Keeping it in the Family (Camila)

[Caitrin de Archer]

It had to be said, Caitrin was already glad that she and Griff had persuaded Camila to spend a few days with them. Caitrin couldn’t imagine how lonely it had been at the estate, seeing as Lucan had gone off on some top secret mission with some of the other knights. Caitrin really did enjoy the company of her sister in law, so it was an arrangement that suited everyone. Plus, Camila was a help with the twins anyway, perhaps that was experience which would help when she and Lucan started their own family. Caitrin had expressed hopes of becoming an aunt when she had introduced the twins to Lucan, but no news had reached them yet, so Caitrin hadn’t raised the topic with Camila. She probably had enough to worry about anyway, what with Lucan having been away for so long, without Caitrin adding to her worries.

It was quite early in the day still, and Caitrin was sat in the solar with Esmae at her breast. The twins were only two months old, so they spent most of their time either feeding or sleeping, with a little time to play in-between. They had been becoming more active in the past week or so though, so that was promising. Esmae was even starting to smile at her. She had a shawl draped around the baby, so she wasn’t exposed in case a servant or someone else walked in. Caitrin knew she wasn’t being terribly conventional. After all, she had decided to feed her children from her own breast rather than hire a wetnurse. Why on earth would she want another woman to do the job that she could manage perfectly well on her own? Then again, she had to admit she was starting to feel a little sore. With having two mouths to feed Caitrin felt like she was becoming some sort of cow. When one baby was full the other was bawling to be fed.

Arthur was in a basket of blankets, all wrapped up and sleeping soundly by the side of her chair. However, she could see he was starting to wake. Hopefully he wouldn’t want a feed straight away. Though she could feed both twins at the same time, it was awkward and took a lot of effort to keep both babies latched on. She put her hand on Esmae’s head, and sighed softly as the child continued to feed. She was so strong, and it made her mother so relieved. Both the children had been born strong and healthy, so there was little to fear if she took great care of them. Her head inclined upwards as the solar door opened, revealing Camila. She hadn’t seen her since last night then again, Caitrin had retired to bed early last night, as the twins had tired her out completely. “Good morning Camila.” She smiled and gestured to a seat next to her, “Did you sleep well?” It was nice as well for Caitrin to have a bit of sociable adult company. Her Uncle and Griff were usually out working or going over papers for most of the day, so she was usually here on her own. However, Griff had promised to be back a little earlier today.

Tagged: Camila Aubert
Timeline: Series 4-5 Gap
Time of Day: Morning
Location: The de Archer Estate

[Lady Camila of Faintree]

Camila sat in bed holding her legs up to her chest, resting her chin on her knees with the blankets pulled up to cover her. This wasn't her bed. This wasn't the bed she had slept in her entire childhood. It wasn't the bed she shared with her husband either. This bed was foreign to her even though she had been sleeping in it for a few days now. In fact, Camila had hardly been sleeping at all for many reasons, the main being that she was sleeping alone. Yes, she had slept alone for the majority of her life but not only had she grown accustom to sharing her bed but because of why she was sleeping alone.

Lucan had been gone for weeks, over a month, on a quest with some other knights somewhere that she wasn't aloud to know and she had no idea when he would be back. It was worrying her endlessly. She couldn't write to him anymore than he could to her and not having any news from him was dreadful. She had spent most of her days wallowing in her sadness and worries in their bedroom for weeks before Caitrin and Griff decided it was time for her to come stay with them instead of being alone in the Estate with only the servants. This was why Cam now found herself in a bed in the Archer Estate, alone and tired. But what was probably worse about not having Lucan with her was that she had just learned some news.

Eventually, Camila got out of bed, got dressed and went to find her sister-in-law. She was sure that she would be needing help with the twins. Finding out that she was in the solar, Camila pushed open the doors to find Caitrin nursing. Of course, she was covered, though. Cam found it was interesting that Caitrin nursed her own children, it wasn't the traditional method but Cam liked the idea; the twins seemed to really be attached to their mother because of the bonding experience.

