Lancelot and Guinevere
In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana
Morgana was making a pilgrimage to visit her father's grave and Gwen and Mira-Liana had agreed to accompany her. They had a small escort of knights joining them and the women were saying good-bye to their men.
Merlin helped Gwen get on her horse and Morgana didn't let go of Frik's hand for quite a while. Arthur and Mira-Liana shared a kiss.
"Be safe," he murmured.
"I'll be okay," she said. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine."
With that, she got on the horse and rode off with Morgana and Gwen.
"What's the matter with you?" asked Merlin, when they'd gone. "They'll be back soon."
Arthur sighed. "I know, it's just that…well, call me overprotective, but ever since the Questing Beast incident, I get so afraid that something's going to happen to Ana whenever she leaves my sight for too long."
"Well, given what happened, I can't say I blame you." said Merlin. The Questing Beast had attacked and nearly killed Arthur. Merlin and Mira-Liana had dealt with Nimueh and nearly killed themselves trying to save Arthur. "Look, Arthur, feeling protective about your wife is natural. I feel the same way about Gwen."
"Yes, but Gwen didn't go off to sacrifice herself for your sake," said Arthur.
"I know, but I get concerned about Mir too. She's my sister, for heaven's sake. Besides, she can handle herself and contact me if anything goes wrong."
"True enough," he admitted. "I don't know, I just…I have this feeling that something's going to happen. And I don't know why."
"Maybe you're just missing her," said Merlin.
"Maybe."
XXX
The three woman rode down the path that would lead them to the grave of Morgana's father. It was a fairly nice day with the clear skies and the sun shining, and they seemed to enjoy themselves a little.
"So, Mira, how's life as a princess?" asked Gwen.
"It's fine," said Mira-Liana. "It's still a little strange, though."
"It'll feel like normal in time. You were always meant for this," said Morgana. Then she looked at Mira-Liana's face and frowned. "Mira, are you alright?"
"I'm fine," said Mira-Liana, as she blinked a few times. "I'm just a little dizzy."
"Are you sure?" asked Gwen.
"Yes. Really, it's nothing."
They didn't have time to continue talking as they were attacked by bandits. Before Mira-Liana could use her magic, their knights were killed and they were pulled off their horses.
"Let go of me!" Mira-Liana yelled. "Kesina!" Her eyes glowed as her captor was thrown off her. "Morgana, Gwen, head for the path! Run!"
The three women ran for their lives, but moments later, they were at the sharp end of a sword and another bandit.
"I warn you. I am Uther Pendragon's ward and he'll have your heads if anything happens to me," Morgana threatened.
"Oh don't worry I have no intentions in harming you…yet," he soothed. "You're much more valuable to me alive, my Lady Morgana. Now, follow me."
Merlin, if you can hear me, please help us, said Mira-Liana. There's trouble. We need you.
She didn't dare risk using anymore magic quite so soon if she wanted these bandits to tell Uther and get all three of them killed, so she, along with Morgana and Gwen, followed the bandit to a tent.
When they were alone, the three women made their plans to escape. Mira-Liana watched carefully until she saw the bandit come towards them. "Here he comes. Do you two know what you must do?"
They nodded.
"My ladies," he said. "I trust you are comfortable."
"I demand to know where you're taking us!" said Mira-Liana.
"You'll find out soon enough," he said. "Get some rest. It's going to be a long journey."
"Wait," said Morgana. "I wish to make a request."
"And what request might that be?" he asked.
"Just turn around and close your eyes," said Morgana.
He rolled his eyes, but did as she asked.
"Rinza jieza kire!" said Mira-Liana.
The bandit was blasted into the camp and smoke filled the camp as the three women ran for their lives through the woods. They came to a path and Gwen ran past it.
"No, Gwen, this way!" Morgana yelled.
They kept running until Gwen tripped and fell to the ground and Mira-Liana's arm was wounded when an arrowed narrowly missed her.
"Both of you, come on. Put your arm around my shoulder," said Morgana.
"No, Morgana, we won't make it!" said Mira-Liana. "Listen, you go. I'll stay and help Gwen."
"I'm not leaving you two behind!" she protested.
"You have to! Morgana, please go. Get Merlin and Arthur! Go!" Gwen yelled.
Morgana looked torn, but ran for her life as Mira-Liana helped Gwen to stand and they were both taken back to the camp.
