It had been almost three months since Arthur's miraculous return, and things were as they had once been, the marketplace a bustling hive of activity, the people cheery and at peace. The castle was once again seeing daily visitors, and The Lady Vivian had come to stay frequently, still being in love with Arthur from the spell cast upon her. Queen Guinevere was illuminated, the happiness radiating from her whenever she visited the people or held a feast for the visiting nobles; she had been getting reaquainted with her husband, too, and they spent a huge amount of time together in their chambers, talking, basking in the love that once more surrounded them.

Arthur relished waking up beside his queen, opening his eyes and seeing, not cold stone and slime, but lavish blankets and pillows, warmly coloured and comforting; he was grateful, he would be forever grateful, to Merlin and to the ones who brought him back to life.

Winter was coming- the skies were grey, and the air chilled to the bone those who dared stay out too late. The court was preparing for the coming of Christmas, which was always greatly celebrated with long parties and feasts at which anybody was welcome- everybody was extremely excited, everybody except Queen Guinevere, who had taken ill and was resting in her chambers. Arthur was supposed to be going on a hunt with Sir Leon and the other knights, but he refused to leave her side, terrified that she might slip away in his absence, something he would never forgive himself for. She was lying back on her pillows, hand tightly clasped in Arthur's; she smiled at him softly, face pale, tired. "Arthur, I insist that you join the hunt! I will be well again soon enough, my love." Arthur smiled lovingly and stroked her hand, "I couldn't leave you alone, Guinevere, not again. The hunt has already left and I have sent for Merlin. He'll be here soon." Arthur leant across and kissed her gently; a knock at the door interrupted their moment and an errand boy appeared, ears flushed. "The physician has arrived, sire." Arthur gestured that he should be sent in, and the boy bowed graciously before exiting, Merlin entering a second later. "Merlin," Arthur smiled, clapping him on the shoulder, "It's good to see you." Merlin smiled, and replied "I can't say the same, sire," earning himself a soft shove; Their relationship was amicable, but it would never be what it was. "I would like some water," Guinevere said pointedly to Arthur, and he took the hint, leaving the two alone. "What's wrong?," Merlin asked, moving to sit on the end of the bed, "How are you feeling?" Guinevere's face flushed slightly, and she smiled. "I believe that I am with child. A woman always knows," she added confidently, and Merlin nodded. "That's brilliant, Gwen! How long have you..?" She sat up slightly, resting against the pillows, and looked thoughtful for a moment. "It was not a week ago that I began to feel..strange, and I've been really tired recently- I had to retire from the banquet yesterday." Merlin grinned. "Make sure you have plenty of rest, and if anything at all changes send for me immediately. Gwen," he continued after a pause, "I am so happy for you, truly. This is great news for you, Arthur, and the kingdom." They said their goodbyes and Merlin left, not expecting Arthur to pounce on him the second he reached the staircase. "Well?," he asked, panicked, "Is she alright?" Merlin smiled knowingly and replied "She is fine. In fact, I'd say she was blooming!" He laughed at Arthur's confused face and continued on his way, pleased that the line of Pendragon would be continued for another generation at least.