"Number 5, no!"
"Don't even think about it 7!"
"3,4 and 9 get here! Right now!"
More sounds of smashing pots and shrieking children filled their ears as they walked towards the door of Vanora and Bor's chambers. Day looked over apprehensively at Anise as they arrived outside the door; Anise squeezing her hand lightly and Day enjoying the older girl's comfort.
"Now or never I guess?" She asked quietly, laughing sheepishly and Anise returned the hesitant chuckle.
The decision was made for them by Vanora flinging open the door with her arms full of squirming 5,6,7 and 9 and gasping with joy when she saw the two wide-eyed girls.
"Ah, you're just in time! You can help me take them to the baths." Vanora smiled giddily and turned in the doorway; swinging the children with her. "C'mon then you rascals! Off to the bathing house with the lot of ya!"
She turned again and smiled in sheer gratitude at the girls before strutting away followed by the unending stream of her brood, ignoring the children's shouted protests and various skirmishes. Anise and Day simply stared after them in belated surprise before creeping towards the open doorway and peering inside.
"Oh my…" Whispered Day, peering around at the disaster area Bors proudly called his home.
"Gawain can think again…" Muttered Anise is appalled awe at the sight of smashed pottery, broken chairs and clothes strewn all over the place.
Both girls turned to each other at the same time; their faces mirroring the other's with shock, amazement and fear. They laughed and shut their open mouths and started off arm in arm towards the bathing house.
"Well just think, you'll have all this to come in 6 more months!" Chuckled Anise, nudging her friend in the side and making her grin slyly.
"I can't imagine you won't be far behind with you and Gawain at it like rabbits." Returned Day shrewdly, a wicked gleam in her eye as she laughed at Anise's flabbergasted expression. "And I'd shut your mouth if I were you, wouldn't want to catch flies now would we?"
Day untangled herself from Anise and walked away laughing, her dark waves shaking around her shoulders as she entered the oppressive humidness of the baths. Anise watched her go as she silently gathered her scattered thoughts enough to call after her: "Well I never!" before stalking in after Day.
"And what colour is the sky?"
"Blue!" Cheered the mob of children, splashing water everywhere and making the three women laugh.
"Well actually I'd say it was grey at the moment but never mind."
Everyone turned at the sound of Gawain's familiar teasing growl and found him leaning casually in the doorway of the bathing house; his legs crossed and his arms folded over his chest. Anise's face instantly softened and she grinned at him dreamily from her position at the edge of the pool; her arms elbow deep in water as she scrubbed the mud and dirt off the particularly grubby Number 3.
"We were just keeping the children entertained, but I'm sure if you all watch carefully and wait patiently then Uncle Gawain will fall over something and make you laugh children." Anise whispered conspiratorially to the expectant brood, a wide grin on her blissful face.
Vanora and Day continued scrubbing the young ones and chuckled underneath their breath at the teasing.
Gawain pushed himself off of the doorframe and began strutting towards the women and children with a smug expression. "I'll have you know that I possess the grace of a-"
"Blind ox." Sniggered Anise, not looking at him and she heard Vanora and Day stifling giggles behind their hands.
Anise tilted her head to look up from beneath her thick lashes and dark curls and found Gawain grinning from ear to ear.
"You say that now…" He murmured with a wicked smile and Anise splashed water at him to make him stop.
He caught it full in the face and gave a spluttered bark of laughter before kicking out a foot and toppling her into the pool.
"GAWAIN!" She screamed as she emerged, looking somewhat similar to a drowned rat and to find him doubled up in hysterical laughter.
All of the children joined the chorus of laughter and soon Vanora and Day couldn't smother it anymore; letting the giggles shake their body as they sat around the edge of the water.
"Yes my love?" Gawain finally asked, panting from his side-splitting laughter and with amusement written all over his sunny face.
"Right." Anise growled, wading across the expanse of the pool and heaving herself out. She stood in her sopping dress which hung heavily around her and glared towards Gawain.
"Oh no you don't!" He exclaimed and began running frantically towards the door.
"Oh but I thought we were going to play…" Pouted Anise with an evil grin which stopped Gawain in his tracks.
"Wha-" Was all he managed to get out before Anise launched herself at him and knocked him to the floor with her sopping mass.
The children began screaming encouragement as the two rolled around the floor in a battle of wills, until eventually Gawain had managed to sit on Anise and cease her struggling.
"This looks familiar." He said with a rather breathless laugh and Anise's eyes sparkled deviously.
"Yes but I do believe last time I bit you." She smirked and averted her eyes to see the scar upon his right forearm from whence she had drawn blood.
Gawain followed her gaze and gave a mournful wail as he remembered the tragic event but she could tell he was playing.
Suddenly a shadow appeared across the doorway and gave an admonishing sigh.
"Gawain really, in front of the children as well. Can't you remember the way to your chambers and instead plan to ravage the poor girl in public?"
Everyone looked up to find Lancelot leaning in the doorway with a wicked smile and a cheeky glint in his dark eyes.
