A/N: Hello m'dears! Sorry for the wait. There will be certain ideas in this part of the story that relate to my ideas of Merlin never telling Morgana of his magic. This very same idea exists in my other story "Bonds of Destiny" so anyone reading that will see certain similarities. Anyways, to people who don't read my other story please do! It will give me great pleasure. Also leave a review!

Spoilers: Up to Season 3 episode 11

Disclaimer: I do not own "Merlin".

Scenes from the Past - Part 2

Merlin continued his tale and told Arthur about the past couple of months after Morgana had been brought back to Camelot. He started off with the time that Morgana returned. Arthur quietly listened to Merlin's account of the tale.

He realized where Merlin had disappeared to those few days. He was shocked and slightly relieved to know that the dragon was on Merlin's side.

He said, "Thank god for the dragon or your inability to walk quietly in a forest would have cost you your life!"

Merlin looked at him chagrined, "Hey! I would have been able to stop her, but I didn't want her knowing about my magic. Besides, although the dragon and even Gaius always tell me I'm powerful it doesn't mean I believe them. Morgause could know some spells I never had any idea about!"

Arthur gave a small smile and gestured for Merlin to continue. He had doubted Morgana's treachery at first but when he learned that she was responsible for his father's madness, he felt the first spike of anger towards her. Then the anger grew at hearing of the army of the dead.

He asked Merlin, "Why didn't you say something?"

Merlin looked at Arthur incredulously, "Would you have believed me? Your father, I know for sure, would have thrown me into the dungeons or had me killed! Morgana was foolish to threaten me about that, I wouldn't have told the King. It was the word of a servant against that of his ward."

Arthur winced. His father was blind to Morgana's faults, especially after the year that Morgana had been assumed to be kidnapped. It was also true that if Merlin had mentioned Morgana's betrayal to the Prince then the servant wouldn't have been believed.

The friends then had a good laugh when the entire story of the goblin and also Gwaine had been revealed. It took away some of the anger and anxiety of Morgana's betrayal away from Arthur's mind.

"You didn't take away the goblin's spell from me! I had the laugh of a donkey for about a day or so after that! I should have you muck out the stables for that!"

Merlin laughed heartily and said, "Oh come on! It was too good!"

Arthur narrowed his eyes, "I defended you from that goblin!"

Merlin smiled and said, "Thank you for that! I actually thought you didn't believe me when I said that Gaius had been taken over."

Arthur looked away and said, "Yes, well certain things had seemed off with Gaius. Also you normally make just accusations. I just didn't have proof to stop you getting thrown in the dungeons."

Merlin smirked, "Well...was that a compliment?"

Arthur rolled his eyes, "Don't flatter yourself! You're normally a complete idiot!"

Merlin laughed and Arthur changed the topic by saying, "So what happened next? I think the next part has to do with Morgana's birthday right?"

The mood turned solemn and Arthur listened to Merlin in horrified silence about the images from the Crystal Cave. Merlin continued by talking about Morgana falling down the stairs and how it had been the warlock's fault.

"I couldn't watch everyone's grief...it was too much to take. I think your father's grief hit me hardest of all."

Arthur was shocked speechless about the revelation that Morgana was his half-sister. The Prince then listened in continued horror at what Merlin had done. Arthur flinched slightly at the deadened tone Merlin used to talk about the way the warlock abused his gift as a dragon lord.

Merlin fell silent after stating Morgana's attempt on Uther's life which followed the images shown in the Crystal Caves.

Merlin softly said, "I didn't stop anything from happening. I ended up helping the future along. If I hadn't stopped her and almost had her killed, I don't think she would be trying so hard to kill you now."

Arthur resignedly said, "You did what you thought was right Merlin. None of it is your fault. In that situation I would have probably done the same thing. It proves that even with the amount of power you have at your disposal it hasn't corrupted you in the slightest."

Merlin smiled and said, "Thank you...are you alright though? I didn't exactly want to tell you about Morgana's lineage but I didn't really want to lie to you anymore.

Arthur nodded and said, "I think it is better that I found out this way I suppose. I mean I would have appreciated it more had my father been truthful with me, but...as you said before...it's in the past. I can't change it but I can make a better tomorrow."

