AN: WOW this chapter was hard to write and that's all the more reason I'd love some constructive criticism on it also a MASSIVE SHOUT OUT to all my reviewers your awesome thank you so much and also to every one reading and following for being so patient with me. Enjoy:)

Not Yet Noon

Merlin could only stand there gaping his mind not quite able to process the fact that Arthur knew, knew he had magic and he was a dragonlord the young warlock was in so much shock that instead of his usual quick wit all that came out of his mouth in response, was "Me."

As it turned out Merlin wasn't the only one in shock as the knights were doing very accurate impersonations of fish, at their prince's declaration of Merlin's apparent association with the young dragons who were all looking around at the scene before them nervously.

"ME?! I find out you have magic that you command dragons and all you can say is ME!" Arthur's angry call brought the knights out of their stupors and they turned to look at Merlin for his reply because in all honesty they had no idea what to do, at the very least Arthur had yet to raise his sword at Merlin.

The silence before Merlin's response seemed to stretch on forever, and it truly was silence as it seemed even the forest was waiting to hear what the young warlock would say. In the end Merlin decided that seeing how he had apparently been given the option of explaining himself he might as well use it to try and make Arthur understand.

"Well what do you expect me to say, the dragons have already told you I'm loyal, that I've helped you and that I'm on your side, what more can I say to defend myself, you know I would never betray you Arthur but not everyone who has magic is evil, I'm not." by the end Merlin was practically begging Arthur to see this, he would always save Arthur's life no matter what but he also hoped to save their friendship.

Arthur, for a while just stood there looking at his manservant his mind in two halves. One knew Merlin of all people wasn't evil the man didn't have a bad bone in his body, yet the other half, which sounded suspiciously like his father, was thinking of everything he had been taught about magic and how evil and corrupting it was. It wasn't until after he thought about all the times Merlin had saved his life or helped his family, his kingdom and the fact that he himself had saved druids from his father's wrath that he realised, although he would never say this out loud, he might have only slightly though, overreacted.

On the outside he visibly sagged all the tension leaving his shoulders although he impressively managed to still look regal "The day your evil Merlin is the day my father can hear the word magic without starting a witch hunt."

At his comment the dragons and knights relaxed, Merlin practically dropped to the forest floor in relief, unfortunately Arthur still had a few issues concerning recent developments, and in a more stern tone then before said "Oh, don't think you're getting off that easily, you lied to me Merlin for four years and I sense there's a whole other story I've yet to hear."

Merlin saw the hurt shining so clearly in Arthur's eyes that the guilt he felt about lying to him increased tenfold causing it to feel almost like a physical injury. His comfort came only when Katla snuck forward and nudged his side, her presence soothing him and reminding both himself and Arthur that they were not alone.

The first of the knights to speak up was Sir Leon "I have always been taught that magic is evil but I know you Merlin. Arthur you're right and sire I trust your judgment if you believe Merlin then I am with you." the unlikely pair nodded to Leon with gratitude, Merlin for the kind words and Arthur for the confidence and support in his decision.

"You've both saved my life, and are both my friends I'm just glad I don't have to pick a side." Elyan spoke this with a small smile.

Percival was next "I didn't grow up in Camelot I've never thought Magic was evil." spoken so gently yet with pride these simple words made Merlin's smile grow more than any thought possible.

Gwaine having decided that the mood needed lightening up took it upon himself to call out "Does this mean you can enchant me a never ending mug of mead Merlin mate." this elected chuckles out of everyone even the dragons.

It was Falkor, ever the responsible one who regained everyone's attention with a cough which to human ears sounded more like a playful growl but did the job. "While we are glad our dragonlord no longer has to hide in the shadows, we must discus the threat to Camelot, we initially came only to warn but now it seems we may be of some assistance."

"What no, you are not fighting your too young I forbid it!" Merlin's outburst and the authority with which he spoke both shocked and impressed the knights and left Arthur wondering sadly just how much he didn't know about the man he considered a brother.

"Really Merlin?" Apep spoke in an almost a bored tone at her dragonlords protectiveness.

"Yes really Apep, you're too young I am the last dragonlord and that makes you my responsibility I won't let you get hurt, and speaking of responsibility where is Kilgharrah he's supposed to be looking after you?" Merlin looked between the five younglings waiting to be answered.

"Scouting, he is currently keeping tabs on the witch so you will have more information on her plans and he felt having us deliver the message alone would appear less threatening, it was Katla's idea to fly near the village to get your attention." Fafnir said the last part as an afterthought but shot Katla a brotherly smile to convey his pride in her. Merlin merely nodded seeing the wisdom in the red dragons' explanation.

"Hang on" Gwaine spoke "I've got that Kilgharrah is the great dragon and all, but now you're throwing names around and we don't know whose who?"

Realising that introductions had never actually be made Merlin decided he should do the honours "Ahhh yes well, the blue and red dragons are Falkor and Fafnir the two males of the group and then there's Apep, black and Ketu, green and this is Katla he said gesturing to each dragon as he said there names and laying a hand on Katla's foreleg when he was done.

The knights then introduced themselves and it was with a glance to Arthur that Merlin saw that he to understood the implications of the day's events. And it was barley noon.

AN: well what do you think also I am completely open to suggestions for future chapters I may not use them or exactly how there suggested but then again they might bring great inspiration you can give suggestions for any part of the future of the story just review and let me know :)