"Morning Caitrin." Camila forced a grin as she closed the door behind her. Walking over to the empty chair next to her sister-in-law, Cam sighed. "I find that it would be useless to lie to you and say that I did, Caitrin." She admitted, pulling the basket that her nephew sleeping in and picked him up, seeing that he was getting restless. Cam rocked him carefully and looked over at Caitrin. "How about you?" She asked. Hopefully the twins hadn't woken her up too much.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was quite surprised at how hungry Esmae was this morning. She was growing quite a lot though, as was her brother. Caitrin bit her lip, resisting the urge to groan as Esmae was making her quite sore that morning. She could feel the urgency of her daughters feed, and though she knew she was feeling sore now she was sure it would be worse when Arthur was hungry. Then again, he was a lot more gentle than his sister was. Caitrin knew that man frowned upon her for the way she treated her children, because she preferred the more personal approach rather than handing her children over to a nurse. She preferred it that way because it meant that she didn’t miss out on anything that the twins did, and she felt like she had bonded with them so much better because of it. As Camila came into the room, Caitrin shifted the blanket further over Esmae, so she was fully covered in the company of her sister-in-law. She didn’t want to embarrass Cam after all.

She smiled at Cam as she took a seat and took Arthur in her arms. Her son had been starting to fuss a little, though she knew that he wasn’t hungry just yet, it just sounded like he wanted some attention. Caitrin knew that both her children adored Cam, so they were always comfortable with her. She was quite glad in a sense that Cam didn’t lie to her, and admitted that she hadn’t slept incredibly well. She would rather know that there was something wrong with her, rather than her try to hide it all from her. Caitrin wished now that they had invited Camila to stay with them sooner, and she felt guilty that they hadn’t. After all, she had been alone in the estate with no one but the servants. They had visited a few times, but Caitrin felt better now that they could offer comfort in the estate for Camila. “Why, what is wrong?” If it was a practical issue such as noise, or perhaps that the bed or room weren’t to her tastes then that could easily be worked out. However, Caitrin was sure that there was something more troubling ailing her sister-in-laws mind.

Caitrin gave Cam a warm smile and looked down at Esmae before replying to the question, “I had a full nights rest for once.” Caitrin had been expecting her children to wake her up during the night, but Esmae had only woken up at dawn when her father had woken up a well so that he could go and survey the fields with her Uncle. “Esmae woke up when Griff did, so he just left her in our bed before he went out with my Uncle.” It had been a nice thing to wake up to, and she was so glad that she had Griff to help her out with the twins. She looked across at Cam with a smile, “Thank you, by the way.” She quickly put in, as Arthur seemed quite settled in Cam’s arms , “Do you want me to call the kitchens to make us some breakfast?”

[Lady Camila of Faintree]

Camila sighed. "Griff and yourself have been very kind for inviting me over. You two have been more than kind and very accommodating. Thank you. I'm very sorry that I haven't been the best guest." Cam said, looking at the child in her arms and could help but smile as she watched him yawn. She really couldn't be sad when she looked at her niece and nephew. "But I really just need my husband to come back." Camila sighed as she looked up to her sister-in-law with an apologetic look. "You know, it's been over a month, now?" Cam didn't mean to be such a downer but she missed him. And he had left the day after her birthday. She was finally twenty now. ((or twenty-one? Dunno))

Camila gave Caitrin a grin, glad to hear that she had managed to get a full night's sleep for once. Poor thing. The twins were a handful, especially with Griff gone most of the day. Not that the servants weren't helping her, but Cait was very hands-on about her children, something Cam admired. Caitrin's story about how Griff took care of their daughter in the morning made Cam's heart swell. She could only imagine Lucan doing the same when they had children of their own. That, and the fact that Cam was only getting to see the softer side of Griff during her stay was heartwarming; he really seemed to like being a father. Cam hadn't really been Griff's biggest far in the past.

Camila shifted Arthur in her arms. "Hm. I suppose I should eat." They had a healer come to see her a few days before. She hadn't been able to sleep, she had been getting sick and she found any food unappetizing. Cam knew why now and she forced herself to eat.

(blah)

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin smiled a little. She knew that Cam would thank her regardless of what she said or did, but really she didn’t have to thank them at all. She was family, and Caitrin was glad that they could help her out in some respects. She knew Cam would be uneasy what with Lucan gone. Caitrin couldn’t imagine being without Griff for so long, especially now they had the twins. Plus, Lucan was a knight, and there was always a heavy price to pay with being a knight of Camelot. Needless to say there was a high turnover rate. That would never happen to her brother-in-law though. He always had a habit of getting himself out of tricky situations. A family trait, Caitrin thought on reflection. “You don’t need to apologise Cam, and you’re family so we help out where we can.” She knew Lucan and Cam would do the same for her if the tables were reversed, as they were quite a strong little family unit really. A month, Jesu, had it really been so long since Lucan had gone? Caitrin had lost all sense of time what with the twins taking up so much of her day. Her days and weeks seemed to fly by, and she could only really concentrate on when she could sleep and what the twins needed and when. “He’ll be back soon, you know Lucan, he could walk through that door anytime, unannounced.” But he hadn’t yet, and Caitrin quickly realised that she would have to work hard to raise Cam’s spirits. She didn’t mind of course, perhaps they could go for a walk or a ride later. That might cheer her up.

