A Restless Night (Elyan)

[Caitrin de Archer]

Perhaps Elyan would one day be lucky enough to have his own family. Caitrin hoped so, as her family really was the best thing to happen to her. Just thinking about holding her children just made her feel complete in a sense and he fingers smoothed across her swollen flesh. The child stirred within her, though at least she wasn’t being beaten black and blue from the inside out now. She was sure she would be sore in the morning because of the amount her child seemed intent on moving within her. Though she liked it, as it showed the child was strong and healthy, she hated the scars it left upon her already tender flesh. “Well I hope you have the pleasure of having your own family one day.” She said with a soft smile towards him.

Caitrin was glad she hadn’t upset, or even insulted Elyan with her ignorance. She was never that good with names anyway, and though she knew the Queen had a brother and perhaps she should have suspected Elyan was her brother, she just hadn’t made the connection. Then again, her thoughts didn’t run far past her current state at the moment, seeing as it seemed to dictate everything she did at the moment. “Perhaps they could.” Caitrin said rather enthusiastically, “I can just picture it now.” She giggled softly to herself, if Arthur and Gwen did have a child she was sure she would at least be in the childs life for a limited capacity, mainly because she was close friends with Arthur. It was cute to imagine their children getting along so well as well.

“The red hair would certainly bring the Mercian touch to the Camelot court.” She said gently with a wink. You didn’t really come across red haired people in Camelot mainly because the hair colour was dominant in the north, so that was the only link Caitrin had with her people. Her mother had been from beyond the north of Mercia, and she had burning red hair. Being on patrol sounded quite interesting anyway, “I hope you don’t expect me to pursue anyone.” She jested lightly, knowing she couldn’t wander too far. Griff didn’t like her being too far away, especially as her condition was quickening by the day. It sounded quite dramatic in general to Caitrin and her eyes widened. She’d heard about Cenred’s men before, and she’d been in Camelot when they had meant to attack the citadel many years ago. She wasn’t quite sure what to say, “Quite odd circumstances to settle in one place?” She jested lightly, trying not to dwell too much on Cenred. “Well Camelot defiantly has me body and soul.” It was true, Caitrin didn’t want to move back to Mercia, she was perfectly happy where she was now.

[cherryblossom131]

“Well I hope you have the pleasure of having your own family one day.” Elyan smiled warmly at her. "One day." One day in the far future. "So do I." That was the only thing Elyan could promise to himself right now. But he knew now deep inside him that he wanted to experience the one adventure he hadn't experienced yet. The adventure Caitrin was soon to begin. He hoped maybe one day he would get to. Maybe one day he would fall in love and start a family just like Caitrin had. He guessed only time would tell. Who knows, he could fall in love tomorrow. The thought amused him.

Elyan grinned at the picture that was also forming in his head. The image of a red-headed little boy or girl playing with his niece or nephew. It would definitely be a sight to see. "Wonderful, I'm sure they'd grow to be great friends." If they were boys, they could be knights together, brothers of heart. "Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?" It was a simple question, but he honestly didn't really know what her answer would be. With any other woman, he'd expect the answer to be daughter with the ridiculous reason that they would be easier to raise, but Caitrin didn't seem like the type to care about that kind of stuff.

"I'm sure a Mercian touch would be very welcome." There could never be enough different people in Camelot. A 'Mercian touch' would be a wonderful addition. It brought wonderful variety to the court of Camelot that surely nobody would refuse. “I hope you don’t expect me to pursue anyone.” Elyan chuckled. "That's alright, I'm sure I'll be able to manage." In her current state he doubted she could walk very fast let alone run after an adversary. "I don't really expect any attacks tonight, although we've been trained to expect the unexpected and always be on guard," Elyan said, referring to all the knights of Camelot as a whole. That's what they had to be; they had to fight as one, defend as one and protect as one. That's what made them so different from any other knights.

At her jest, Elyan smiled. "I think I missed Camelot too though, and my sister of course. And after something like that happening, it was my duty to protect her and what better way to do that than staying in one place for her." He shrugged his shoulders. As she spoke of Camelot, Elyan could do nothing but grin. "She is a beautiful place, and despite everything, I love her with all my heart." If there was ever a place Elyan could be loyal to, a place he could stay, it was surely Camelot. They turned another corner and Elyan nodded slightly at the guard stationed there, Sir Richard, as they walked on. He looked over at Caitrin and seeing the bump he quietly asked, "Do you have any names planned for the little one, because I doubt he or she likes being called little one," he jested.

[Caitrin de Archer]

It was nice she supposed in a way that a family was still a daydream for Elyan, because it left all the possibilities that dreams allowed. She’d never dreamt of a family at all, she’d just wanted to be free, and on her own, but she’d almost fallen into the mindset that it was indeed what she wanted to do. After all, she couldn’t now imagine herself anywhere else but by her husband’s side, and bearing his child. She loved him, and she knew that he truly did love her too, and that thought carried her through most of her days. Family life wasn’t all settled though, she still felt like every day was a new one, with different experiences, so it was all still fresh for her. “Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for.” Caitrin said kindly, as she already felt that Elyan had a warm and kind heart, so she didn’t doubt that suitors would soon be lining up in the hope of an evening in his gaze. Caitrin was glad in a way she wasn’t in that limelight anymore, she enjoyed her life as it was now, and that was the end of it.

The image of her son or daughter becoming playmates with the little Pendragon was one which warmed Caitrin straight through. She hoped that their families could be close, though obviously circumstance would dictate that, but there were not many children in Camelot from the noble families at the moment, Caitrin had noticed. “I’m sure they would.” Caitrin just beamed, because she was sure that any child of hers, and any child of Arthur’s would be friends regardless. “I want a girl,” She admitted, a little bit of colour rushing to her cheeks, “I’m not sure why, but I would love a son just as much.” Her fingers drummed over her swollen belly, “I just can’t wait to meet them.” Her words were mixed with her own raw excitement, and she ran a hand through her wild hair and grinned back at Elyan.

