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True And Noble The Arrow Flies

Summary:

All Leon wants to do is have his baby. He does not want to have to stop an assassination attempt. But of course he’s not Leon The Long Suffering for nothing.

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“Percival, don’t fall forward into the strike.” Leon calls.

“You’re meant to be resting!” Elyan yells back.

“I am.” Leon huffs.

“P’raps you should focus on what you’re doing.” Gwaine says. He lunges forward. Elyan is barely able to block his strike. Then Gwaine grins and swipes his foot at Elyan’s ankle. Elyan stumbles and falls. Gwaine laughs uproariously.

“Got you.”

“Elyan, don’t get distracted.” Leon chastises.

Laughing good-naturedly, Elyan stands up and dusts himself off. He playfully punches Gwaine’s shoulder and makes his way over to Leon’s side. Leon shakes his head in disapproval but he can’t quite keep the smile of his face, breathing in Elyan’s cool beta scent.

“You know you can’t keep getting distracted every time I say anything.”

Elyan presses a kiss to his lips. “You’re very distracting.”

“That won’t fly in battle, Elyan.”

“Well, you won’t be quite so huge when you go back into combat, so I won’t have to worry about you so much.”

Leon pins him with a hard look. “Sometimes Elyan, you have no tact.”

“Even I know not to comment on a pregnant person’s size.” Gwaine chimes in.

Leon shakes his head, running his hand over his swollen belly. Elyan kneels down and presses both hands to Leon’s belly. Under the skin, the baby flutters and squirms.

“Is It kicking?” Lancelot asks as he and Percival conclude their spar.

“A little,” Leon replies, “I don’t think it’s enjoying such cramped quarters.”

“Who can blame it.” Percival says.

“Not me. I think we’re both ready for it to come out.” Leon sighs.

“At least you don’t have much longer left.” Gwaine says.

“Oi!”

“Oh dear,” Gwaine mutters, “Here comes the princess.”

Sure enough, Arthur is striding towards them with a face like thunder. Merlin is a step behind him, giving them a sympathetic look.

“I thought this was a training session, not a mothers’ meeting!” Arthur yells.

“Well technically…” Gwaine says, gesturing to Leon.

“You are my Round Table. I expect you to be setting the example. We have guests arriving this afternoon and I do not want them to see my best knights lounging around in the sun.”

“Sorry, Sire.” Leon says apologetically. He cradles his belly and shifts uncomfortably in his chair.

Arthur softens. “Just don’t let it happen again. How are you feeling, Leon?”

“Rather eager to have it out.” Leon sighs.

Arthur nods sagely. “Of course. Make sure you’re all presentable when our guests arrive.”

With that, he turns on his heel and stalks away.

“Sorry about him,” Merlin says, “He’s stressed out about  these visiting dignitaries and it’s making him snappy.”

Merlin!” Arthur barks.

“Coming!” Merlin says as he rushes away after the king.

“So is training done for the day?” Gwaine asks.

“Yes.” Leon replies.

He holds his hand out and Elyan dutifully helps him to his feet. A twinge of pain runs through his back and he winces.

“What’s wrong?” Elyan asks.

“My back aches. It’s hardly a new development.”

“If you say so.” Elyan says doubtfully.

“I just need a short stroll to work out the kinks out and then a rest on a comfortable chair with a good book.”

“We can have a better chair brought down for you if you want.” Percival offers.

Leon gives him a grateful smile. “It’s alright, Percival. I’ll be fine.”

“Come on,” Elyan says impatiently, “Let’s get you to your comfortable seat.”

He links his arm through Leon and leads the way back into the castle. With Leon’s slow, waddling pace, they’re quickly overtaken by the others. At least they’re nice enough to not leave them behind completely. They amble along to the armoury and Leon lowers himself down onto the bench, rubbing at his tender back. The chatter of his brothers washes over him comfortably. Predictably, Elyan is the first to be free of his armour. He helps Leon up again and leads him back to their quarters, calling for some lunch to be brought up.

The sight of their bed nearly brings Leon to his knees. He slumps onto it, settling himself amongst the numerous pillows. Gwen has given them several, along with the entire Round Table presenting him with at least one. Their care is heartwarming. Elyan grins and sits down beside him. He holds his arm out for Leon to tuck in against his side. He sets his hand on Leon's belly and is rewarded with a solid kick.

"It's not a very energetic thing, is it?" He says.