Esmae was still feeding, though Caitrin could feel her slowing down, and eventually the baby’s lips left her, and she could feel her shifting as she began to gurgle softly. She used one hand to pull her gown up again, and made sure she was covered before she shifted Esmae so she could pat her back gently to burp her, though Caitrin’s eyes were still on her sister in law. She smiled as she watched how natural she seemed with Arthur. She hoped that she and Lucan would have their own children soon, they could all be playmates then. That would be a sight to behold, all the mini Auberts. She had seen the way that Lucan had simply fallen in love with Esmae, and she was sure he would make as good a father as his brother had. Griff had taken to fatherhood really well, better than they had both expected, but he loved the twins, and he was always trying to help her out with them.

Caitrin was glad at least that Cam was open to the idea of food. She knew she hadn’t been that well, and she was also determined to help her on the road to recovery. After all, she didn’t want Lucan coming back thinking that they had neglected her at all. Caitrin stood up, Esmae still being burped on her shoulder, and walked across to the solar door. There was a servant just outside so she sent him off to prepare some breakfast for them all. Returning to her original seat, Caitrin looked across at Cam with nothing but concern in her expressions, “Are you feeling any better? Or should we send for the physician again?”

[Lady Camila of Faintree]

Camila nodded although she did not agree. She had every reason to apologize, she was being so depressive that she surely couldn't be making anyone's day any brighter or better. "Thank you." She could never say that enough. Arthur gave a small yawn again in her arms and curled into her gently. Cam loved children and loved the twins. She saw a lot of their parents in them. Already Esmae was looking like she would be the little rebel or a bit of a troublemaker like her father and it made Cam smile to think of what they would be like when they grew up. They would be lovely children, there was no doubt about that, they had terrific parents, a lovely home and a caring family. Camila could remember the look on Lucan's face when he would look at his neice, he just adored her, not that he didn't like Arthur. There was a different admiration with him. Cam couldn't wait to be a mother, but her turn would be coming soon.

Cam wouldn't let herself think that Luc might not return. It wasn't an option. He simply had to return to her. And better it be broken than not at all although she wanted him to be well. Lucan had been trough many a great peril. Their love had only been strengthened through many tests and this one would only make it greater.

Cam held her nephew's little hand and he would wrap his fingers around hers as he slept. It made her smile. "Arthur's already beginning to be so strong... A true little Aubert, this one." She mused as Cairtin sat down. Cam looked up at her, the smile the child caused still on her face. "No, I'll be fine, thanks. He said he'd return next week to check up on my condition." Cam hadn't told Caitrin why she had been getting sick, nor had she told Griff quite yet. It was a news that she had hoped to share with her husband first but perhaps she would have to tell her in-laws first. Cam decided she would at least wait for Griff to return before telling Caitrin. The news was wonderful but it would be bitter-sweet without Lucan.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin decided not to press the issue when Cam thanked her again. Really, she felt like she and Griff weren’t doing enough for Cam. They had only asked her to the estate a week ago, and really they should have asked as soon as Lucan rode out, but they hadn’t known how long he would be gone for. Now no one seemed sure when the party would return, so Caitrin had no idea how long Cam would actually be with them for. She didn’t mind of course. The estate felt so much more alive when they had guests, and now she had someone to talk to all day beside the twins. “You’re welcome.” She finally thought to say, politely, and decided to leave it there. Instead she just smiled at her sister-in-law, and how natural she looked with the baby, “You have such a way with him Cam.” She commented lightly, and it was true. Though Arthur never really cried or fussed, he always seemed settled with Cam, and had warmed to her almost instantly.

She was still trying to burp Esmae, as the child was now full and incredibly drowsy so she wanted to settle her again sooner rather than later. Esmae was snuggling into her mother’s shoulder, and making small noises as her mother patted her back. Eventually she did burp and Caitrin shifted so that she was now cradling the baby in her arms, while Esmae started to succumb to a milky sleep. As Cam spoke again, Caitrin found herself beaming proudly at the compliment. “His Uncle has already been calling him Sir Arthur.” Caitrin grinned again, feeling nothing but pride. Her children were so young, but yet she knew they would always have a loving home around them. Though Arthur was the smaller of the twins, Caitrin knew how strong he was, so she was glad that Cam was just confirming that belief.