XXX
Merlin was looking over some scrolls when he felt a wave of fear and pain come from Mira-Liana and heard her cry in his mind. Merlin, if you can hear me, please help us, she said. There's trouble. We need you.
"Mir, Gwen," he whispered.
He bolted out of the room and ran into Arthur's chambers where the prince was writing. "Arthur, Morgana's party is in trouble," he said. "They need us."
Arthur jerked up. "What? What happened?"
"I don't know. She didn't tell me."
"Come with me," said Arthur.
"Where're we going?" asked Merlin.
"We need to inform my father and then find them." They entered the hall where Uther was. "Father, there's a problem. Morgana's party hasn't returned to Camelot, there is no sign of her or the others."
Uther looked concerned. "Send word to the outlying villages, I want every guard and every sentry looking for them," Uther ordered.
"I'll dispatch them immediately," said Arthur. "Merlin, get Frik and Mordred and meet me outside."
"Will do," said Merlin.
Half an hour later, Merlin, Mordred, Frik and some knights were out searching for the missing party. They eventually arrived at the path and saw the fallen men.
"Oh, heavens," said Merlin.
"Search for survivors!" said Arthur, as he examined a body. He picked up an arrow in disgust. "Mercian craftsman ship."
"Arthur, I've found something," said Frik. He held up a crumpled piece of paper. "It's a ransom note for Morgana. They've taken her hostage."
Both Merlin and Arthur's eyes widened in fear; before they darkened with anger.
"I found tracks!" said Mordred. "This way!"
They followed Mordred into a deep part of the woods. They were cautious and listened closely for anything. When there was a noise up ahead, Arthur grabbed his crossbow and was about to fire when Morgana appeared, looking frightened and shaking.
"Morgana!" said Frik, as he and Mordred embraced her. "What happened? Are you alright?"
"We were attacked," said Morgana. "We tried to escape, but Gwen and Mira got hurt. I didn't want to, but they told me to leave and get help. They're alive…for now. I'm so sorry. This is my fault."
"You had no choice," said Arthur. "Don't blame yourself. We'll get them back, I promise."
"Frik, take Morgana back to the castle," said Merlin. "Take the knights with you and tell Uther and Gaius where we're going."
"Yes, of course," said Frik. "Should Mordred accompany you?"
"No, I don't want to put a child at risk," said Arthur.
Emrys, tell him I'm coming with you, said Mordred. You and Emrysa saved my life. I must repay this debt. Besides, you might need me.
Merlin sighed and relayed Mordred's message. Arthur looked annoyed, but then nodded. "Fine, you can come."
"Merlin, Arthur," said Morgana. "Bring them home."
"We will," Arthur promised.
XXX
Back in the woods, Mira-Liana and Gwen were at the bandits' camp. Their leader was beyond furious. "How could you let her escape! You bring me a servant and a sorceress! They're worthless to us!"
Mira-Liana let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. She was suddenly grateful she'd decided to wear a peasant's dress and use her magic. They didn't know she was the Princess of Camelot and maybe she could use that to her advantage.
She would've gladly used another spell, but she had to think of Gwen's safety and she was feeling too tired to use anymore magic after that last spell she'd used.
The leader handed Mira-Liana a dress. "Put that on," he ordered.
"What're you going to do with us?" Gwen asked.
"Hengist has never met the Lady Morgana. For all he knows, your friend could be Uther Pendragon's ward. If you do not do this, then you will die where you stand."
"Fine," said Mira-Liana. "But if anything happens to me or my companion, I swear upon my soul, you will be cursed into oblivion."
She and Gwen went back into the tent and Gwen helped Mira-Liana change into the gown and dress her arm wound before Mira-Liana turned her attention to Gwen's ankle.
"It isn't much, but you should be able to walk on it now," said Mira-Liana, after using what little herbs and bandages she could find to mend the wound.
"Don't worry about it. It's fine," said Gwen. "I'm more worried about you. I'm so sorry, Mira. This is my fault. If I hadn't been hurt—"
"Don't you dare blame yourself," Mira-Liana interrupted. "You did nothing wrong. The only ones who are to blame are Hengist and those pigs. We'll get out of this safely, I promise."
Gwen nodded. "Call Merlin. Tell him about this."
"I will," said Mira-Liana, as she held the frightened girl to her chest. Merlin, can you hear me?
Mir? Thank heavens. Are you alright? Where are you?
We're both fine. But I have no idea where we are. The bandits are taking us to Hengist and making me pretend to be Morgana. They don't know I'm Arthur's wife. We can't escape. I'm too tired to use anymore magic right now.
