A/N: Hello! Thank you as per usual for your wonderful reviews! Welcome to the new favouriters and followers also, happy to have you! :D
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Arwen4eva xxx
'How in all 5 kingdoms am I going to tell him?!' Gwen ponders as she walks through the hallways. She has just found out amazing news and doesn't know how to approach it with Arthur. Last time, Gaius told him. This time? It is all up to her.
She walks along the halls, the flames being slowly lit as dusk swiftly approaches, and stops outside Lizzie and Merlin's chambers.
'Should I tell her? No, Arthur should know first.'
She walks in after a small knock on the ajar door and sees it empty.
"Lizzie?" Gwen calls out.
"In here Gwen." a faint feminine voice says.
Gwen walks through the adjoining door to see Lizzie in front of the fireplace in her rocking chair - a gift from Arthur and Gwen about a month ago in preparation of the baby's arrival.
"Hello stranger." Lizzie says, her palm pressed against her bump.
"Hello Lizzie, sorry I haven't been to see you for a while." Gwen says, walking over to Lizzie and placing her hand on her shoulder. "Busy with affairs of state after Arthur left for 2 days."
"I know. We had to have Llacheu with us." Lizzie says, shifting slightly in her chair.
"Sorry about that. I tried having him in the previous meeting but he wouldn't stop babbling and asking for his dada." Gwen says, now sitting on the bench beside Lizzie.
"He missed him. It is only natural since he spends so much time with him." Lizzie says shifting again.
"I did too, even though it was only 2 days. That's long enough."
"I know that feeling with Merlin. Where did Arthur go again?"
"Mithian's kingdom. Her father's health is deteriorating fast unfortunately so Mithian wanted some advice before she may have to officially take over since her brother hasn't returned from his questing yet." Gwen says.
"Well, you and Arthur are the best people to ask - you've gone through so much."
"I know. We shall have to see what happens."
"Indeed." Lizzie says and slowly stands.
"You alright Lizzie?" Gwen says, standing also. She is on edge since it is Lizzie's due date in the next week.
"I need to walk. Baby is moving around a lot, and it is hurting." Lizzie says, and then winces.
"Lizzie, how much is it hurting?" Gwen says, slowly following behind Lizzie.
"A bit, more than normal."
"Sit down on the bed Liz." Gwen says, getting pushing her by the shoulders to said destination. Lizzie lowers herself onto the covers. Gwen climbs up behind her and begins massaging her lower back.
"What are you doing?" Lizzie asks, trying to turn her head.
"Turn around you. Just relax."
"Okay." Lizzie says and obediently complies.
Gwen rubs her fingers into Lizzie's lower back having a strong hunch. "How does it feel?"
"It is easing it a bit." Lizzie says but then sits rigidly. "Oh no."
"What Lizzie?" Gwen asks, stilling her hands.
"My waters have broken." Lizzie says in panic.
Gwen climbs down from the bed and goes over to Lizzie's wardrobe. "Right then. Let's get you changed." she says removing Lizzie's birthing gown.
"What do I do Gwen?"
"Calm down Lizzie." Gwen says approaching her friend, gown draped over her arm. "We are going to get you changed and put you into bed. Then we will get our husbands and soon enough, you'll be able to meet your baby."
"I'm scared Gwen." Lizzie says as Gwen works on the ties at the back of her gown.
"Don't be Lizzie, you will be absolutely fine. Merlin makes sure of that." Gwen says and undoes the last lace on Lizzie's gown and pushes it off her shoulders slightly.
"Can you get him for me please?" Lizzie says and takes the birthing gown from Gwen.
"Are you sure you'll be okay on your own?" Gwen asks before Lizzie shoves her slightly.
"Go, please."
...
"Where on earth are you boys?!" Gwen mumbles before spying a guard up ahead.
"Excuse me Sir." Gwen shouts causing the guard to turn around, and bow deeply.
"My lady. How can I help you?" he asks respectfully.
"Have you seen the King and Lord Merlin?" Gwen asks quickly.
"I believe they were headed down to the armoury to check the King's armour, my lady."
