Guilty Pleasures

[Guinevère]

"Rosa, go and pack yourself. I can handle myself for a few hours." Guinevère encouraged her friend who was also her personal handmaiden, a job Guinevère herself once held for Morgana. They were to leave for Eldor de Bois later this day. Packing a trunk of Amaren's things, Guinevère also had a travel bag she was working on. In it held some toys, and changes of clothing, some personal items he would need, and some fruit she could give him for the ride. Amaren was in the crib not far from where she was. While he was a year old, she had yet to move him to a larger bed since she feared he would roll off the edge. He stood up and was playing with the dragon--a gift from his father. Reaching over she took it, and made a fake rawring sound. 'GWEN!' Elyan's voice came in sounds in a hurry and worried. "Elyan?"

Turning she looked at the door way until he came in, with Thomas on his heels. 'Mama! Mama!' He ran forward and wrapped his arms around her waist, and Guinevère began to grow afraid. "What news?" Arthur?! Was it Arthur? Has news come of him from the battle? Was he . . .

'The castle is under attack. Morgana comes for Camelot.'

Her heart stopped for a moment and she hugged Thomas tighter to her, glancing back at Amaren who did not even seem to understand the emotions building in the room. Pulling Thomas from her, she knelt down and framed his face. "I need you to be brave for a few moments, and stay here with your brother. I need you too watch out for him for just a short while. I will send Rosa to you, while I go with Elyan for a moment. I will return very soon! I promise!" He looked afraid, but he nodded, and he did not cling or beg or cry. Her little boy was growing too fast! A kidnapping, and all the pressure put upon him was taking his childhood, and now this. She kissed his cheek, and vowed to herself to find a way to make everything up to him, before she rose and hurried to Elyan, who took her arm and lead her out into the hall.

Rosa was running down it, and Guinevère embraced her into a quick hug, and asked her to stay with the children until her return. Elyan took her to the last place she expected--Arthur's chambers. Looking around she noticed that Merlin, Gauis, Gwaine, and Percival were there. Waiting on them. Why were they here? Why was everyone in here? 'Gwen, we thought it safest to speak here. No one would think anyone would be in here.' Merlin explained, and walked forward, while the others looked at her with expressions of knowing a secret. Her heart beat harder.

"Why am I here?" She had assumed Elyan was taking her to explain what was happening, but now it seemed a decision had been made and everyone was expecting he to play a part that she didn't know. Yet there was something's in Percival's expression. He had always been the gentle giant, and he looked at her with something in his expression. The door behind her opened and Sir Leon walked in. 'Has she agreed?' He asked, and Her heart beat faster, as she turned to Elyan. Morgana was on their doorsteps and they had a plan that she needed to agree with? "Elyan?" She asked, hesitating.

Merlin stepped closer, but it was Elyan who spoke. 'You told Thomas to be brave, Gwen, now I need you to be as well. Morgana will take the castle. Her army is large, and her magic is deadly. We can hold her off, but it wont be enough, with out army engaging Odin far from here.' He moved to put his hand on her arm. 'And I am about to ask you to do something, that will be very hard for you to do.'

Ten minutes later, Guinevère was in disagreement. "Please! There HAS to be another way!" She looked between Merlin and Elyan, as they had just finished telling her their plan. Leon and the two other knights looked on from just a few feet away, but she could tell by the way they stood that time of short and they needed an answer quickly. "I cannot do what you ask of me!" She told Elyan, knowing he HAD to understand. He was FAMILY!

'Guinevère,' Leon spoke up, 'If it's true--' "If it's true?! You do this while still unsure?" She demanded, looking at the man she had known since she was a child. 'Then I will ask you, and I will trust your word.' He took a few steps closer, and Guinevère closed her eyes for a moment, trying to hold back the fear and panic from what they asked of her. 'Is Amaren your son, rather then a child you took in?' She inhaled slowly knowing this was the easy question. "Yes." She whispered. 'And is he the son of Arthur Pendragon, out king?' So formal, when before he had always been kind. While he was asking kindly, she still wished he would not. "He is." She admitted, looking into his face, knowing they would know he was born before their queen had died.

Leon was kind enough to have judgment in his face. 'Then give him to Merlin, and let us be the diversion to get the Pendragon heir out of Camelot.' The tearless sob broken though her lips, and she inhaled slowly to keep any other sound in. Elyan had reviled to them that she was with child again. "You are asking me to put one son above the other, Leon. To save one, and not the other." She looked up in his eyes, then to Merlin. "Please Merlin. I cannot. I could be brave and let them go, but I cannot save one and not the other." Merlin looked from her to Gaius, and for a long moment they two men just spoke silently about something before Merlin looked back at her and nodded his head once. Her breath came out in a relived gasp, and the knights hurried from the room, everyone already knowing their roles in this. 'The moment she breached the gates, I will come.' Merlin told her and hurried to run after the knights. Guinevère looked at Gaius for a moment, and hurried out.

It took Morgana half the night to breach the gates, and when Merlin came, Guinevère tearfully handed her youngest son to him. She had a bag packed, and kissed his head. The foil in their plan was Thomas, who refused to leave his mother. Not in tearful fear, but in stubborn refusal to leave her alone. Guinevère had put her foot down, and tired to make him go, but Thomas showing Lancelot's calm manner, and Arthur's stubbornness did not go with Merlin.

It was nearly dawn, when her world fell apart. The door to her chambers was forced opened, and Morgana entered, sword in hand, demanded they look for clues. Guinevère clutching Thomas to her, watched as they began looking. 'Gwen. My old friend. Did you miss me while I was gone? Or were you too busy with the Pendragon knights?' Guinevère didn't know what she was talking about. "Why are you doing this?"