Though Elyan might welcome the Mercian touch, there were many in Camelot who had not welcomed her coming to the Kingdom. After all, there were still tensions with Mercia, and she had always been announced and carried herself as a Mercian when she had first moved to the Camelotian courts. Men hadn’t dared to go near her, because of the fear of the Mercian invasion. She’d only been fifteen at the time, and couldn’t understand the fuss she was causing. “You would be surprised how many wouldn’t have wanted a Mercian touch a few years ago.” She said almost longingly and ran both hands over her belly, stretching slightly. “Well then I shall hope for a quiet night.” She said softly, slightly irritated she didn’t feel at all tired yet.

Camelot truly just had something about it which was incredibly attractive. Clearly Elyan felt that too, and his enthusiasm about the Kingdom just made the young noblewoman smile. “The countryside is just beautiful, in all the years I have lived here, it still never fails to impress.” She loved seeing what Camelot had to offer on horseback, though she had not been able to ride out because of her condition for some time now. Caitrin shook her head at Elyan’s next question, “No names that we’ve decided on. My husband want’s to call it, if it turns out we have a son, after himself, but I won’t let him.” She wouldn’t have a son and husband by the same name, imagine the confusion! “I don’t know though.” One name was swimming round in her head if she had a boy, but she always flushed at the idea, “Do you have any suggestions?”

[cherryblossom131]

He still strived for freedom in his life above all else but he had taken more responsibility since coming back to Camelot and being a knight. It seemed it wasn't the end of the world which he would've anticipated years ago if he ever thought he would have to deal with responsibility. He wasn't naive enough to think that love and relationships didn't come with responsibility, but he felt more ready now than before, like he could maybe handle it now. “Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for.” He smiled warmly at her words. "Thank you, so do I." Whatever that was. He would find love when he was ready and not a moment before then. For now, he would enjoy flirting with the many noblewomen that had decided he was the most eligible bachelor in Camelot now.

He grinned at the flush in her cheeks when she admitted her desire for a girl. When she continued on how she'd love the child regardless of its gender, he didn't doubt it. "I'm sure if you were blessed with a girl, she would be the beauty of the land," A red-headed little lady, how wonderful. "A Mercian beauty," he added. “I just can’t wait to meet them.” Her enthusiasm warmed his heart. It was wonderful to hear such happiness in someone's voice. "I'm sure he or she will be a perfect healthy baby." That was the most important thing about the child. "They will absolutely adore their mother when they meet her." He smiled widely.

At her words of the people that hadn't been accepting of her, he creased his eyebrows. "I'm sure if any Mercian could change a Camelotian's mind about your people it would be you." They must have accepted her by now, she was too kind-hearted to ever suspect of ill intentions. Despite the problems Camelot has faced with Mercia in the past, they couldn't blame every Mercian for them. Camelot was a place that accepted people from all sorts of different places and he wouldn't have it any other way. He was proud of Camelot and its people because of it. As she spoke of a quite night, she reminded Elyan of how tired he had been earlier, and how different he felt now. He definitely felt and looked more awake, but unfortunately for Caitrin so did she.

Her words of the countryside were so true; he loved seeing all of that green just stretch out in front of him, like it never ended. It was almost like magic, although he'd never dare to say that aloud. "Yes, it's one of my favourite places to patrol." He enjoyed going there immensely. He grinned at her determination even in her heavily pregnant state, to not have her children named after her husband. He never quite liked that idea either; he thought it was like using a second-hand name. "Why what's your husband's name? It can't be too bad," he jested. “Do you have any suggestions?” He raised his eyebrows slightly and thought for a moment. "Hmm...for a girl I've always quite liked the name Olivia." He'd always thought it was pretty. "And for a boy you could always call him Elyan," he said with mock hope before chuckling and grinning like a boy. "What do you think?"

[Caitrin de Archer]

Smiling at Elyan as they continued to walk, Caitrin couldn’t help but look to the future. Everyone in Camelot seemed like they were in their infancy somehow, or at least they had until quite recently. After all, Arthur had only just recently got married, and there weren’t that many marriages at court. It seemed like everyone was growing up together in a sense, and perhaps the knights would have their fortunes made in women at the courts as well. Caitrin hoped Elyan did find someone he truly liked, because as the Queen’s brother he would probably be expected to marry someone of high standing. Then again, the Queen had risen from almost impossible circumstances. Caitrin had no idea, and she was glad she no longer had to concern herself with courting.

If hers and Griff’s daughter inherited a healthy mixture of both parent’s looks, then she certainly would be a beauty to behold. If she was anything like her mother in personality then she would know that fact, and know how to exploit it in the court. Caitrin smiled at the thought, she still had so much to look forwards to after meeting her child for the first time. There was so much she wanted to pour into this little life, and she just wanted to try and get everything right. “I have no doubt she would have all the men of the court running after her.” Just like her mother, Caitrin smiled to herself. Once again, Caitrin just beamed at Elyan, he certainly did have a charming and friendly way about him, “I will adore them just as much, if not more.” She pointed out, as the love for one’s children was unconditional, and Caitrin knew that.

