A/N: This, the final chapter, is for gannicusmelitta.

Month Seven

Sibyl sat within the shadow cast by trees surrounding a little glade. The days were now warm; heat simmering from the ground with ever increasing force, ushering in the summer months. Heat combined with the bloom of pregnancy did not make for a pleasant experience.

"You are flushed," Laeta said, amused at friends rose hued cheeks. The children were with their father, so the women sat in the late afternoon sun, relaxing, talking, connecting. Sibyl had rolled her hair into a knot at the top of her head, wisps escaping as her fingers constantly fidgeted as a bee drawn to honey.

She pressed hands to face and grimaced. "I confess, memory proves false when making attempt to recall first pregnancy. I recall it as if a dream, fog clouding mind then wholly occupied with the loss of my husband. It feels at times as though this stands as my first."

Laeta raised a brow, passing a bowl with cool grapes to her friend. "If my memory serves, you stood twice the size then."

Sibyl laughed, popping the sweet fruit into her mouth, the sharp sweetness a balm against the heat. "Gratitude for reminder."

"Does mind recall how Agron's eyes would round with panic during final term? How he was constantly upon blades keen edge, waiting as if you would explode within sight."

Their laughter rang clear across the space, eventually wiping moisture from eyes due to shared mirth.

"Agron fears very little. But he had come to fear me then. Nasir called it, my unpredictable state."

"You glow much the same though."

"Do not sound envious sister. Glow is mere illusion. I am hot and mostly uncomfortable. But I feel in good spirits and Nasir says I am healthy. Nausea is now distant memory, but so is boundless energy. I tire so easily, cannot walk for long before feeling difficulty with breath. It has proven an adjustment." Sibyl rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Gannicus helps with most everything."

"Overprotective? A thing not escaping notice."

"We had argument last night. He would have me sit completely idle if granted dearest wish. Since moment he felt baby's movement he has been so attentive and thoughtful and yet also hard to live with."

Laeta laughed. "He is a gladiator. They are used to getting own way."

"And I have become accustomed to proving that that may not always be so." She sighed with a fair amount of drama. "But I understand where sentiment comes from. He was not with me last year. Despite being beyond control, he feels guilt for it."

"You will sooth him. It is the duty of a wife."

"Upon words of wifely duties, how are you adjusting, wife of Vitus?" Sibyl leaned back against the tree trunk and rubbed at her large belly, her hands moving in soothing circles.

"To being a wife? I have been one before. It is not unfamiliar."

"And yet?" Sibyl pressed, able to see there were words unsaid.

"And yet…" she took deep breath, turning her face towards sun, she sighed. "I have not been happier in this life. Part of self feels burden of guilt towards memory of slain husband. Ennius might await me upon the shores Sibyl, and yet…" their eyes met. "I would turn away and seek loving arms of Vitus."

Sibyl's eyes softened, understanding conflict. "We have spent enough of our lives burdened with shame and unhappiness. Do not feel guilt at new beginning the gods have bestowed. Oh! Someone else would have words as well. I do believe the babe agrees with me."

"May I?" Sibyl guided Laeta's hand to the firm curve and as if upon request, the babe kicked. "He is strong."

"You think it a boy?"

"Do you not?

"Gannicus believes it is a girl."

Laeta laughed again. "My ears deceive. Heart yearns for another girl?"

"I believe he would be pleased, whichever blessing the gods deliver. Yet I have feeling that small part of self yearns for such. Kore is truly her father's daughter. Despite dire words that she is miniature form, I know it pleases greatly."

"And amuses Agron in equal measures." Laeta's eyes dimmed. "I have always wondered what it feels like; to nourish life that is a part of me."

"There might yet be a chance that you carry a child. You are young and strong."

Laeta shook her head. "I was wed for many years. The gods did not bless me as such. I am not unhappy, Sibyl. Vitus has beautiful children. And they are now mine as well. I have a family."

"You were and always shall be a part of mine as well." Sibyl saw the brave face and knew her friend spoke false of her feelings. She did not press the matter though.

That night, Sibyl broke words with Gannicus once the children slept soundly. She sat propped against cushions; her husband cross legged facing her, her feet within his lap. He gently massaged the cushioned pads beneath her toes, moving his hands in blissful circles.

She sighed, words failing her for a moment as she succumbed to the pleasure his hands conjured. His hair was overlong, flowing past his shoulder blades in sun-kissed waves. He had a small smile playing across his lips; her reaction gave him unspoken delight. Despite the fact that she remained strong during her pregnancy, she refused to slow pace. It was evident in the swelling of her feet and the relief that came only when he rubbed them to increase circulation. It also offered excuse he did not need to touch his wife, something that was no burden at all.

