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.

A/N: I'm back! Surprise! Happy New Year! Ok so I'm not really back: I just happened to be in the range of some (not very) decent wifi, some decent time to actually write the chapter, never mind upload it which I am going to do shortly (fingers crossed that the wifi is strong enough) and my iPad, even though I would really prefer using a computer. I hope you like it!

No-One Knew

~MERLIN~

Merlin loved the times he visited his friends, not only as he could see them again, but because he could pretend, just for a while, that everything was back to the old days.

Those old, carefree days.

He sat now, in a circle with all his friends, imagining just that, as the knights narrated the story of Camelot's mysterious saviour sorcerer. Warlock, Arthur had corrected them. He had to bite his cheek to stop laughing at the irony. None of the story was new to him, but some of their comments, well, let's just say that he couldn't help raising an eyebrow. If only they knew...

"When I was a young boy, I heard stories of the mighty Emrys. I never understood what mighty really meant until I first saw him." Percival had said.

"You can feel the power coming off him, he is stronger than all of the kingdoms combined." was Elyan's contribution.

"He is definitely more powerful that any other magician we have ever met, I fear to think what would happen should he turn against us." Gaius concurred.

Gwain had said, over his tankard of mead, "I agree with Gaius. He has the power to bring Camelot to her knees by himself."

"But he wouldn't do that, if he has been protecting us for so long, surely he has no evil intention?" Gwen had said, seeing the best in everyone, as usual.

Lancelot had confirmed Gwen's theory, replying, "He is better than all of us. He has saved us many times, yet he doesn't ask for anything in return. Not even acceptance. Can you imagine living a life like that? He is the greatest person I know. And I do not judge by his power, but by the goodness, in his heart."

Leon words were, "He is everything that the Knights stand for: Loyalty, courage, modesty...these only a few of his many ways which make him more worthy than every knight of Camelot."

"He told me that I know him, but still I have no idea of who he is. I wish that he would reveal himself to me so that I could show my gratitude properly. Though nothing can compare with what he has done for Camelot, he is the greatest man I will ever know."

Everyone had nodded and hummed in agreement to Arthur's words.

They all looked at Merlin, expecting a response from him as he hadn't spoken one word during the lengthy narration.

"Really?" Merlin said, in a painfully unconvincing tone, unable to hide the wide grin which now graced his face (after all, what person could not be touched by those words, as amused as they were by it).

He received a variety of odd looks from his friends.

"Merlin. Something tells me that you are hiding something to do with you and the warlock." Arthur said.

Oops.

"Pray tell, Merlin."

"Umm...well..."

"Cat got your tongue?"

"No! Just..."

"No? Because something, Merlin, tells me that you know more about him than you are letting on."

Merlin took an inward sigh of relief. That was a good as any other story to go by.

"Fine, fine. Yes, I know more about him than I am letting on."

Goodness, it was weird to talk about yourself like another person.

Everyone stared at him, expecting him to elaborate. He just watched them, secretly being entertained by their faces.

"Would you like to tell us about it?" Gwain said dryly, having understood Merlin's game.

"No, I am fine thanks." Merlin replied innocently.

Arthur rolled his eyes, having been reminded of his former manservant's odd sense of humour.

"That was an order, not a request, Merlin."

"Ok, so I know him."

"You have met him? When?" Gwen asked curiously.

"I met him in the forest of Rivendell, probably before any of you had met him. Since then, our paths have crossed many times. A good friend to have, if I say so myself."

Merlin was mentally laughing, enjoying this way to much, and watched their flabbergasted expressions.

"You know him! You are friends?! Do you know his real name? What does he look like?"

Merlin was bombarded with question upon question about the mysterious warlock, and he couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Sorry to disappoint, but my lips are sealed!"

"Merlin!"

A/N: Just as I said before, I am not really back to normal schedule, so please don't expect anything from me for at least two weeks at minimum. Thanks to all of you who have stayed with my story since the beginning - I had no idea it would become this big. Believe it or not, I intended this to be just a one shot. However I am very doubtful on what to write next. If any of you have any mini one or two chapter plot you would be willing to prompt me on I would be very grateful. (I think that I am experiencing writers block) Again, a very Happy New Year to all.