Caitrin enjoyed the shocked look on Elyan’s face, because it showed that the mindset towards Mercians by most of those in Camelot was starting to wane. Those who had known her for years had never prejudiced against her because of her background, and those who were new in her life assumed she was from Camelot, until they heard her accent of course. Caitrin always enjoyed everyone’s reactions to her homeland. The treaty between Mercia and Camelot had been signed, but it was only a scrap of paper, it meant nothing if both sides were prepared to fight. “I came to Camelot before the treaty with Mercia was signed, so there were still tensions between the kingdoms.” Caitrin pointed out with a smile. “But I think people are a lot more settled now about my Kingdom. Many don’t believe I am a Mercian, until they hear my accent of course.”

“Griff Aubert.” Caitrin replied brightly to Elyan as he asked her husbands name, he probably wouldn’t know him by face, as they were usually only seen at functions. However, neither of them had been as social as they usually were, what with the child growing within her, “You may know his brother, Lucan Aubert? He’s a knight.” Though Caitrin and Lucan had their differences, they had left them firmly in the past, and they were now good friends. “Olivia is a pretty name.” She agreed with a soft smile, pretty, but she couldn’t imagine a little Olivia Aubert, hmm. She wasn’t very good with girls names, she had many boys names stored up in her mind, but no girls names as of yet. Perhaps Griff would have to name the daughter if they did have one. She laughed at Elyan’s tease, “Perhaps save that for your own son.” She teased and bit her lip slightly, “Between you and me, and promise not to say anything, but if I have a son, I’d want to call him Arthur.”

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan didn't doubt that Caitrin's child would be beautiful, if their father was also good-looking then where could they go wrong. He chuckled when Caitrin mentioned the men of court chasing her daughter, although he didn't doubt it. "I'm sure they will, seeing as she will most definitely be a striking beauty." She'll be fighting them off. "No too different from her mother," he added. The lady Caitrin was most definitely charming inside and out, so her child would most probably inherit those genes and he had an inkling that Caitrin might have fought a few men off back before she got married. It was an amusing thought while he looked at her now, all swollen and pregnant. It was almost difficult to imagine. The conversation made him think about what his child would look like, if he ever had one that is. Would it look like him? He snapped himself out of his thoughts. What was he doing? The pregnant atmosphere, which is a phrase he would definitely never use again, was getting to him. “I will adore them just as much, if not more.” He smiled warmly. "Of course, a mother’s love is unconditional after all," he said with a sad smile. It had made him think of his mother and how her time was cut short; god rest her soul.

As she explained that she had come before the treaty was signed, Elyan finally understood. So that's probably the reason why anybody could dislike her. He obviously knew that there had been tension per se between Camelot and Mercia, but since the peace treaty there have been less and less problems between them. When she mentioned how people were more accepting of her kingdom, he nodded in agreement. "Careful or you'll become one of us." He said in what he thought was quite a scary voice complete with scary arms and everything. Although he sort of ruined by laughing a bit afterwards. "You'd better hold on to that strong accent of yours or else it'll just be your hair fighting for your kingdom," he jested and continued to chuckle.

Griff Aubert. No he hadn't heard the name; it didn't really ring a bell. He might have heard Griff mentioned here or there, but he couldn't really be sure, although he recognised the surname. She mentioned Lucan and he nodded. "Yes, Lucan, it's customary to know all of the knights since whenever I'm in battle I trust them with my life," he began. "Although we're not very close and I haven't had the opportunity to properly talk with him." He'd never had a real conversation with the knight before, but he'd seen him in training and on patrol sometimes. He smiled when she called the name Olivia pretty; it was exactly what he'd thought. But maybe it wouldn't quite suit the red-headed girl he'd already envisioned in his mind. He laughed with her when she told to save the name Elyan for his own child, although he thought it would be a bit weird calling your own name. “Between you and me, and promise not to say anything, but if I have a son, I’d want to call him Arthur.” His eyebrows raised slightly in surprise. "I promise," he said first. "Hmm... Arthur is a good strong name, named after a worthy person." It would be after the king, what could be better than that. "Arthur Aubert, I like the sound of that. What does your husband think?"

[Caitrin de Archer]

There was no doubt in Caitrin’s mind that her children would be extremely good looking. Well, she would think they were beautiful and handsome no matter what, but they were bound to look similar to her and Griff. Both of them had attracted enough attention before they had walked down the aisle to confirm that they were quite good looking. Of course Griff still looked the same, but Caitrin was failing to even attract a slight bit of attention; a swollen belly was a bit of a turn off to men she supposed. “Thank you.” Caitrin enthused with a wide grin, she hoped that her children didn’t inherit too much of hers and Griff’s personalities as they had been incredibly free and casual about their relationship before Caitrin had a ring on her finger. She could have got pregnant before marriage had even been suggested, but that hadn’t ever occurred to either of them. Then again, they had both grown up quite a lot since then, and this baby was coming at just the right time really. In many ways she didn’t feel old enough to be a mother, but she was going to try so hard at getting this right.

The treaty between Camelot and Mercia was at best still shaky, though at least now she could proclaim herself a Mercian without fear of being prejudiced. It was quite a liberty to be able to do that now. She wondered if there would ever be true peace between Camelot and Mercia, though everyone knew how ambitious the Mercian’s could be. She laughed at Elyan’s words, “I might look Camelotian but I assure you, I still feel my Mercian blood.” She winked at him, letting him know she wasn’t being too serious. She was now quite enjoying the fact she was a Mercian in a way. For a while she had been ashamed because of the grief her Kingdom was causing the Peace Treaty, but now she held her head high in a way. “I think I would be most distressed if I were to ever lose my accent.” Caitrin ran a hand through her hair thoughtfully, “Though my hair will always remain striking. My children will have the strangest accents don’t you think?” They would be growing up in Camelot with a Mercian mother. She wanted them to have Mercian accents, like her, but she wasn’t sure how that would work out.

