I am going to jump ahead in this fic…. Approximately 7 months ahead. So it will be around mid spring. In other words about early April.
Chandler and Monica are married. And a baby is on the way. They both are happy. Monica is so very happy. That she is always smiling and almost floating on air. She now believes that her life could get no better.
Chandler is happy with Monica and his future family. But is convinced that he will not live long enough to see his child's first birthday. And is constantly worrying that since he has not long to live, Monica will remarry and the kid will not know him as his dad or something bad will happen to the child.
Joey has become a well respected man at arms in Chandler's guard. And is very happy with his life. As Rachel and him are lovers. Rachel is now happy because she has found something that interests her. And now sees that there is more to life than shopping for the latest fashions, court intrigue and gossip.
Ross….well, You will see…. As you will Phoebe.
Disclaimer: friends does not belong to me. The characters nor the concept!
*****************
Mid April
Tyler Fortress
Early morning
Chandler shivered as Monica screamed. He turned his face up towards the stairs towards the direction of his room.
"Chandler take it easy. Women have given birth down through the centuries. And…." Joey started only to be interrupted by Chandler.
"If you tell me it is only apart of their lot or life, I will force feed you a knife. The hilt is the hardest to swallow." Chandler explained calmly after he pushed his friend up against the wall and drawn his knife. The concern for his wife clouding his judgment.
Ross pulled him away from Joey. "Take it easy. It will be all over soon enough. And you will have a child."
Joey pulled away from Chandler and went to stand on the other side of the room. "Thanks Ross." By that time, Ross and Joey were friends enough that they used their first names. "For safety's sake I will go and stand on the other side of the room." He then went to stand on the other side of the 'U' shaped table. So that he would have enough room to stay as far from Chandler as possible.
Chandler usually was more level headed than that and happened to be a good friend. But now…..Monica then screamed aloud again. And Joey shivered. He was glad he kept his distance. He knew how merciless Chandler was on the battlefield and he wanted to stay in one piece.
Before any more was said, a baby's cries broke the tension. Ross congratulated Chandler and Joey soon showed up beside him and did so as well. Rachel then made her appearance.
"Congratulations Chandler. Monica and the babies are doing well." Rachel smiled. She assisted Phoebe when Monica gave birth. And this was her first time of helping out in a situation. She never used to want to do anything like that. But since it was for her friend, she did. And after seeing the first time the miracle of birth, she found that she wanted to help with more births. Just like Monica and Phoebe.
"Babies?" Chandler blurted out.
"A girl was born first and then a boy. So you have an heir to inherit your lands and holdings and a girl to lavish your attention on. Just like you do Monica."
"They all are healthy?" Ross asked. Concern about his sister and his niece and nephew nagging his mind.
"Those are the healthiest babies I have ever seen. And Monica is tired but happy. And after a good rest, she will be back on her feet in no time. At least that is what Phoebe says."
"When can I see her?" Chandler asked, impatient about seeing the woman he loved and his children.
"Right now." Before Phoebe could continue, Chandler was already running up the stairs and knocked softly at the door before entering.. After he did so, Rachel left. Giving him and Monica some time alone.
Chandler kissed Monica's forehead. "I love you so much."
"I kind of felt that you did. Time and time again. The first time when we conceived the children." Monica was holding both.
"May I?" Chandler motioned toward his children.
"Of course." She then handed his son toward him. Which he took.
"Which one am I holding?"
"Our son."
Chandler smiled and looked down at his son. This young child did not know that he was to inherit all of these lands and holdings. And he was to rule over everything, just like his father and be accountable toward the king and show his loyalty. Chandler kissed his son's forehead. "What name shall we call him? I was thinking of the name Daniel. What do you think?"
"Perfect. And for his sister. How about Heather? It is symbolic of everything between us and our family."
Chandler rubbed his finger down his daughter's check and smiled. "Perfect." He could already tell that for the rest of his days on this earth, he would do anything for his little girl.
"Now time to call in the others." Chandler meant Ross, Joey, Rachel and Phoebe.
Once he arrived, Ross felt extremely happy toward Monica, the babies and even Chandler. He no longer felt any type of hatred toward his brother-in-law.
After a bit, Chandler drew him aside and talked with him. "Ross, for everything I did to get Monica to come up here with me, I am sorry."
"Why the change of heart?" Ross asked him.