Leon shrugs. "I'm not complaining. I know it's healthy and alive, but it isn't assaulting my organs too much."

"If it's a boy, I think I'd like to name him after my father."

"That would be nice. I want my child to know that they have family." Leon says. His voice cracks at the end and he turns his face into Elyan's shoulder.

Elyan holds him tightly and presses a kiss to his hair. "I'm sorry."

Leon can only nods. Elyan's parents are gone, but at least their child will have good stories and fond memories. Leon's parents turned their backs on him when he started living with his true omega nature and mated Elyan. Being the king's brother-in-law wasn't noble enough when he'd been born to a common family. Leon had written to his parents about their baby and received no reply. It was then that he renounced them in turn; they'd always been clear that he hadn't been good enough and he was not going to subject his child to that too. But it still saddened him that his child wouldn't be part of a proper, big family.

A light lunch is soon delivered. They both know well not to eat heavily before a banquet.  They eat and start preparing to greet their guests. Elyan dons his armour, polished to perfection. Leon makes do with a neat black shirt and trousers with his cloak over the top .

“You know, when Arthur and I were discussing these negotiations the other day, he asked if my chainmail still fit.” Leon says.

Elyan snorts with laughter. “Really? Has he seen how big you are?”

“Hah, hah. I can’t imagine trying to put armour on. It’s so heavy and hot, as if my stomach isn’t enough.”

Elyan chuckles, linking his arm through Leon’s as they leave the room. They join the rest of the knights on the front steps of the castle. Leon’s back spasms. He kneads into it with a quiet groan.

“I hope our guests arrive soon.” He grumbles.

“Are you alright?” Elyan asks.

“Just about. But I don’t really want to stand around for longer than necessary.”

“We’ll cover for you if you want,” Gwaine offers, “Arthur can’t be mad when you look like you’re about to topple over.”

“I’m the First Knight. I can’t just leave.” Leon sighs.

“Never thought I’d hear you sound so resentful about following protocol.” Gwaine says.

“I’m extremely uncomfortable.” Leon shrugs.

Elyan squeezes his shoulder.

The clatter of hoof beats fill the courtyard.

“Quiet!” Arthur orders.

About two dozen riders come into view. Their armour is of dark steel, and they carry dark blue banners. A silver hawk is embroidered on them. “Welcome to Camelot!” Arthur declares.

The lead rider dismounts. He has dark hair speckled with grey and a short, thick beard. His dark eyes glint hungrily. Something about them sets Leon’s teeth on edge. He runs his hand over his belly for comfort.

Arthur shakes the man’s hand. “I’m glad you could make it, Lord Brandon. I’m sure our alliance will be a prosperous one.”

Lord Brandon smiles. It’s somehow more unsettling than his eyes. “Of course, King Arthur. We are most grateful for your hospitality.” He gazes around the courtyard and eyes up the gathered knights. “What a truly spectacular welcoming party.”

Arthur nods. “These are my finest knights. And of course, my beautiful Queen Guinevere.” He takes her hand and she courtesies with her best welcoming smiles.

Something flickers across Brandon’s face, but he bows none the less. “I had heard tell of your beauty, but the stories don’t compare.”

Gwen laughs, but Leon doesn’t think she looks entirely comfortable. “Thank you, my Lord.”

Arthur shows Lord Brandon up the steps. As he gets closer, Leon’s nose wrinkles at his acidic, overwhelming alpha scent. He appraises the gathered knights. His gaze travels over Leon and his brow furrows. Leon shudders. Brandon's exacting gaze feels too much like his father's for comfort.

"And who exactly is that? Do mates here wear the regalia of the knights?"

Leon stiffens. Elyan squeezes his hand.

Arthur frowns. "This is Sir Leon, my First Knight.  Obviously not on active duty at the moment, but he's one of the most loyal men I've had the honour of fighting beside."

"Indeed." Brandon says.

"Shall we continue?" Arthur says, shepherding Brandon away.

"What a git." Gwaine mutters.

"Agreed." Leon says.

 

With the banquet in full swing, the hall is loud. Leon tries not to be too irritated but his temper is short none the less. He's grateful for his brothers' understanding. They've taken up the end of one of the tables, surrounding him on all sides so he doesn't have to interact with any strangers.

"I really don't like him." Gwaine complains, watching Lord Brandon at the head table with Arthur and Gwen.

"I don't think anyone does." Percival says.