Caitrin had assumed that Elyan would know who her brother in law was, but she had no idea who Lucan was friendly with. She nodded as Elyan explained that he had to know each and every knight. It was sometimes easy to lose sight of just how heavily Camelot relied on the knights, and Caitrin was always grateful for their defence. “He’s certainly dedicated to his job.” She said thoughtfully about Lucan, “If you have the chance introduce yourself to him, he wouldn’t say no to a conversation anyway.” Of that she was sure.

She had been sure that Elyan would laugh at the name, she wasn’t sure, but she just felt it. She wasn’t sure how everyone would react to a Mercian naming her child after the King of Camelot. Caitrin scratched her neck softly, a habit she’d unfortunately picked up from her husband and gave a soft sort of smile. “I haven’t told him yet.” She admitted quietly, “We haven’t really spoken much about names, we didn’t want to jinx anything.” It sounded incredibly superstitious, but they had every reason to be worried about the birth. After all, it was a dangerous time for the mother and the babe.

[cherryblossom131]

Although Elyan had no doubt Camelot and Mercia would probably continue to have a few issues, the knight knew all Arthur wanted was peace. That was seemingly what he had achieved with the peace treaty and Elyan probably wasn't the only person to be thankful for it. It didn't just mean peace, it meant no blood of innocent men had to be shed in pointless wars. Arthur was a compassionate man who thought with his head just as much as his heart and Elyan would forever be grateful for that. He laughed with Caitrin when she mentioned having Mercian blood. "I have no doubt you do, my lady." It was always a good thing to be proud of where you hail from. Despite all the travels Elyan had been on, he never forgot where home was, and he found his way back in the end anyway. Elyan smiled at Caitrin's concern about losing her accent. "With an accent as strong as yours, I'm very certain it can't be lost even if you tried," he chuckled, attempting to reassure her slightly. He grinned at her next words, and laughed at the thought. "Hmm...I'm sure their accents would be somewhat unique," he chuckled. "Your children will take after their mother no doubt with their most wonderful hair." The Lady Caitrin's children will certainly be different, but a good different. "No offence to your husband of course," he quickly added with a chuckle.

Now that he knew who Lucan Aubert was related to, he could maybe have a go at maybe befriending him. He'd never really given it that much thought before, but who knew, maybe they had a lot in common, though Elyan couldn't help but doubt that. The knight knew branching out could be a good idea, maybe he could start with Lucan. “He’s certainly dedicated to his job.” Elyan smiled at that. "I'm glad to hear it." It was always a good thing to know, although Elyan hadn't failed to notice the knight had skill in training and in the battlefield. When one knight was complimented, the whole knighthood was too because they were as one. It was simply how they worked and probably a large reason why the knights of Camelot were a force to be reckoned with. It was like nothing Elyan had ever seen before, but it definitely worked. He continued to smile as Caitrin spoke on. "Well maybe I will, it wouldn't hurt to get to know the man."

He could already imagine a red headed Arthur Aubert as a knight of Camelot. The name definitely sounded right. The thought made him grin. When she admitted to not telling her husband about the name, his eyebrows raised slightly. He thought the names of children was all pregnant women would discuss with their husbands. As she continued, he nodded his head in understanding. "I completely understand." After all Elyan wasn't ignorant to the fact that childbirth was a dangerous thing, for both mother and baby. "But I'm absolutely sure that after the birth both you and your baby will be perfectly healthy," he smiled reassuringly. Caitrin seemed to be a particularly strong woman, he hoped she had the strength to withstand childbirth. "Are you worried?" He wasn't going to say she had no reason to be, because he was sure she knew that she could have reason to worry.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin had faith in Arthur thathe would keep the peace with Mercia, as long as the Mercian King was obliging of course. There had been no war with Mercia since the threatened one when the peace treaty had been signed. That had just been a misunderstanding of course, but her family had been at the forefront of all the trouble. After all, her family were within the army of Mercia and she and her Uncle lived in the lands of Camelot so there was bound to be a clash wasn’t there? She was however starting to find a new found fondness for fashioning herself as the Mercian noblewoman once more. She often donned blue dresses or ribbons, and her children would always know they had Mercian blood running through them. The Mercian’s were a strong and proud people, and Caitrin knew that all too well. “Well we shall never know, as I shall never try.” She pointed out in jest and chuckled at her own words. She had no intention of speaking with a different accent, even for a short time. Her Mercian accent wasn’t as strong as it had been, but it was still as strong as it needed to be. If Caitrin had her way then her children would take after her in most senses, well apart from maybe the stubbornness. She chuckled at Elyan, “Sir, my husband must like my hair somewhat anyway; he did marry me after all.” That of course was true, but if her child took more after Griff then she wouldn’t be too disappointed.

Perhaps having more friends around him might even brighten Lucan up a little bit. Though she and Lucan had buried their past differences, she knew from her husband how stubborn and anti-social her brother in law could be. He wouldn’t even go out on his own stag night, though that had been the only detail Caitrin had wanted from the night. As soon as she had heard Gwaine would be present then she decided that it was probably best not to ask. She wasn’t sure what else to say about Lucan, probably something about his character? She didn’t know much about knights, her only experience with them usually was just restricted to court, “I would recommend you to, if I have the chance I will introduce you both formally. Though I will probably be little in society after this little one shows him or herself.” She ran a hand fondly over her swollen bump and just smiled to herself. She didn’t mind leading a more solitary lifestyle while she looked after her child; she was going to be a mother and that was part of the job.