"There is no shame in not being able to carry child of her own," he said. "Vitus is already father to children who have becomes theirs. He has no concern or expectation towards that path."

"It is still a thing that hurts. And here I walk, parading self as personal torment. I see the yearning within gaze."

Gannicus raised a brow, his expression stormy. "You know she would not wish you ill."

"I know…" Her words faded when he pressed thumb to the arch of her foot. She bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut. For a moment, she feared she might shed a tear. It was bliss. "The babe comes soon," she said instead, diverting attention.

"I know not what to expect. I have never witnessed child birthing. I have heard tales."

She leaned down as far as her belly would allow and pressed hand upon his knee. "There is only one babe this time," she smiled in comfort. "It will be an easier thing."

He was nervous; a look she was not accustomed to seeing upon his face. She patted the space beside her and motioned for him to join her. Instead, Gannicus propped self behind her back, cradling her between his legs. She sighed when her back nestled to his chest, her hands resting on his raised knees.

"All will be well. The gods have blessed us. They will bless our baby as well."

He remained silent, pensive, only kissing the top of her head.

A week later Sibyl fell and hurt self. She had been chasing Kore and Oenamaus upon grassy patch before their home. Upon reflection she did not even know how it happened, so quick had accident occurred. Foot had landed upon its side, making her lose balance – a thing that was fairly simple with her current size.

Only thought as she felt self fall was to protect her belly. A cry escaped as she landed sideways upon the musky earth, her breath rapidly expelling in shallow grunts. Tears immediately sprang into her eyes due to the force, pain shooting temporarily numbing her legs.

She felt panic grip, but Kore began to cry, Oenamaus joining her in a wailing chorus. Her cry combined with her writhing had most likely scared them. It was moments before Nasir was beckoned and she was carried to her bed.

"Summon Gannicus!" Nasir called to his son. The boy was already running.

"The baby," she said, blowing out rapidly in order to try and dispel some of the pain.

Nasir only asked where it hurt, but otherwise offered no other words. She was not even aware of the tears upon her face until Agron arrived, his eyes large. Nasir ordered him beside her, gently wiping at her tears, rubbing his large, but surprisingly gentle hand down the flank she had landed upon. Agron's countenance was tender, concerned, a side hardly glimpsed at. She had always had tender spot for him. In that moment, it turned to sisterly love. She was grateful, yet heart yearned for Gannicus.

"Nasir. The baby," she gasped, pain thudding like axe upon wood.

After a long while, the medicus sighed. "You are absent bleeding. And there… you feel that?" His smile was blinding in its relief.

Sibyl's eyes flooded again. The child moved.

"Fuck the gods," Agron whispered fiercely. Gannicus pushed through the door and she reached for him as he stretched for her. His eyes were frightened, almost wild. For a minute, she was reminded of the man who had once slain her Dominas. He had similar air. Charged, untamed, remote.

Agron slid from her side and made way for him.

"It is alright," she began automatically. "I am fine. The child is fine."

"What the fuck happened?" His voice was harsh, cutting but she did not bother raising stern brow, fire in eyes still blazed.

"I was play outside with the twins. Sport became too vigorous. I should have been more careful."

Her hand was against his breast and she felt the racing of his heart. She touched the side of his face. "We are alright. The gods bless us."

"I had cautioned-" he began, voice gruff.

"I know." She placed her fingers to his lips. "I know."

Agron entered again, a crying babe upon each arm. "Ma ma," Oenamaus called the minute he saw her, already straining from Agron's arms. Kore began crying again. Gannicus left her side for a minute and took the children, bringing them to their mother.

"Hush now," he said to Kore, the little girl burying her face in the crook of her father's neck. His hands automatically rubbed her little back, dropping a kiss to the hair that was so much like his own.

"Let me know if you have any further discomfort," Nasir said. Gannicus had lowered Oenamaus into his mother's arms, but walked Nasir to the door. "If she bleeds, send for me at once. Get her into a warm bath, it will help with the stiffness."

Gannicus nodded, fear still swirling inside.

"Apologies," he said much later. "I did not mean to give impression that I placed blame upon you, or that you would intentionally harm life of our child."

Sibyl just shook her head and placed a kiss upon his brow. The babies play upon the floor in their bedroom, all thought of earlier trauma erased. She sat upon the side of their bed, freshly emerged from a warm bath. His eyes had darkened at the sight of her skin, already turning a light purple where she had bruised.

He was at her back, massaging gently after he had applied some liniment to the bruising. "I cannot see harm come to you. Ever." His chin rested upon her shoulder, his arms circling her from behind.

She felt moisture upon her neck and her heart lurched. "I will be more careful," she vowed.