"Thank you. Please find Gaius and Matilda and tell them they are urgently required in Lady Elizabeth's chambers." Gwen says and rushes down to the armoury.
...
Gwen rushes down the stairs into the armoury and crashes against a chest.
"Woah, Guinevere." Arthur says, steadying his wife. "What's wrong?"
As Gwen gets her footing, she sees Merlin behind Arthur's frame. "It's Lizzie."
"What's wrong?" Merlin asks, his colour draining from his face.
"It's time."
...
Arthur holds Gwen's hand as they walk back to Lizzie and Merlin's chambers, allowing them some time together before Merlin waits outside the room. Merlin will only be in the room if complications occur. Lizzie had asked Merlin a month previously that he would just put her off.
"This brings back memories, doesn't it." Arthur says.
"It does." Gwen says with a smile. "Only this time, we are the ones becoming god-parents."
'Should I tell him now?'
"Hey. I lost you for a second there." Arthur says and Gwen realises that they have stopped. "What's wrong?"
"I..." Gwen heaves a sigh and pulls on Arthur's hand. Arthur simply follows, concerned but trusting Gwen.
They end up in their chambers. Gwen shuts the door and then stands, facing it.
"Guinevere?"
"Wait, where's Llacheu?" Gwen asks, looking around to Arthur's face.
"He's with Lady Beatrice. You were busy and I couldn't have me with him for my task. She offered to take care of him and a few guards are with them. I think they're having a small picnic with her 4 year old son on the training field."
"Okay." Gwen says and then looks down again.
"Guinevere, what is it? You can tell me you know." Arthur says, tilting her chin upwards.
"I know, I've just not had to do this before. Someone else did last time."
"What last time?" Arthur asks, confused. "Whatever it is Guinevere, just tell me."
Gwen looks straight into his eyes and cannot help the smile that blossoms on her face. "I'm with child."
Arthur just stares at his wife. He blinks a few times. "Really?" he asks, his voice small.
Gwen nods. "Yes Arthur. In about 7 months, we are going to have another baby."
Arthur crushes Gwen's body against his. He tucks his face into her neck and she feels water droplets splash against her skin.
"Oh Arthur." she says and pulls his head out of her neck. Her thumbs stroke his cheeks, slight stubble brushing her skin.
Arthur brings her closer and presses his lips hard against her own. One of Gwen's hands travel up into Arthur's hair whilst the other winds around his neck. Arthur winds his arms tighter around Gwen's waist, trying to pull her even closer. He removes his lips from his wife's and then tucks his head back into her sweet smelling neck.
"Arthur," Gwen says, slightly breathless. "we really should go back for Lizzie." Arthur squeezes tighter for a moment before releasing.
"Come on then, my beautiful wife."
...
"This is agonising!" Merlin says, his forehead resting against the cold stone wall. He has been pacing up and down the corridor outside his chambers for 4 hours now.
"I know." Arthur says, the back of his head resting against the wall from his place on the floor. "You just need to wait."
"But it is too much to just wait." Merlin says, turning around and facing the wooden door before him. "Why can't it be as simple as you conceive the baby, baby grows and then it arrives!"
"But that does happen." Arthur says, looking up at his best friend. "Though it takes time, that is exactly how it happens."
"You know what I mean." Merlin says, sighing and rubbing his face with his hands. "I wish that it is a quicker process."
"Babies take all the time they need Merlin."
"But my son or daughter is taking their time greeting the world! You were lucky with Gwen, Llacheu come out quickly."
"Stop worrying Merlin. Come on, pull up some floor." Arthur says, patting the floor beside him.
"No, thank you." Merlin then begins pacing again, stopping his movements as he hears a stronger groan reach his ears.
"Merlin, I insist. You need to sit down." Arthur says, grabbing on to Merlin's shirt as he passes. Merlin looks down at his friend and relinquishes.
"Fine." he says as he sits next to Arthur. "Thanks for being here Dollophead."
"No problem, Clotpole."
...
"That's it Lizzie, you're doing really well." Gwen says as she supports Lizzie's back and keeps her cool.