The more Caitrin said the name ‘Arthur Aubert’ in her head, the more she liked it. She could imagine running after a boisterous young boy by that name with bright red hair. It was in honour of her friend as well, but she was growing to love the name, and now she almost hoped that she did indeed have a little boy. She smiled up at Elyan as he tried to reassure her about the birth, she knew there were dangers surrounding childbirth but she was trying to put those from her mind and focus on the positives, “I’m a little worried.” She would be a fool not to be of course and she just gave Elyan a small smile, “But the baby has to come out one way or the other, but I’m trying to keep positive, I come from a large family, so childbirth should come easily to me.”

[cherryblossom131]

“Well we shall never know, as I shall never try.” Elyan chuckled at that. "Well I for one hope you don't. I've come to really like that accent of yours." It was growing on him and he was starting to quite like the accent. It would be a shame for her children not to inherit it, although how that would be possible was beyond him. But Elyan didn't doubt that Caitrin would do all within her power to make sure her children were proud to be Mercian. The thought amused him. "Who knows, maybe you'll turn me instead of the other way round," he said with mock disbelief, before breaking it by chuckling. "Hmm, a Mercian Elyan, complete with red hair and that accent of yours." He pretended to take a moment to 'seriously' consider the thought before he continued to laugh. Maybe sticking to his Camelotian roots would be a better idea. He grinned at her words of her husband liking her red hair. It was certainly a huge feature for Caitrin, so how could her husband not like it. "That he did," he smiled warmly. "But of course how could he not completely adore your flaming red hair?"

Elyan expected Lucan probably already had many friends of his own. Maybe he shouldn't bother, but no, it was always good to branch out and make new friends. Elyan knew that better than most, for he had befriended complete strangers on his travels despite not staying put in one place. He was sure Lucan was a nice enough man, or rather he hoped. Elyan smiled warmly when Caitrin spoke about formally introducing them, in spite of her ever growing belly. "Do not trouble yourself, my lady," he began. He did not want to burden her especially since she'll have a child to take care of. "Although I expect your little one may drag you to court with them." He had seen the children of the nobles relish in the glamorous life of the court; especially at feasts. It was an amusing sight to behold.

As Caitrin expressed her slight worry, Elyan creased his eyebrows in sympathy. He heard around court of mothers dying in childbirth or the baby dying and sometimes even both. It was not something he would tell Caitrin of course, but he expected she already knew. It was the ultimate sacrifice and he hated how common it was. No child should have to grow without a mother, Elyan definitely knew all about that. He gave her a reassuring smile as she spoke on. "I guess thinking posistive is the best thing to do, after all like you said childbirth should come easily to you." Less of a risk of death or miscarriage. "I know that no child should have to go through life without a mother." He carried a sad look on his face. "You are obviously strong, I'm sure no harm will come to you."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin never really received compliments for her accent, and it was a strange compliment to say the least. However, if no one had encountered a strong Mercian accent before then it was truly something to behold. The Mercian’s were quite a proud people, and even their accent showed this fact, as it was quite a loud, bold and unique tongue. “Thank you.” Caitrin let out a small laugh at the thought of Elyan with ginger hair, somehow she didn’t think it would suit him in the same way that it suited her. It would be quite something to behold though. “You would certainly stand out.” Caitrin pointed out with a playful smile. She was sure Elyan already stood out at court, whether he wanted to admit it or not, but he certainly would do if he had ginger hair and a thick Mercian accent. The colour of Caitrin’s hair was often the topic of many of her husbands jokes when he thought he was being funny, he often wasn’t but Caitrin could never have the heart to tell him. So she just let him think whatever he wanted, and gave him disapproving looks now and again. She knew he did love her hair, but she supposed he would want the children to look more like him rather than her, in hair colour at least. “I don’t think he would want ginger children though.” She chuckled, caressing her belly slowly.

Caitrin of course wouldn’t force Elyan to speak to her brother in law if he didn’t want to. Caitrin had no idea how comradeship worked anyway, and perhaps Lucan and Elyan moved in different circles at court. That would make sense of course. She chuckled at Elyan’s latter comment. If her child took after her then they would want to come to court the second they were able to walk. She had been the same though her father had rarely indulged her in the privilege. When she had moved to Camelot she had been making up for lost time at the courts more than anything. “I’m sure they will once they are grown enough.” She gave a short chuckle, “I’m sure Arthur will keep a spectacular court.” Now her friend was king it was up to him to keep the flame of court life going of course.

Caitrin hadn’t really thought about anything that could go wrong, and she certainly wasn’t about to start now. What would be the point in worrying now? The baby had to come out, and it would come out soon enough. All she could do was to preserve her strength and pray for a safe deliverance. She was so excited to meet her little one that it helped to combat the fear of childbirth somewhat. “I’m sure everything will be fine.” She said a little more confidently and smiled up at Elyan, “I’m still quite excited about my little family anyway.” Her child was starting to settle in her womb which was one battle she had at least won for now. “I’m still not sleepy; are you anymore awake?”

[cherryblossom131]

He smiled warmly when she thanked him, it was a strange compliment but a genuine one nonetheless. “You would certainly stand out.” He laughed with her. Elyan was positive he'd look absolutely awful with ginger hair; he just wasn't cut out to be a Mercian. He might as well leave that to the pro's, like the lady Caitrin here. "You don't have to be kind about it; I know I'd look dreadful in ginger hair." He visibly cringed at the image. "I guess only some, such as yourself, can really pull off such a bold colour." He grinned at her. It was true however, only some could really pull it off and make it look good and know what colours would go with such a colour, and Elyan would now cease thinking like a girl. He sighed, he didn't know what was wrong with him. When she spoke of her husband not wanting ginger children he raised his eyebrows. "If it is not too bold to say my lady, I think ginger children would be quite magnificent." He grinned at her. "No offence to your husband of course," he repeated what he said before, and chuckled.