'Make sure to check trunks, if anything was hidden it would be wrapped in her clothes.' Morgana called to her men, 'We caught your little earend boy. Everything in the citadel that he could save and he picked a baby?' Merlin! She had caught him! Looking around Guinevère looked for some sign of Amaren. "Wh---Where is my son?" She asked, not even noticing that she had given away that it was her son, though Morgana seemed to know that already.

'Leon tried to claim it was his son, but lets be honest Gwen. It was not hard to find the mother, and if you were her . . . we both know Leon wouldn't be the father. So why lie? "Please!" Guinevère begged her, "Where is my son?" A man entered from her chambers and held a bundle of letters. Arthur's letters! "No," She whispered, and tried to step forward but Thomas' arms was still around her and it held her still for a moment. Rosa pulled him back and Guinevère moved forward again, with Morgana's men grabbing her to stop her from reaching Morgana. "Morgana please!" No matter how hard she pulled against the man who held her, he still did not let her go. She would have bruises, she knew but if she could stop this! She needed to find Amaren!

Morgana flipped through the first few letters, seemingly enjoying Guinevère's panic more then reading the names on them. Then she paused at one, her eyes catching something. The other letters fluttered to the floor, and Guinevère knew they were found out! "Please! My son!" Though it only made her smile, 'And my brothers. More then one of my brothers' She muttered, looking up at Guinevère and at her belly that was only just hidden in the folds of her gown. 'While he was married too, not so moral and noble now are you Gwen?' Morgana waved her hand, and Rosa flew at the wall behind her, leaving Thomas standing there alone. Morgana walked toward him, pulling his chin up so she could look at him better. Then she used her magic again to sent him flawing backwards, "NO!" Guinevère yelled, watching Thomas fall to the ground. 'He is not my brother's son, but the other one is. Get me a messenger to Odin, and bring the child to me!' Then to looked at Guinevère. 'Lock the king's whore in her room.' "NO! MORGANA! PLEASE!" And with that, The men hurried out, and Guinevère ran to Thomas, picking him up in her arms, unable to stop the tears.

It was that night that they heard yelling, and screaming. An hour of it, before her door was opened and Merlin entered. They had taken back the castle, using some of the town's people and the knights fighting with the element of surprise. Morgana had fled. "Merlin . . . . Where is Amaren?" She asked, 'Is he not here?' He looked around. She still held Thomas in her arms, but he had awakened. Just claimed he was dizzy. Kneeling there she looked up at Merlin, as Elyan entered behind him, and the tears on her face caused her voice to shake. "Where is my son?!" Merlin turned to run past Elyan, as her brother ran forward to help Guinevère with Thomas. "Elyan? Please . . . where is Amaren?" He looked at her with a look on his face that she never wished to see again. 'We will get him back.' Get him back? Morgana had taken him!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was currently on patrol with a few other men. They were ensuring that their enemies had not gotten past and that they were not surrounded or being watched. The next battle would be in a couple of weeks, and Arthur wanted to make sure nothing compromised it and that Odin had no advantage over them. Well, with the exception of Morgana's magic. As they walked along the area, a nearby sound caused Arthur to pause. He pulled out his sword, walking closer to the sound and before he knew it . . . collided into the source. "Merlin?!" Arthur exclaimed in pure shock when he saw his friend standing there. "What the hell are you doing here?!" Merlin had clearly not meant to be seen for he looked frazzled and . . . panicked. Was that the right word to describe it? "Arthur, there is no time to explain!" Merlin tried to run off but Arthur grabbed him, stopping him from moving.

"Well then make time. What are you doing here?" Arthur knew something was wrong. Something was very wrong. Merlin looked behind him, and then at Arthur and Arthur could have sworn he detected hesitation in Merlin. "Morgana had taken over the city." Arthur stared at him, eyes widening at the thought. "Everyone's fine," Merlin quickly added, seeing the king's worry. "The knights regained control of it and everyone is accounted for . . . " Arthur knew there was more. "But?" He asked, trying to process everything. "But Morgana escaped before she could get caught. Taking your son with her." Arthur froze, feeling his entire body numb. Amaren. She . . . she had Amaren?! No. This was impossible! How had she gotten there? Why did she have him?! Unless . . . did she know?! Arthur opened his mouth to speak, but Merlin raised his hand to silence him.

"I know, Arthur. I know that he is your and Gwen's son. There's no time to explain everything right now. I just need you to trust me to bring him back." There was so much Arthur wanted to ask, so much he needed to know to fill the holes and questions in his mind. "You're not going alone," Arthur stated in a tone that suggested it was not up for discussion. Merlin for whatever reason, did not seem in favor of that. "You need to either stay at the battlefield or return to the city. I will bring him back." Arthur was not about to let Merlin go after his son alone. "I'm not asking you, Merlin. I'm going with you." Without so much as informing the men he had been patrolling with, Arthur headed toward the direction that he could see Merlin's tracks coming from. After a few moments, Merlin grabbed Arthur's arm to stop him. "Arthur, you need to understand something." There was no time for this! But there was an unfamiliar urgency in Merlin's voice.

"Would you do anything to protect those you love?" What an absurd question! "Merlin, I don't have time for your attempt at wisdom." Arthur continued forward, pulling himself from Merlin's grasp and he continued forward. "All I care about it is finding Amaren and bringing him home no matter what the--" Arthur froze when he saw what was waiting in the clearing. He immediately pulled out his sword, his eyes widening at what was there . . . and the response was mutual. The dragon looked at Arthur and raised his neck up in the air. Arthur didn't speak dragon so he had no idea what that meant. He only knew that the last time he had seen him . . . the dragon had attempted to burn down the city. NO WAIT! The last time he had seen him, Arthur had given him a mortal wound. "He's not going to hurt you," Merlin reassured him, though the words were useless. "And . . . he's faster than a horse." WHAT was Merlin suggesting?! Wait, what was Merlin doing with a dragon?! A dragon that Arthur had supposedly killed because . . . because that was what Merlin had told him.

