A/N: Here we go. There is one more chapter after this and it's over. BUT, there IS going to be a sequel for all of your lovely readers and reviewers out there who are wanting this story to continue on for I have a major idea. Muaha.

WitheringSage: hehe, yes he is. I think he would do well with a daughter as well. –laughs- I can just imagine his reaction to seeing boys hit on her. Enjoy this next chapter!

Raging Raven: Yep! Lancelot's gonna be a daddy… I dunno if that's a good scary thing or a bad scary thing. Haha. Enjoy!

Readerfreak10: -laughs- You wanted one ;) So, here we go! This'll make a good story plot for the sequel though.

Chapter 15: In The Midst Of Death, There Is Life

--8 Months Later--

A sigh escaped Latanie's lips as she lay in bed only because of Lancelot's urging. His protective state made her want to poke her eye out. He hadn't allowed her to do any work if she didn't have to. He was always tending to her, making sure that she had everything she wanted and needed. She enjoyed the attention for the first month but then it began to grow old. She knew he only cared but sometimes care could go too far. She looked at the book that lay open on her stomach, which was so round she couldn't see over it. The presence of the child had forced them into buying a house not far from the castle that now stood in the center of the town. It had three bedrooms, a kitchen, and living room. Boredom was beginning to settle in. She looked up as Lancelot entered the room and closed the book.

"How are you?" he asked, sitting down beside her. His hand gently rested on her bulging stomach. A smile came to his lips as he felt the baby's defiant kick underneath it.

"Just fine," she answered, sitting up. "The child's restless and it's concerning me. Been doing a lot of somersaults and repositioning." She grimaced as the baby kicked again.

Lancelot frowned. "Should I call a healer?" he asked, gently stroking her stomach.

Latanie shook her head. "No, I'll be fine. I just need to be careful, that's all." She gently kissed Lancelot's forehead. They both looked up as they heard a shout of panic and arrows whizzing through the air.

Lancelot instantly leaped off the bed and hurried out of the room. Latanie heard him swear quite violently before coming back in. "Stay here, don't answer the door. If you need me, send Mae." He kissed her forehead and strapped on his armor. He grabbed his swords and ran outside, making sure the door was firmly locked.

"Lance?" Latanie asked, concerned.

Lancelot ran all the way to the wall to spot Arthur. "Arthur? What is going on?" he asked.

"We're under attack. I do not know who these people are," Arthur said, shaking his head. "Stay in your home and watch over Latanie." He looked at his best friend and was about to speak but was interrupted by Mae.

"Milord!" she gasped. "Lady Latanie is in labor!"

Lancelot's worried gaze met the maid. "W-What! But it isn't time yet! She still has a month!" he stuttered and looked at Arthur in panic.

"Go to her, Lancelot. She needs you more than ever," Arthur urged. "This is not a big group but big enough to ambush us. Things will be taken care of here."

Lancelot nodded. "Thank you, Arthur," he breathed and took off down the stairs, hurrying back towards his home. "Mae, get a healer!" he shouted back. His mind filled with panic and thoughts of the worse. Why now? Of all times, why now? He skidded to a halt outside his front door and opened it, hearing Latanie's panting in the other room. He ran into the room, kneeling beside her. "I'm here, my love. I'm here," he said softly, taking her hand.

Latanie whimpered. Sword wounds did not hurt this much. She tightened her grip on Lancelot's hands. "Lance," she whimpered and did her best to keep the tears away. "I'm scared," she admitted.

"I know. It's okay. Everything's going to be okay," Lancelot said, pushing hair out of her face. He tenderly kissed her forehead. "Just breathe." He watched her helplessly as she cried out in agonized pain. He clenched his teeth, trying his best not to grimace.

Another whimper left Latanie's throat as she bit back a scream. The pain was becoming unbearable and she was afraid she would break Lancelot's hand if she squeezed any tighter. "Lancelot!" she cried out, letting the tears flow freely. "Make it stop, damn it. Make it stop," she sobbed as a huge contraction hit her.

Lancelot bit his lower lip hard enough to draw blood. He didn't feel the pain or taste the blood. "I wish I could, Lat," he said. It was tearing him apart to see her in so much pain. He looked up as a woman rushed in.

"Milady, I am Lynn. I am here to help. You need to relax," the woman said, looking at the knight.