Sure enough, Gwen isn't looking particularly enthused by the lord's conversation, even with Arthur handling most of the interactions. Merlin flits around them with a face like he'd bitten into a lemon.

"Why are they here?" Lancelot asks.

"He's the king of some small kingdom not that far away. He wants to ally with Camelot for protection. They've got- I don't know, some natural resource that they'd share in return." Leon replies distractedly.

Elyan frowns. "I hope Arthur isn't after a close alliance. I really don't like the way he was talking about you."

Leon shrugs. "He's hardly the only person to think omegas can't be knights."

"Just one more to prove wrong, eh?" Gwaine grins.

Leon manages a tight-lipped smile in return. "Of course."

"I know you won't want me asking," Percival says, "But are you sure you're alright, Leon?"

"Don't worry. I'm fine."

"You've barely touched your food." Lancelot points out.

"I'm not really hungry. I ate earlier and I can't eat too much at once at the moment." Leon shrugs.

"Try and eat a little though. Just to keep your strength up." Elyan says.

"You don't all need to mother hen me, you know." Leon sighs.

"But we want to." Gwaine says.

Leon shakes his head despairingly. Another ache twists up through his back. He grits his teeth and rubs at the ache's epicentre

"Leon." Elyan says

"All that standing around earlier probably wasn't a good idea. My back is really sore today."

"It must be bad if you're actually admitting to it." Gwaine says in a mix of teasing and genuine concern.

"Like you're one to talk." Percival shoots back.

“We don’t have to stay if you’re not feeling well.” Elyan says.

“Actually. I think I would like to go to bed.” Leon mumbles.

Elyan stands and gently helps Leon to his feet. He catches Arthur’s eyes from across the room and Arthur nods his blessing for their early retirement. Elyan wraps his arm around Leon’s waist as they make their way out of the hall.

“I’m sorry about cutting your dinner short.” Leon says.

Elyan shakes his head. “Don’t be. I’d had enough. Besides, I would always rather you be comfortable.”

“Thank you.”

They reach their room and Leon leans wearily against the desk. He tries to stretch his back out but the ache doesn’t fade. Instead it spreads down his thighs and across his belly.

“You really aren’t very well, are you?” Elyan murmurs, putting a hand on Leon’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s come over me.”

“Never apologise for that, Leon.” Elyan chides. His hands slide over Leon’s firm belly. “Gaius says you’re due any day. You don’t think?”

Leon’s eyes widen. His own hands go to his belly. “Maybe. I hope so. I think.”

Elyan takes him by the hand and leads him to the bed. Leon shifts through a variety of positions before settling on lying with his head in Elyan’s lap. Elyan’s gentle fingers card through Leon’s hair, with always makes him melt like a cat.

He breathes carefully through each rise of pain. Elyan takes his hand and rests them on Leon’s tight belly. They pass several hours like that. Sometimes Elyan helps Leon pace around the room. Sometimes they rest together. By the time they hear the rest of the banquet goers return to their rooms, the feeling of malaise has become a more tangible pain.

“This has to be it.” Leon pants. He feels drained and energised at the same time. It’s like the adrenaline high of a long battle, but not at the same time.

Elyan kneads into his back and shoulders. “I know. I’m sure it is.”

The night grows steadily darker. The pains grow steadily worse with it. Leon abandons the bed in favour of anxiously roving about the room.  Elyan is steadfast at his side. Deep in Leon’s core, a wave of pressure releases. Fluid soaks through his trousers.

“Oh, it’s definitely happening.” Elyan gasps.

“You don’t say.” Leon grits out.

“I’m going to go and get Gaius. Wait here.”

“Where exactly are you expecting me to go?”

Elyan laughs and lovingly pulls Leon into kiss. Leon hugs him tightly.

“Go and get Gaius.” He says.

“Of course. I’ll be right back. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

And then Leon is alone. The pain drives him to move again. It makes him unsteady on his feet. The walls and furniture are nothing compared to Elyan’s loving, steady support. Elyan will only be gone for a few minutes, but Leon has never felt more alone. He cradles his belly and smiles. “Don’t worry, little one. It won’t be long now.”

Several more pains pass. Leon can feel the baby, low and heavy in his belly. He feels like it will simply fall out if he moves too suddenly.

“Elyan should be back by now.” He mutters to himself.