"I don't . . . I don't under-- what . . . " Arthur couldn't even form words. The shock of what he was seeing and the fear of his son in danger was all too much for him right now. Perhaps that's why he could hardly speak right now. Merlin walked toward the dragon as the creature lowered himself so that Merlin could get on. Arthur was far more reluctant. "I am not getting on that thing!" He protested, though that was not exactly the first thought on his mind. "I am going after Morgana Arthur, with or without you." Arthur just stared wide eyed at the creature, and at Merlin, not sure how one found the other . . . and how Merlin was so calmly sitting on the beast that had once tried to kill them all! "Hurry!" He claimed, and Arthur, blaming the shock of everything, put his sword in his sheath and very hesitantly went toward the dragon. He paused before actually getting on it, feeling completely unsafe, and even more so when the creature took off, flying in the air. Arthur gripped onto it tightly, though that hardly eased his worry.

"I thought you said I killed it?!" Arthur whispered, as if he was afraid the dragon would hear him and fling him off his back. "Arthur, I'm afraid that this is just the start of things you don't know." That was hardly comforting, but Arthur didn't care. Well, that was a lie. He did. He did care. But he cared more about Amaren right now. He was blindly trusting Merlin, and he wasn't sure why for he had lied to him about this dragon -- about having known the dragon. And . . . he just didn't know what to say. So he remained silent for the most part, occasionally tightly closing his eyes but opening them every now and then. He was riding a dragon as if this was the most normal means of travel. What was happening?!?

[Guinevère]

It had been hours since Morgana had taken her son. Leaving her in a emotional state that no mother should have to ever be in--and she had been here twice. First when Thomas was taken, and now her other son. She had gotten Thomas back, but this time Arthur was not here! She wanted him to be here and ride after them! Bring her son home! Their son home!

Leon had tired to lie to Morgana, and claim that Amaren was his to protect the heir, and he was dying for it. Stabbed by Morgana herself. Thomas was well, but she still feared for her other son. Elyan had ridden out after Morgana, with Gwaine and Percival. Sir Arryn had ridden out to get word to Arthur. Somehow everyone knew. Amaren, son of Arthur, was taken. The men Morgana had left behind, had taken their fun gloating the knights of Camelot.

When Leon lied, in the room full of men, they knew something had been wrong. When Morgana found the letter, her men had been gleeful with the news. After the knights took back the city, they begin looking for the heir. Arthur had not wished for this to happen--at least not yet, but it was out of their hands now.

To add to matters, Guinevère began feeling the telling tightness in her back. Then it moved to her belly. Her emotional state was bringing her child into this world too early. She prayed the pains would stop, even seeking out Gaius for help. "It is too soon." She told him, and he agreed. "Can the baby survive this early?" She asked, and his face told her everything.

In her chambers, Rosa kept trying to remind her to stay calm in order to help stop this--but she could not. She was afraid. So very afraid that this would not be the day she lost a child--but the day she lost two.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had no words to describe riding on the dragon. He remained silent for the entire time, which would have ordinarily made Merlin nervous yet the two seemed to have much grander things on their mind. One common thing: Amaren. Arthur had not told Merlin that he was his son, and yet he knew. Was it just because it was Merlin or . . . did everyone know? Protecting reputations right now was not important to him. He was far more concerned with protecting his son's life. He had failed protecting those he loved so many times, and he knew that this was exactly what Guinevère had been afraid of. She had said that his enemies would use his children against him, and she was right. At the time, his response had been cold, stating that he never thought her capable of making him feel better off without children. Part of that was still true, and at the same time, he would not trade the time he had with his children for anything in this world. He was grateful for it. Knowing that it made him incredibly selfish and unfair.

Finally, the time came when they had to get off the dragon to better track Morgana on foot. The dragon couldn't exactly breathe fire on her in case she was carrying Amaren. Wait . . . would the dragon actually do that?! Arthur dared not ask. When the dragon made his landing, Arthur never felt so relieved for his feet to be touching the ground. He immediately hopped off the beast and looked at him, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Um . . . thank you?" He didn't know what to say. Apparently the dragon understood as he lowered his head to Arthur and Merlin gave him a look that Arthur could not describe -- nor have the time to try. With that, the dragon went off, one of his wings looking wounded. Merlin had briefly explained that he was unwell, and that was why they had paused in the clearing, to allow him rest. But that was not Arthur's first question. "The tracks lead this way," Arthur said, following whatever tracks he saw. They had managed to catch up to her, which he knew would have been impossible had they not had the aid of the dragon.

Hiding behind trees, Arthur saw Morgana and the men she had fled with in the near distance. His eyes did not have to search long for Amaren, as he saw his son in the arms of Morgana. Arthur never hated Morgana as much as he did in this moment. He wanted to run over there and grab his son from her, not wanting her anywhere near him. "Distract them. I'll do the rest," Merlin instructed him. "Aren't you usually the diversion?" Arthur asked, since Merlin had no skills with a sword and posed as no threat. "Trust me." "I swear if you say that one more time . . . " But despite Merlin's lie, there was something that made Arthur still trust him. There was an odd sort of confidence and certainty in Merlin. His friend had moments like that when he counseled Arthur to do the right thing, but it felt different now. And there was no time to argue. So with that, Merlin walked in the other direction, and Arthur took a deep breath, before walking out revealing himself.