Gawain slowly rolled off of Anise and helped her to her feet with a laugh, hugging her to his side. Lancelot rolled his eyes and strutted past, nodding his greeting to Day and Vanora who returned it; Vanora smiling and brushing her hair out of her face with the back of her arm, and seated himself on the bench. He discarded his boots and tunic and was standing to enter the sauna when Arthur entered and nodded his greetings to everyone. Everyone smiled and said their welcomes as Arthur joined his First Knight and both retired to the soothing warmth of the sauna.
Though Anise was soaked through, she stayed and helped Vanora with the children and Gawain followed her example enthusiastically until Vanora, Day, Anise and Gawain had washed and dried all 11 children and we ready to take them back home.
"See! I told you children would be a good idea!" Exclaimed Gawain excitedly, his grin as wide as ever as he hefted numbers 5, 6, and 9 into his arms and stared to carry them away, telling them a valiant story about one his many battles with childish animation.
Anise's only response was to stare at his retreating back in horror before she heard Day chuckle to her left.
"Well you've got to learn sometime." She commented, her arms soaked up to the elbow and splashes of water scattered across her dress, but still with a soft smile on her face.
Anise nodded sheepishly, her tight curls bobbing and her dark eyes twinkling with delight.
"Are you looking forward to when the little one comes?" Anise asked conversationally as she took Day's arm and they wandered back out into the bustling streets of the fort.
"Aye. Especially as he won't stop wriggling." Day commented with gritted teeth, obviously in pain. "Should he be doing this so early in the pregnancy?"
Anise halted their walking and turned to her friend, her hands coming up to rest on her shoulders and she bent down to look into Day's bowed face.
"What does the pain feel like Day? Day?" Anise urged, gripping her friend's shoulders with increasing urgency as the Woad's emerald eyes darkened and glazed.
Day gasped for breath as she slowly began to crumple to the floor.
"Stabbing." She groaned, her head bowed and hand clutching at her stomach. "Burning. It hurts Anise…" Her voice started to fade as she gasped from the pain and let out a deep moan.
Anise could hear the tears in her friend's voice and keeping one hand on her shoulder, she straightened and began looking around frantically for someone to help. Suddenly she recognised Bor's lumbering coming through the crowd along with Tristan and Dagonet.
"Tristan!" Screamed Anise over the noise of the crowd. The scout's head instantly turned to her in alarm and he could see the fear in her face. "Tristan!"
He began pushing his way through the crowds, breaking into a run and gritting his teeth when he saw it was Day on the floor.
"What's wrong?" He asked to either of them, crouching to pick up Day into his arms and setting off in the direction of the infirmary.
Anise hurried along behind with Bors and Dag, her mostly dry skirts gathered in her hands to let her keep up with Tristan's large strides.
"She complained of the baby moving too much. Then of a stabbing and burning pain." Anise rallied off quickly, alarm coating her every word and Tristan looked down determinedly at the moaning girl in his arms.
"Feeling better already Arthur?" Asked Lancelot teasingly as the two sat in the stifling heat of the sauna, only clad in a towel and their breeches deposited outside the door.
Arthur stretched with a lazy smile and nodded his head, groaning at the use of his muscles again. He hadn't been out riding in a long time and he considered a ride later that day would be a good idea as his horse was bound to be getting restless. His wound had healed completely now, leaving only another small scar on his side; in comparison to some of the haphazard white scars across his chest and torso it was vastly inferior.
Lancelot yawned and let his head loll back against the wooden interior of the sauna. They sat in a comfortable silence for a long while, occasionally stretching, yawning and stoking the hot coals with another quick splash of water. Eventually Lancelot broke the silence and asked about any upcoming missions for want of something to say and Arthur's familiar rumble erupted from the hazy mist of steam in the small room.
"Well there have been few reports of any Saxon activity of late, but there have been some skirmishes between Woad tribes over land. Therefore I think it best we go and just negotiate-"
But Arthur got no further as Lancelot put a hand up to his damp chest and shushed him to be silent.
"Did you hear that?" He whispered with alertness in his smoky eyes and his head tilted to one side in concentration.
Arthur frowned at his friend, shaking his head to signify he hadn't but Lancelot kept his hand on his chest and listened intently anyway.
A faint scream reached both of their ears this time, and with a quick look of alarm to each other they ran out of the room and threw on their clothes.
"It sounded like it was 'Tristan'." Lancelot muttered aloud in confusion as he shrugged on his tunic and hastily belted his sword around his waist before running with Arthur out of the room.
They ran straight into the back end of Bors and Dag who were swiftly making their way through the sea of people, and the two men ran to catch up with the two Knights.
"What's going on?" Demanded Arthur with concern, patting Bors on the left shoulder as he fell into step with the burly Knight.
"Day." Was the strained response and Arthur stopped in shock, knowing the only thing that could be wrong with her. His hand trailing from his friend's shoulder and coming to rest limply at his side. His face was devoid of any emotion as he was numb with shock and worry and Lancelot stopped and jogged back to Arthur to see what was wrong.
Arthur met Lancelot's enquiring eyes numbly.
"Day. The baby."