Merlin grinned widely and Arthur continued, "This whole vision of the future stuff isn't as simple as it appears is it?"

Merlin lost his smile as he shook his head, "I hate it really, especially now after the crystal cave incident. This is why I never use the Crystal of Neahtid, even though it is lying in the castle."

Arthur nodded, "Don't worry I don't think I'll make you use that power. It doesn't seem very reliable. It may help but some things are meant to occur and I don't think any of us can do anything to stop it."

Arthur then gestured for Merlin to continue the story and the warlock did just that. Neither was comfortable with the topic since it spoke of the future, which at the moment was uncertain at best.

The mood turned again at the story of Princess Elena, who was a changeling. Both friends had smiles on their faces at the end of the story, but once again the mood turned solemn as Morgana's knowledge of the relationship between Arthur and Gwen was realized.

Merlin stated his account of the days that led up to their rescue of Elyan. Arthur was slightly shocked and angry that Morgana would turn on Gwen. The maidservant had been nothing but loyal to Morgana, Gwen didn't deserve to be treated so badly.

Then Merlin spoke about Morgana's attempt on Arthur's life. Arthur then realized why during his quest to the Fisher King`s kingdom he had felt so tired. The bracelet, or the Eye of the Phoenix, had been siphoning energy from him since the time he started the quest.

Arthur asked cautiously, "Was that the reason for you coming after me that time? Also why did you bring Gwaine along? Does he know?"

Merlin shook his head to the negative to answer the last question, "No, Gwaine doesn't know. After everything that happened with Gaius and the witchfinder I've been far more careful about my gift. I realized that many people did not trust magic at all and feared it. Your father succeeded in that more than anything..."

Arthur looked away from Merlin at that and the warlock trying to erase the tension answered the other questions.

"I wouldn't have come after you had you not mentioned Morgana's bracelet. I felt the magic in the bracelet and when you said that Morgana gave it to you, I suspected a new plot to take your life. So Gaius and I researched on the bracelet and when we found out what it was, I decided to set out after you. Gaius, due to the dangers of the Perilous Lands, warned me against going alone, so I looked for Gwaine. It seems though we were expected to come..."

Arthur remembered what Grettir had said when he had arrived at the bridge.

"That's what he had meant. Grettir had told me about magic and courage, but I hadn't understood at the time."

Merlin nodded, "He said something similar to us too. He told me that I was meant to come there because it was my mission."

At Arthur's confused look Merlin gave the full account of what occurred at the Fisher King's lands. The Prince was slightly shocked to find that the King had been alive. He was also surprised at the ease in which Merlin spoke of killing the King and he said as much.

Merlin gave him a serious look and said, "He had been in suffering Arthur he wanted to die. His duty had been fulfilled."

Arthur seemed to understand that to some degree. The story was then continued to the part about Alice the woman, according to Arthur, who had tried to kill his father. However, Merlin's side of the story was different.

Arthur then realized Merlin's hesitation and depression during that time. Although the 'prisoner' had escaped he was not angered by the conclusion. In fact he was glad for it that meant there was someone else other than Merlin that could be counted on in the future.

The story then continued and served to raise Arthur's ire at Morgana further. He was almost at the point of marching towards Camelot, sword drawn out, and killing Morgana then and there. It was Merlin's steady hand on his shoulder that stopped him making a foolish mistake. However, his anger was not appeased.

"How could she do something like that? I understand that she thought she had no one to count on in the castle but why turn on Guinevere at all? Morgana considered her a friend!"

Merlin said, "She has changed Arthur. She isn't the same person she used to be anymore. She believes everyone in the castle to be of Uther's opinion and has unfortunately forgotten the times you, me, Gwen, and Gaius have tried to stop your father from his magical rages. Sometimes I can't help but wonder at what would happen if I had told her about my magic."

Arthur quietened at that. He knew Merlin felt incredibly guilty about the issue with Morgana. However, Arthur also knew that Merlin telling Morgana of his magic wouldn't have stopped anything.

"Merlin if you believe telling her about your magic would have made any changes then you're wrong." At Merlin's surprised look Arthur elaborated his statement.