He held his hands up, showing that he would not reach for his weapon as the men scurried to their feet and drew their own. Morgana remained completely calm and composed. "Arthur.How good of you to join us." Arthur looked at his son, wrapped in a blanket but still cradled in her arms. "Look Amaren, we have a guest. Say hello to your father." The last word was spoken in that familiar bitter tone that Morgana used, as if throwing it in his face. "Please Morgana. He is a child. He has done nothing to you." He was not above begging for his son's life. "He exists. That is cause enough." Her words made a chill run down his spine at how willing she was to kill his son. He knew there was no denying it, for she already knew. Whatever Merlin was planning, he hoped it worked. "He does look like the perfect combination of you and Guinevère." And of course she knew who the mother was. She looked up at him, that familiar smirk on her face.

"How noble of you Arthur. Lying to the kingdom about your son, betraying your wife, using Guinevère. It is truly a wonder you have the guts to show your face at all." Arthur kept silent. He knew he had no honor, he had lost it the day he had put both Elena and Guinevère in a horrible position. He could only stare at his son, afraid of what Morgana would do. The other men surrounded him but they seemed to have confidence that Morgana would keep the situation controlled and in her favor. "You have what you want. I am standing right here. Amaren has nothing to do with this." Morgana continued to smirk, clearly unwilling to change her mind or show compassion. "You're in no position to make deals. I have you, and I have the heir to Camelot in my arms. Without either of you, the throne will be mine. Though I may keep you alive. Just long enough to see you fail in protecting your son, and let Odin finish you off." The thought of watching his son die . . . seeing another one of his children die . . . was unbearable.

His eyes widened as he watched her pull out a dagger. He lunged forward but was held back by the four men surrounding him. He fought it, but tears formed in his eyes as she raised the dagger to the baby, Amaren's cries filling the air. He cried for her to stop, begging her to stop, yet she was deriving all too much pleasure in this. "Goodbye, Amaren Pendragon." With the point of the dagger just touching the child, suddenly Morgana was thrown back, being thrown against a tree trunk. Instead of Amaren going with her, he was floating in the air. Arthur didn't care about that right now, he only cared about getting to his son. The shock of what had happened loosened the grip of the men, as Arthur fought himself free, pulling out his sword and killing one, while the other three were thrown back in the same manner as Morgana. Arthur dropped his sword and rushed toward Amaren, taking hold of him in his arms. His son had been crying and Arthur held him close to his chest. He placed his lips on Amaren's forehead, letting a tear fall from his eyes as he rocked him against his chest. There were no words capable of explaining the relief he felt, the comfort he felt, the fear he had felt.

Arthur only opened his eyes and raised his head when he saw Merlin step out from where he had been. There was something about the way he was standing, the expression on his face . . . a different kind of strength. That was when Arthur realized it. "Y-You? You . . . you did this?" He didn't know what emotion was in his voice. Merlin only slowly nodded and walked toward them, where Arthur instinctively took a step back. Merlin . . . had magic? No. That was impossible! He would have known! Surely he would have known. But . . . the dragon . . . this . . . Arthur didn't know what to say. "It was the only way to save him. I use it, only for you Arthur. Only to protect you and Camelot." Arthur shook his head, shock consuming every fiber of his being. All these years . . . all this time . . . it had been Merlin. They had limited time however before the sound of horses neared them. Arthur spun around to see the knights, those he called brothers: Elyan, Percival and Gwaine, standing there with more knights. Arthur just stared at them, tightly clutching his son to his chest, afraid to let go.

"Long live the king! Long live the prince!" The chant filled the air as Arthur closed his eyes. They knew. They all knew. He could not hide it. The world would soon know that he had an heir. He was proud of his son, proud to be a father, yet was so very afraid that this was just the beginning of his enemies targeting Amaren because of his bloodline. His fear was becoming a reality. He looked down at his son who's crying had ceased and was staring up at his father with wide eyes. Arthur put his forehead against Amaren's. Despite everything else, there was an immediate peace filling his body at the feeling of holding his son. And realizing that each second he stood here, he was depriving Guinevère of the same peace. He didn't say a word to Merlin. He didn't say a word to anyone. He just mounted on one of the horses they had brought, keeping his son close to him, and wordlessly riding back to Camelot.

[Guinevère]

The pains were coming too close together. Gaius had tried to give her something to make her sleep, but it fail to work, only made her tired. He did not wish to give her more, for it would endanger the child more then it already was. Guinevère was sitting on the bed, her mind on both children that she was at a risk of loosing, as her night gown was pushed to her waste, and Gaius pushed on her shoulders to get her to lie down.

But she could not. The pains were too strong. Arthur! She had wanted him here, wanted to give him another child. Now it seemed the next news she would give him would not be joyous. It would be that Morgana had his son, and she had lost the next. Biting back a scream she fought not to push, but everything in her tried to make her. Looking up at Gaius, she begin to cry, "Is there any hope for my baby?" She needed him to lie to her. 'I'm sorry, Gwen. It's so early. We can only wait and pray.' Another pain came then, but this time she could not hold back the sound of pain.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had not said a word to anyone, especially not Merlin. His thoughts were preoccupied with getting Amaren home to Guinevère, and only then would he be able to fully absorb everything that had happened. The knights had brought with them news of the battle, that Camelot had its final victory and drove Odin's forces back. At least that was another piece of good news. The greatest of all, was that Amaren was safe. They rode forward, only stopping when Amaren needed a break. Arthur was anxious to get back and wanted to get there as soon as possible. Finally, he could see the castle in the distance and before he knew it, they had entered through the gates. Arthur leaped off his horse, holding Amaren close to him and racing inside. "Where's Guinevère?" He asked one of the guards. He knew that there was no point in hiding anything anymore. Everyone knew that Amaren was their son. He raced to where the guard had said Guinevère was and without knocking, barged inside. What he saw however, caused him to freeze. Guinevère was on the bed, Gaius near her and . . . she did not look well.

