The moment Amaya returned she ran up to the nursery where Maia, Ragnell and Guinevere were waiting with the children and Demon. The dog leaped onto her and she laughed, catching his paws then gave him all her attention for as long as she could bear before striding over to her children.

They were perfectly safe, though a little irritated and hungry. Amaya was glad to feed them as she was beginning to feel that she might burst from all the milk she was hoarding. "Did all go well? Are the Saxons defeated?" Guinevere demanded once Amaya had sat down. "Is Arthur and the knights alright?"

"We are all well. I am sure they will come telling grand, over exaggerated stories upon their arrival home." Amaya said to them with a smile, feeding both children at once. "I should not believe a word they say if I were you." Knowing that Amaya did not like to talk of battle and the fighting for too long, the ladies left her to feed. Once she was done she cradled her son and daughter close, smiling down to them with an unwavering love that filled her soul. "Oh I have missed you both." Ruth sneezed then she began to cry so Amaya sang, making everyone in the room smile.

Putting them back in their cot Amaya spun the beautiful wooden hanger that rested above their heads, the crescent moons, stars, suns and various animals all having been carved by the knights. Geraint gave a little wail which instantly set off Galehaut, who shrank back from the larger boy and Maia lifted her head with worry. "There now, stop those tears." Amaya commanded softly, lifting up the child then rubbed his back as she held him against her shoulder. "There now, it's alright." Maia stood so Amaya passed her nephew into his mother's arms who cradled him.

"I have some news for Arthur, though I wish to tell you all first." Guinevere announced and everyone looked at her, one hand resting on her belly. "I am with child again."

"Oh my goodness!" Maia squealed, grinning broadly as Ragnell laughed.

"I am too!"

"Oh my…goodness!" Maia's excited cry bounced off the walls, setting all the babies off with wails as their sleep was disturbed. Quickly she set Galehaut down, running to both women to embrace them as Amaya did the same, smiling broadly. At least this time it was Arthur's true son, for she had taken measures to ensure that Lancelot was not able to give Guinevere anymore children, using a little magic, some herbs and a large goblet of wine. It was necessary and she had been done it the moment she had returned from Rome to ensure that no more confusion would befall the kingdom should a mixture of children from different fathers be delivered by Guinevere.

Lancelot could still have children, but only when Amaya lifted the spell from him when she could be sure that he had found himself another woman to love. Amaya smiled brightly, congratulating both women who were beaming with pride. "Imagine if our children end up marrying between them." Maia remarked over the sound of screaming children. She waved away a nursemaid and picked up little Gale, jiggling him up and down as Ragnell and Guinevere saw to their own children.

"Oh do not even mention marriage to Arthur!" Guinevere chuckled, lifting Charlotte up as Amaya sat down by the cot of her twins, letting them cry to weary themselves out. "He will have the first man to propose marriage to Charlotte strung up on the gallows I am sure."

"The same for Tristan. Whoever tries to take Ruth from us will find several arrows protruding from his back." Amaya smirked, glancing over her shoulder. Ragnell rubbed her belly.

"I think it is another boy. You Guinevere?" The queen frowned, looking down at her for the moment flat stomach.

"I feel different, my instincts are telling me that it is a boy though I could be wrong." Maia laughed.

"Always trust a woman's instincts. Amaya taught me that long ago." Amaya lifted her head at the sound of her name being spoken.

"They are a woman's greatest weapon." She agreed, sighing as her weary mind began to ache with all the wailing. She began to sing, lifting her arm to trace a finger down her children's faces and slowly, they calmed down to listen. All the children did, as did the mothers, the nursemaids and Demon who slumped down beside Amaya, resting his head against her leg as she stroked his fur with her other hand.

That was how the men found them, regal ladies listening with their precious sons and daughters held in their beloveds' arms with the ethereal voice of an angel lilting in a language buried deep into their hearts, bringing back sweeping memories of rolling grasslands, towering waterfalls, kingly mountains and the smiling faces of their people.

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A son. A son for the king. An heir to rule after his death. A boy, little Constantine. Guinevere had not been too happy with the name Arthur had chosen so she called him Conan for short. Amaya looked down at the boy in her arms, sleeping soundly before returning him to the wet nurse but not until she had placed a small kiss on his brow. He never stirred and Amaya saw an image flickering before her eyes of a handsome young boy with the wise green eyes of his father.

Guinevere smiled from the bed, ridden with a small fever from after the birth. "How is he?" She asked as Amaya came to sit beside her.

