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

No-One Knew

~MERLIN~

Arthur opened his eyes.

He stared at the roof of the cave, probably trying to figure out where he was. He looked relatively calm, unlike Merlin, whose heart was knocking against his ribs in apprehension and nervousness, betraying his cool and blank outward appearance. Merlin watched while applying honey to the wound as Arthur's eyes went wide in comprehension. Merlin bit his lip, trying to draw the healing procedure out as Arthur turned his head slightly to stare at Merlin.

In through the nose, out through the mouth.

Merlin chanted in his head and did his best to keep his breaths steady as Arthur stared at him. He could hear Kilgharrah silently laughing at him in his head. Suppressing a scowl and the urge to look at Arthur, he tried to ponder on what must have been going through his mind.

He has no idea of who I am or where is is. Merlin took it as a good sign that Arthur hadn't reached for his sword, and started to wrap the wound. Sometimes he regretted ever leaving Ealdor to end up all alone in his cave. But it was times like this when his energy was renewed. He had a purpose, and a great sense of belonging. He had a destiny. Merlin gave up in his fight and risked a glance at his destiny, whose eyes were exploring his cave. He cringed slightly at the mess, but saving Arthur was a full time occupation, thank you very much.

Arthur was staring at the carved dragon, the only possession he had from his father, Balinor. He shook out of his stupor, not letting his mind near the memories of who everyone thought was the last dragon lord. Arthur would have questions, but right now he was most likely in a lot of pain. He drew the magic inside him, debating. Would it really help Arthur in the long term? It could possibly slow down the healing time... In the end there was no choice really, how could he let Arthur suffer if he had the power to stop it? He let his eyes glow gold, not wincing as Arthur's eyes snapped to his. He nodded his head at Arthur, and put his equipment away.

Arthur was opening and closing his mouth like a fish trying to say something. Merlin made sure that his smirk was safely hidden under his hood, and went forward to assist the King as he tried to sit up, then moved to the other edge of the fire. He sighted mentally. Now or never.

"I, um...well..uh." Arthur started.

"You have questions." Oh wow. Great start Merlin.

"..."

Say something.

"You know that was just a guess: I didn't break into your mind or anything." Okay. Stop saying the first thing that comes into your mind.

However he was right out grinning as he said this, just like old times.

"What-is-your-name?" Oh no.

Merlin had to think of this one, and settled for the truth, just leaving out the important bit.

"I have many names. There are some who call me Myrddin, other call me Ambrosius. In the druidic language, I am Emrys."

"Why do you protect me? Why do you protect the ruler of the kingdom which has caused misery to your people? You have saved me so many times, yet you do not ask for any credit. I didn't even know your name until today."

Of all the questions that the prat could ask me.

There was a pregnant pause.

Because I believe in you. More importantly, because you are my friend.

"Many years ago, before the birth of the five kingdoms, this land was in an endless cycle of bloodshed and war, but one man was determined to end all that. He gathered together the elders of each tribe and drew up plans for the lands to be divided. Each would respect the others' boundaries, and drew it over the land as they saw fit. That man was Camelot's first king, ancestor to all that followed, including you, Arthur."

"Bruta."

Merlin nodded his affirmative. "You know the story."

"Every child in Camelot does."

"There is part of the story that you do not know. When Bruta was on his deathbed, he asked to be taken deep into the forest. There, with the last of his strength, he thrust his sword into a rock. If his lineage was ever questioned, this would form a test. Only a true king of Camelot could pull the weapon free."

"Are you making this up?"

Yes! No! Well it doesn't matter!

"Of course not! One day, I will take you to the sword, and you will pull it free, showing your worth to all of Camelot."

Ha! Let all of Camelot see Arthur's face when I prove myself right. Okay, time to be serious.

"Iprotect you because all I know is that, for your many faults, you are honest and brave and true hearted, and you will be known the greatest king this land has ever known. You're destined to be Albion's greatest king, and I will let nothing stand in your way."

Merlin could see the cogs turning in Arthur's head.

"I have always dreamed of uniting the land and making the kingdom which is just and true; a place where people may live in peace and happiness. Time and time again, these dreams have been destroyed by those who would see Camelot fall. I know that I have done terrible, unforgivable things." His eyes glassed over recollected events in his past. "But you have shown me hope when there was none. I promise to you, that I will create a world which is fair and welcoming to all people, including those of magic. I promise that they will not have to hide away any longer. I promise to bring magic back to the land. Thank you, Emrys."

The fact that Arthur called him Emrys didn't even matter anymore. He could have never imagined this. Gratitude and happiness filled him, such strong emotion that he would have staggered if he had been standing. He could feel tears in his eyes, and he smiled wider than ever before.

"Thank you Arthur. And know this: I forgive you."

Merlin took some breaths to calm himself down, but he let the smile become a permanent part of his face.

Pushing Arthur down gently he said "You must rest Arthur. You need not worry, you are safe."

Arthur relented and lay his head down, and fell asleep almost immediately. Merlin took of his cloak and removed the enchantments, watching over Arthur as he rested, once again complete.

A/N: What do you think? I look forward to reading your thoughts. Thank you for reading. By the way I just discovered that I have a spell check on my computer! I have gone through so many words that have been changed by the computer to make no sense whatsoever. I hope I haven't missed any...especially in the previous chapters...If I have, I would be very grateful if someone could point them out to me. Thanks.