Whatever relief he felt at his son's safety, was replaced when concern filled him once more for Guinevère's well being. He rushed toward the bed, sitting on the edge of it next to her. "Guinevère," he said, his voice filled with panic. "What's going on? What's wrong?" He looked between Gaius and her, but as Amaren squirmed in Arthur's arms, he realized that this was why he had rushed back. And Amaren was eager to get in his mother's arms. He softly smiled handing Amaren to Guinevère, but he was far from relaxed. He looked at Gaius who's expression held that typical one of concern. Finding no reassurance in it, he turned back to Guinevère. Fear filled his entire body. He had been so worried about leaving his family behind, then he had been worried about losing Amaren . . . nothing had prepared or braced him for the possibility of losing Guinevère. He placed his hand on Guinevère's forehead, gently stroking it. It was damp with sweat and warm. In a soft whispered voice, for he was so afraid, he spoke. "What's happening?"

[Guinevère]

It hurt but Guinevère knew it would--the emotional side, not just the physical one. Gaius held her shoulders while a midwife stood at her feet when she heard another voice.....she knew that touch! Forcing her eyes opened, she saw his face! "Arthur!" He was here! He was here with "Amaren! You saved him!" She cried, pushing closer to pull their son into her arms, and pressed kisses on his head. "Thank you! Thank you!" She knew he would never need thanks for it, but knew it was important to say.

It was then she felt a pain again, and she held back her cry so not to frighten her son. She could hear Rosa's voice, telling her she needed to take Amaren out of the room. Guinevère clung to him a moment before Rosa pulled him free. Looking up at Arthur she reached for him, "I am sorry." She whispered, knowing this would devastate him. "I am so sorry," she cried. Then Gaius spoke up, 'Sire, it is too early for the child to survive outside the womb. I am sorry, you might want to leave the room now.' Guinevère looked up at Arthur silently begging him to stay. She could be brave for him, but alone she feared she could not do this.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Guinevère was right in thinking that he never needed thanks for this . . . especially as it was his own fault. Thomas's kidnapping had been because of him and now Amaren's was too. But now was not the time to let the guilt eat away at him. Something was very wrong. Amaren and Guinevère's reunion was short, as Rosa took their son away, but Arthur remained by her side. He was too concerned to let the enjoyment of them being all together linger on. Guinevère was apologizing and Arthur had no idea what for. "Don't apologize Guinevère," he said softly, continuing to stroke her forehead. Even if he didn't know what she was saying it for, he knew she had no reason to apologize. She never did. Gaius then spoke and it took a moment for Arthur to fully comprehend his words. He wasn't . . . he couldn't be saying . . . that . . . no. NO. Arthur had heard such words before. He had been through it before.

As grateful as he was for two other children, his heart could not bare the thought of holding another dead child in his arms. Nor did he ever want Guinevère to endure such a pain. "No," he said, in denial of what Gaius was saying to him, but also . . . in response to his urge to leave the room. "I am not losing another child, Gaius. Do you understand? This baby must live. You do what you can for Guinevère and our baby. Do whatever it takes." He was pleading with Gaius, yet knew he could only do what was within his medical capacity. Still. Arthur didn't care that he was being irrational. The thought of losing their child was making his head spin. He could not go through that; he could not let Guinevère go through that. Sitting on the edge of the bed next to her, took her hand in his, holding it tightly, knowing that there were tears forming in his eyes because . . . as much as he rejected Gaius' words, the situation was familiar.

He may not have loved Elena as much as he loved Guinevère, or even in the same way, but he loved his children. Gripping her hand he looked at Guinevère, forcing a soft smile to help reassure her though Gaius had seemed to deflate all hope. "I'm not going anywhere," he told both Guinevère and Gaius -- though his gaze was fixated on her. Whether it was appropriate or not for him to stay . . . Guinevère was not going through this alone. Although, he felt so helpless. So powerless to do anything. With Thomas and Amaren, he rode out immediately to find them. But right now . . . all the skills he had learned in his entire life were completely useless in these moments. And it only added to how terrified he was that they were going to lose their baby.

[Guinevère]

He said he would stay and Guinevère felt her heart beat easier, but still sad at the same time. Their child was going to die because she failed to protect him. "Arthur," she whispered his name in a saddened tone. She could not say more because another pain took her, this one stronger then all the others. Gripping his hand she cried out and felt everything shift.

The midwife yelled for her to push, and with a few painful pushes the child entered the world. Guinevère knew something was wrong when no sound came, and she began to cry, knowing that meant the babe could not breathe. She let Arthur go, wanting him to bring her their child. She wanted to see him. Just once. Just once. "Arthur?" She looked at him, "What's happening?" She could not see because of the tears and the distance. "Is....is he....?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Seeing the tears in Guinevère's eyes, and the cries of pains . . . how he wished he could make everything better. They had prepared for him never returning, but they had not prepared for this. For potentially losing their baby. He kept a firm grip on her hand, letting her squeeze it as hard as she needed to. Until . . . he saw a head and then a tiny body. Tears formed in his eyes, this time harder to hold back, for there was silence. A familiar silence indeed. The baby was not breathing. Gaius seemed to expect this as they separated the child from the mother and with his lack of instruction to help the baby, it seemed that the child's fate was already sealed. "It's a girl," Gaius said. Anna. They had a daughter, Anna. "Here. Hold her just once." Arthur didn't like those words. Just once. Hold her, just once.