"Not so much as a change of heart. I still love Monica and would do anything for her. But I keep thinking of what I put you and your father through. If anyone was to take Heather away from me like that….I-I know I would not stop until I had killed the man. So for that I am sorry."
"Chandler you are my brother-in-law. And the father of my nice and nephew and my sister's husband. So you are family. I might wish that you would not have taken Monica like that. But that is the past, and I would not have changed a thing. After all you are family and Monica loves you."
"Ross I will ask of you a favor."
"What is it?"
"This spring when Richard Burke marches on the castle and after I die, please watch over my children and holdings until Daniel is old enough to watch over them on his own." Chandler sighed and then continued. "I want you to train Daniel to be a knight and to make sure that Heather gets a good husband or gets into a good convent. What ever she chooses. She will have enough of a dowry to do so. I want her to choose what she wants to do. That is a little different than what a lot of fathers do, but…..I want her happy. I want both of my children happy. I know I will not be around to see them grow up let alone their first birthday. But I want them to know that I love them and I always will."
"Chandler, you will live for a good long time! So stop talking about that!" Ross was surprised.
"Will I?" Chandler huffed aloud. "I do not think so. After Richard Burke gets here. You know what will happen. And I will be killed. That is why I want you as their guardian. And I do know that Monica will probably end up marrying him once all is said and done, that is why I want you to look after my holdings and my children. I know that you will not let anything happen to them. Promise me."
"I…uh…"
"If you do not want to do it, then the king can. But I want family to look after everything. If Monica does not marry, then she can. If she does, then you will watch over everything. So that her new husband gets nothing. And since you are blood relation, the guardianship will go to you as the next living male relative." Chandler looked at Ross hopefully.
"I will be honored to, if you die. But nothing is going to happen to you."
"I want your signature next to mine on a document the priest will draw up. Only the king will be able to override it. But King Jamie will not do that."
"I believe that you are right. He is too good a man. He would want family to look after family." Ross agreed.
"Shall we have the contract drawn up tonight after dinner?"
"I think that is a good idea." Ross stated. "Now let's get back and see the babies and your wife." Ross smiled at Chandler who smiled back at him. It was a smile of thanks and contentment, that Ross saw as peaceful and knowing that everything would be alright with his kids.
While standing there talking they did not notice a person lurking in the shadows. Once they were gone, Rachel sniffed aloud and whipped away a few tears that were falling down her checks. Poor Chandler. Monica had to know what she heard.
************
Five nights later, both Chandler and Monica lay awake holding each other. Two cradles right next to the bed held two darling babies.
Monica took a deep breath. "Chandler I know that my father and brother will not fight you when an army comes later on this spring. But if anyone else comes to fight you, you fight for every inch that you hold dear. Whether it be for me and the kids, the holdings or even your honor. You fight. Do you hear me? Monica looked up at her husband.
"Why the change of heart?"
"I want you alive to help me raise our children. I can not do it alone. And alone I will be if anything will happen to you. I will not get remarried. Do you understand?"
"Yes. Yes I do."
"Good….so if…."
"I know, if an army arrives her, I will fight." Chandler then kissed her hand and held it tight. He sighed a happy sigh and felt much better all of the sudden. He felt that he had a much better chance at a future. He even could hope to live to see his grandchildren.
************
A month later…..
A huge army approached. In it, the banners of the king waved proudly in the breeze as did the queen and the Geller's and even a banner that showed Burke family banner.
Chandler, Ross and Joey rode out to greet them. Once they arrived at the head of the army where the king and queen, Jack Geller and Richard Burke were at, Chandler offered lodging for however long they would be staying.
"I will not stay under the roof with that man." Richard Burke sniffed.
"Fine, then you can pitch your tents over there." Chandler directed Richard Burke toward an empty field. "And tell your men NOT to bother with any of the young girls or women from the village. If they do, then I will have them strung up."
"You did."
"He most certainly did not. Monica and him married soon after they arrived. And they shared separate rooms." Ross defended his brother-in-law and best friend.
"What about girls who are willing?"
"That is different. But, make sure they are willing. Understand?"
*****************
Later on that night
After the guests were shown to their rooms
And at the feast
King Jamie stood up. "I propose a toast to the happy married couple and to their children. May you all live long and have more children and many grandchildren!"
"HERE, HERE!!!!!" Everybody but Richard Burke yelled out.
"But….."
