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

A/N: This is the longest chapter so far! Yay! Unfortunately it was very confusing to write... I spent ages trying to remember if Merlin would have still been at Arthur's side during the episode with the Doroca, created and destroyed numerous loopholes, and all sorts of things like that. Later I realised that this was AU fan fiction - it didn't matter because I could decide in which order things would happen. Now I am wondering if people even read author's notes, or if I am just weird. :|

No-One Knew

~MERLIN~

Merlin sighed and rubbed his eyes as the memories faded away. He was too weary to anything but sleep.

Arthur is safe for now.

"Goodnight Kilgharrah." Merlin told the Great Dragon in his mind.

"Sleep well, young warlock, for you deserve it." Kilgharrah replied, watching over Merlin as he rested.

Merlin and the Great Dragon had become the best of friends, but it was different. The bond that they shared, one between a dragon and his dragon lord, special and unique in this world for there were none left like them. Soul-kin.

For Merlin, the Dragon was the only one who knew. The only one who did know and the only one who could understand. The one who had been with him all along, and with every obstacle they passed, they became closer. When Merlin had lost Kilgharrah many years ago, it had hit him harder than he expected.

§ § § § § § §
He had decided. "For this I'm never going to let you out. Never!" Kilgharrah had let him exchange an innocent life for Arthur's.

He deserved it.

To this day, his words and thoughts burned him like Uther's pyre had burnt the thousands during the Great Purge.

Kilgharrah was enraged - Merlin had never seen him so angry. A few days later, a very suspiciously sad and teary Merlin ( as Arthur may or may not have noticed ) came down to Kilgharrah's cave with a magical sword in hand. Those past few days The Great Dragon was fuming in disbelief, betrayal and anger, but his hearts melted as he looked upon the warlock standing below him begging forgiveness after breaking him free. "How small you are for such a great heart."
§ § § § § § §

From then, Merlin was always true to his word...not that they made many more bargains from that day so forth.

For, Kilgharrah, the warlock was his only connection to the earth. If not for Merlin, he would have let himself die long ago, even if he was the last dragon. Merlin risked his life on a daily basis for Arthur and Albion, so it should not have shocked him when Merlin told him that he was going to give his life in Arthur's place. But it was.

§ § § § § § §
"It will be an empty world without you, young warlock."

Since those words, Kilgharrah had waited, filled with anguish and remorse, dreading the moment that he would sense Merlin passing into the veil. When it never happened, relief and hope replaced any other sorrow - he could not feel anything but happiness, even though a different life was taken away.
§ § § § § § §

From then, Kilgharrah had always watched over Merlin's safety, and was always ready to child him when he even considered risking his life (not that Merlin ever listened). When Merlin was feeling particularly stubborn and stupid, Kilgharrah would even follow him, ready to protect him should harm come his kin's way.

They could not imagine a life now, without each other, but both underestimated how dear they are to the other, still.

A/N: Hi again, if you are reading this. I just wanted to say that when I imagine Merlin and Kilgharrah talking privately, it is in the ancient dragon tongue. But please go ahead and read it how you like it- this is a story open to interpretation! Also, I don't believe that Kilgharrah would do anything to his kin's mother - their relationship is too deep for that. Incidentally, Hunith is dead, because that was what motivated Merlin to tell no-one, and Lancelot did not step into the veil, I like him too much for that...not that I don't like Hunith...Shadow Protector sound good as a new title...any other suggestions please?