"It hurts so much. I don't think I have anymore energy Gwen." Lizzie whimpers as she looks up into Gwen's face. Another contraction washes over her causing her to squeeze her eyes tightly shut.
"Yes you do Lizzie. I felt the same way for Llacheu but you find the strength. Just keep thinking that at the end of this, you'll be holding your son or daughter in your arms." Gwen kisses Lizzie's sweaty forehead and takes hold of her hand. "Crush my hand if you need to."
"Right my dear, it is time to push this baby out." Matilda places her hands on Lizzie's knees, pushing them apart.
"Okay." Lizzie says, attempting to push herself upwards. Gwen releases her hand, helps Lizzie and then re-grips.
"Here we go Liz. You can do this."
...
An hour and a half later, quite a time past midnight, the wail of a newborn baby sounds. Merlin and Arthur's heads snap up towards the door and Gwen's eyes fill with tears. Lizzie reaches her arms outwards to be given her baby. Matilda carefully passes the bundle to Lizzie and helps her cradle her baby in her arms.
"Congratulations my lady." Matilda says. "You have a beautiful baby girl."
Lizzie looks up sharply then back down at the baby in her arms. "It's a girl." she whispers.
Gwen moves out from behind Lizzie and organizes the pillows so the new mother can relax against the pillows.
"I know you're tired Lizzie," Matilda speaks up. "but can you give me one more push for the afterbirth and then that husband of yours can come in."
Lizzie gives a final strong and exhausted push and then brings her full attention to her daughter. Gwen smiles down at her god-daughter, seeing the whispy hairs on her little head.
"She's beautiful." Gwen mumbles.
"She is." Lizzie says and kisses her forehead.
"Gwen?" Gaius catches the Queen's attention. "Can you let Merlin and the King in please?"
"Of course."
Gwen walks up to the door and slowly open it. Merlin stands immediately and stares at Gwen.
"Everything went perfectly Merlin. There is someone who will want to meet their father." she says, smiling. Merlin rushes in past her to his wife and child. Arthur comes up to Gwen and wraps her into his arms.
"Well done my love." he mumbles into her hair and kisses her forehead.
"I only helped her out, it is the mother who does all the hard work." Gwen says, grabbing Arthur's hand and pulling him into the room. They see Merlin with tears running down his face as he holds his daughter for the first time in his arms.
"So," Arthur says. "am I god-father to a little Merlin or a little Lizzie?"
"To us, her family, we welcome little Eleanor into the world. To the Kingdom, we welcome Lady Eleanor Emrys of Camelot." Merlin says in between sniffles. Lizzie laughs quietly and wipes her husband's face.
"Congratulations you two." Arthur says as he goes closer to see his god-daughter's face. "She is beautiful."
"Thank you Arthur." Lizzie says as she smiles. A small cry erupts from Eleanor and Merlin passes her back to her mother. "Come here, sweatheart. Gwen can you help me here?"
"Oh yes, right." Gwen says, extracting herself from Arthur's arms and then helps Lizzie open her gown. Arthur goes up to Merlin and quietly talks to him to respect Lizzie's privacy. They then converse with Matilda and Gaius.
"Just lay her like this Lizzie." Gwen says, adjusting Lizzie's hold on Eleanor. "Just guide her towards your breast. She'll know what to do, it is an instinct for babies." Gwen pulls back slightly to allow Lizzie to help guide her daughter. Lizzie smiles when Eleanor latches on and leans back more.
"Thank you Gwen, for everything today."
"You are more than welcome Lizzie, it was a pleasure." Gwen says. She kisses Lizzie's forehead and then runs her hand over Eleanor's head. "We are going to head off to bed now and give you time as a new family."
Arthur comes up to Gwen and kisses her temple. "Thank you for helping Liz, Gwen." Merlin says and pulls her into a hug. "It means so much to both of us."
"She's absolutely beautiful Merlin." Gwen says as he draws back.
"I know, thank you so much again."
"It was my pleasure."
End note: Please review! I love to know your thoughts and ideas! :)