Month Eight

Gannicus lay in the dark, still, trying to contain laughter. First his lips parted in a silent smile, then he clenched his stomach muscles, hunching over in feeble attempt to stop sound emerging from lips. Eventually, he could not hold back. A chuckle escaped, low at first, slowly rumbling through him and causing bed to vibrate. He knew it would not be long before his wife awoke; she slept very little of late. He was sorry for consequence to action, but he was absent power to control wondrous amusement.

It was custom for her to sleep in his arms. But as her pregnancy progressed, she found comfort in sleeping with her belly pressed to his back, too uncomfortable and hot if she lay within his embrace.

At present, their child seemed wide awake, movement rapid. Against his lower back he felt strong kicks, the sensation not unpleasant, actually ticking him. He lay for a moment in wonder. His fucking babe had the strength of a gladiator.

He turned and in the shadows, pressed his own flat stomach against her rounded one. His eyes flicked to Sibyl, she had not yet stirred. The room was dark but he could discern the rise and fall of her chest, her one hand cradling her stomach. The child kicked again and this time he could not contain his delighted chuckle.

Sibyl woke because her husband was chuckling beside her. The laugh began as a slow rumble, but became full bodied, the bed shaking in attempt to contain his mirth. The room was still dark, hours before sun would rise. She opened her eyes and waited as it adjusted to dim interior.

He lay facing her but was not looking at her. Instead, his head was angled low, looking towards her stomach. She felt the kicking instantly. In fact, breath caught at the force.

"Sibyl?"

"I am carrying a little gladiator." She winced.

He chuckled again and she realised their stomachs were touching. "How long have you been awake? Laughter woke me."

"The little one woke me. I confess to thinking I was back upon the sands, Crixus serving massive blow upon back."

She rolled her eyes but she knew he could not see her. He could not conceal his pride.

"It is not much longer," he said. "Does movement hurt?"

"There are moments when it is particularly uncomfortable." She would be honest with him. "I feel excitement at meeting our baby. A part of self is tired of carrying heavy load." She giggled. "I am as round as a vat of wine."

His husky chuckle still thrilled, down to her toes. "Yet infinitely more tempting."

"I tire easily, it has become great effort to move from one place to another, I cannot easily hold Kore or Oenamaus-"

Gannicus heard the tremor in her voice and frowned. "They are well cared for-"

"And yet I am their mother. I cannot play as I once did. I would not risk another fall. What if they have impression that I care less?" Suddenly tears sprang forth and she quietly began to cry.

"Sibyl," he said softly, pulling her close, completely bewildered. He had no idea where such insecurities came from. "You are a wonderful mother. And our children love you."

"Apologies. I have been feeling particularly weepy of late."

"I have not noticed," he said with a frown.

"I have made valiant attempt to hide it."

He sighed in exasperation. It was the type of reaction she usually had when he did something she found confusing or endearing.

"I recall upon a day months ago that Laeta had warned you might be affected as such. She said you often cried before."

"I thought it was because heart yearned for you," she hiccupped and he laughed then, full bodied.

She hit his arm. "The children sleep."

His chest shook with mirth. "I love you wife."

They could no longer make love, but that did not mean that Gannicus was not creative in the ways he could pleasure his wife. His lips touched hers and she sighed, lost completely to his tender touch.

Month Nine

It was hard to move around. Body felt as heavy as a sack of ripe wheat, ready to spill its golden treasure at slightest stress. Sibyl now needed help with morning meal, a request she never made of her husband, but one he naturally assumed. Her movements were painfully slow some days, her person swollen and heavy. Daily she yearned to see this baby birthed.

Agron never needed cause to tease Gannicus mercilessly about the duties he assumed within his household. It was not common for most men to offer aid to wives. Yet Gannicus always winked at the younger man, leaving him with feeling that there was something that he did not understand. Some miracle. Some wonder.

All meals were now messy affairs. Her husband was mainly in charge, this meant that usually the meal became a game in which his or their laughter was accompanied with food all over hands, faces and little bodies. He had commanded an army with ease; their children had him at their mercy.

Bread and preserves. Milk, fruit and poultry, eggs. As usual, each baby had a boiled egg in hand, sitting upon the floor. She watched them play for a moment, unable to believe how quickly they were growing. Almost overnight they began to slowly string two words together – yet small words, not always uttered correctly. But they were bright children, inquisitive and very loving.

Her back pain was now chronic and intense. In the last month her belly had grown large and had dropped, an indication that the baby would come soon. She now slept very little, either upon her side or propped against the pillows. As her skin stretched to accommodate the baby, the skin became itchy as it tightened. She rubbed oil onto her skin daily, trying to sooth the discomfort.

Gannicus found her crying one morning when in dawns golden light, silvery streaks were apparent down the sides of her breasts and across her abdomen. After increasingly frequent and similar outbursts, he had sought Laeta's advice on how to deal with his wife's sudden emotional state. As advised, he drew her close, told her she was beautiful and placed a kiss upon her lips.

