A/N: This story is set about twenty or so years before the show Merlin begins. I was reading some interesting fan fictions, and had an idea about how it was all started. This revolves around Uther and Ygraine's relationship, and Arthur's birth.

Title: La Naissance d'Arthur
Writer: soulful dreamer
Verse: Merlin
Major Characters: Uther Pendragon, Ygraine Pendragon, Gaius, Nimueh, Arthur Pendragon

"Tomorrow, my love, we should go for a walk about the grounds. Gaius says that walking is good for my condition," Ygraine de Bois-Pendragon said, a hand resting gently on her swollen belly. It was nearly time for her precious baby to be born. While Uther voiced that he longed for it to be a boy, the queen knew that he would not mind one bit if it just so happened to be a girl. Ygraine had long consulted a sorceress friend, who ensured her that a male heir would be produced for the throne of Camelot. In the queen's eyes, that was well. It had taken them so long to get pregnant with Arthur, and she could not imagine not producing an heir to the throne.

"I think a walk would be lovely," a young Uther Pendragon said, leaning over in their giant bed to kiss his wife's temple. He, too, placed a hand on her belly, excited about the upcoming birth. He would be a father, finally. After all he'd battled to get this far, he could not imagine life being more perfect. "Goodnight," he said, giving her a quick kiss on the lips before rolling over, facing away from his wife. He was so blessed to have such a beautiful wife. He was certain that this would be the beginning of the next great chapter in his life. His life had not exactly been that of privilege, like other kingdoms. He fought for everything that he had, and now, finally, he would reap the benefits of his hard work in raising his child.

/.\

Before Camelot, Uther was but a soldier. He, alongside a group of men fought for a long time before they claimed Camelot. Uther was named King. The territory was in a state of unruled chaos at first. But, with time, Uther was able to create some semblance of peace and safety to his people. Those men became the next generation of knights, seeing as in order to take over the kingdom, the previous soldiers had to be defeated. Once established, Uther set forth as king, training alongside his men some days, but mostly taking care of courtly matters. It was his duty to tend to the people. Though being King had its many advantages, Uther's days of sowing his wild oats was beginning to bore him. He knew it was time to settle down, take a wife. Though his trysts normally occurred with servant girls around the castle, he knew that he needed a woman of noble blood.

"Uther, thank you for allowing us refuge in your home," Tristan du Bois said, giving a low bow. The young knight of Cornwall and his sister were seeking refuge on their long journey home, after visiting their mother's grave across the countryside. The king could not help but note the beauty of the blond woman beside the man whom addressed him.

"You are very welcome, Sir Tristan, as are you, Lady Ygraine," he said from his throne. The two bowed out and left the throne room. Uther leaned over to his servant. "Ensure that they have the best rooms in the castle, preferably nearer to mine." With that, Uther set his plan in motion. He would woo the Lady Ygraine and make her his wife.

/.\

Uther awoke bright and early the next morning to his wife's voice. Normally, she would sleep later than he and join him later in the morning for a good breakfast. "Is everything alright?" He asked. His wife's eyes were worried.

"I had a horrible dream," she said. The King noted her pale complexion, as well as her quickened breathing. He took one of her hands in his own.

"Don't let something as silly as a dream stir you. It was simply a dream. They are a measure of your everyday thoughts," He kissed the palm of her hand gently before releasing it and turning to place his feet on the floor.

"I dreamt I died, and you were left to raise our child, alone," Ygraine said, tears now flowing freely from her eyes. Uther, who took no dream seriously, turned to his wife, giving a gentle laugh.

"That is silly, my dear," he said, patting her gently. She did not understand his humor. "Mother's intuition. You are worried about becoming a mother. It is understandable." With that, the king rose from his bed and went about his morning routine of preparing to go to court. The queen stayed behind and attempted to rest a bit more before going about her day. What little sleep she did get, however, was plagued by the image of her poor child having to grow up without a mother. Ygraine had lost her own mother many years before, but, by that time, her mother had taught her nearly everything she needed to know about being a woman in this day and age.

Uther conducted court as usual that morning, answering request and reports from his knights and the other folk of his kingdom. It was breakfast time before he glanced up to see his beautiful wife walking slowly towards his end of the table. "Good morning, Ygraine," he said, taking a sip from his goblet. "Are you feel better?"

"Yes, much," the queen said, forcing a smile on her face as she sat down at her spot next to her husband. Though her stomach was unsettled, she knew it best to eat something. She opted for some fruit. It seemed to be the only thing that really tasted good to her anymore. While she was extremely happy for the gift the pregnancy would bring, she missed being able to eat some of her favorite dishes. "How was court this morning?"

"Just fine," Uther said, his eyes glowing at his wife. She was such a beautiful woman, always had been. There was a time, however, when he did not think he would be able to have her. A time when it seemed as though no one, not even a charming, young king could woo such a beautiful woman as the Lady Ygraine de Bois.

/.\

"Good morning, your majesty," the young Ygraine greeted the king as she joined he and her brother at breakfast.

"I hope you slept well last night," Uther said, giving a small smile, more to himself than anything.

"I did, sire, thank you for your hospitality," she said, turning her attention to her breakfast.

"How long do you intend on staying, Sir Tristan?" the King said, curious to know how long of a window he had to make his intentions known to the man's sister.

"A few days, if we can manage the supplies. We have a long journey back to Cornwall," the knight responded between bites.

"Of course," Uther said, taking a sip from his goblet. "However, you are both more than welcome to stay here, as long as you'd like. In fact, we are having a great feast in a fortnight, in celebration of the unification of the kingdom. It has been under my rule for five years now." His eyes glanced to the blond woman, but then quickly to the knight.

"That is too kind of you, sire, but I do not think we should be a burden on you for that long," Tristan said. "Besides, Ygraine is eager to see our father." He glanced at his sister, who was rather making herself scarce in the conversation. She looked up at the mention of her name, a small smile and a nod given, then went back to her food.

"Nonsense, I insist," Uther replied. "'Tis no burden, I can assure you of that." His eyes rest on Ygraine for a long moment. Sensing the attention, she glanced up from her food, unsure of how to react from the stare of the king. Flattered? Worried? So, rather than address such a thing, as she might in her own household, she continued to eat until she was full, and then excused herself from the company of the gentleman so she may explore the castle a bit more. She heard rumors of Camelot's beautiful palace, but now, she wanted to experience the full effect.

/.\

"It is a beautiful day, is it not?" Uther said, his eyes squinting slightly because of the sun in the sky. The weather was perfect as ever, his kingdom was experiencing a great period of peace and prosperity, and he had the most beautiful woman hung on his arm.

"Indeed it is," Ygraine said. This walk was different than any walk they'd taken before. The pace was much slower. His wife was having difficulty with keeping her balance; Uther would be patient with her, for he had this time dedicated to spending time with her. He knew that she wouldn't mind wandering off on her own, but it was his wish that they walk together. It looked good to the kingdom as well to see their king and queen happy together. The queen was unusually quiet this morning, Uther noted, but did not say a word. He knew the dream she'd had earlier upset her.

Ygraine stopped her walking to lean a moment against a wall. She was merely winded, and her ankles were swelling. "Are you alright?" Uther asked, only out of necessary concern.

"Of course, just very tired," she stated, calmly, a hand placed to her belly. "Uther, I must lie down, will you call Nimueh to my chamber?" The king nodded, before escorting her back to the castle to help her rest. He did not show it, but something wasn't quite right. It bugged him that he did not know what. But, he would soon find out.

A/N: Thanks for reading. I hope to have another section of it up within the next couple of days. This probably will not be an extremely long story. Thanks for reading, reviews are love. :)