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: Just to make this very clear, Gaius does not know about Merlin's magic.

No-One Knew

~ARTHUR~

After his picnic with Gwen (which went very well), Arthur went to see Gaius. He told himself that it was because of that sprained wrist from yesterday's training, not to mention the painstakingly long speeches he had to write himself (another perk of Merlin that he sorely missed). But he knew that really, he wanted to know if there had been any word from his former servant.

Ever since Merlin left, Gaius had been more solemn and weary; it had taken its toll on the old man. He was still just as skilled, and in good health as before, but he lacked in that little bit of spirit. Yet, the aged man devoted himself, with his invaluable knowledge, wisdom and experience, to Camelot, because he knew how much Merlin adored it.

Arthur entered Gaius' quarters to see him preparing something on his work bench. "Sire." Gaius acknowledged him. It was a strange relationship they had; Gaius and Arthur. Gaius had seen Arthur from when he was born, when he grew up, and as the present as the King of Camelot. Arthur had grown up with Gaius as an elder figure, that at times he looked up to and respected even more than his father. But they never really knew each other.

Merlin's absence had brought then marginally closer together: they understood each other better, after sharing the same loss.

He motioned Arthur to sit, and took one himself. They sat in companionable silence for a while, before Arthur finally blurted out, quite bluntly, having forgotten any false pretence to visit Gaius out of the blue.

"Has there been any news from Merlin?"

Gaius' deflated face was all the answer he needed to slump back into his chair.

"It has been a long time, I am surprised that he hasn't come to visit. It's very unlike Merlin to not even send word for such a period of time.."

Gaius trailed off, thinking of the momentous and rare occasions when his former ward would come and visit him. Merlin and him, they would catch up, and it would be just like old times. By mid-day, by some way or the other, all of Camelot, it would seem, would find out about his arrival. One of the first to appear on his door step would always be Lancelot, hoping that the rumours were true - that his best of friend was really in Camelot. After that, Gwain and Gwen would soon arrive, followed by Leon, Percival and Elyan. Merlin would get many brief visits in between, from other servants (namely George), the royal Cook, (who doted on him, and did her best to fatten up the scrawny lad), and many others who Merlin had mysteriously saved (but to this day, they and Gaius hadn't the slightest clue how and Merlin was certainly not one for explanations ).

Merlin has left his mark on Camelot.

The last to find out, of course, would be Arthur, who would be oblivious until Merlin 'accidentally' stumbled across him.

"Well, if you do, you know..." Arthur stood up suddenly.

"Of course, sire, I'll be sure to let you know." Gaius replied as Arthur made his exit.

The end of Merlin's visits always puzzled Gaius at the same time as warming his heart. Merlin, so far, had only visited for one day each time, under the pretence of passing by. He would spend the whole day with Gaius, Gwen, the Knights and Arthur, and then would promptly leave. What confused Gaius to no end, was the fact that the very next morning after Merlin left, every time without fail, he would find his stores filled. Every herb that he was missing, or running out of, no matter how rare, was restocked in mass, every bottle refilled, food to feed an army, and he suddenly had enough firewood to last him months.

Merlin. Only Merlin.

A/N: To all those who have followed or favourited, or are my regular readers, I hope you like it, I'll be sure to update soon as I have almost written the next chapter. Just the typing it up will take a while around all the work I need to do! If you are new to my story, then I hope you like the idea and will follow my updates!