"

"Sir prat? Yes, eventually. He called me a girl though."

Gaius raised his eyebrow, "Any particular reason?"

"He said I always hid behind a tree when there was any sign of danger."

"And do you?"

"Well, yes- but only so I can do magic without him seeing!"

"No wonder he thinks that then Merlin, do use your brain, I was so sure you had one."

"But that's not the point- uh, never mind." Merlin knew Gaius was winding him up, but after the day he'd had, he wasn't particularly in the mood. He wanted to speak to this girl as soon as possible, he had so many questions for her. There was something about her, he felt like an invisible force was pulling him to her. He just had to know more about her.

"Merlin, I have to see Uther for his weekly check-up, can you clean the leech tank whilst I'm away? Thank you." Without waiting for a reply, Gaius walked swiftly out of his chambers.

Groaning, Merlin trudged over to the cupboard to get the rags and drainer for the leeches. Staring at the grimy tank, with about twenty leeches stuck around the sides, Merlin groaned even louder. Great, my day is getting better and better.

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"Leeches!"

Aria slowly opened her eyes to the distant mumbling of someone and immediately closed them again, the light is so bright in here- ugh, I feel terrible. What happened? Bringing her hand up to her face, she rubbed her forehead, just above her eyes. This always seemed to help when she had a headache, and sure enough she felt the pain start to subside.

"Argh, bloody leeches. Maybe I should put one in his bed…"

Groaning, Aria tried to sit up. "Where… where am I? What happened? Who are you?"

Jumping at the sudden voice behind him, Merlin swirled round to face the girl. She raised her eyebrows at him, who on earth is he, and why is he holding- wait, are those… leeches? Holy crap, why the hell would he have leeches? Eurgh they look gross.

"You're awake! How are you feeling?" Merlin vigorously started wiping his grimy hands on the rag next to him.

"I'm feeling… disorientated. Where am I?"

"You're in Camelot, you're safe now. What's your name?"

Blinking stupidly, Aria replied, "I'm sorry, for a moment there I thought you said Camelot."

"Um, yes I did."

Aria's eyes widened dramatically, this must be some cosplaying thing they're doing for that medieval festival- yep, must be. Talking of cosplaying, why am I wearing a medieval style dress?!"Did you undress me?!" she screeched.

"No! No I didn't, I think Gwen did…" Gwen… why did that name sound familiar?"…so you weren't uncomfortable in what you were wearing. You… weren't wearing that much…" Merlin petered off, not quite sure what to say and not wanting to make eye contact with her.

Aria was stood in shock. Looking around her, she noticed she was in some sort of ancient- looking room. It looked similar to her chemistry lab back at school, but a lot messier and dustier. There's lots of spider webs as well, oh God, I hope I don't see any spiders. She swung her legs off the bench she was on – bench, no wonder I'm sore – and saw in front of her a table full of all sorts of bottles and tubes. On the far wall was a bookcase full of old books, and a staircase which led to another balcony area with even more books and strange looking instruments.

Looking to her left, she took in the boy – no man, in front of her in more detail. He was tall, definitely taller than her, and was wearing a blue top with a brown jacket over the top. Is that a neck scarf? Did they wear those in medieval times? His dark hair hung just above his eyes, and looking directly into them, she noticed how blue they were. They are like the colour of a clear, summer's day sky- so blue, they're beautiful and captivating... Blushing slightly, Aria thought he had a dorky sort of a charm, then she remembered the blue eyes she saw before she passed out and realised this man must have been the one to catch her and bring her here. Wherever here really is, because there is no way this is really Camelot.

Wait a minute, I was in my front room, so how on earth did I… wait. "Where are Ellie and Maria?"

"I'm sorry, I onlyfound you, um…" He gestured towards her.

"Aria, sorry, it's Aria."

Merlin blushed and had to look down while speaking, "Welcome to Camelot Aria. You were alone when I found you, are you sure they came with you?"

"Well, I'm not too sure. One moment I was in my living room and the next I felt like I was falling… and then I woke up here… how did I get here? Was I drugged? Did you drug me?!" Aria knew it was a wild accusation, but she couldn't think of any other explanation, at least not any other explanation that made sense.

"Living room?" A confused look passed across Merlin's face, followed swiftly by shock, "Dr… drugged? You think someone would do that to you? You think I would do that to you?" A hurt look crossed his face.