"He is well. A handsome, healthy young boy." Amaya soothed her, placing a hand on her feverish brow. "I think he will become a great king one day."

"Have you seen it?" Guinevere instantly asked but Amaya merely smiled.

"I do not need to." Relaxing the woman lay back her head, curled up around her still swollen belly. "Rest well Guinevere, everything will be well for many years now. I can promise you that." She murmured, smiling softly to her friend. Ever since Amaya had healed the rift between both Guinevere and Lancelot, they had become good friends. As far as she knew, the two had stopped seeing each other after Amaya accidentally overheard a discussion they were having and Guinevere had run away sobbing, Amaya staying in the shadows as not to be seen before slipping away. She was glad Lancelot chose his love for Arthur over his love for Guinevere, she only wished he had done it sooner.

Amaya sat by Guinevere's bedside until she was asleep before leaving her in peace. Ragnell had also given birth to another strapping young boy called Gingalain, a true Sarmatian name though for ease, most called him Galain. Taking her leave Amaya stepped from the Queen's chambers and walked through the halls, Demon standing up as she left and followed her, a hand dropping to his head to stroke him tenderly.

Suddenly a hand snaked around her belly and Amaya groaned softly as Tristan turned her into the wall then kissed her. "Where are you going, eh?" He questioned quietly, gently nudging his nose to hers and Amaya gave Tristan his special smile.

"To see the children and the others on the training grounds." She answered simply, gripping his face to pull his lips back to hers again. Tristan growled softly at her, gripping her waist firmly but they both broke off to look at Demon as he barked then growled, getting up.

"Go away mutt." Tristan shot at the dog who only growled further.

"That's enough you two. Play nicely." Amaya commanded and Demon sat down, letting his lips drop down from the snarl he had directed at his mistress's mate. He had not liked the way he had growled at his mistress so had merely risen to her defence, reminding the male that he was not the only one with a frightening snarl. "You know…" Amaya murmured, tracing a finger down Tristan's face to his chest, looking up at him through her lashes. "We never got around to our little archery settlement." Suddenly Tristan smirked.

"How about we settle this once and for all?" He suggested, pressing his body to Amaya who held onto him.

"Perhaps we should. We can't have you ever questioning your abilities now, can we?" He shot her a look to which she retaliated to with a laugh. "Of course, if you wish to withdraw…"

"Get your bow, woman." Tristan cut her off and she smirked.

"It's already in the training grounds." She answered slyly then slipped away from him though allowed her hair to brush under his nose so he could catch her scent, as she had washed her hair with almond oil today, his favourite. For the little things Tristan would do for her, like bring her food, plait her hair or sometimes bring her a gift as simple as some raisons from the market, Amaya would in return do things for him. Bring him water when training as well as an apple, wear his favourite oils, dress up in a fine gown for him to admire whilst enjoying having her all to himself whilst other men would look on with jealousy.

Instantly catching the scent Tristan slipped his fingers through her long locks which were beginning to touch the lower half of her back, and drew them to his face to breathe in their luscious scent. Amaya smirked with satisfaction, looking back to Tristan who had his eyes closed but then he opened them, looking at her with flooding desire. It warmed her to know that even after years of being together, he could still want her the way she desired him.

She considered dragging him into the nearest room to have him there and then but heard someone approaching and decided against it. Such things could be saved for later when they had all the time in the world to waste away.

Pulling away from him Amaya led Tristan forwards, tossing looks back over her shoulder to him which he would catch and hold onto for as long as she dared before smirking then looking away. She was teasing him, trying to break his nerve so he strode forwards a little faster to reach her then grabbed her waist, spinning her around to anchor his mouth firmly to hers, one hand greedily grabbing her leg which she instantly curled around him, lifting herself up as he planted a hand into the wall, ignoring all else save for Amaya's lips and her softer body beneath his.

A soft moan rumbled in her chest and Tristan answered with a sound of his own, wanting nothing more than to simply have her right there and then. He'll never stop wanting Amaya the way he did, it was like she was the hand that struck the spark to ignite the fire in his chest and no other could manage it. She was his everything, there was nothing he loved more save his children.

Drawing back Tristan ducked his head to her neck, tilting his lips upwards to whisper into her ear as he slowly let her go. "I love you Maya." Placing one swift but firm kiss on her mouth Tristan then turned and strode away, leaving Amaya breathless behind him. He could still do that, take her breath away. He rarely told her that he loved her but Amaya cherished every moment that he did, as she knew he meant it.