Don't worry. Arthur, Mordred and I are coming to get you. You'll be home soon, I promise. Just hang on.
Thank you. I love you, Merlin.
I love you too, Mir.
Mira-Liana ceased the conversation at that point and tried to sleep.
XXX
After two days' hard journey, Mira-Liana and Gwen were brought into Hengist's castle. Both women felt like pigs to the slaughter as they came face-to-face with Hengist.
"Ah, Kendrick, I was beginning to think you failed me," said Hengist.
"May I present the Lady Morgana and her maid," Kendrick announced.
Mira-Liana glared at Hengist as he eyed her like she was something to eat. "You are as beautiful as they say, Lady Morgana," he said.
"I demand you release me and my maid at once!" she commanded.
"As soon as Uther Pendragon pays the ransom," said Hengist. "In the meantime, you and your maid will be my guests."
"Guests," Mira-Liana scoffed. "Don't lie to me or flatter yourself. We're nothing more than prisoners."
"As you wish. Take them to the dudgeons."
The two women remained the dudgeon, holding each other for comfort until they were dragged out and forced to attend a feast with many drunks and other outlaws.
Hengist stood up. "Silence!" he said. "Our royal guest, Lady Morgana, has grown bored. She needs entertainment!"
Everyone cheered and yelled as a huge muscle-bound man entered the cage in the center of the room through a door in the wall.
"Bring on the challenger!" said Hengist.
Another door opened and a familiar man came through it. "Lancelot," Mira-Liana and Gwen whispered.
"Only one of you will escape from the cage alive," said Hengist. "Do you accept the challenge?"
Mira-Liana and Gwen cringed when Lancelot nodded. They could tell they weren't going to like this. The minute Lancelot nodded, the battle began. It was nerve wrecking to watch, it looked like Lancelot was loosing, until he managed to dislodge him.
Lancelot then had the upper hand and knocked him to the floor. But instead of delivering the killing blow, Lancelot let the man live. He then stepped out of the cage, weak and weary from the fight.
"What is your name?" asked Hengist, as he handed him some money.
"My name is Lancelot."
"You've proved yourself to be a skillful warrior. I believe you even impressed our royal guest, the Lady Morgana, and her maid."
Lancelot's eyes met Gwen and Mira-Liana's. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes before it disappeared as he bowed. "My lady," he said.
Hengist chuckled. "Next time you fight, do not expect any mercy. Release the Wildren."
To their horror, another door in the cage was opened and a giant rat-like beast came out and quickly devoured Lancelot's opponent. Mira-Liana, Gwen and Lancelot had not dared to look, not wanting to see such a thing, but they had been unable to block out the man's screams.
"Do you not find such a thing pleasing, my lady?" asked Hengist, noticing their discomfort.
"Never! Only a sick monster like you would find death entertaining!" Mira-Liana hissed.
Hengist just scoffed. "Suit yourself," he said. "Return them to the dudgeons."
Mira-Liana and Gwen were returned to their cell, but not before Mira-Liana called out to Lancelot with her mind.
Help us, please.
XXX
Meanwhile, Merlin, Arthur and Mordred were still riding out to Hengist's castle. Merlin and Arthur seemed to be running on adrenaline and hadn't slept or eaten since riding out. They finally stopped riding at midday for some rest and water when they came to a brook.
"Is Ana alright? Have you had any contact with her?" asked Arthur, as they refilled their water skins.
"I haven't spoken to her since yesterday," said Merlin. "But I think she's alright for now."
Can't she just use magic to escape? asked Mordred.
"No, she can't use magic, Mordred," said Merlin. "She's too tired. Whatever's wrong must really be drawing on her power."
"What do you mean?" asked Arthur.
"Mir's been a little sick lately," said Merlin. "Didn't she tell you?"
"No," said Arthur, annoyed. "How bad has it been?"
"She's just been ill in the mornings and having dizzy spells," said Merlin. "It only seemed to be short-lasting, so I thought it wasn't that bad."
"I hope so," said Arthur.
"Well, let's get going. Gwen and Mira-Liana's lives are at stake," said Merlin, as he got back on his horse.
Arthur smiled a little as he joined him. "I've never seen you like this. All this time and I've never seen you more worried."
"I can't help it," said Merlin. "Do you remember how you felt when Mir and I went to the Isle of the Blessed?"
"I try not to," said Arthur, remembering the feelings of dread and worry he'd felt all that time ago. "Why?"
