Miss me? Good. I have big plans for this season. BIG PLANS. If you don't remember what happened go on facebook find luna proeliator group and under discussion is what happened last. Anyway, Review please! and enjoy and like always I do not own Merlin.

Artemis sat on the steps of Camelot watching the people as they passed. A sketch book sat in her lap. There was a rough outline on the paper.

Several people nodded at her with respect as they passed, which she returned, and others whispered and pointed her out to their companions. The rumors about her and Arthur were sometimes borderline ridiculous. They were quite a bit of gossip even though neither admitted it nor had they been seen together in public since she had come back. However, she did move into the castle in a room quite near Arthur's. That gave Camelot quite a bit to talk about.

Nevertheless, she sat sketching them as they gossiped idly. Her lover was off somewhere no doubt with his knights and her brother. It was no surprise with Arthur temporarily taking over for Uther that he was on active duty all the time and had little time for himself or for her not that he didn't try.

Artemis, meanwhile, enjoy a rather quiet last 5 months. It was most definitely to her liking. Although she admitted that this quiet had better not last forever for she would most certainly go insane.

Artemis suddenly heard a baby crying. She looked around for the child and mother but saw none. Instead, she saw a six month pregnant Ava making her way to the palace. The townspeople who saw her suddenly started gossiping with a look of disgust on their face. Artemis scowled at this and turn her full attention to Ava. As she saw Ava, simultaneously, she saw a baby boy. Ava sat next to her on the stairs. Artemis stared back off into Camelot before speaking.

"It's a boy," Artemis said. Ava stared at her before blinking.

"What?"

"Your child is a boy." Ava stared at her before a grin spread over her face. She hugged Artemis.

"A boy," she muttered putting her hand on her round belly. "Will you help me?"

"Help you what?"

"Set up a room for him. I don't want a nanny or a wet-nurse or anything. I want to raise him myself, and you are very good at this kind of thing. Will you?"

"Of course. Shall we start today? I am rather bored." Ava tilted her head and looked at the sketch book.

"Have you spent much time drawing these passed months?"

"It's a good way to past the time when Arthur and Merlin are off."

"Gwen said you've spending a lot of time with her too while she looks after the King."

"That too. I think me helping the King comfort's Arthur. I find ways to be productive."

"It's not fair that he leaves you here all the time," Ava told her with her elbow on her knee and her chin in her hand.

"Need I remind you your lover does the same?"

"Yes but I'm with child. There's reason."

"There's reason for him leaving me here," she argued.

"Oh? Amice is off risking her life helping the Servants. Why can't you?"

"Ugh, you're right!" Artemis said throwing her sketchbook on the stairs. "Let's wait to create a child's room. It can wait. Let's go do something!"

"What?"

"I don't know," Artemis said. "You shouldn't drink if you're with child, but let's go to the tavern. Let's just dance and flirt aimlessly with men and do whatever. I'm bored."

"I like it. Then let's go for a ride. Go to another tavern."

"I'm liking it; I'm liking it," Artemis said with a grin. "Cross-country tavern trip. Alright. Let's do it." They both stood and ran to the stables to get the horses before going to the tavern and then the next tavern and the next tavern.

Artemis and Ava got back the next night at midnight. They stumbled in laughing about some unheard joke.

"That was so fun," Artemis laughed laying on the stairs with Ava.

"We should go out more often," Ava suggested.

"It'll knock off some of the boredom," Artemis admitted. She sighed. "I miss you, Ava. We don't really… you've grown up. I'm not necessary anymore in your life."

"Perhaps, but when I have the baby I want you to help raise him… I think I want to name him after my brother."

"That's a good idea," she replied. Artemis sighed in content. Ava rested her head against Artemis's shoulder.

"I'm scared," she admitted. "Of motherhood. I wasn't made for it; you were."

"You'll be fine," Artemis said rubbing Ava's shoulder. "Motherhood is something you can't prepare for, and if you weren't scared I would be worried."

"Were you scared when you thought you were going to have a child?"

"Terrified but I had people who were ready to help me. You have Everett, who is a good man, and you have me. You always have me." There was a small silence before Ava spoke.

"Everett was terrified when I told him. He looked like a ghost, but over time… he's become excited. He wants to be a father, a father that his wasn't. His father is emotionally distant. The man never stops talking about work, and he threatened to disown Everett when he left. He didn't care. He stayed with me. His father isn't speaking to him, but his mother is a wonderful woman. She had promised to help me through it as well."

"I have yet to meet them."

"Perhaps you should," Ava said. "After all you are like a mother to me. Is it not proper for the two mothers to meet?"

"I hate meeting new people," Artemis groaned. Ava laughed.

"I should be going. Everett's probably worried that in my 'fragile state'," she said air quoting, "I might get hurt or hurt the baby."

"And I should be going too. Arthur's bound to be worried I fell in some hole."

"A hole?"

"I don't know. He's been rather protective lately claiming things about holes. Where are these holes? I don't know." Ava laughed. They both stood. "Good night, Ava. Sleep well."