Aria instantly felt bad, "Yes, No, I don't know! I don't know how or why I'm here. Ugh, my head still hurts." Rubbing her temples, she continued, "So where are we really?" Aria couldn't put her finger on it, but she really didn't feel like this man was a threat. She felt… safe with him, almost like she had known him for many years. And for some reason she wasn't able to fathom, she felt she could trust him.

"Um… Camelot."

"Look, I know you're trying to keep in character but I really must be going home. Please, where are we?"

"I'm sorry Aria, but you really are in Camelot. Why, did you think you were somewhere else, like Mercia or somewhere?"

"Mercia? What? No I was in Oxford!"

"Oxford? I'm not familiar with that place. How far is it from Camelot?"

"Oh, for goodness sake, this is ridiculous." Walking over to the window, Aria looked out to gauge where she was. I'm sure I'll see some kind of landmark which will help me work out where I am. Looking out of the window, Aria gasped in shock. What, this can't… NO. This can't be happening! This is impossible! Her mouth hung open as she took in the view before her. She figured she must have been in some sort of tower, for below her was a walled city, full of mud huts and small, brick houses. She could see hundreds of people milling about, some selling their wares, others buying them. Gulping some more air, Aria's eyes wandered away from the bustling city below to beyond the walls. A great forest spread across the horizon, and Aria had the sudden urge to explore it.

Merlin watched in silence as Aria took in her new surroundings.

"I don't think this has been created for a festival." Aria managed to get out. I think I'm starting to hyperventilate, I might pass out again.

"Sorry?" Merlin noticed she had started to sway, so he gently put his arm on her elbow, "You should sit down, you're still recovering."

Nodding, Aria allowed him to propel her back towards the bench she had been lying on previously. She still felt in shock. Just what is going on?

After sitting for a moment, what she had just seen started to sink in. "I- I just don't understand." Suddenly, Aria felt tears start to well up in her eyes. I can't believe I'm going to cry, this is pathetic. It's not like anything particularly bad has happened, I'm sure there must be a rational explanation for this… there must be. She started wracking her memory for psychological disorders that could lead to someone actually believing they were in a whole new universe. There are different types of schizophrenia, but they are more related to auditory visions, not full blown 'my body is in another dimension' visions. Multiple personality disorder, no that's not right. Any other personality disorder? Narcissistic, borderline… no, there's nothing. Absolutely nothing! Is it something new? Something unknown?

Looking up she said, "I was at home with my friends, how did I get here? You're telling me this is Camelot, but that's impossible. Camelot is a fable, a myth, a bedtime story for children!"

Merlin frowned, "What do you mean? How can Camelot be a myth?"

Aria shook her head, "I'm sorry, I'm being rude, I-I've just had a shock, I don't know." Sniffing, Aria wiped her right hand across her eyes. Merlin, noticing she was getting upset, leant forward and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Don't cry Aria, we'll find a way to get you home. To… Oxford? I can ask Arthur if you'd like, he's very knowledgeable about-"

Jumping at this, Aria turned to look at Merlin, surprise clearly etched on her face. "Arthur?! As in, King Arthur?"

"He's not King yet, but he will be. One day he will be the greatest King Camelot has ever known. The Once and Future King." Merlin paused for a moment and smiled at the thought.

Aria started to shake. I have gone mad, I must be in a coma and dreaming this. Did I have any strange medication? Any dodgy food? No… Well is this a dream? Did I imagine Ellie and Maria this morning? Aria pinched herself, hard. "Ouch!" No, not a dream.

Merlin saw Aria pinch herself and gave her a questioning look. Sheepishly she said, "Never mind, had to try it" and turned her eyes away from him, staring intently at her hands which were entwined on her lap.

"I'm sorry, I forgot to ask for your name."

"I'm Merlin."

Aria looked up and burst into hysterical laughter. That's just what she needed to add the cherry on top of the cake. Unbelievable. I really do daydream too much, now my unconscious mind has generated a handsome Merlin." Aren't you meant to be an old man? You know, 'Merlin's beard!' and all that? But no, my mind does one better and turns you into a young and attractive man! Brilliant!" Aria started to laugh again.

Merlin's face turned crimson at being complimented by a pretty girl.

"This is great, truly. I really did need a break from work! I've obviously gone insane!"

Merlin frowned, and thinking that she might have concussion asked,"How is your head, is it feeling better?"

Wiping tears from her eyes after laughing so much, Aria replied, "Yes, actually it's gotten a lot better thank you. Now, anyway, thank you Merlin, but I must be off. Unless you can magic me out of here by any chance?"

Merlin froze. "M-magic?"

