The clash of steel against steel rang out across the court yard as Gwain and Melanie sparred. Sweat was thick on their brows and their breath was heavy. The sun was barely over the horizon as they swiped at each other. Both restless, they decided to train for a while.
The couple had gone eight rounds, Melanie winning only three. Gwain noticed her concentration slipping every so often, which was why he was able to best her as many times as he did.
"Are you alright?" He asked, taking his wife by the hand and sitting her down. "You seem off this morning."
"Fine." She lied. In truth, she felt dizzy and a bit ill.
"Are you certain?" He asked. "I've never been able to best you like that."
"I'm alright." She promised, kissing his cheek. "Let's go another round." She stood up and the world began spinning before fading out of focus and she fell, Gwain just barely catching her.
He lifted her into his arms and carried her to their chambers, asking a servant to get Gaius. He laid her on the bed and sat next to her, stripping off her chain mail. Her eyes opened a fraction and she groaned.
"Melanie. Darling." Gwain sighed. "You scared me half to death."
"My head." She groaned.
"Shh." He soothed, moving the hair from her sweaty face. "Gaius will be here soon to tell us why you fainted." As if on cue, the old physician entered the room.
"What seems to be the problem?" He asked.
"Melanie fainted out on the training field." Gwain explained. "And she won't admit it, but she seems to be less focused."
"I have an idea." He said. "But I can't say until I'm sure."
After he checked her over and asked her questions that caused her to turn a bright shade of red, he smiled at the couple.
"Well I have good news." He said. "There is nothing wrong with you." Melanie sighed and leaned into Gwain's chest.
"But why did she faint?" Gwain asked.
"Lack of nutrition and rest. It seems that you two will be parents in a few months time."
Melanie's hand shot to her stomach. It was true she had been gaining weight. And there was the fatigue. She should have guessed. Her mother was a physician for damn sake. She'd been around enough pregnant women in her life to recognize the signs. Sparring and going out on patrols every day certainly wasn't good for a baby. Not to mention her and Gwain's nighttime activities becoming increasingly rough.
Gwain had a smile stuck on his face as he kissed Melanie's head. Pulling her closer.
"I suggest taking it easy from now on." Gaius said. "Which means no sparring. Any strenuous activity could result in the loss of your child. I'll have someone bring you a potion to help with morning sickness."
"Thank you Gaius." Melanie smiled. The old physician nodded and left the pair alone.
"A baby." Gwain breathed, placing a hand on Melanie's stomach. "We're going to have a baby."
"How could I not have known?" Melanie asked. "I had noticed my clothes becoming tighter and being tired often. How could I not have realized? I trained. I sparred. I could have hurt the baby."
"Relax Melanie." Gwain soothed. "We know now and the baby will be just fine." He rubbed circles on her stomach and placed gentle kisses on her cheeks. "Now, who should we tell first?"
"I want to tell Merlin first." Melanie decided. "I want him to know he's going to be an uncle."
"Then we should go find him. Arthur should know you won't be training for a while."
They found Merlin in his chambers looking over a spell book.
"Good morning." He greeted. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"We have something we need to tell you." Melanie said.
"What is it? Is something wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." Gwain assured.
"Merlin. I'm pregnant." Merlin's blue eyes went wide and he smiled.
"Pregnant?" Melanie nodded at her childhood friend.
"You're going to be an uncle." Merlin stood up and collected Melanie in his arms.
"Congratulations." He said. "You'll be an amazing mother."
"Thank you Merlin." The two held onto each other tightly and Gwain smiled at the pair.
"I'm always here if you need anything." Merlin promised.
"I know." He let her go and kissed her forehead.
"I love you Mels."
"Love you too Merlin." She smiled brightly. "I'll see you in a little while. We have to go tell the king." She took Gwain's hand in her own and they left the room.
Training had already begun when Melanie and Gwain made it to the court yard.
"You're late." Arthur pointed out. "And without armor."
"I won't be able to fight for a while." Melanie said, placing a hand on her stomach. "You see Sire..." She hesitated, not knowing what reaction she'd get from the king.
"Melanie is with child." Gwain told the king, placing a hand on his wife's stomach. Melanie looked at Arthur's face, attempting to gauge his reaction.
"Gaius advised me to stop training until the baby arrives." She explained. "If I continue, I could miscarry."
"I understand Melanie." Arthur said. "I'm happy for the both of you."
"Thank you for understanding Sire." Melanie bowed to the king.
"I knew it was only a matter of time before you two began having children." He admitted. "I look forward to seeing you on the battle field again."
"I will join you again as soon as I'm able." She offered her arm.
"Can't wait." Arthur took it in a knights grip.
"Come now Darling." Gwain said. "You should rest." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "I'll be joining you shortly." He nodded to the king.
"I'm going to send a letter to my parents in Ealdor." She told him. "Tell them the news."
"Please try to get some sleep." Gwain said. "Gaius said you fainted because a lack of rest." They stopped walking and he turned her to face him.
"I'll be fine." She assured.
"I just want you and the baby to stay safe." He put his hands on her shoulders, moving them up and down her arms.
"I know." She said. "My mother cared for enough expectant mothers for me to know what to do."
"Alright." He lifted her chin up and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "I'll return before supper."
"We'll be waiting." Melanie smiled and placed her hands on her stomach.