Composing herself Amaya walked to the training grounds where Tristan had already announced what was happening. Instantly everybody was on their feet, setting up a set of challenges for the archers to complete. Amaya smiled when she saw Lucan, who was holding a squirming Ruth eager to crawl on the floor with Dagonet holding Tor who sat perfectly still on his knee.

"Hello there tiny mouse." Amaya greeted then smiled to Dagonet. "How are you brother?"

"I am well, Maya. I see you and Tristan have got everyone into an excitement. Finally decide to settle this once and for all?" She grinned at him.

"It was time." She answered with a wave of her hand then lifted Ruth from Lucan's arms and the boy sighed with relief.

"She wouldn't stop wriggling." He pouted and Amaya laughed.

"No, she is far too adventurous." Ruth tried to take Amaya's bow but her mother lifted it away and she screamed in protest. "No my little wraith, you must grow bigger and stronger first before you can hold a bow like this." Amaya murmured to her and after a moment, Ruth stopped screaming as Lucan held up her wolf toy. She grabbed onto it and held it protectively, her tiny fingers wrapped around the tail as her midnight blue eyes blinked up at her mother. As well as her mother's eyes Ruth had the raven locks, though they seemed to be growing straight like Tristan's.

Tor's hair was straight as well, though a shade of the darkest brown like Tristan's had been when he was a boy, when Amaya had first met him. He had Tristan's eyes as well, piercing, quiet, mysterious and brooding brown. However Tor was slightly softer featured than his father, though the resemblance was still uncanny.

Smiling to Lucan Amaya handed Ruth to Galahad who smiled at her, allowing the mother to walk over to her husband who was waiting, watching his children from a distance where he was happiest when in the company of others.

She pulled her quiver over her head to nestle on her shoulder then nodded to Tristan who gave her the tiniest of smiles. Immediately she warmed, smiling to him with the star shining in her eyes which Tristan admired in secret. "Where am I pointing my arrow?" She asked and he grunted, jerking his chin towards the various targets adorning the training grounds, including ones on the roofs, tucked into corners, at the end of barrels and a single painted circle on a far off target above a brazier.

Amaya scanned each one then nodded. "Bors?" The knight stepped forwards, grinning as he rubbed his hands together.

"Twenty arrows each, you'll be judged on accuracy, number of arrows hitting targets, technical skill and we shall decide the winner. No stealing arrows, you only get twenty. Oh and no magic." Amaya chuckled but nodded her head. "And to make it more interesting…" Bors lifted five arrows with pouched ends, smirking as he handed five each to Tristan and Amaya. "You get bonus marks for each hit you make on one another." Tristan's eyes darted to Amaya before he lunged forwards. Amaya leaped out of the way, twisting expertly then whipped out her bow to strike Tristan across the head as lightly as she dared, stunning him for a moment so that she could run for cover.

Demon barked and leaped up but Maia soothed him, assuring that it was all just a game but the dog watched carefully, ready to spring forwards and defend his mistress. Amaya ducked behind a stack of shields, drawing back a regular arrow to shoot three at the target on top of the inside training hall.

Seeing Tristan slipping around to get a better shot at a more difficult target, Amaya's hand reached for one of the powdered arrows which was filled with an orange dust like substance. She pulled back the arrow, inching forwards before leaping out and running, shooting as she went. Tristan jerked back out of the way and quickly shot one at Amaya as she laughed, spinning behind a pillar then struck several more targets with deadly precision.

Her eyes scanned for Tristan, finding him hidden behind a makeshift wall so Amaya quietly drew back another safe arrow then aimed it towards the sky, judging the distance needed before letting it go. Instantly Ywain, Elyan, Gaheris and Lamorak laughed, watching Tristan as he waited unsuspectingly. When the arrow hit him square on the head, he cursed, instantly flicking out his hair to get rid of the excess dust as his wife's light laughter filled his ears. He cursed again. Damn woman.

Tristan shot forwards, catching her on the other side of the stands and shot at her but she spun away but he anticipated her move and this time, caught her. Her mouth dropped and she stared at the orange mark on her dull grey dress before narrowing her eyes. "You are a dead man Tristan!" He mock bowed and Bors, Lionel and Daniel thundered with laughter.

To irritate Tristan, Amaya turned once she had found a sufficient hiding place then began to shoot. Her blue tipped arrows spliced through Tristan's plain black ones, felling them to the ground and Tristan growled, leaping for her. Amaya yelped then darted away, only just avoiding Tristan's grip as the others all grinned, watching the couple as they battled for the title of greatest archer in all of Briton.