"Sir Richard Burke, my husband and I have talked it over and you will be given to marry my maid in waiting or Kathy." Queen Elizabeth stated aloud.
"But…."
"Don't worry man, she is a widow and has a huge dowry as well as lands. And since she and her late husband did not have children, you will get it all." King Jamie explained.
"I suppose that will be alright."
"Good, Kathy come here. Sir Richard stand beside her and vow to each other as betrothed." Which they did.
"Now Joseph Tribbianni come forward." Joey did as he was told. "Now kneel." King Jamie then tapped him on the shoulder with his sword. "In the name of Saint George, I knight you, Sir Joseph. Arise and take your place among the roll of English Knights." Since only a king could give a member of the peasantry a rank like that, everyone in the room was pleased. The queen walked up to the king and whispered in his ear. "And on top of that for your loyalty and courage shown, I also am giving you to wife, the lady Rachel Green. And some holdings as well as the rank of Earl. The holdings will be the lands between here and the sea or a days walk from here. Now send for me a priest, and you will both be given in marriage." Gary was given the town by the sea as his fiefdom earlier on that year.
"Now Midwife Phoebe Buffay, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Yes, I want an apcohthery built that also will house an orphanage. I want it as a place to train midwifes and healers and to teach other such good skills that children who do not have parents or the money or other such convinces to get an education so that they can become productive citizens."
"Well…I do not know."
"I will provide the funds out of my own coffers, if it is alright with you, husband." The queen spoke up.
"Very well. You know that I can not refuse you, my love." The king then turned toward Ross. "And seeing as how loyal you are and concerned about your family, I wish to reward you and also when your temper settled down. Is there anything you wanted?"
"To stay up here with my sister and my other family, and also to marry my true love."
"Who is that?" Ross walked over to his secret sweetheart and took her hand. The king smiled. "And how long has these feelings been going on?"
"Since she first saw me, and when I first saw her with my niece and nephew and how much she cared and loved them. I knew that she happened to be the one for me."
"Very well….A double wedding between Sir Ross Geller and Phoebe Buffay and Joseph Tribbianni and Rachel Green……"
In the main hall that night, there was a lot of celebrating for everything turned out……
**************
Alright, if anyone wants an epilogue let me know. Otherwise, this fic is no more……..
Chandler and Monica are married. And a baby is on the way. They both are happy. Monica is so very happy. That she is always smiling and almost floating on air. She now believes that her life could get no better.
Chandler is happy with Monica and his future family. But is convinced that he will not live long enough to see his child's first birthday. And is constantly worrying that since he has not long to live, Monica will remarry and the kid will not know him as his dad or something bad will happen to the child.
Joey has become a well respected man at arms in Chandler's guard. And is very happy with his life. As Rachel and him are lovers. Rachel is now happy because she has found something that interests her. And now sees that there is more to life than shopping for the latest fashions, court intrigue and gossip.
Ross….well, You will see…. As you will Phoebe.
Disclaimer: friends does not belong to me. The characters nor the concept!
*****************
Mid April
Tyler Fortress
Early morning
Chandler shivered as Monica screamed. He turned his face up towards the stairs towards the direction of his room.
"Chandler take it easy. Women have given birth down through the centuries. And…." Joey started only to be interrupted by Chandler.
"If you tell me it is only apart of their lot or life, I will force feed you a knife. The hilt is the hardest to swallow." Chandler explained calmly after he pushed his friend up against the wall and drawn his knife. The concern for his wife clouding his judgment.
Ross pulled him away from Joey. "Take it easy. It will be all over soon enough. And you will have a child."
Joey pulled away from Chandler and went to stand on the other side of the room. "Thanks Ross." By that time, Ross and Joey were friends enough that they used their first names. "For safety's sake I will go and stand on the other side of the room." He then went to stand on the other side of the 'U' shaped table. So that he would have enough room to stay as far from Chandler as possible.
Chandler usually was more level headed than that and happened to be a good friend. But now…..Monica then screamed aloud again. And Joey shivered. He was glad he kept his distance. He knew how merciless Chandler was on the battlefield and he wanted to stay in one piece.
Before any more was said, a baby's cries broke the tension. Ross congratulated Chandler and Joey soon showed up beside him and did so as well. Rachel then made her appearance.