"Well, that's exactly how I'm feeling right now. If anything happens to Mir or Gwen, I'll never forgive myself," said Merlin.
Emrysa and Gwen will not be lost, Emrys, said Mordred. I know it.
XXX
Mira-Liana and Gwen sat in their cell, holding each other close for comfort.
"Mira, Gwen," said Lancelot.
Mira-Liana and Gwen looked up and saw Lancelot's face on the other side of a grate.
"Lancelot," said Gwen.
"I could not believe my eyes when I saw you both," he said.
"I thought our minds were deceiving us," said Mira-Liana. "I've missed you, my friend. We all have, so much."
"And I have missed you and your family as well. I saw both of you get married. I wanted to speak to you, but I didn't think Uther had forgiven me for my deception, so I kept my distance and left my gifts behind."
"We understand. But I don't think you need to worry about Uther's anger towards you anymore," said Mira-Liana.
"It doesn't matter right now, anyway," said Lancelot. "What happened to you two? Why are you here in this place? Why isn't Merlin with you?"
"Merlin's back at Camelot. I was on a pilgrimage with Morgana to visit her father's grave when we were attacked. We tried to escape, but we got hurt and made Morgana go get help," said Gwen. "Arthur and Merlin are on their way, but we have no idea if they'll arrive in time."
"I would've used magic to get us out of here, but my head's hurting too much to focus right now," said Mira-Liana. "I can't work in here and if I use more magic, I'll expose myself."
"Don't worry, I'll help you," said Lancelot. "Mira, if you're the Princess, why does Hengist think you're the Lady Morgana?"
"Not everyone knows who I am," said Mira-Liana. "I was in a peasant's dress before I changed into this. The ones who brought me here know I use magic and think I'm just a sorceress. Hengist thinks he's holding Morgana hostage, but he will know if Uther does not pay the ransom. Worse, if Uther found out his son married a witch, he'd have me, Merlin and Gwen killed regardless of what Arthur says. "
"Arthur knows your secret?" said Lancelot, surprised.
"Yes. If anything, he's gotten even more protective of me. He and Merlin are probably going mad right now looking for us."
He smiled. "I told everything would work out between the two of you, didn't I? Looks like I was right."
"You were," she said, returning the smile.
"Lancelot, what about you?" asked Gwen. "What're you doing here? Please, tell me you're not with Hengist's men."
"I'm not."
"Then what became of you after you left Camelot?" asked Gwen.
He sighed. "There are few opportunities for men like me, so I've been earning a living the only way that I can: with a sword in my hand. To fight. It seems it is my destiny to entertain men like Hengist."
"I don't believe that of you," said Gwen, fiercely. "You were so full of hope."
"I was wrong. I was wrong about the world."
"I refuse to accept that," said Mira-Liana. "You are one of my dearest friends and you are a true Knight of Camelot."
"Thank you." He slipped his fingers in between the bars of the grate and held theirs. "I swear, no matter what it takes, you will be safe again and you will be with Arthur and Merlin."
"Thank you," said Mira-Liana.
Lancelot smiled a little. "I've thought of you both often, my friends."
"And we've thought of you," said Gwen.
There was a noise that made them all freeze.
"Someone's coming. Go. Go, quickly!" Mira-Liana hissed.
Lancelot disappeared just as Hengist came in. Both women stood up and their eyes were cold and hard.
"I've not yet received word from Uther that he intends to pay the ransom," said Hengist. "I was told he was very fond of his ward. Are you not surprised he's left you here to die?"
"How can I know the King's mind when I'm trapped here in your stinking cell?" Mira-Liana snapped.
Hengist laughed menacingly and then growled, "If I do not hear from Uther by tomorrow, this stinking cell will be the last thing you ever see!" He left and slammed the door shut.
Merlin, please hurry, Mira-Liana cried.
XXX
The next morning, Mira-Liana was taken from the cell and shoved into the cage with Hengist. "MORGANA," he shouted. "I keep asking myself, 'Why doesn't Uther pay the ransom?' He's a rich man, so why would he leave his beloved ward to suffer a long and painful death?"
"I don't know why he doesn't pay!" Mira-Liana shouted. "Honestly, I don't know!"
She tried not to cringe when Hengist felt her hand and glared. "Take her back to the cell!"
Mira-Liana was shoved back in as Gwen caught her and held her.
"Mira, are you alright?" she asked.
