Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin, this is an alternate universe fanfic, in which I have used the characters, places, quotes and story from the BBC TV show which I do not own.

A/N: Thank you to all my reviewers, I have tried to answer to each one, and sincerely apologise if I have missed anyone out. Again, please feel free to ask me any questions through review or PM, even if it is asking when the next update is going to be - I don't mind at all!

No-One Knew

~MERLIN~

Merlin walked into the woods quickly, wondering what would happen when Lancelot told the rest that Tristan and Isolde are smugglers. He winced just thinking about it. The King of Camelot and his noble knights and the smuggler couple who... had a particular aversion to them. He shuddered and then shook his head. There were more important issues which required his attention. He took off his cloak and folded it into his shoulder bag.

He traced their steps back for a while and then released his magic, closing his eyes to sense the forest around him better.

"I know that you are there." He said, without opening his eyes.

"You don't need to fear me. You know I that I would not harm you. Show yourself."

He waited as nothing happened. With a sigh, he whispered, "I don't want to order you against your will." and turned around, opening his eyes which met the figure of a young white dragon, which was partly hiding by the trees.

The dragon-lord's eyes were sad as they watched the timid form of the dragon. She was stunted, her wings crippled and too heavy for her twisted body, so lay drooping and dragging across the forest floor. One could only imagine the pain she had gone through. Her scales were pure white, just like the day she had been born, and her eyes the same innocent blue.

"What happened to you Aithusa?" Merlin whispered, knowing well enough that she could not reply.

He reached out for her, outstretching his hand and taking a step forward. He smiled sadly, though reassuringly as the dragon took a hesitant step back, unsure of what Merlin would do to her.

But she trusted him, because she could feel their kinship. Merlin could have commanded her to do anything, but he let her go, and let her choose her own loyalties, even if it was Morgana she had befriended. Time and time again she had attacked him on Morgana's orders, but he only protected himself, never attacking her or ordering her using his dragon-lord powers. He was right. Merlin would never harm her. He would protect her.

"Do you know the story of how you were born?" Merlin asked her, his eyes twinkling in memory.

"I didn't even know that there was a dragon egg. Kilgharrah and I both; we thought he was the last dragon. When I found out, the first thing I did was go to him. Well, as soon as I could, which was the following night: I was still living in Camelot at that time and had chores to do for a certain prat. I promised to him to do everything in my power to rescue it. And I did! I had to pretend that I was looking for woodworm when getting the keys for the vaults. But it is my sacred duty as a dragon-lord to protect the last of the dragons. That was when I first met Isuilder. He told me that 'Only when the way ahead seems impossible will you have found it.' When I first saw the egg well, all the jewels, all the treasures they didn't compare with it. It was the most beautiful thing in the world. And an even more beautiful dragon came from it. I named you after the light of the sun. I can still remember what Kilgharrah had said: 'Sometimes the meaning is hard to see, but this time I believe it is clear. The white dragon bodes well for Albion, for you and Arthur, and for the land that you will build together.' I don't ever remember ever feeling more happy than the time when you were born."

Merlin took another step and placed his hand on Aithusa's head. His eyes glowed gold as he sent some of his magic into Aithusa. His magic would do all it could for her. He gently stroked her, feeling surprise when she leaned in to his touch.

Aithusa revelled in feeling Merlin's magic course through her own and reawaken the bond. She had never felt such a sense of belonging and happiness. But it confused her. She was loyal to Morgana, wasn't she? Wasn't Morgana right? But wasn't Merlin her lord? Was she actually re-considering her loyalty to Morgana?

Merlin sighed as he gently placed his forehead on Aithusa's in farewell.

"Goodbye, Aithusa. Be safe."

She vowed that even though she was in Morgana's service, to never to betray her dragon-lord again.

A/N: What do you think? I had a lot of free time today so here is another chapter! I hope you enjoyed it and would love to hear your thoughts on Aithusa. I think that you all are going to like what is coming next (fingers crossed)! Have a good night or day!