Elyan chuckled with her, at the image of her child taking part in the court of Camelot. Despite the king being quite young they could still do with a little more youth in court. And Mercian children would certainly be a wonderful addition, he didn't doubt. “I’m sure Arthur will keep a spectacular court.” Elyan smiled. "Ah yes, the young king will definitely fire it up and put youth into it." Arthur's father had been quite an old man and no offence to him but Elyan knew from some that court life had been a little dreary and boring sometimes. Arthur would soon change that and Elyan could already see the skip in one's step since his coronation and Gwen's coronation. It seemed they were doing alright for the time being and Elyan was most grateful. Elyan wouldn't insult the former king in front of Arthur of course though, despite his strong hate for Uther.

Elyan knew Caitrin would be in capable hands with the greatest physician he'd ever known. He smiled at her confident reassurance of herself, and couldn't agree with her more. She'd be fine. He grinned back at her when she expressed her excitement. "I've heard that one of the most precious moments in a mother's life is that first time you hold your child, knowing they are a part of you and will forever be a part of you until the very end," he looked back at her and sighed. "Sorry," he chuckled. "Although creating another life is quite remarkable." A miracle really. “I’m still not sleepy; are you anymore awake?” He thought about her question for a moment. "I'm actually a lot more awake thanks to you, at least I'm not hallucinating pregnant women anymore," he said before laughing off his previous humiliation. "Although I guess that's not such a good thing for you, is it."

[Caitrin de Archer]

When she thought about it, she wasn’t sure that Elyan would suit ginger hair in the slightest. He suited his black hair, but her red hair was quite distinctive, and not many could pull it off. She hadn’t met many with red hair before outside Mercia, but she wasn’t arrogant enough to think her hair colour made her special of course. She was just her, and that was all that mattered. She grinned at Elyan’s comments, “Well I doubt I could pull off your hair colour either, I think I would look utterly ridiculous.” She pointed out with a wide smile, she wouldn’t suit black hair, and that was that. Her skin tone was too pale for it. “No need to apologise sir.” Caitrin said softly as she smiled warmly at Elyan, “My husband will love any children I give him, of that I am certain.” She winked softly, and though she knew that Griff would love any of their children, she knew he would prefer them to look like him. She smiled softly to herself, she wanted her children to have red hair after her, “You will have to meet my child once they are born; I insist.” She said playfully with a wide smile.

Caitrin knew that Arthur would light up the court. His father had been too old to keep a vibrant sort of court, but he had done well despite his years. Arthur could of course make the court more youthful, and Caitrin was sure that the court of Camelot would one day be the envy of the seven Kingdoms. Perhaps her children would one day help to feed that court, after all she did want quite a large family, and she knew already from the way she and Griff were that her children would be excellent courtiers in many respects. “I can’t wait to raise my children in the Camelotian courts.” Caitrin mused softly, “It shall be an experience of sorts.” She was smiling again, but she had an image of her children excelling at court. She would expect no less.

Caitrin was still incredibly excited about the prospect of being a mother. She couldn’t wait to hold her child for the first time, and as Elyan described the sensation to her. She ran both hands over her belly and felt herself just sigh softly and let out a content smile. Caitrin just wanted everything to be fine, so she could have the family she had dreamt of. “I shall tell you when I experience it.” She said softly and grinned at his next words. Creating another life was quite remarkable, but to her it just felt natural now. “My child is remarkable, I’m sure.” She was half jesting, because she wasn’t that arrogant, so she let out a small laugh to let Elyan know she was joking. “Well, at least you now know I’m real.” Caitrin pointed out reasonably. “The child seems to have settled though, so maybe I will follow soon after.”

[cherryblossom131]

“Well I doubt I could pull off your hair colour either, I think I would look utterly ridiculous.” He chuckled at that and tried to picture her with black hair. He scrunched up his nose slightly. Nah! Red hair suited her just fine; he couldn't imagine her in any other colour now. He continued to smile when she spoke of her husband. He'd have to meet the man one day. Elyan knew the child would be precious whether he or she looked like his or her mother or father. But Elyan did have a specific red-headed image in his mind and he secretly hoped that the child shared its mothers hair colour. He wouldn't blurt that out again, though he doubted Caitrin would protest. “You will have to meet my child once they are born; I insist.” He grinned at her. "Oh that is a certainty; it would truly be my privilege and honour to meet the young Aubert child." After all of this talk of the baby, he was too already excited!

Although Elyan didn't have a lot of experience in court, he was fairly sure that now, Camelot's would be magnificent. On his travels, the courts of the kingdom's he'd journey to wouldn't be at the forefront of his mind. But from what he'd seen, he didn't doubt Camelot's was up with the best courts in all the kingdoms. Now, he thought with a smile, it would be even better with the ginger addition that would soon be coming. He couldn't help but smile warmly at her enthusiasm on raising her child here. “It shall be an experience of sorts.” He chuckled. "That's one way of putting it," he began. "But I'm sure all of your children, especially this little one," he motioned to her stomach, "will steal all the attentions of the court."

At her word of telling Elyan when she experienced that wonderful sensation only a mother could really experience, he smiled. He hoped so. “My child is remarkable, I’m sure.” He laughed at her jest and went along with it. "Ah yes, of course. Nothing short of absolutely extraordinary," he said with joking over enthusiasm. Yes, at least now he was not going insane seeing things, he chuckled. “The child seems to have settled though, so maybe I will follow soon after.” He was glad to hear that her child was no longer bothering her, but he couldn't help but feel a little sad to hear that she might be leaving soon. "I hope I am not intruding if you need to sleep, I'd hate to think that I have made you stay up when you wish to go to bed." He would of course be the ever gallant gentleman.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Though Caitrin felt slightly guilty she was almost forcing a prospective meeting for Elyan, she was delighted at his reaction to her, and found it incredibly encouraging. She doubted there would be many in the castle who wouldn’t have at least seen her child by the time it came to take the little one back home to her Uncle’s estate. However she would be honoured if Elyan came to visit her personally. She was sure she couldn’t wait to show the little one off anyway. “Then I shall arrange it when I am recovered from the birth.” She announced rather boldly, but she was quite excited anyway, and there was no need to dampen that mood.