As if they would never get another opportunity to hold her. His arms numbly reached for the child, passing it to Guinevère. Such a familiar feeling. Having a baby in his arms that wasn't breathing. Anna's breaths were small, strained . . . the life slowly leaving her body. The tears spilled over his eyes. He was crying, more than he had in so long. He . . . he couldn't do this. He couldn't bare this. Words felt impossible. He could not even speak their daughter's name out of fear for never being able to say it again. This was not how it was supposed to be. Anna was supposed to enter this world crying, until she was in her mother's arms, and then her father's. How could fate be so cruel? How could it snatch another child from him? How could it deprive Guinevère from having a daughter?

[Guinevère]

Guinevère watched Arthur's face as everything happened. She held her breath waiting for the miracle that would happen, one that would begin with a breath and lead to a cry. When nothing came she shut her eyes, fighting to hold in the pain, until Gaius spoke. Opening then she looked at the babe he handed her. Anna. Her Anna. The daughter she wished for. So small. Half the size that either of her brothers were at birth.

Anna did not even have her eyes opened, her fist just mindlessly swung as she fought for life and was loosing. Guinevère moved her finger to Anna's hand and tried to get her to hold it, but the fist would not open. "I am so sorry, Anna." Guinevère whispered to her daughter. "So very sorry." Looking up at Arthur she knew he was hurting too. She could not do this! She could not say goodbye! It was breaking her in ways she could not imagine. Reaching for his hand, she moved it to Anna's head, as if the comfort of her father would ease her.

[/quote]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Guinevère was apologizing to Anna, and . . . Arthur couldn't bare this. He needed his baby girl to live. He needed Anna to win this fight. But she was so small, so delicate. Her struggle was to no avail, and her movements became less and less. She was suffocating, unable to breathe or make any sort of sound. And Arthur felt his heart breaking at the sight. He looked up at Gaius, his eyes pleading for him to do something, when he then noticed Merlin standing there. Merlin! Before even thinking anything through, Arthur took Anna from Guinevère's arms and rushed toward Merlin. "Do something!" He urged him. His voice was desperate, his eye filled with tears. Never had he spoken to Merlin with such urgency. But . . . after what he had recently discovered, Merlin may very well have the power to save her. "Merlin, I am begging you. Please! Do something. Anything! Save her, I don't care what the cost is just . . . please." He knew it may be foolish to trust magic again -- especially after having tried to use it to save his father.

But, Merlin had used his powers to save Amaren. And apparently, to save Arthur several times in the past. Couldn't it now be used to save Anna? It was their last hope, for no medicine would cure her. This could be the only way. Merlin's expression was filled with sympathy, and Arthur didn't care right now that he was in tears, begging his servant -- his friend -- to help him. "I'll try," was all Merlin said and Arthur knew why. In case he couldn't save her, he didn't want to make the promise. But Arthur's heart filled with hope once more as he watched Merlin place his hand on Anna's forehead. He closed his eyes and began to speak foreign words -- a language Arthur did not understand, but assumed it was magic. When Merlin's eyes opened, they transformed from their natural color, to a golden one. It was almost scary to see Merlin in such a way, but Arthur was not thinking of that right now. He was only thinking of how this could save their baby.

Arthur held his breath as he waited, Merlin seemed to do the same. Arthur wasn't looking at Gaius, or even Guinevère in this moment. His gaze was completely fixated on Anna. After what felt like an eternity, she made a little sound and then began to cry. Arthur finally breathed, feeling able to for the first time since he'd found out Amaren had been kidnapped. She was alive! Merlin broke out into a relieved smile, where as Arthur held Anna close to his chest, kissing her forehead. He looked at Merlin, mouthing Thank you to him for he could not speak in these moments. Gaius came over to take a look at her, but seemed to know that she was alright. Still smaller than usual, but she was breathing. Now, Arthur could look at her, truly look at her as her eyes squinted. He wanted to share this moment with Guinevère, so walked back to the bed, sitting at the edge of it, smiling with tears still in his eyes. Still finding it hard to form words due to the array of emotions in these last several moments. He leaned down to kiss her once more time before passing her to Guinevère.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère felt Arthur take Anna from her, and she let him, thinking he wished a moment with her. It was when he moved away that she reached for him, "Arthur?" She wasn't ready to loose the sight of her daughter, and he was walking away--to Merlin? "Arthur?" She called again and he did not reply but instead begged Merlin to do something? Merlin, not Gaius? Arthur even spoke of not carrying what the cost is. What was happening?

Merlin moved his hand over Anna, and his eyes turned colors..... Magic!? Merlin was using it magic?! Guinevère sat there in shock for a moment, too much hitting her in her such a short time. Then a sound broke through the numbness of the shock--A CRY! Anna was crying! Breathing! Guinevère felt a sob break from her chest.Anna was breathing, and crying, and magic--which had killed her father, his father and mother, and cause Morgana to go mad and hate them--magic saved Anna. Merlin healed her. She was crying too, and Arthur brought Anna back to her, kissing his daughter before handing Anna to her. Guinevère pulled Anna into her and held her tightly for a long moment before pulling back and watching her daughter breathe and cry and move with ease.