Footsteps march outside his door. For a moment, he thinks it’s Elyan and Gaius, but they’re far too heavy.. There’s a cry of alarm and the drawing of swords. Leon hurries to the door and opens it just a crack. He bites back a gasp of horror. Two of Brandon’s men stand over the body of a night guard. Leon can see the man’s slit throat and the pool of blood beneath him. There’s no doubt he’s dead.

“Too easy.” One of Brandon’s men scoffs .

“What were you expecting?” The other says, “Their knights are a bunch of commoners led by a broodmare.”

“Disgraceful.”

“Camelot will be ours by dawn and rightly so if this is how they run things.”

Then they move further down the corridor. Leon seethes. He knew there was something wrong about Brandon. He looks from his belly to the body of the guard. Going out there is idiocy in his condition. But he’s a knight of Camelot- the First Knight of Camelot. He has a duty he cannot ignore. And Elyan is out there. He needs to get to Elyan.

His favourite crossbow is on his desk. He takes it and tucks as many spare bolts as he can into his pockets. Then he leaves the safety of his room.

His heart is pounding as he creeps along the corridors. Keeping his heavy breathing quiet is a monumental challenge. He has to cling to the walls in order to keep his balance. If any enemy soldiers get close, he’s dead. His baby is dead. He holds the loaded crossbow tightly, ready to aim at a moment’s notice.

He passes the back entrance of the throne room. He can hear voices from inside and smell a familiar scent.

Gwen.

She smells distressed.

Cautiously, he creeps inside. Half a dozen of Brandon’s men are gathered. Gwen is in the centre, a knife to her throat. She looks viciously furious but there’s nothing she can do.

“You won’t succeed.” She spits defiantly.

“Why are the prettiest ones always so mouthy?” One of men jeers.

“She’s a common bitch, what were you expecting?” Another asks.

From his hiding place behind the thrones, Leon snaps. He fires his bolt straight into the neck of the man holding Gwen. He falls with a gurgle. Without hesitation, Gwen takes his sword. She slashes at the closest man. Leon fires off another bolt. Then another. With Gwen’s sword distracting them, they don’t pinpoint his location. Another bolt. Another. The last man slips away from Gwen and charges for the thrones. Leon is barely able to fire the bolt in time. It hits the man square in the chest. He hits the ground with a heavy thud.

“Who’s there?” Gwen demands. Her voice shakes ever so slightly.

Leon steps out from behind the throne. Before either of them can say anything, the most vicious pain yet forks through Leon’s belly. He muffles a cry into his hand. The arm of Arthur’s throne is the only thing that keeps him upright.

Gwen runs to his side. “Leon! Whatever are you doing?”

“Assassins,” Leon gasps out, “They want to take over Camelot.”

“Yes I know that, but what are you doing?”

“My waters broke. Elyan went for Gaius but he’s been too long. I don’t know where he is now.”

“Alright. Lets go find them.“ Gwen says. She slings Leon’s arm over her shoulder and together they stumble down the corridors.

Two more of Brandon’s men round the corner. Leon shoots one down before they realise Leon and Gwen are there. Gwen pushes Leon behind her as the other rushes towards them. Clearly he doesn’t expect her skill with a sword. She parries and blocks each of his strikes. He stumbles back in shock. She jabs him through the stomach. Leon takes her by the arm and pulls her away.

Several pairs of feet run towards them. Exchanging determined glances, Leon and Gwen raise their weapons.

Red cloaks swirl around the corner.

“Arthur!” Gwen cries in relief.

“Guinevere!”

They run towards each other and embrace tightly. Leon’s legs shake and he leans against the wall. Percival appears at his side and offers a hand of support. He takes it gratefully. His stained trousers are growing cold and rub against his skin.

“Are you alright?” He asks. His voice cracks and breaks.

“We’re all fine.” Percival says.

“They were after you. Sire.” Leon says.

“They didn’t succeed. Lord Brandon’s in the dungeons to be dealt with tomorrow.” Arthur replies.

“Have you seen Elyan?”

Percival squeezes his hand. “No but I’m sure he’s fine.”

“Merlin, do you know where Gaius was?” Gwen asks.

“In bed in his chambers. Why?”

“Leon’s in labour. Elyan went to get Gaius before the fight.”

“You’re in labour?” Arthur exclaims.

“Why didn’t you start with that?” Gwaine yelps.