Her heart pumped with excitement, the thrill of Tristan's chase catching her breath as she danced away from him again and again. With his last two pouched arrows Tristan struck Amaya who growled at him before catching him in the shoulder with one of hers then removed several more of his arrows so he did the same, fighting to regain his ground.

Suddenly Amaya changed hands, switching grips then shot the other way, an arrow hitting dead centre of the small white target high over their heads at a sloping angle. Quickly she spun around, lowering herself to the ground then stood on one knee, hitting Tristan in the gut with one of her final three pouched arrows then but her second he managed to avoid. They were dead even now, except Amaya had one more left and she intended to make it count.

She ran at Tristan who dropped his weight and let her approach though at the last second, she darted to the side and whipped out the arrow, hitting him on the back with it then spun away before he could catch her.

His quiver now completely empty Tristan went to find cover but Amaya shot a blunted arrow in front of his face, making him pull up short as it struck the target on the end of a barrel right next to him. She smirked at him then lifted her chin, beckoning to him with her finger as she held her last arrow in her hand, the powdered arrow. Tristan turned, tilting his head to the side to regard her before stepping forwards, watching her movements carefully. Amaya breathed calmly but deeply, slowly angling her body away from Tristan's as if to run but he knew her better than that. She was going to stand her ground.

Everyone watched with anticipation, waiting to see what would happen. They silently placed their bets before returning to watch Tristan and Amaya. He stopped in front of her, eyes gazing into hers easily as she looked up at him. Suddenly she moved.

Tristan's hand instinctively caught her wrist but the other moved just as quickly to strike him in the ribs with her last arrow, the other hand being a decoy. Tristan trapped both her hands then flicked his foot behind her ankles, knocking them from beneath her then dropped to the ground but she twisted, lifting a foot to press against his chest then wrenched one hand free, allowing her to use it to force Tristan over but he continued the roll and soon they were wrestling one another, the arrow laying abandoned and forgotten on the ground as the knights cheered.

Amaya laughed, grunting as she tried to shove some of Tristan's weight from her but he held her down easily, hands at her wrist and his knees gripping her hips to pin them down. "You lose." He murmured to her, letting go with one hand to flick her chin. Amaya arched an eyebrow then smirked. Instantly Tristan realised he was in danger but it was too late.

Amaya's fingers curled around the abandoned arrow and struck him with it twice before he wrenched it away then went to cover her in the dust but she reached forwards and bit his ear, making him growl sharply and pull back, instinctively letting her go. Amaya ran to her feet, scrambling to get away then dragged Ywain in front of her, cowering behind him as she laughed.

"Alright you two, that's enough. Save your wrestling for the bedroom." Bors growled and Tristan shot him a dark look before tossing the arrow aside. He brushed himself off then looked to Ruth who was beginning to complain and wail so he sighed then picked her up from Elyan's hands, who looked completely clueless and glad to get rid of the shrieking thing before him. "Ay now, what's all this for?" Hearing her papa's voice, Ruth stopped complaining and looked at him, her mouth dropping open in awe before she giggled then grabbed onto one of his plaits with both hands to tug on it sharply, making him growl at her playfully and she laughed.

"Tristan, are you alright?" Amaya asked him tentatively, hesitantly reaching out to touch his shoulder but she stopped, frowning slightly then went to draw back. Tristan caught her hand and tugged gently, pulling her closer.

"Did I hurt you?" He asked her blankly but looked to her wrist with a hint of concern, brushing his thumb over the tender skin where a slight bruise was beginning to form. Amaya quickly hid it, knowing that it would distress Tristan then smiled.

"I am fine." She answered, looking to Ruth then tickled her cheek, making the girl smile to her mother then leaned away from her father's arms, asking to be put down where she began to toddle, walking uneasily but Tristan crouched down and held her hands, helping her to walk and for once, did not care who was watching. "You had nothing to worry about when these two first came along, you are a natural father deep down." She murmured softly to him, brushing her hand against his hair and he sighed.

"Very deep down." He replied then lifted Ruth back up, holding her easily to his shoulder with one hand then turned to Amaya. "Maya, I have something for you." He jerked his head back towards the castle, careful not to jostle Ruth. "Back in our room." He stepped closer, one hand going to her waist as his eyes bore into hers. "And then Arthur has something else for us he wishes us to see. Will you ride with me?" Amaya nodded her head, lifting her hands to hold the collar of Tristan's jacket.