"You too." The two departed. Artemis slipped into Arthur's room. He stood in front of the fire pacing. "Something wrong?" Artemis asked. He turned around immediately.

"Where in God's name have you been?" he asked closing the distance between them.

"I was with Ava. We were-"

"I thought something bad happened," he told her. Artemis rolled her eyes.

"I'm fine, Arthur," she told him. "I'm always fine. Stop acting so protective. You and Jack both. You've both treated me like a child since I…"

"Since you died," he told her. "Doesn't that tell you why?"

"Arthur… I'll be fine. I'm not in anymore danger than I was a year ago. In fact, I'm in less danger. Ambrose is dead; Morgana hasn't been heard from; Erus is my friend now; John is dead; currently, I have no active enemies. You need to let me be free. You're suffocating me with your rules." Arthur stared down at her. He sighed and nodded hesitantly.

"I suppose you make some kind of valid point," he replied.

"I'm glad you agree because I plan to start doing what I want. Starting with helping the Servants of the World set up a base in the newly captured Gorion Mountains."

"I… understand," he replied.

"Good," she leaned up and kissed him. "I should get to bed." She turned away, but Arthur grabbed her around her waist.

"Or you can stay," he whispered in her ear.

"Oh, no," she told him pulling his hands off of her. "I've told you before no more gossip for Camelot. Can you imagine what would be said if I ended up with your child? He would be a bastard, Arthur. Simply unacceptable." Arthur sighed and let her go.

"You're right," he muttered sounding disappointed. Artemis laughed and kissed him again before leaving to her room.

"Artemis, what the hell?" Ava asked. Artemis had wrapped a cloth around her eyes and was leading her somewhere. Artemis laughed.

"You'll see," she replied. Artemis removed the cloth from Ava's eyes revealing a newly painted nursery next to Ava and Everett's room. It was painted like the waves on the ocean.

"Oh my God!" Ava squealed hugging Artemis. "How did you get this done so quickly?"

"Gwen and a few other servants are to thank for that one."

"It's wonderful, Artemis," Ava sighed sitting in a chair next to the fireplace. "Everett's mother wants to meet you."

"When?"

"Tonight. Dinner with his family."

"Fun," Artemis said sarcastically.

"Please be nice."

"Aren't I always?" Artemis asked. Ava gave her a look. Apparently, she didn't think so. "Alright, alright. I know."

"Artemis!" Ava yelled after Artemis. Artemis had marched out on Everett's family fuming.

"Who the hell does he think he is?" Artemis yelled.

"He's an ass! Don't listen to him!"

"Never again!" Artemis yelled. Merlin walking up the stairs was passed by Artemis, who looked heated. Ava was standing there looking hopeless.

"What happened?" Merlin asked. Ava sighed.

"Everett's father… he said some rather harsh things to Artemis, so naturally Artemis lost her temper and well he has a broken arm now." Merlin laughed. "It's not funny."

"What did he say?" Merlin asked.

"Well," Ava said looking out of the window, "he told her she was unfit to raise me, that my mistakes were caused by her faults. Not mention he basically called her a harlot."

"But none of that is true."

"I know, but perhaps in her heart she believes it a little," Ava replied.

"I'll go talk to her."

"That would be best."

"He's wrong," Merlin said sitting down next to her on top of the highest tower's roof. "He doesn't know you."

"Perhaps he is right," she replied quietly.

"He's not. You are not what he says. If you didn't raise Ava, who would? You gave her guidance when she needed it. You taught things most people wouldn't. She is having a child with a man she loves. Yes, she's not married, but that child will still be raised in a proper family with your help of course."

"It is my fault what has become of Ava. I raised her. I instilled bad morals into her. He life is my fault."

"Is such a bad life?" Merlin asked. "She's happy, Artemis, and you know in the end I think that's all that matters." Artemis shook her head.

"Society has disowned her, and that is my doing. I taught poorly on that. I shouldn't have. I should not have passed my hatred and lack of ability to follow society's rules onto her. I do not want her to live her life as an outcast. That is a terrible burden."

"She won't. She will marry Everett went she finally chooses. Society will accept her. She will be a nobleman's wife. Of course they have to." Artemis sighed.

"I regret many things, and lately they seem so clear to me," Artemis admitted with a frown. "I didn't realize how much."

"You should regret nothing. You have been a good parent to Ava. You have been a great leader, a great sister, and when the time comes you will be a great queen. You must have faith in yourself." She smiled gently and looked at him.

"Sometimes I don't give you enough credit Merlin," she told him. "Sometimes I feel like we're drifting apart. I'm sorry I haven't been there for you."

"You have so much going on. I understand."

"'Kin-blood is not spoilt by water, Merlin."

"I don't understand. What does that mean?"

"It's a Servants saying. It's means blood is stronger than anything. Family is stronger than anything. You are my blood. No matter what I should make time for you. I am sorry."

"Don't be," he replied. Artemis smiled gently at him.

"I will try to be there for you more. I promise. You are my brother. You mean so much to me," she told him. "I love you, you know that right?"

"Of course, and I love you, and I know you're always there for me. There's no need to be sorry," he told her. She smiled.