Mira-Liana shook her head as tears trickled down her face. "No, I'm not. They're getting more suspicious, Gwen. Sooner or later, they'll know the truth." She wiped her eyes and sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm not usually this upset."
"Hush," said Gwen, as she hugged her. "Merlin and Arthur are coming. We'll be alright."
Mira-Liana nodded and returned the embrace for the next several hours as they waited for some small sign of rescue.
The door rattled, making them both look up, but then Lancelt burst in and held out his hands. "Come with me. We haven't a moment to lose."
Mira-Liana and Gwen took hands and they ran through the underground corridors until they came to a stop and another tunnel.
"Follow this tunnel. It will take you out beyond the castle walls," said Lancelot.
"We're not leaving you," said Mira-Liana.
"You must."
"We won't leave you here to die!" said Gwen.
"I would die a hundred time over for you both. You are my sisters in every way except for blood and I will not let you perish," said Lancelot.
The two women looked torn, but hugged him tight.
"Good-bye…my brother," said Mira-Liana.
"We will never forget you," said Gwen.
"Nor I you. Now go. Go! Don't stop running until you're well away from here."
Mira-Liana and Gwen nodded and grabbed each other's hands as they ran through the tunnel.
XXX
Outside the castle, Merlin, Arthur and Mordred had finally arrived.
"We can't risk a frontal attack. We'll have to climb the wall," said Arthur. "Merlin, we're going to need some magical help."
"Consider it done," said Merlin. "Spedi vinta."
With Merlin's spell, they were able to climb the wall quickly and with ease. Then they snuck in through a window and were behind two guards playing a card game.
"Who wants to do the honors?" asked Arthur.
"I'll do it," Mordred whispered.
He stepped behind them and yelled so loudly it caused both guards to be knocked into the wall and go unconscious.
Arthur and Merlin exchanged shocked looks.
"Well, remind me never to make Mordred angry," said Arthur, as they slipped into the guards' clothing.
"Well done, Mordred," said Merlin.
Mordred smiled.
XXX
Lancelot had been captured by Hengist's men and was in the cage, being mocked and jeered at.
"Before you die, I can imagine you the most unimaginable pain," Hengist hissed.
"You can do what you will with me," said Lancelot. "I do not care. You can do no harm to Mira-Liana and Guinevere."
"Oh, Mira-Liana and Guinevere?" said Hengist, mockingly. "Are those their names? A weak sorceress and a servant girl! And you really believe they're worth dying for?"
"They're my friends. They're like family to me," said Lancelot. "They are worth more to me than you will ever understand."
The men just laughed and jeered as Mira-Liana and Gwen were tossed into the cage, having been caught and bound by some of the guards.
"Did you really think they escaped? No. You failed them and that must hurt more than I will ever understand," Hengist mocked. He turned to the crowd. "What do you think? Should I let them live or kill them?"
"Kill them!" they yelled.
"So be it," said Hengist. "Release the Wildren!"
Mira-Liana suddenly felt her power increase and smiled. Merlin was here. There was the sound of a boy yelling and all the men in the room went flying as Merlin's eyes glowed and then they leapt into the cage. Arthur broke their bonds and tossed Lancelot a weapon.
"What're you doing here, Lancelot?" asked Arthur, as they fought the Wildren.
"I came to save Mira and Gwen, same as you," said Lancelot.
"Nice of you," said Arthur.
"Look out!" Mira-Liana shouted, as Hengist nearly hit them with a crossbow. Her eyes glowed and the chandelier fell, causing Hengist to drop his weapon, only to come after them with a sword.
"We need to get out of here!" said Gwen. "We need to use the tunnel! It's our only chance!"
They all ran into the tunnel and then Merlin and Mira-Liana joined hands and said a spell that sealed the cage shut and left Hengist to the mercy of the Wildren. They then ran to the end of the tunnel and came upon a grate.
"It's good to see you again, Arthur," said Lancelot. "Where're your knights?"
"It's just us," said Arthur. "We didn't have time to get more help and we didn't dare risk exposure of Ana and Merlin's magic. Merlin, Ana, could you—?"
"With pleasure," said Mira-Liana, as she joined hands with Merlin and with a spell, blasted the grate away, allowing them to make their way out of the castle where horses were waiting for them. It was only when they were at the little camp they'd set up that they began to relax.
Mordred was tending to the horses while the others talked. Merlin and Mira-Liana hugged each other.
I'm so glad you're alright, Mir. What would I have done if anything happened to you? he asked.