Caitrin nodded as she sat back down, that Cam would not need the physician just yet. Though to Caitrin her sister-in-law didn’t look much better than she had a few days ago. She just looked tired, and worn out though she hadn’t really been doing much strenuous work the last few days. “Would you like me to make you a sleeping draught for this evening?” Caitrin was a healer as well, though she wasn’t that skilled, and didn’t stretch far beyond the odd draught and potion. It had therefore made more sense to send for a trained physician to tend to her sister in law, “I was thinking perhaps we could take a walk, or a ride when Griff gets back, as he could mind the children. And the fresh air might do you some good.”

[Lady Camila of Faintree]

Camila gave her sister-in-law a genuine smile. "He does seem to have grown on me quite a bit. Esmae, too." Both children were absolute angels and Cam had grown very fond of them. She had never really been around infants before but she found that she loved it. There was something about how delicate they were and how precious everything seemed to be when you were holding one of the two. "I think they've already decided that I'm their favorite aunt." She laughed lightly. It was nice to feel so happy for a change.

Cam laughed when Caitrin spoke next. "Oh no!" She looked down that the tiny infant in her arms. "Lord knows he would say that. I'm sure that he would make a terrific knight, if it were to be what he chooses." He was an Aubert, after all, and Aubert men were strong. Yes, she meant Griff too, although she was certain she could win against him in combat. But that was just a little bit of their rivalry that still stayed with her.

"That's very kind of you, Caitrin. But, you don't have to bother yourself over me." Camila replied kindly, although a sleeping drought might do her some good seeing as she barely slept at all. "I walk sounds lovely. I think you're right. Fresh air and clear thoughts."

(blah!!!!!!!! and Griff can jump in whenever he wants)

[Caitrin de Archer]

In truth, Camila was the twins only aunt. Well, the only aunt that they would ever be introduced to anyway. Caitrin had two sisters, but she hadn’t seen them in years and neither did she want to. “You are, make no mistake of that.” She reassured Cam gently. “And I shall take that role with your children.” Caitrin wondered when her sister-in-law and Lucan would start a family of their own. After all, until they produced an heir, Griff was next in line after Lucan, and then Arthur after him. That was a scary thought, as Caitrin had no intention of making Glouchedon her home, and she didn’t want that responsibility thrust upon her husband or her son. It was a selfish thought, but it was true nonetheless. She wanted Cam and Lucan to have a family, regardless of the succession laws. She wanted them to have the same experiences that she and Griff had had so far.

Smiling, Caitrin let her eyes find her baby son curled up in his aunts arms, and nodded in agreement with Cam. Only Lucan could have already dubbed his baby nephew a knight of Camelot, though Caitrin had to say that the title suited him, even if he were a little too young to wear it at the moment. “Of course, if he didn’t want to be a knight we would not force him to be, but if he did then we will support him.” She grinned, it was silly to think of such things now. Arthur was still a baby, who cried, and was scared of strange noises, and he still clung onto his mother when she took him in his arms. This was no time to be discussing his career choices.

In a way it irritated Caitrin that Cam would not accept her help, but she knew the woman was just as independent as she was, so it was easy to see why she was acting in such a way. “It’s no bother.” She assured Camila, “If it will help you to sleep then I will make it later.” She insisted, as she couldn’t bear to see her sister-in-law in such a state.

The servant who Caitrin had sent off to sort out some breakfast had finally returned, and set out some breads, jams and scraps of meat on a small table within reach of both of the women. Caitrin thanked the woman as she then disappeared from the room. On reflection Caitrin doubted that her husband would be back anytime soon, and she didn't want to keep Camila waiting for their walk, especially as she seemed quite enthusiastic about it all. "We could go for our walk once we've finished this off?" Caitrin suggested, gesturing to their breakfast. Esmae was still quite animated, despite having just had a feed. Caitrin looked down at her daughter who was waving her arms about, grabbing the front of her dress whilst making soft grunting noises. "We could take the twins as well if you don't mind?"

[Lady Camila of Faintree]

Camila did not know of Caitrin had any sisters of her own but she sensed that it wasn't the right thing to ask if they had not been mentioned previously. It wouldn't change much in her life. She would just have a but more knowledge on her sister-in-law's life but it didn't really seem very important at the time. Camila would consider herself as the twins' favorite aunt either way and that was that. She had no doubt that Lucan would become their favorite uncle. He was a big kid at heart, just like his brother, Griff, although he was a bit more serious at times. Oh how she missed seeing him, his face, his adorable smile... Why was this quest so long? They usually didn't take so much time... Cam was going to have to have a talk with a certain Arthur Pendragon when Lucan did finally return from whatever quest he was on. 