"I will, but only if you promise to have a bath when we come back." He smirked but then nodded his head, looking at Dagonet as he stepped forwards with Tor. "Aw, come here you little scout." Demon trotted towards them, panting happily and Amaya sat down on the bench to give both her son and Demon her equal attention. She trusted her dog with her children with all her heart. Amaya had once awoken in the night to Demon's barking to find Ruth playing with one of Tristan's knives she must have managed to slip from him when he was too tired to notice as he put her to bed. Amaya dreaded to think what may have happened had Demon not alerted both her and Tristan.

Amaya returned both Tor and Ruth to the nursery with Tristan, letting the nursemaids and Vanora's eldest children take care of them so that Tristan could lead her back to their room. "Is this the part where you sweep me off my feet, carry me to the bed and make endless love to me?" Amaya asked and Tristan smirked at her, pulling her closer then whispered in her ear.

"Later." He promised then opened the door. He strode towards the corner of the room where their battle gear stood and Tristan lifted a long, broad but flat box and Amaya's heart skipped a beat to imagine what was inside. Tristan did not tarry. He flipped the latches then stepped to the side as he lifted the lid for Amaya to see the twin blades that lay inside.

They were simple, sharp, fine and deadly. Amaya loved them. She lifted them up, fingers curling around the black leather then stepped away, feeling the perfect balance before twirling them through her fingers. She did not need to say a word, everything was written on her face and Tristan glowed inwardly with pride, knowing he had done the right thing. Now he just needed to tell her why.

"They were forged in our homeland." He began quietly and Amaya turned to face him as he showed her the scabbards then set them on top of the box. "I had them shipped over here for you." Amaya stepped forwards and carefully slid the swords around Tristan, putting them down on table then placed her hands to his face, drawing his lips to hers before whispering.

"They're beautiful."

"You're beautiful." Her eyes shone up at him and Tristan smiled softly. He was getting better with saying the right things these days, only rarely did he say the wrong words but Amaya was patient and kept her temper in check until Tristan could explain himself to her. "And for you, nothing is too great. I wanted you to have them, Maya." He murmured and she wrapped her arms around his neck, unable to take her eyes from him. "Because you are the difference of life and death to me and I want you to be able to protect yourself in every way possible." He clucked his tongue towards the old centurion sword Amaya had been using previously. "Not with that stick of metal." Amaya chuckled then kissed him thoroughly, giving him her thanks in a way he could understand better than simply listening to words.

She began to draw him to the bed, tugging at the strings of his shirt but he caught her hands gently. "Not yet. There is still more to show you."

"More? You are seriously going to show me more? I'm warning you now, Tristan, if this second surprise is any greater than those swords then I don't care if we're in the middle of the city. You will be making love to me right there and then if you make me feel so overwhelmed by these sudden gifts." He smirked at her, kissed her jaw then nodded towards the door.

"You'll need Arluin." Amaya nodded her head then turned. Demon had remained with the children so she and Tristan walked to the stables, saddled their horses then rode out of the city. They rode south for an hour and Amaya could not help but frown in confusion, riding by Tristan's side but he said nothing more.

Suddenly he turned off the road and up a winding path that led into the woods, rising up the small pocket of trees and ascending the sloping rise until finally, he stopped, dismounted then gently pulled Amaya down as she looked towards the small house, nestled neatly in the trees where it overlooked the village below and then further, in the distance, Camelot stood tall and proud like a candle in the night.

"Tristan…what is this?" Amaya asked, smiling softly in confusion but as Tristan drew her closer, his hawk landed with a cry on a rocking chair that was on the front balcony on the second floor, the thatch roof and wild shrubs growing everywhere making it seem like a cottage from a dream. A stream ran down the back, a small wheel churning it over and Amaya could only look at it dreamily.

"This is ours." Her head snapped to face him. "Arthur wants us to have a home to ourselves, to raise our children in peace. He has done the same for all of us, including giving us land. None of us are far away, no more than an hour but we now have our own space." Tristan found himself rushing away with his words, nervously looking to Amaya. "Do you like it?" She spun around to smile up at him and he instantly relaxed when he saw his private smile.

"It is perfect." She grabbed his jacket and tugged him towards her, pressing her lips firmly against his as she pulled him backwards. "Now, you have a choice. You take me here on the ground or you carry me up to a bed." Tristan chuckled then swept her off her feet, lifting her up easily into his arms as he always did whenever he could as he knew that, one day, he would be too old and broken to hold her like this ever again. So he silently cherished every moment that he could.