It doesn't matter now, she said. We're safe. It's over. That's all that really matters.
Merlin smiled a little, but then turned to Gwen, who'd fallen asleep, but awoke when he touched her. She immediately held him tightly in her arms and began crying out of relief as he stroked her hair and whispered soothing words in her ears.
"I knew you'd come for me," she whispered.
"I'll always come for you. I love you," said Merlin. "Everything's alright. I'm here now." He let go and then kissed her soundly before turning to Lancelot. "Thank you, for helping us."
"It was my pleasure," said Lancelot. "I'm just glad things worked out and you still have each other."
On the other side of camp, Arthur was holding Mira-Liana tightly in his arms.
"'I'll be okay' she said. 'Don't worry' she said. 'Everything will be fine' she said. That is the last time I ever listen to you when you tell me not to worry, do you hear me?" said Arthur. "One of these days, you are going to stop scaring me to death like that."
"I know," said Mira-Liana. "I'm sorry I worried you."
He sighed. "At least you're safe. When we get back, I want Gaius to look you over just to make sure you're in good health. Alright?"
She nodded and then he held her again.
Emrysa? said Mordred, as he got her attention. What will happen to Lancelot? Isn't he supposed to be a Knight of Camelot?
Yes, he is, said Mira-Liana. Aloud she said, "Arthur, I think Lancelot's ready to come back to Camelot, don't you?"
"I couldn't agree more," said Arthur. "Lancelot!"
"Yes, Arthur?" said Lancelot.
"You've done Camelot a great service and seeing as how you've already proved your worth; I'll talk with my father and see that your knighthood is restored. Will you accept this?"
Lancelot smiled and nodded. "Yes, I will."
They returned to Camelot a short while later. Their return caused immense relief among the people of Camelot and the Royal Family. Uther was greatly pleased by their safe return, but it was Gaius who was practically on the verge of tears when Mira-Liana and Merlin came into his chambers.
"Mira, thank the heavens you're alright!" he said, as he embraced her. "I was beginning to think I'd never see you again."
"Never," she said. "If I left, who'd make sure you and Merlin kept things together?"
Gaius chuckled. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Yes, actually," said Mira-Liana. "I haven't been feeling well lately. Could you look me over?"
"Certainly."
XXX
Arthur persuaded Uther to restore Lancelot's knighthood and this caused a great deal of happiness for many. Lancelot was pleased to have his dream fulfilled and Arthur was glad he had someone so trustworthy to work with him.
Merlin and Gwen were given two days off to recover both mentally and physically from Hengist. And Merlin was barely letting Gwen out of his sight. Mordred was excited by the adventure he'd gone on and told Morgana and Frik what had happened—minus the part about Wildren—and was happy when they said they were proud of him.
That same night, Mira-Liana lay on her bed, waiting for Arthur to return from his business with Uther. She was still wondering how he was going to take her news of her condition. She hadn't told anyone else, having wanted Arthur to be the first to know.
Eventually, Arthur came in and sank into bed, pulling her close to him and wrapping his arms around her.
"Did you see Gaius?" he asked. "Did he look you over?"
"Yes, he did," said Mira-Liana.
"And?" he prompted. "What did he say?"
"He said I'm fine. And he also said that I'm also…"
"You're also what?"
"You're what?"
"Arthur, I-I'm going to have a baby in six months."
Arthur's eyes widened in shock as his jaw dropped. "Are-are you serious?"
Mira-Liana nodded.
Arthur then let out a cry of joy as he kissed her. "This is wonderful news," he said, when they broke apart. He placed his hand on her stomach. "This is unbelievable. There's a baby growing in there. A child, our child."
"Yeah," said Mira-Liana. "You're going to be a wonderful father."
"And you'll be a perfect mother," said Arthur.
Mira-Liana nodded. She was glad he was taking this so well. It made her happy to know that he was looking forward to being a father and she couldn't have chosen anyone better to be the father of her child than Arthur.
She, herself, was filled with fear and happiness. She already loved this child more than she could say. She was happy about having her own child with Arthur and looking forward to being a mother, but she was afraid of what would happen to her and her child and what would happen if Uther found out that her child might possess magic. But she pushed that fear aside as she placed her hands on Arthur's.
"It's our own little miracle," she said. "And it's another adventure."
"The greatest one of all," said Arthur, smiling.
Mira-Liana smiled back and kissed him once more before they fell into a peaceful sleep.