"Congratulations Chandler. Monica and the babies are doing well." Rachel smiled. She assisted Phoebe when Monica gave birth. And this was her first time of helping out in a situation. She never used to want to do anything like that. But since it was for her friend, she did. And after seeing the first time the miracle of birth, she found that she wanted to help with more births. Just like Monica and Phoebe.
"Babies?" Chandler blurted out.
"A girl was born first and then a boy. So you have an heir to inherit your lands and holdings and a girl to lavish your attention on. Just like you do Monica."
"They all are healthy?" Ross asked. Concern about his sister and his niece and nephew nagging his mind.
"Those are the healthiest babies I have ever seen. And Monica is tired but happy. And after a good rest, she will be back on her feet in no time. At least that is what Phoebe says."
"When can I see her?" Chandler asked, impatient about seeing the woman he loved and his children.
"Right now." Before Phoebe could continue, Chandler was already running up the stairs and knocked softly at the door before entering.. After he did so, Rachel left. Giving him and Monica some time alone.
Chandler kissed Monica's forehead. "I love you so much."
"I kind of felt that you did. Time and time again. The first time when we conceived the children." Monica was holding both.
"May I?" Chandler motioned toward his children.
"Of course." She then handed his son toward him. Which he took.
"Which one am I holding?"
"Our son."
Chandler smiled and looked down at his son. This young child did not know that he was to inherit all of these lands and holdings. And he was to rule over everything, just like his father and be accountable toward the king and show his loyalty. Chandler kissed his son's forehead. "What name shall we call him? I was thinking of the name Daniel. What do you think?"
"Perfect. And for his sister. How about Heather? It is symbolic of everything between us and our family."
Chandler rubbed his finger down his daughter's check and smiled. "Perfect." He could already tell that for the rest of his days on this earth, he would do anything for his little girl.
"Now time to call in the others." Chandler meant Ross, Joey, Rachel and Phoebe.
Once he arrived, Ross felt extremely happy toward Monica, the babies and even Chandler. He no longer felt any type of hatred toward his brother-in-law.
After a bit, Chandler drew him aside and talked with him. "Ross, for everything I did to get Monica to come up here with me, I am sorry."
"Why the change of heart?" Ross asked him.
"Not so much as a change of heart. I still love Monica and would do anything for her. But I keep thinking of what I put you and your father through. If anyone was to take Heather away from me like that….I-I know I would not stop until I had killed the man. So for that I am sorry."
"Chandler you are my brother-in-law. And the father of my nice and nephew and my sister's husband. So you are family. I might wish that you would not have taken Monica like that. But that is the past, and I would not have changed a thing. After all you are family and Monica loves you."
"Ross I will ask of you a favor."
"What is it?"
"This spring when Richard Burke marches on the castle and after I die, please watch over my children and holdings until Daniel is old enough to watch over them on his own." Chandler sighed and then continued. "I want you to train Daniel to be a knight and to make sure that Heather gets a good husband or gets into a good convent. What ever she chooses. She will have enough of a dowry to do so. I want her to choose what she wants to do. That is a little different than what a lot of fathers do, but…..I want her happy. I want both of my children happy. I know I will not be around to see them grow up let alone their first birthday. But I want them to know that I love them and I always will."
"Chandler, you will live for a good long time! So stop talking about that!" Ross was surprised.
"Will I?" Chandler huffed aloud. "I do not think so. After Richard Burke gets here. You know what will happen. And I will be killed. That is why I want you as their guardian. And I do know that Monica will probably end up marrying him once all is said and done, that is why I want you to look after my holdings and my children. I know that you will not let anything happen to them. Promise me."
"I…uh…"
"If you do not want to do it, then the king can. But I want family to look after everything. If Monica does not marry, then she can. If she does, then you will watch over everything. So that her new husband gets nothing. And since you are blood relation, the guardianship will go to you as the next living male relative." Chandler looked at Ross hopefully.
"I will be honored to, if you die. But nothing is going to happen to you."
"I want your signature next to mine on a document the priest will draw up. Only the king will be able to override it. But King Jamie will not do that."
"I believe that you are right. He is too good a man. He would want family to look after family." Ross agreed.
"Shall we have the contract drawn up tonight after dinner?"
"I think that is a good idea." Ross stated. "Now let's get back and see the babies and your wife." Ross smiled at Chandler who smiled back at him. It was a smile of thanks and contentment, that Ross saw as peaceful and knowing that everything would be alright with his kids.