"Trying," Latanie gasped, wincing. The tears had stopped and dried on her cheeks. She sighed in relief as the contractions lessened. "How much longer?" she asked.

"Judging by how far you come, a few hours," Lynn said.

Latanie's eyes widened. "Hours?" she gasped.

"That long?" Lancelot asked, his eyes clouding with worry.

"Yes. Your body is preparing for the delivery. Milord, just do your best in keeping her calm. Milady, just rest. You will need it when the time to push comes," Lynn said and set about getting ready for the delivery.

Latanie groaned. "No more," she whispered, loosening her grip on Lancelot's hand.

"You picked a bad time to go into labor," Lancelot said, looking out a window to see fire in the distance.

"Why?" Latanie asked.

"We're under attack," Lancelot said. "Arthur doesn't know who it is. I think it's Woad rebels who do not like the idea of the union." He shook his head and looked at Latanie. "But do not worry about that now. Concentrate on giving birth to a healthy child." He gently stroked her face. "I'll be here with you every step of the way," he promised. Over the hours, Lancelot remained at her bedside. He soothed her when she needed it; he encouraged her when she was doubtful; he ensured that he was there when she needed him.

"I can't take it," Latanie whispered.

"You're doing great, Lat. You're almost there," Lancelot said softly in her ear.

Latanie let out an involuntary scream when a contraction hit her. She moaned and laid back. She felt as if she was going mad with the pain. Sighing, she closed her eyes and whimpered. She gasped as another contraction came and went.

"You're about ready, Milady," Lynn said, gently patting Latanie's knee. "Get ready. When I give you the command, I want you to push." She looked up as Mae entered the room.

"My apologies. King Arthur and the knights are here," she said. "I will tell them to wait." She turned and left the room.

"Milord, I must ask that you leave the room," Lynn said, looking at Lancelot.

"W-What? No! He can't leave," Latanie gasped, instantly gripping Lancelot a bit tighter. "Please, don't make him leave."

Lynn looked at her. "Milady, you're ready."

"I know. But I want my husband at my side when I give birth to our child," Latanie said, her eyes pleading.

"My love, we must do as she says," Lancelot said reluctantly, kissing Latanie's forehead.

"No," Latanie whispered, shaking her head. "Stay."

Lynn sighed hesitantly. "If she wishes for you to stay, then do so," she said and busied herself in preparations before going back. "Okay, Milady, push, push now," she ordered.

Latanie gave a sigh of relief as Lynn said Lancelot could stay. She looked at him with tired eyes before hearing the command. She took Lancelot's hand and squeezed while pushing with all of the might she could muster. A small cry escaped her lips as she paused to take a breath. She laid back for a moment before pushing again. It felt as if it would never end.

"Come on, Latanie. You can do it," Lancelot urged, squeezing her hand back.

Latanie nodded as she took another small break. She bore down a few more times, feeling the child leave her body. She gave a sigh of relief as she relaxed. A smile came to their faces as they heard the baby start wailing at the top of its lungs.

"A boy, Milord," Lynn said, cleaning up the child.

Latanie smiled. A son! She had given Lancelot a son! She felt as if there was something else. She groaned, causing Lancelot's smile to disappear and have him look at her with concern. "Lat?"

"Milady, there's one more," Lynn said. "Push."

Latanie whimpered and did as best as she could, finding herself to be tired and weak. She gasped in relief as another child slid out. She closed her eyes and released Lancelot's hand. She heard another wail as the other little one took its first breath.

"A girl, Milord," Lynn said. "She is weak, I am afraid. I am not sure of her fate."

Latanie grimaced as she did her best not to cry. They had a healthy son and a sick daughter. She felt Lancelot's hand on her cheek. "It's okay, Lat. We'll do all we can for her." He kissed her forehead. "Do what you can," he said to Lynn.

He had felt such joy only to have it snatched away at the news of his daughter's condition. He looked at the little boy that was handed to him. He could see big eyes that were black, adjusting to the light and slowly becoming brown, like his own. "My son," he whispered. "You get to name him, Lat. You gave birth to him."

Latanie shook her head. "Joint decision," she said. "A proud, strong name. Lancelot Artorius Du Lac…"

Lancelot immediately looked up at her. He nodded, his chest swelling with pride and love for his son. "Perfect," he said and kissed her forehead before handing her their son.