Looking up at Merlin, then to Gaius, and lastly to Arthur, she knew she didn't care. She was the only one surprised, but she didn't care. Anna was alive, that was all that mattered. The rest she could deal with tomorrow. This time when Guinevère moved her finger to Anna's hand, and the fingers wrapped around her. "Thank you." She said to no one and everyone.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was mesmerized, staring at her daughter. He had never had a moment like this before . . . and sharing it with the woman he loved made it all the more incredible. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Merlin and Gaius heading toward the door, giving Arthur and Gwen some privacy to welcome the newest addition to their family to this world. Arthur forced his gaze from Anna and walked toward the two men. He stopped in front of Merlin, still unable to speak. He didn't know what to say. How did one thank another for saving his life, twice. Because Amaren, Anna, they were Arthur's life. He would not have survived their death, and he didn't want Guinevère to have to either. Words could not express his gratitude, they could not even come close. Magic may be used, but it was used for good, and this was the first time in all of Arthur's life that he had witnessed used for something apart from evil. It had saved the lives of two children.

Words had never been his strong suit and he could see the nervousness in Merlin, unsure as to how the king would react. Arthur was not angry, not right now. So he had done something he'd never done before. He leaned forward, and embraced Merlin in a hug. He wanted Merlin to know that he was safe here in Camelot. That Arthur had no intention of banishing him . . . but rather, would have to make decisions changing the laws to accept magic. Because it had done wonders today. After the prolonged embrace, he pulled away, putting his hands on Merlin's shoulders and give him a bit of a nod. Glancing at Gaius and giving him a small nod as well, Arthur turned and walked back to Guinevère as Merlin and Gaius left the room. Arthur moved to the other side of the bed, climbing on and seated upright so that his back was against the board of the bed and his legs out in front of him. He had one arm around Guinevère, as she held their daughter.

With his unoccupied hand, Arthur gently stroked Anna's cheek with his index finger. She was so small, and it created this strong urgency in him to protect her from every and any threat in this world, no matter how big or small. He turned his head, kissing Guinevère's temple and letting his lips rest there as he finally found the words to say. "Thank you." Thank you, for giving him a daughter. For letting him share in this moment. For loving him, and allowing him to love her. For . . . everything. He had never truly thanked her before, for the first time he held Amaren with the knowledge that he was his son, he had been angry. He could not even recall if he thanked her or offered any words of gratitude. This time, he would not make that mistake. He was grateful beyond words that even a mere thank you did not suffice. He owed Guinevère and Merlin everything, and would spend the rest of his life expressing his thanks to both Guinevère, his true love, and Merlin, his brother of heart.

[Guinevère]

Arthur moved to the bed, after everyone had left, and put his arm around her. He thanked her but she knew this was not her doing. She had almost failed Anna, and it was Arthur and Merlin who saved her. Looking up at Arthur, she moved closer so she could kiss him. When she pulled back, Guinevère looked into his eyes, trying to sort out her thoughts. "Amaren!" Looking toward the door, she knew that he was here! Alive and from what little she saw, unhurt. "He is well? Morgana did not . . . . did she hurt him?"

So many things to ask. How had Arthur found him, come here? How had Merlin saved Anna? She felt tired, and emotionally exasulsted, but for now she was in Arthur's arms! She wanted her son! She wanted to see him but the bed was still a mess and so was she. Guinevère did not want to frighten him. Still, it was need that she wanted to fill. Torn she looked back at Arthur. "I don't understand." What ha happened?

[Arthur Pendragon]

As he watched Anna, Guinevère suddenly said their son's name. Arthur had no idea what had happened in the city when Morgana had control over it. Even in that short time, she had managed to do so much damage. Physical and emotional. "He's safe. He is well and completely unharmed." He knew that Guinevère and him would have a great deal to talk about. What happened here, how much Morgana knew . . . what the kingdom knew, and what actions they would have to take. And then of course Merlin. And the most shocking reveal, one that Arthur never would have ever been able to predict. "There is much to discuss," he said softly.

"But right now, you need to rest. We will speak of everything at a later time." He didn't want her to worry. He just wanted her to know that the children were safe, and that she had nothing to worry about. He looked back at Anna, smiling at her, at the way she looked, the way she moved, as limited as her mobility was. "She's perfect." She was small, and he knew she may have health complications . . . but she was still perfect. She would grow to be the beautiful image of her mother. "Just like her mother," Arthur said, lightly kissing Anna on the cheek again, which only made her make a little whimpering sound. Was she uncomfortable? Would Gaius need to give her something else? So much needed to be done and said, yet right now, he just wanted to enjoy the moment; being next to the two females he loved most in this world.

[Guinevère]

The medicine Gaius had given her to 'slow' or 'stop' Anna's birth had made her tired rather then done the job, and now it was really taking effect. She was tired but there was much on her mind. "I was so afraid. She used magic and through Thomas into a wall. Took Amaren. Nearly killed Leon. Rosa . . . " So much hate for one person. "I thought I would loose them both, then somehow you voice was here, and everything is alright."

She wanted to hold Amaren. Check on Thomas again. Hold Anna more. So much she NEEDED but her eyes were so heavy. Gaius and his drugs. She handed Anna to Arthur, and pulled herself into his shoulder to rest on it. Soon the sheets would need to be changed, and soon she would go find her sons. But for this moment, after being over whelmed for so long, she could not hold her eyes opened.

When she opened her eyes, she was not sure how much time had passed. She was alone in bed, and the sheets were clean. Hearing voices in the next room, she pushed to stand--pausing at the soreness--and then going slowly to get her robe. She changed gowns, into another easy to slip on night gown, and slipped the robe over it, before slowly walking into the next room. There she found her family. Thomas was at the table eating, Amaren was playing with his food that he might have at one point tried to eat, and Arthur was there with Anna.