She would like to imagine that her children would steal the show as far as the courts of Camelot were concerned. She certainly had to an extent when she had come here as a teenager, but she had forced herself into the limelight. She was sure it would come more naturally to her children as this was their home. Caitrin and Griff had come here as foreigners, but their children had the citizenship of Camelot so this would be their court more than their parents in truth. She would teach them to enjoy and exploit court life, “Perhaps, I would like to imagine they would.” She grinned to herself, “Though I suspect your future nieces and nephews will do that job splendidly.” Once Arthur and Gwen had children they would steal the show from everyone really, perhaps even their parents in some respects. It was something to look forwards to, though she supposed it wouldn’t be too long away, after all Camelot needed an heir.

Caitrin brushed aside Elyan’s apology. He wasn’t keeping her from sleep, it appeared her unborn child was keeping her from sleep, though he or she had now settled the effects had still woke Caitrin up and so she was here, and still rather awake. She ran her hand over her belly soothingly, almost willing the child in her to settle. She wasn’t quite sure what to think of the fact her child was so active in her womb, and she was getting beaten black and blue from the inside out. It was knocking the wind out of her slightly, but she was feeling the little one kick and elbow from the top and bottom of her womb. She hoped this wasn’t a sign of things to come, she had been hoping to bear a rather quiet child in her naivety. She probably wouldn’t, but as long as the child was strong that was all that mattered really. “Do you mind if we take some air?” She needed to get out of these corridors and take in some fresh air, it was making her feel slightly dizzy, and the pain in her belly was getting slightly uncomfortable, “If you have to patrol round here I’ll go by myself, I don’t mind.”

[cherryblossom131]

“Then I shall arrange it when I am recovered from the birth.” Elyan grinned at Caitrin. He was really looking forward to meeting the little one. It was a privilege in itself and he had said as much. It seemed all official now which only increased his excitement. He really couldn't wait. He had a vague image of what the baby might look like in his head, but he was sure the real thing would be so much better. Elyan didn't have a lot of experience with children, and he had to learn fast seeing as his sister was now married. She would probably be with child soon, since Camelot of course needed an heir. But he also knew Gwen always wanted to start a family. Like he had mentioned before, he was certain Gwen's children and Caitrin's children would become close friends.

The thought of becoming an uncle wasn't quite as daunting as he would have previously thought. It actually brought him considerable joy to think of a beautiful niece like her mother, or a strong courageous nephew like his father. He would attempt to spoil the child of course. Attempt, because he was sure the child's parents would take care of that themselves. "Oh I'm sure they'll share the limelight." He chuckled at the thought of his niece or nephew in court. "Even if they are the heir to the throne, your child would have the upper hand with that fiery hair of yours." He raised an eyebrow and laughed. "So I'm pretty sure they'll be on equal playing fields." He was already looking forward to it. What a sight that would be.

Elyan had been enjoying the Lady Caitrin's company immensely. Despite only meeting her today he already felt like they were already friends. It caused a smile to appear on his face. Which is why he would hate to lose her company so soon. However she was pregnant and so probably needed rest, despite her brushing away his apology. “Do you mind if we take some air?” He began shaking his head when she continued. "It's alright; I think I could use a little air as well. It does get quite stifling in these corridors." He smiled at her. There were many other knights on patrol here, so he would not be missed. It wasn't as if the castle would get attacked just because Elyan stepped out for a little while...he hoped. "Would you like to go to the royal gardens?" He knew it to be a very relaxing place, especially for the purpose of just getting some air.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin of course wasn’t sure when she would be recovered from the birth. This was her first time being a mother, so it was all a learning experience in a way. That didn’t make it easier to face, but she wouldn’t be telling Elyan he could visit her the next day in case she wasn’t in a state to receive guests. That was assuming everything went perfectly well, and fine, and she and baby survived the experience. She was thinking positively though, because she couldn’t afford to lose face now, for herself and her family. She wasn’t finished just yet, and there was no way she was leaving her husband on his own. He wouldn’t know what to do without her, and she was sure of that much. Therefore everything would be fine, and she would live to mother a whole family through the Camelotian courts.

She really wondered if her children would be friends with Arthur and Gwen’s children. Though Gwen was not yet with child, she supposed she would have to produce an heir eventually, and sooner rather than later. Perhaps they would become friends, though she would never force anything upon them. “Well the fiery hair is something that the heir’s to Camelot won’t have I suppose.” She gave a soft smirk and grinned inwardly to herself. If she had a daughter then she would bring her up to play the courts, and get the most fun she could out of the experience. After all, you were only young and beautiful once, and she would make sure her children made the most of it. She had hardly had a childhood, but her children would be loved, and protected and they would always know they had someone to speak to. “I’m sure seeing them all in the courts will liven the place up a little bit.” Not that it needed livening really, but seeing her children playing the courts of Camelot would give her no end of pride.