Cam grinned down at the little bundle in her arms. It was hard to imagine that he would some day grow up to be big and strong, maybe even taller than her. He might become a knight, like Lucan, or... whatever Griff did. Cam still wasn't too sure what that was, to be completely honest. But it was so hard to think that Arthur, and Esmae, would some day grow up. 

"If you're sure." Cam finally gave up on trying to be courteous. "It would probably help a lot." it would help a lot. Who was she kidding. She desperately needed the stuff. "To be quite honest, Cait, I've hardly slept more than a few minutes a night after the second week." Second week of the, so far, month-long mission Lucan was on. Cam admitted this with remorse, hating to be seen as weak or vulnerable. "I fear too much for him. And for so many other things..." She went off sadly before trying to distract herself with her nephew's orange hair. She knew Luc would be fine and that he was an excellent knight but she couldn't help but worry.

Finally, food arrived and Camila realized how famished she truly was. Without really wanting to, she place Arthur back into his bed of blankets and helped herself to some of the food. "I would love a walk right now, actually." She mused, trying to be more positive, yet failing a little. But she wasn't lying. Cam was tired of being indoors and cooped up. That's why she would spend her time in the garden back at home or any where else around their home. Admiring nature, gathering flowers or practicing her archery. It was nice to be outside and she hadn't really enjoyed the outdoors in a long time. Besides, she figured that if she was going to tell Caitrin her secret, doing it outdoors with the least amount of ears around them would be better than in an estate full of servants. "Of course! I wouldn't dream of leaving them behind."



(bad and sorry it took an eternity and a half) 

[Caitrin de Archer]

OOC: So im a complete idiot but I realised that Cait would already be quite a bit pregnant with her next child by now. Let’s just pretend they both knew this XD Sorry! I suck at timelines sometimes! Lets say she’s five months.

Caitrin smiled at Camila before looking back to the small bundle in her arms. Esmae was giving a small yawn before snuggling into her blankets. Caitrin couldn’t imagine life without Esmae, or Arthur, and it was hard to believe they would ever be anything other than these bundles in hers and Camila’s arms. She wondered what it would be like when Camila and Lucan started their own family. Caitrin rocked Esmae slightly, and smiled at the thought. She wanted the twins to be close to their cousins, and she was sure that they would be. There was no reason why they wouldn’t really. The new baby included as well. Caitrin wasn’t as big as she had been with the twins, which perhaps told her that she was only expecting one baby rather than twins this time. That would probably be easier to cope with rather than four very young children. Caitrin wouldn’t care though, she would love her children equally regardless of how many she had.

She nodded at Camila, she really didn’t mind making her a sleeping draught. She had needed them herself when she had been pregnant with the twins, especially when her sickness had been at its most severe, she had combined it with the potions that Merlin had made her as well and she had made it through. So she was quite the expert at making sleeping draughts now. This pregnancy wasn’t half as difficult as her last one, not that she was complaining in the slightest, “I’ll make you one once we get back from the walk.” She promised her faithfully, with a soft smile, “After my last pregnancy I can knock one up as quickly as any physician.” She felt oddly guilty as Camila began to explain how much she was missing Lucan, and how that was affecting her sleep. Caitrin never had to go through that with Griff; the longest he ever went was with her Uncle to survey the land. He never strayed far from her side. “He’ll be fine Cam, you know Luc, he can get through everything.” She frowned a little, “What else is it Cam?” She asked in a soft voice, wanting Cam to confide whatever it was that was eating away at her so it would ease her burden a little.

Caitrin picked a little at the food, though she didn’t set Esmae down while she chewed on a bit of bread, she had already eaten than morning and so only needed a top up to get her through the walk. She wasn’t letting fatigue bother her, she had been a mother too long to let it stop her living her life from day to day. She was glad that Camila seemed a little brighter at the suggestion of a walk. Caitrin stood up; still with Esmae in her arms. “Come on, there’s no point in hanging around here any longer than we have to.” She led the way outside via the solar; it was a warm day so they didn’t really need cloaks; Esmae was still wrapped in her blankets, and was dozing in and out of sleep. Her daughter seemed happy enough though, and that was all Caitrin could ask for. The pace of the two women was quite slow, accommodating both Caitrin’s condition and the fact that Camila wasn’t feeling that well. “It’s more peaceful out here isn’t it?” She asked her sister in law, and then, remembering that Camila had been hinting at there being something else wrong, she gave a small smile, “If you want to talk about anything, I’m here. I understand if you’d rather talk to someone else, but we’re family. So I’ll be here if you need anything.”