A/N: Ok, first of all yes, your eyes do not deceive you! This is in fact -gasp- an update! -Watches as half of readers fall off of chairs with surprise- Yes I know it has been a long while and I must apologise for that but I've only just finished my dreaded mocks -cringes- all of which I can confidently say I have failed lol. I was proud of the fact though that in my English Language creative writing piece I chose the title 'Loneliness' (we had 5 to choose from) and I did a little Tristan-esque inspired piece hehe. Anyway...matter at hand. I hate this chapter quite frankly lol. I've had terrible writer's block and its all just been a bit sluggish as I've been trying to write 3 fics at the same time - none of which are working out how I want them, grrr lol. The baby card was such a predictibility but I honestly didn't know what else to do! So if you have any suggestions then fire away, please! lol And now for the moment you've all been waiting for...your individual reviewer comments! There are a lot so be warned but you're all angels!
Ailis-70: THANK YOU! -has mini thank you fit- For all of you who have not had the pleasure of reading Meredith's fic, you really have to! She's such an amazing author and has helped me through so much with this blasted fic lol. Your reviews always make me smilelike a complete lunatic, happy dance, laugh at your witty and hilariouscommentsand then think about what you've said and think 'Hey that's a pretty good idea actually, scrap mine!' lol. What more can I say then thank you ever so much for being my beta, helping me through writers block, keeping me happy and being a constant right from the start -always finding time to review in your hectic schedule! You're an angel! Thanks xx
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY: You're another faithful reviewer who has been there right from the beginning! You never fail to make a lil review, of which I am very thankful and it's nice to know you always want more hehe. Thanks very much xx
KnightMaiden: I wish I'd gone for a good themed name like so many authors (including yourself) but I had to think of one fast...and it came out slightly...random lol. But I'm eternally grateful for your lovely lil messages all the time, always nice for a writer to get pleads for more! Gives us so much power! -evil laugh- Yes anyway...thanks again and keep on reading xx
Elfvamp1-13-97: One of your first reviews that ended with: "Gawain might be somewhat pissed." made me laugh and I haven't stopped since. Your reviews are always so nice to read as they never fail in making me smile and in your short and sweet style they get all your thoughts across! Glad you enjoy the story so much! Thanks xx
Turtle Kid: Thanks for reviewing and I'm pleased you like my story so much! Pain in the arse to write sometimes and it's seemingly never-ending but meh lol. Thanks for the support and perhaps...just maybe...I'll give you some money, but you got to earn it! lol Thanks xx
Beth: I don't know if you're still reading this but if you are: yay! Just want to thank you for your support at the beginning as it all helped to make me want to carry on!
ElvenStar5: Thanks for reviewing my first chapter! Always good to know the story has started off well!
Victoria87: Thanks for the early support and well done if you're still reading this monster of a story lol.
heyhey: Still interesting? lol Thanks!
MORWEN12: Thanks for the reviews! Pleased you like it so much!
Angels-Giggles: Good to know you like Anise and Gawain together! I tried to set my story apart by having unusual things going on and it wasn't until I read KA fanfic that I actually really considered Tristan and Gawain -gasp- lol. So I had to have those 2 having some fun with the ladies, bless them! Thanks xx
Shevaun: Lovely to hear your ideas! And I think I am lucky you don't know where I live, especially if you've liked all of the characters I've attempted to kill -smiles innocently- lol. It took me ages trying to decide who to kill in the big Saxon battle scene but after much whining, complaining and deliberation with my good friend Missy Mouse I couldn't do it to any of them lol. Hope your still enjoying the story if you're reading it, and it'd be fantastic to hear some more from you! Thanks x
lozcollie: Thanks for your little reviews! Support is always much appreciated, keeps us authors happy! And believe me you don't want to see me when I'm not lol. Last time I got angry I gave myself chest pains lol. Ye all be warned! lol Hope you're still enjoying it if you've been brave enough to keep reading!
Winged Seraph: Tristan is...-sighs dreamily and goes glazy-eyed- lol Fanfic was how I noticed him as in the film I was more interested in Galahad and Lancelot lol -slaps wrist- Got a bit carried away shall we say lol. But yes now I can't get enough of the delectable scout and I'm glad you and others love him so much too! He's a tricky one at times but one can but try hehe. Glad you're enjoying it and lovely to hear from a new reviewer! Thanks for reading xx
And last but not least...Missy Mouse: Oh Hazel, my faithful fiend! Ever since the beginning you have been there putting ideas into my head, spoofing KA and making me laugh! This girl has had to put up with me over msn and at school; there's no escape! lol But I really am grateful for all your little reviews you've made and for the fact that you have me moaning on about my silly old fic or making lewd comments about the Knights of the round table lol. Hazel knows all too well about how practically all of my characters are 'flingers' and I just can't help myself! lol Hussy old pal we have to collaborate and do a KA spoof as you're always making excellent lil scenes and even though I'm easily amused, I'm sure others will find it hilarious too! "I AM TRISTAN, GOD OF SEX IN TENTS! HEAR ME ROAR!" Indeed oh beloved Hussy! lol Thanks xx
I hope I haven't missed anyone! If I have, feel free to have a pop at me, I don't mind lol. Well...this actually might be longer than the actual chapter from the looks of things lol. But one last big THANK YOU to all of you and hope you continue to enjoy it!