"Oh brother," she laughed laying on the roof.

Ava's screaming echoed down the hall. Everett sat on edge in a chair nearest the door while Artemis sat next to him and Arthur on her other side holding her hand. Arthur's knight whom knew Everett well were strewed around the hall. They come and go. Everett's mother stood across from him. She could not be more opposite of him. She was a petit woman with short blonde hair, but they had the same color eyes. It seemed she was holding her breath at this moment.

"Is she all right?" Everett asked Artemis as she sat calmly in a chair near the door. Ava did not want anyone in her room only the nurse.

"Do you want to try to give birth and tell us how you feel?" Artemis asked him.

"She's screaming-"

"It hurts," she told him like he was an idiot.

"It's been 6 hours."

"And it could be 6 hours more," she told him. "You must not worry." Artemis's hand gripped Arthur's tighter. She rested her head on his shoulder.

"She's right," Everett's mother told her son. "You must be patient and not worry. It takes longer for a new mother." Five more hours passed, and the screaming stopped. The midwife came out of the room. Everett stood.

"It's a boy," she told him. "You can see her now. Just the family. She's tired." Artemis, who dragged Arthur with her, Everett, and Everett's mother entered the room. Ava was sitting up looking tired. There was a small baby in her arms.

"Hi," she replied with a tired voice.

"Hi," he said with a smile as he sat next to her on the bed.

"Do you want to hold him?" Everett nodded and Ava gave the baby to him. He held the child looking down at it in marvel. "I want to name him Kael after my brother."

"I understand. It's important to you. I agree. Kael."

"How are you doing, kid?" Artemis asked sitting by her leg.

"Don't call me kid. I just had a kid. You can't call me that now grandma."

"Hey, I'm not old. Don't call me grandma you clodpoll."

"Psh, I'll make sure Kael calls you nothing short of grandma," Ava replied. Artemis leaned over and flicked her ear. Ava smacked her hand.

"Do you want to hold him?" Everett asked Artemis. She nodded. Artemis held the fragile being in her arms looking down at him.

"It suits you," Ava teased. "When are you and Arthur going to have a child?" Artemis just laughed.

"Why? Eager to have another screaming brat around?" Artemis asked. Ava laughed. She sighed her eyes slipping shut. "Get some sleep Ava." She nodded and fell asleep immediately. "Do you want to hold him, Karina?" Artemis asked Everett's mother. She nodded and took the baby from Artemis.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, "about my husband."

"You are not the one that should be apologizing," Artemis replied. Karina looked down at the child with a smile. "Arthur and I are going to go. Congratulations." Everett nodded as they left.

"Well?"

"What are you welling at me for?"

"You enjoyed it," he teased her.

"Enjoyed what?"

"Holding that child in your arms. Imagining yourself as a mother," Arthur replied. She nodded.

"Yeah, I did," she admitted with a sigh. She smiled at him. He put his arm around her and pulled her close to him as they walked.

"My uncle's coming in," he said suddenly.

"Uncle? Why? No don't answer that. I'm sure it will be a load off. Yes?"

"Yes," he replied. "I want you to meet him. He's coming in a week."

"Of course," she replied.

"I have to go. I have duties." Artemis sighed.

"I suppose I have to share you with the Kingdom," she muttered before kissing him. He pulled her back to him in another kiss when she pulled away.

"Maybe with Agravaine helping me, you and I will have more time together."

"Mm… well… in any case, I suppose I better help Gwen make this palace look presentable for your uncle." He nodded and kissed her gently as she walked away.

"You look magnificent," Arthur whispered to her as they waited for his Uncle Agravaine in front of the castle.

"Good," she said cheerfully, "because I can't breath."

"Just don't collapse on me."

"I won't," she muttered. A man appeared on a black horse; he wore all black, and even his hair and eyes were dark. He looked like a friendly man, but as soon as Artemis saw him she knew something was off. She shuttered.

"Are you cold?" Arthur asked her.

"No… involuntary shutter," she smiled. Agravaine got of his horse and bowed slightly to Arthur.

"Uncle," Arthur said.

"Arthur, you've grown," Agravaine smiled.

"That tends to happen when you leave for… how many years?" Artemis said with a slightly bitter look on her face.

"Artemis," Arthur said surprised. She immediately brightened her face.

"Sorry. I'm Artemis. Pleasure. Sorry for the… sudden mood swing. I'm a woman, therefore prone to them." Agravaine chuckled as he took her hand and kissed it.

"Artemis… a Lady of the court I presume?"

"No. I am an ambassador for the Servants of the World," she told him. He looked surprised.

"I haven't heard that name in a very long time." Artemis frowned.

"No. I suppose not. Uther has never allowed them in Camelot. Arthur makes an exception for me." He looked between the two. He realized there was a reason that his nephew was introducing her. He must have plans on marrying her. He observed Artemis.

Artemis held a rather cold demeanor. Agravaine could tell that although Arthur would be won over easily that it would not matter if he could not win over Artemis, and she would not bend easily. She would not be so easy to fall for his tricks. She would be hard to break.