Noticing his reaction, Aria gave him a confused look, "Well yes. Merlin, the greatest wizard to have ever lived and all that. That's who you're trying to be, right?"

Merlin stood frozen and Aria had no idea why he had reacted so strangely. All I did was mention magic. If he was cosplaying or something as a wizard, why would that unnerve him?

"How do you know?" Merlin whispered.

"Of course I know, everyone knows who Merlin is!"

"No, Aria. Only Gaius knows my secret- well, and my mother of course. Please, you mustn't tell anyone, especially Arthur. Promise me?"

"You don't really think you have magic, do you?"

Merlin held out his hand to her, "Tre bærn suñ."Magic swirled round in his hand, forming a red rose. Aria's eyes locked onto the rose forming in Merlin's hand. He held it out to her, and she gave a small shriek and pushed him away from her, causing her to fall off the bench as a result. Aria felt pain shoot up her right side as she landed on the hard, cobblestoned floor, and she groaned. Then, remembering why she had sprung away so quickly, she desperately tried to drag herself away from Merlin. Gasping, with tears springing from her eyes, Aria backed into the corner of the room.

"How did you do that?" Aria instantly regretted her actions, when she saw the hurt in Merlin's eyes. The flower had vanished. I couldn't help it though, I guess my reaction is to 'flight' not 'fight'.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I- I'll leave you alone." Merlin turned away from her and went to leave.

"No! Wait! Please!" Merlin froze at her voice. "I'm sorry Merlin, it's just, magic doesn't exist where I'm from... it's all magicians and fakes, none of it is real! Christ, I still don't really believe it… I mean, I must be dead or in a coma, there's just no way this is happening! I mean, how is this possible? Argh, I'm rambling, I'm making it worse aren't I?" Crap. I always talk too much when I'm nervous. Aria stood up and walked towards Merlin carefully. She was still wary, but she felt that Merlin was a good person. All of the myths and stories depicted Merlin as one of the good guys, so let's hope they weren't wrong.

"Merlin, I'm sorry. Truly."

Merlin turned around to face her. "Don't be sorry Aria, I'm sorry that I scared you. It was too soon after you had woken up, I don't know what I was thinking, you knew I had magic so I-"

Aria shook her head, effectively cutting him off. "No, I shouldn't have run away from you like that."

Noticing her wince slightly, Merlin remembered how she had landed, "Oh, your side! Let me look, I can put some anti-bruise lotion on it."

Aria blushed, "It's OK, it doesn't really hurt, I'll be fine. But thank you." It then hit her that she had called him attractive, Oh my God, but hopefully he'll have breezed over that…

"Are you sure?" Merlin asked her, breaking her train of thought.

"Yes, I'm sure." I'm not sure what is happening, but the city outside and the magic Merlin just performed definitely seems real. I can't seem to wake myself up, so I can only assume I must be in a coma… I mean, this can't truly be real can it? If it is… well, I don't know what to think. I think there was a television show where the main character went back in time- they seemed so calm and composed, how did they do it?! I feel like I'm going to explode any moment now. Aria, calm down- BREATHE.

Following her own advice and taking a deep breath, Aria continued, "Look Merlin, I think I need to start from the beginning and tell you what's happened to me. I sort of jumped to conclusions – you'll understand why soon hopefully- and I need to sort some things out in my head, and I think talking to you will help." At least I hope so, I'm at a dead end right now, and I don't know what else to do. He'll probably think me crazy, but again I feel like I can trust him and that he will listen to me. Why do I feel like this towards him? I don't even know him!

"Of course Aria, you can tell me anything. I promise."

"Merlin, do you promise me that we are in Camelot, you are truly Merlin, and that everything you have told me and I have seen so far has been real?"

"I do." Aria stared into his eyes, those beautiful, blue eyes, and just knew he was telling the truth. Better to get it out in the open, maybe this will help… I can't believe I'm doing this, if this is all a trick, I'm going to feel really stupid afterwards…

Aria took a deep breath, "Thank you. Merlin, I'm from the year… 2013, and I believe I've somehow… fallen over a 1000 years into the past - into your past. That's how I know your name, that's how I know who you are. Merlin, in my time, you're famous- the most famous wizard to have ever walked the earth." Taking another deep breath, and trying to ignore the shock and disbelief registering on his face, Aria continued, "and Merlin, you… well… you, King Arthur, the Knights of Camelot, they are a legend, a myth. There is no magic, and… you were never supposed to have existed."

A/N- Let me know what you think about this chapter in the comments section- please, constructive feedback! No flames, thank you.