"A nickname will have to be in order. Otherwise, you two will get mixed up," she said, laughing quietly.

Lancelot smiled. "Our daughter… Neyanna Latanie Du Lac," he said, looking at Latanie, who nodded. He sighed softly before straightening up. "Are you in the mood for company?" he asked

Latanie nodded. "Can we at least see Neyanna first?" she asked, looking at him.

"Of course, Milady," Lynn said, tenderly holding a little girl.

Latanie's heart sank as she saw how tiny Neyanna was. She gently touched the little girl's face as she was handed to her. She bit her lower lip but remained as calm as she could. She handed her to Lancelot, who held her so carefully it was as if he was afraid she would shatter dare he hold her in any other way.

"You can let the knights in here now," Lancelot said to Lynn as he looked at his children. He glanced up at Latanie. "You are exhausted. You should rest."

"Too much adrenalin," Latanie answered, looking at their children. She looked up as the knights entered. She gave a weak smile and let her head fall to the side.

"Congratulations," Arthur said quietly, gently touching Latanie's forehead. "Two beautiful children. Two!"

"That means more trouble for us," Galahad teased.

"Neyanna isn't doing very well," Lancelot said, looking down. He then looked at the little girl in his arms. He sighed and gently touched his daughter's face. He had never seen something so small and so helpless.

"Neyanna? A pretty name," Bors said.

"Yes, Neyanna Latanie Du Lac. Then, our son. Lancelot Artorius Du Lac," Lancelot said, looking at his son. He glanced up to see Arthur's surprised look. He smiled. "Yes, that is his name." He looked at little Lancelot as he began to cry again. He gave a lost look as he did his best to calm the little one. He gave a sigh of relief as little Lancelot's hand grabbed onto his finger.

"Don't worry. She'll get better – especially if she has your blood," Bors said, trying to comfort the two parents.

Latanie nodded and closed her eyes for a brief moment. "As painful as it was, it was well worth it." She looked at the knights. "Who attacked us, Arthur?"

"Talk about a mood killer," Arthur said teasingly but then grew serious. "A rebel band of Woads."

"I was right," Lancelot said, shaking his head. "They are displeased by the union."

Arthur nodded. "But that is for another day," he said. "Rest now. You've just given birth and you need your strength more than anything. There are many sleepless nights ahead."

Latanie nodded again. "Gladly," she whispered and closed her eyes again.

"You did wonderful," Lancelot said, kissing Latanie's forehead as she drifted off. "Sleep well." He stood up, handing the two children to Lynn to be laid in cradles. He sighed and rubbed his eyes.

"You too, Lancelot. Look at you," Arthur said.

"I'm fine. Just a bit stressed, that's all. Latanie's going to be devastated if Neyanna doesn't make it… we both will," Lancelot said. "I am grateful for my son and my daughter – I just hope that they'll both make it."

"They will. Especially if they're going to be as stubborn as you two are," Arthur assured him, gently patting him on the back.

"I say we go to the pub and have a round of drinks on me," Bors suggested.

"I'm up for that," Gawain said, smiling.

"How about a contest?" Galahad suggested, laughing quietly.

"You guys go ahead. I'm going to stay here," Lancelot said. "Just in case Latanie needs me."

They nodded. "Aye. If you change your mind, you know where we'll be," Bors said, patting Lancelot before leaving with the other knights save for Arthur.

Lancelot looked at him. "What is the damage?"

"Nothing big. A few deaths but that is to be expected," Arthur replied, sitting down opposite of Lancelot. "I'm hoping that scared them off for a little bit. I don't want the possibility of your children growing up in the midst of a battle."

"They'll return Arthur. They always do. But, until then, we must live the most of each day," Lancelot said, subconsciously stroking Latanie's hand.

Arthur smiled and nodded. "You're starting to sound like me."

"Oh dear God, anything but that," Lancelot said, causing them both to laugh quietly. Things were only going to get rockier.

A/N: Muaha! Like I said, one chapter to go. About the twin thing, I couldn't figure out what to make the child so I went to my brother and said, "Boy or girl?" He just stared at me and said both. Frustrated, I went to my room and spun a coin on my desk (because I can't flip them for some reason) and it didn't land on a side… How the heck that works I have now clue! So, I just went with twins. R&R please!