While standing there talking they did not notice a person lurking in the shadows. Once they were gone, Rachel sniffed aloud and whipped away a few tears that were falling down her checks. Poor Chandler. Monica had to know what she heard.
************
Five nights later, both Chandler and Monica lay awake holding each other. Two cradles right next to the bed held two darling babies.
Monica took a deep breath. "Chandler I know that my father and brother will not fight you when an army comes later on this spring. But if anyone else comes to fight you, you fight for every inch that you hold dear. Whether it be for me and the kids, the holdings or even your honor. You fight. Do you hear me? Monica looked up at her husband.
"Why the change of heart?"
"I want you alive to help me raise our children. I can not do it alone. And alone I will be if anything will happen to you. I will not get remarried. Do you understand?"
"Yes. Yes I do."
"Good….so if…."
"I know, if an army arrives her, I will fight." Chandler then kissed her hand and held it tight. He sighed a happy sigh and felt much better all of the sudden. He felt that he had a much better chance at a future. He even could hope to live to see his grandchildren.
************
A month later…..
A huge army approached. In it, the banners of the king waved proudly in the breeze as did the queen and the Geller's and even a banner that showed Burke family banner.
Chandler, Ross and Joey rode out to greet them. Once they arrived at the head of the army where the king and queen, Jack Geller and Richard Burke were at, Chandler offered lodging for however long they would be staying.
"I will not stay under the roof with that man." Richard Burke sniffed.
"Fine, then you can pitch your tents over there." Chandler directed Richard Burke toward an empty field. "And tell your men NOT to bother with any of the young girls or women from the village. If they do, then I will have them strung up."
"You did."
"He most certainly did not. Monica and him married soon after they arrived. And they shared separate rooms." Ross defended his brother-in-law and best friend.
"What about girls who are willing?"
"That is different. But, make sure they are willing. Understand?"
*****************
Later on that night
After the guests were shown to their rooms
And at the feast
King Jamie stood up. "I propose a toast to the happy married couple and to their children. May you all live long and have more children and many grandchildren!"
"HERE, HERE!!!!!" Everybody but Richard Burke yelled out.
"But….."
"Sir Richard Burke, my husband and I have talked it over and you will be given to marry my maid in waiting or Kathy." Queen Elizabeth stated aloud.
"But…."
"Don't worry man, she is a widow and has a huge dowry as well as lands. And since she and her late husband did not have children, you will get it all." King Jamie explained.
"I suppose that will be alright."
"Good, Kathy come here. Sir Richard stand beside her and vow to each other as betrothed." Which they did.
"Now Joseph Tribbianni come forward." Joey did as he was told. "Now kneel." King Jamie then tapped him on the shoulder with his sword. "In the name of Saint George, I knight you, Sir Joseph. Arise and take your place among the roll of English Knights." Since only a king could give a member of the peasantry a rank like that, everyone in the room was pleased. The queen walked up to the king and whispered in his ear. "And on top of that for your loyalty and courage shown, I also am giving you to wife, the lady Rachel Green. And some holdings as well as the rank of Earl. The holdings will be the lands between here and the sea or a days walk from here. Now send for me a priest, and you will both be given in marriage." Gary was given the town by the sea as his fiefdom earlier on that year.
"Now Midwife Phoebe Buffay, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Yes, I want an apcohthery built that also will house an orphanage. I want it as a place to train midwifes and healers and to teach other such good skills that children who do not have parents or the money or other such convinces to get an education so that they can become productive citizens."
"Well…I do not know."
"I will provide the funds out of my own coffers, if it is alright with you, husband." The queen spoke up.
"Very well. You know that I can not refuse you, my love." The king then turned toward Ross. "And seeing as how loyal you are and concerned about your family, I wish to reward you and also when your temper settled down. Is there anything you wanted?"
"To stay up here with my sister and my other family, and also to marry my true love."
"Who is that?" Ross walked over to his secret sweetheart and took her hand. The king smiled. "And how long has these feelings been going on?"
"Since she first saw me, and when I first saw her with my niece and nephew and how much she cared and loved them. I knew that she happened to be the one for me."
"Very well….A double wedding between Sir Ross Geller and Phoebe Buffay and Joseph Tribbianni and Rachel Green……"
In the main hall that night, there was a lot of celebrating for everything turned out……
**************
Alright, if anyone wants an epilogue let me know. Otherwise, this fic is no more……..