“There’s a lot going on. I was- I was getting there.” Leon gasps around the building pain. This time he can’t hold back the deep groan that emerges from his chest. His knees nearly buckle. Only Percival’s strong arms keep him upright.

“We need to get you lying down.” Lancelot says, taking Leon’s other arm.

“Elyan…” Leon moans.

“He’ll look for you in your room.” Gwaine says.

Leon can only nod. Arthur and Gwaine lead the way, followed by Gwen and Merlin. Percival and Lancelot bring up the rear, Leon strung between them.

“Leon! Leon!”

“Elyan.” Leon croaks.

Elyan rushes through Arthur and Gwaine to Leon’s side. Leon slumps into his arms, weak with relief.

“You’re alive.”

“I am, I am,” Elyan promises, “Brandon’s men weren’t interested in Gaius. I only ran into a couple of them.”

“Good. Oh-”

Leon groans into Elyan’s chest.

“Come on. We’re nearly there.”

Elyan takes Lancelot’s place and the procession continues. Gaius gives Leon a look over his shoulder; Leon knows he will be in for a lecture later. They reach their room just in time for Leon’s legs to give out. Elyan and Percival have to practically carry him to the bed. Gwen peels back the covers and helps Leon lie down.

“Everybody out!” Gaius orders.

There’s an obedient scurry of footsteps.

“Gwen?” Leon rasps.

“Stay? Please.” Elyan adds.

Gaius nods.

Gwen smiles and squeezes both Elyan and Leon’s hands. “Of course.”

“Come on. Trousers off.” Gaius says, draping a blanket over his lower half. He and Elyan help Leon slide off his trousers.

“Oh my. You’re nearly fully dilated already. You don’t have much longer to go.”

Leon nods. His face drains of colour. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

With practiced reflexes, Elyan presses the chamber pot into his hands in time for Leon to retch with a vengeance.

“I’m sure you haven’t missed this.” Elyan says sympathetically, rubbing Leon’s back.

The early months of Leon’s pregnancy had been ruled by nausea. They’d got into a good routine for when the vomiting started.

“I don’t like this,” Leon croaks, “I really don’t like this.”

“You’re going to be fine.” Gwen soothes.

“Elyan…”

Elyan sits on the bed and helps Leon slide onto his lap. He pushes Leon’s sweaty hisr back from his forehead, holding his hand tightly.

“So are you going to tell me why you were wandering around the castle in the middle of an assassination attempt?”

“Looking for you.” Leon pants.

“Don’t forget saving my life.” Gwen adds.

“You did what?”

Leon grimaces, hiding his face in Elyan’s lap.

Gwen answers for him. “He took down half a dozen of Brandon’s men with a crossbow.”

“Really, Sir Leon,” Gaius tuts, “Entering combat whilst in labour, of all the things. And I thought you were the sensible one, as far as knights go.”

“Sorry.” Leon mumbles into Elyan’s lap. He comes up for air, panting through the pain.

“That’s it, Leon. You’re doing very well.” Gaius says.

“Are you sure?” Leon gasps out. He feels wrung out, like driftwood being smashed against the cliff by the tide.

“Yes,” Gwen soothes, taking his hand, “You are.”

Leon doesn’t protest any more. All he has the strength for is lying in Elyan’s arms, panting through each pain. Not that the pain ever really goes away anymore. Both Elyan and Gwen must have lost circulation in their hands, but they don’t say anything.

“Pressure…” Leon slurs.

“Leon?” Elyan asks.

“There’s a lot of pressure.”

“You’re fully dilated,” Gaius says, “You’re ready to push.”

Leon shakes his head. “No. I can’t. I’m too tired.”

“Nonsense.” Gaius says.

“Leon, you just saved the queen of Camelot single handedly while in labour. You’ve faced immortal armies. Even a dragon couldn’t best you. This is nothing compared to all of that.” Elyan says. His voice is determined, as if he has no doubt in Leon at all. He tilts Leon’s head up to meet his eyes. The love and faith in them is astounding. For a single moment, Leon forgets all of his exhaustion and pain. He can do this. Then the next pain comes and he bears down instinctively.

“You can do this.” Elyan says over the sound of Leon’s strained groan.

“Gwen, take his leg and hold him open.” Gaius instructs.

Gwen takes hold of his knee and gently pulls it out.

“There I can nearly see the head all ready.” Gaius says.