"Morgana since she was very young has a type of personality not seen in many women. She is strong-willed, independent, and there are times where you see her manipulative nature. If you had told her then she would have forced you into helping her free many prisoners, which would not only endanger you but Gaius as well. She might even have tried to influence and black-mail you into joining up with Morgause."

Merlin looked slightly shocked but Arthur didn't let him speak and continued, "I know she was a very nice person Merlin. She was...is after all my sister. I've known her for a long while much longer than you have. But I've also known that she's had a slightly darker side all my life but I've ignored it. Now, though I regret that more than ever."

Merlin blinked then endeavoured to divert Arthur by saying, "Well you weren't exactly the brightest of people around that time. You were fonder of bullying and making a complete prat of yourself."

Arthur's hand automatically rose up and cuffed Merlin in the head. The warlock gave a small smile which Arthur returned and the tension was soon released from the Prince's shoulders. He knew Morgana was not to be trusted anymore but he also knew the prudence of never letting her know about his knowledge.

Arthur then picking up on the need to lighten things up said in exasperation, "And you! What were you thinking? You use a spell to turn yourself into an old man and then can't undo it!"

Merlin gave a sheepish grin, "Well I didn't look into it completely. I was in a hurry!"

Arthur said, "I knew that old man was familiar! It was only when you used magic that my suspicion had cleared. And what sort of name is Dragoon?"

Arthur was laughing by this time and Merlin indignantly said, "Hey! I was trying to help both you and Gwen! Besides," he added embarrassed, "I didn't think of a name...and that was all that came out..."

Arthur continued laughing because he was remembering the rest of the strange events of that time and Merlin having enough of being made fun of decided to continue his story forcing the Prince to settle down. He started talking about the recent tournament, where apparently there had been a sorcerer in the midst and Merlin stopped him going too far with his magic. Then Merlin stopped talking.

Arthur knew once he returned to Camelot he would have to be more on guard than ever since the enemy was within the walls rather than outside of it. As his mind was going over everything that he'd been told one thought took precedence. Arthur owed a lot to Merlin.

"Merlin...thank you." He left it at that. He wasn't one for heartfelt apologies and thank yous. He normally didn't even say them. He hoped though that Merlin understood.

Merlin smiled and Arthur knew he understood what that one thank you encompassed. The friends spent the rest of the time in silence. Arthur's head whirring with recent discoveries, he came to a sudden stop as something hit him.

"Merlin, remember what Gaius said about the questing beast?"

Merlin's confused expression showed he didn't understand what Arthur was talking about. So the prince elaborated, "Gaius said that the questing beast foreshadows a time of great upheaval. So doesn't that mean something very big is going to happen?"

Merlin's confusion cleared as he said, "Well I've known something bad is going to happen for a while now. The dragon's words after I forced him to give me the power to cure Morgana and then the Fisher King giving me the water from the Lake of Avalon, warning me of dark days to come." Merlin shrugged.

Arthur nodded, "Well I guess the dragon and the Fisher King are two people whose warnings you must not ignore. You've ignored them before and it definitely did you no good."

Merlin nodded, a slight bit of shame creeping up onto his face. Arthur continued, "Well this time around no matter what happens you won't have to face it alone."

Merlin turned to Arthur shocked, "So then you won't..."

Arthur rolled his eyes, "Have you ever seen me not repay a debt?"

Merlin's eyes turned sad, "Oh..."

Arthur though continued talking looking straight ahead with a slight smirk on his face, "Besides, through the stories I've heard, you've proven yourself to be a complete idiot! I'm surprised how you've managed to keep your head on your shoulders at times. You know you could have been killed...what are you smiling about you half-wit?"

Merlin's smile turned to a laugh as he said, "Well sire, I'm glad to see that you care."

Arthur's smirk vanished as he spluttered, "Where did you get that from?"

The banter kept continuing well into the night after which the friends fell asleep. Both reassured in the trust that they had for the other and although the Questing Beast that was slain foreshadowed dark days to come, the friends are comforted with the fact that they will not be alone in facing those days.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the rewritten version of this story. Please review that is how authors like me get feedback about the story! I hope I didn't bore anybody through this retelling!