The pangs in her belly were still there, and she thought at first it might be stress so she was trying to calm herself down, until she found she was actually quite calm in the first place. Great. Maybe some air was just what she needed. Hopefully it would be enough to confirm that she just needed her bed, because she did really need some sleep sometime soon. “Yes, that sounds perfect.” She replied gently, and began to lead the way to the Royal Gardens. As was the norm in Camelot, it had been a beautiful day, so the night was cool, but still had hints of the warmth that had come before it. She just needed to sit for a while, and relax herself, perhaps she was just too worked up to sleep just now.

[cherryblossom131]

He hoped that since he'd be the uncle to Arthur and Gwen's children, maybe he could give them a nudge towards Caitrin's children. That would be only if they didn't find their way by themselves. How hard could it be to miss red hair? He sincerely hoped that their first meeting wouldn't be as humiliating as their uncle's with Caitrin. He doubted that he could ever forget that he had thought the Lady Caitrin had been a hallucination. He sighed inwardly. “I’m sure seeing them all in the courts will liven the place up a little bit.” He smiled at her. "Oh I don't doubt it," he chuckled. "I'm sure their mother livened up the place too," he said smiling. Before she was married, Caitrin must have worked the courts. If not in Camelot, then in Mercia probably.

Flowers weren't really Elyan's thing. Gwen was always the one that loved flowers. He expected she got that from their mother; she always used to leave flowers around the house when she had been alive. Gwen was so much like their mother, not that she'd really remember of course, but Elyan did and always would. He was glad Gwen now had her own personal supply of the best grown flowers in all of Camelot. She deserved that much of course. “Yes, that sounds perfect.” He smiled at Caitrin and felt glad that he had suggested it. It was a particularly tranquil place, so it would be perfect for a mother with child.

Elyan didn't visit the royal gardens regularly, so he was very relieved that she had decided to lead the way. As they entered the gardens, Elyan couldn't help but smile at the beauty. He didn't even care if that sounded girly anymore because it truly was a wonderful sight. There were so many different types of flowers with names he wouldn't know. But the colour, even in under nothing but the moonlight, was spectacular. Maybe he should visit the gardens more often. He began to walk over to a bench for Caitrin to sit on; she was pregnant after all. He bent down to pick up a single pink rose before offering it to her. "For you, my lady," he said smiling and stepping aside so that she could sit if she wanted to.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Heh, well Caitrin had played the courts a merry tune over her youthful years. She had many men vying for her attentions before she had finally settled with her husband, but he been just as bad. She didn’t mind though, it meant more that he wanted to settle down with her now, because they were truly in love, and that was all that mattered. “If my children play the courts as well as I did, I will be impressed, though concerned of course.” Her father would have been outraged at some of the things she had got up to in her time in Camelot, and Mercia to be honest. She just wanted her children to be happy, “Perhaps they will become play mates for the royal children though, who knows.” It was all subjective at the moment, and nothing could be said with certainty of course. Caitrin could just enjoy the image of her red haired children teasing, and playing with the heirs to the throne.

The gardens really did sound perfect at the moment, mainly because she just wanted to be in the peace and quiet of the gardens. They were beautiful, and that never really changed. Even by moonlight the gardens had a certain mystical value about them, though she would never voice such a thing. It struck her how beautiful small, gentle acts of sorcery would be on such a night. She would never, ever voice those thoughts of course, but in her opinion a little bit of magic was all that Camelot was missing. Many people didn’t agree with her of course, and double that amount would have her killed for such thought. Oh well, it was her opinion, and no one could take the thought from her head.

The moonlight lit up their path into the gardens, and Caitrin took the bench quickly that Elyan led her towards. She remembered that this had been where she and her husband had shared their first embrace together. That was quite a fond little memory to behold on the eve of their first child. She ran her fingers over her belly, almost willing the child to know this was where the little story had begun to unfold, and if it hadn’t been for that night many years ago, then maybe there wouldn’t have been a baby at all. She took Elyan’s flower with a gentle smile on her face, “Thank you my Lord.” She chirped brightly, and fixed the flower into her hair and smiled on at him. She did hope Elyan found someone he loved sooner rather than later, love was a fickle thing, but it had a habit of grabbing onto you and refusing to let go. “It’s beautiful out here isn’t it?” She asked the young knight, as the moonlight was lighting up the gardens quite beautifully, and though the pain in her belly was still there, she felt quite content for now.

[cherryblossom131]

“If my children play the courts as well as I did, I will be impressed, though concerned of course.” He chuckled at her words. Though was left wondering a bit about what she meant. "Concerned?" he asked lifting an eyebrow, while letting out a chuckle. He hadn't had the chance to see the Lady Caitrin at court, and was curious as to how good she was at playing them. As they spoke of her relationship with his nieces or nephews, he smiled. "Well I do hope so," he said in reply. "I might just give them a bit of a nudge in the right direction though," he said in jest. He was beginning to get excited to meet his niece or nephew already. A little early of course though, since Gwen wasn't even pregnant yet. But this was probably the most he'd ever spoken in regards to the future with anyone, and it wasn't as bad as he had thought.

Elyan could almost laugh at how she appeared on the bench with her large belly resting now. She must have been tired he though. Carrying the weight of another person must have been tiring, and Elyan had to be thankful again that he hadn't been born a girl. He smiled at her thanks and chuckled at her calling him a lord. He was far from it. He did think the pink flower looked rather pretty in her red hair though. He took a seat next to her and just revelled in the natural beauty of the night in the gardens. It was like a picture out of a painting. “It’s beautiful out here isn’t it?” He looked over at her. "More than beautiful," he almost sighed. "I think it's very nearly perfect." He looked up and smiled at the clear view at the night sky. There were no clouds, so they could see countless numbers of stars. It was almost magical, though he'd never voice such a thought. A light flashed across the sky and his eyes widened. "Look, my lady." He pointed up towards where he'd seen it. "Did you see that?"