Leon wants to reply, but all he can do is moan in agony. He can feel the baby descending. It feels like he’s being torn in half. Distantly he can hear Elyan and Gwen heaping praise on him but his head feels like it’s under water. Then Gaius speaks and Elyan’s face lights up.

“Did you hear that Leon?”

“Nnh…”

“I think we’ll have the baby’s head with the next push,” Gaius repeats. “It will sting a bit.”

Leon strains again. His lower half erupts in fire. He doesn’t have the strength to even be embarrassed about the shrill shriek that escapes him.

“You’re crowning,” Gaius says, “Keep going.”

Elyan squeezes Leon’s hand tightly, coiled in excitement. Leon looks at his overjoyed face and his own exhausted body stirs. All of his energy energy is poured into the next push. He howls as he’s stretched beyond belief.

“The head is born. Breathe, Leon.” Gaius says.

Leon pants desperately for a moment and then bears down again. This push is easier and the body slides free. Leon slumps in Elyan’s hold with tears trickling down his face.

The baby wails.

A great cheer rises up front outside the room.

“You have a son.” Gaius smiles.

He lifts the red, squalling baby up and places him into Leon’s arms. Elyan gently helps Leon move his arms to cradle the baby. The fleshy cord connecting them brushes against Leon’s thigh. He’s so enraptured by the baby, his baby, that he doesn’t even care.

“He’s beautiful, Leon. He’s so beautiful.” Elyan says. His voice is choked and there are tears in his eyes.

“He looks just like you.” Leon croaks.

“He does,” Gwen agrees, her own eyes wet, “He looks just like you, Elyan.”

“Now to get the afterbirth out. It will be a little uncomfortable, but nothing like the baby was.” Gaius says.

And fifteen minutes later, it slips out and Gaius shows Elyan how to cut the cord. Leon feels a little sad to see the tether go, but then his son escapes from his blanket and grabs at Leon’s hair. He smiles and lets the baby clutch his finger.

“He’s so tiny.” He whispers.

“He is, isn’t he.” Gwen says as she helps settle Leon against the pillows. Elyan sits next to him and wraps an arm around his shoulders. He gently strokes the baby’s head.

There’s a knock at the door. It swings open to reveal Arthur. “What’s going on? We heard the baby, but nothing else.”

Arthur!” Merlin hisses.

“Arthur Pendragon!” Gaius snaps. “I don’t care if you’re the king or not, you do not barge into my delivery room without invitation!”

Arthur steps back in shock, looking more cowed than Leon has ever seen him. Gwen snickers quietly into her hand.

“Right. Sorry.”

“Leon has just been through quite the ordeal. He and the baby need to rest.”

“Gaius, just let them come in for a few minutes,” Leon sighs, “If you don’t, they’ll just camp outside all night.”

Gaius frowns.

“Please, Gaius?” Elyan adds.

Gaius huffs. “Fine but a few minutes only.”

Arthur immediately marches in. He takes in the baby and smiles widely. “Well done Leon.”

“Thank you, Sire.”

“It’s I who should be thanking you, Leon. You saved my wife tonight. I owe you more than I can ever repay.”

“I am a knight. It is my duty.”

Arthur claps his shoulder. The movement jolts the baby and he whimpers. Leon carefully passes him into Elyan’s arms and reluctantly turns his attention to Arthur.

“Leon, stop playing humble.” Percival says. He, Lancelot, Gwaine and Merlin are all crowded around Elyan, looking at the baby in awe.

“You did good, Leon. You should be proud.” Gwaine says.

“He’s adorable.” Lancelot adds.

“Just take the compliments, Leon.” Merlin grins.

“You see? You have always been one of my best knights and tonight only proves it. And we have Lord Brandon and his remaining men in prison. We’ll deal with them in the morning. Now is a time for celebration.” Arthur says.

Leon just nods, too tired to continue protesting. His arms ache. As if reading his mind, Elyan passes the baby back to him. Leon smiles contentedly, resting his head in the crook of Elyan’s neck. Elyan kisses his hair.

“Do you have a name yet?” Arthur asks.

Leon glances at Elyan. “Thomas. His name is Thomas.”

“Thank you.” Elyan says thickly.

“A fine name. It is an honour to meet you, Sir Thomas.” Arthur says. Then he bows.

As do Lancelot, Gwaine and Lancelot. As do Merlin and Gaius. Gwen courtesies.

Elyan is at his side. He is warm and safe. Leon wonders how he ever thought his son wouldn’t have any family.

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