Walking into the room, she came up behind Thomas, and kissed his head, then moved to Amaren and kissed his head, pausing to just hold him a moment grateful he was no longer kidnapped. Turning she came up to Arthur, paused for a moment before deciding she would not hide, and framed his face before kissing him on the lips. She could hear a fork drop, and knew she had shocked Thomas. 'Mama kissed the king!' He told his brother, surprised at her actions. Pulling back she reached for Anna, and then took the chair nearest Arthur, sitting slowly down, and then relaxing into the chair.

[Arthur Pendragon]

When Guinevère had drifted off, Arthur waited a few more moments to ensure that she was in a deep slumber before moving. He took Anna to Gaius, asking him to check and make sure she was well. Gaius said that because she was so premature, she would remain abnormally small, and weak for the first several months of her life . . . but she would live. That was all Arthur needed to hear. The rest, they could take care of. Making sure Guinevère was not alone, he sent a maid to her, and Rosa eventually took her place, though was still recovering. It was Rosa however who changed the sheets and tended to Guinevère. Arthur then checked on the others who had been wounded. Thomas, who was recovering well, with a bit of bruising on his head. Leon, who had been stabbed but the man was practically immortal for he would survive. And then anyone else who had been subject to Morgana's violence.

She had not had the time to do too much damage to the city, and Arthur spoke with the council and knights. Everyone knew that Amaren was his son, and they had dozens of questions, but Arthur answered them simply and to the point. The war was over, and their troops were returning to the city. They had won. But word arrived that Godwyn's health was worsening. Arthur would have to try and visit him at some point soon. The day progressed with errands and tasks, leaving the children in the care of Merlin -- whom Arthur had spoken to at length -- and the other knights took their turn. Eventually when things had calmed down a little, Arthur decided that he wanted to spend time alone with the children. And Guinevère. So they gathered in the room she was resting in, the curtain pulled to partition it so they would not disturb her. Arthur was holding Anna, gently swaying her back at forth.

"Amaren, don't play with your food," he instructed. But Amaren just squealed and kept banging the spoon on the table. "Shhh, your mother is resting," Arthur told him. The sound caused Anna distress as she whimpered, at which point Arthur just made a soothing hushing sound. Thomas was talking about all that had happened during Arthur's absence, as well as asking questions about the war. Arthur was trying to answer them, but Thomas' excitement was making him talk faster than he could think. Amaren flung some food across the table, making Thomas laugh and Arthur giving him a disapproving look. Though it faded when he saw Amaren brightly smile, clearly proud of his work and Arthur couldn't help but smile and give a small laugh in return. At that moment, he saw Guinevère join them, and Arthur's smile grew as she went to each of their children . . . and then to him, kissing him on the lips at which point Arthur closed his eyes and embraced it.

He was so relieved that she was alright, that both her and Anna had made it out of the delivery alive. And that Thomas and Amaren had made it out of Morgana's wrath alive. Everything seemed to be falling into place. Thomas pointed out that they were kissing, and Arthur's mind went back to when the young boy had caught Guinevère and Arthur kissing in the tent. They had asked him to keep it a secret, both feeling guilty for the burden it would place on the boy. But now, they need not worry about it any longer. "Thomas, finish your food," Arthur told him, no command in his voice, but with the authority of . . . well, of a father. With Anna safely in her mother's arms, Arthur went over to Amaren and picked up the cloth, starting to wipe the food off his face. "How are you feeling?" He asked Guinevère. He was glad that she had spent the day resting, and knew that she would need all the rest she could get in the days, even weeks, to come.

[Guinevère]

Arthur asked her how she was feeling and she watched him with a smile. "I will feel better in a few days," She admitted to him, not wanting to give him a lie when he would know it to be one. She hurt, and was sore but she wanted to be here more then anything. Guinevère knew not to over tire herself, and would return to bed before she did. This time with Anna--and with luck Arthur--to join her. It would be a while before she could do anything more then just hold him, but she wanted to hold him so very much.

'Her name is Anna, Mama, and we can keep her!' Thomas told Guinevère, and she smiled at him, almost sadly because she knew she had much to explain to him, and even a few lies she had to apologize for. Opening her lips she began to speak, but then paused and just smiled again. "How is your head?" 'I am alright!' he told her with a smile, "Thank you for being so brave." Thomas only grinned at her, and went back to eating.

She looked at Arthur, knowing that before she could talk to Thomas, she needed to talk to Arthur. Too much was unknown, and too much was now known, that they needed to speak before she could explain things to Thomas. "How is everything?" She asked, picking a easy topic while everyone was here. Morgana had taken the kingdom but Guinevère had been locked in her rooms, so she did not know the damage.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was grateful for her honesty, though he still wished that she was not in so much pain. Still, he would be sure that she rested not only for a few days, but weeks. She needed it. He would do whatever he could to help look after the children, their children. "You need rest. Take weeks, not days to ensure you give yourself enough time to fully heal." He planned to help ensure that as well. He gave a small chuckle when Thomas said that they could keep Anna. There was a lot that they would have to explain to Thomas . . . for everything was about to changed. In fact, it already had. Arthur finished wiping Amaren's face and as he seemed to be done with dinner, Arthur lifted him off his high chair and onto the ground, where he sat with him as Amaren played with the stuffed dragon Arthur had given him before going to war.

"All is well," he assured her. "Rosa is recovered. Leon's wound is healing well." For he knew that that was something that had been worrying Guinevère. "The war against Odin is over. Camelot was victorious." Which filled Arthur with relief for now terms would have to be discussed to make sure Odin's forces stayed back, and that the vengeful king would not strike at Camelot again. The same could not be said about Morgana. But still. One less threat made all the difference. He rose from the ground, moving to the table and putting some food on a plate, moving it in front of Guinevère. "You should try to eat something, even if it just a little." For she had been resting all day and needed to regain her energy, even though it would take time.