They did not often disagree on things. In fact, in most issues, their minds were as one. With his easy temperament, he was hard to upset and she forgave him most things. But in the last month of her pregnancy, Gannicus seemed inclined to prevent her from doing most anything. Walking to Laeta's home, taking a basket and having a picnic in the nearby glade, sweeping the floor or tidying their home. Finally they argued when smallest chore was all but forbidden.

"Gannicus! I am with child; I am not maimed, nor injured. I am careful and make sure to always be cautious."

"It is but a month since your accident. You are still tender." His tone was firm, mildly argumentative. His brow darkened and she knew he would only become as stubborn as one of Agron's mules. "Your skin still recovers."

"I cannot be in the house all day! It would drive me to madness," she felt tears of frustration threaten and turned her face away, biting her lip.

He saw the tears and his own tone tempered. "Laeta and Diana visit you here. There is no need to take unsteady path to either home."

Sibyl huffed in exasperation. Half because she could not believe he was being so unreasonable and half because pregnancy caused shortness of breath. It left her feeling like she had once felt after running errands between merchants through the streets of Sinuesa.

Suddenly she hunched over, holding onto a chair for support. "Sibyl."

"I am well. Babe kicks and you being unreasonable does not help matters," she huffed.

His face softened and he stepped closer, placing a hand upon her back. She scowled at him, her body already curving towards the hands that knew just how to offer her back relief.

Then she gasped. Between her legs, water pooled, wetting her legs. Gannicus raised his brow, struggling to keep an amused smile from curving his lips.

"Should I offer assistance to the outhouse?"

Sibyl's gaze met his. "I do not need the outhouse." His face remained blank a second before realisation dawned. "It is time Gannicus. The baby is coming."

A litany of curses flowed from him and Sibyl found self with her comforting hand upon his back.

Nasir was summoned, a fire lit in the hearth, Laeta came to assist. And then they waited. Gannicus paced, unable to remain idle for a moment. Agron clapped him upon the back a few times but he did not seem to even feel it.

"When will something happen?" he asked Agron who stood in charge of the twins.

"Soon enough brother, soon enough you will wish for these quiet moments."

Vitus nodded beside Agron. "This is the easy part. Previous wife had forbidden me from being present at the birth. I heard her agony echo across our home. Wine brother, it aids all."

He cursed, then winced, conscious that Oenamaus's little lips were already trying to form the work fuck again. Despite childbirth, his wife would have his fucking hide.

"Uckh dada. Uckh. Uckh." Always so serious.

Gannicus could not stop his chuckle and kneeled to be at eye level with his son, rustling his dark hair before swinging him into his arms. "Forget word, little one. Your mother will have us both upon spike."

"You know she would place blame upon me," Agron said.

"And she would not be wholly mistaken in thought," Vitus said. The men laughed, momentarily allowing Gannicus to forget fears.

"Was previous birthing same?"

Agron's eyes bulged. "It was not, brother. Laeta brought your wife, heaving into our home. Nasir had barely laid her down before Kore was fighting her way into this world."

Gannicus smiled for a moment. That sounded like her. Then he heard the heavy moan and he moved back in to the room. Sibyl was sweating, her cheeks flushed and yet the rest of her was pale.

"It is time," Laeta said. "Would you…?" She gestured to Sibyl and he nodded, handing Oenamaus to Vitus and slipping in behind his wife, her back resting against his chest. She had told him that men could choose to be absent at the birthing. No matter how fucking terrified he was, he would not have her bear it alone. She had done it once without him, he would not have her tolerate similar.

Never in his life had he felt as helpless. Used to slaying enemies upon his path, he stood helpless as his wife writhed in pain, her moans of agony tearing through his heart until he was sure it bled. She gripped his hand, squeezing until his fingers were numb. In a moment, he vowed he would never do this to her again.

His chest was wet – he was unsure whether it was her sweat or his. His nerves were frayed, yet he maintained composed façade, whispering words of encouragement, words he did not even know he had knowledge of. When Laeta nodded her approval, he knew at least that instincts proved true.

"You have to push Sibyl. I can see the babe's head," Nasir said.

He felt his stomach drop. He knew how babes were created and mode of entering this world. And yet to witness the miracle, his entire body charged with an anticipatory energy. Their child would soon be born.

Sibyl thrashed her head from side to side and he placed his rough cheek next to hers, his hair as slick as hers, whispering to her. "Our babe is almost of this world. You have to push my love."

"I am tired," she moaned.

"I know. But it will soon be over and you will hold her in your arms."

She laughed, a short one, temporarily distracted. "She?"

He chuckled. "Birth our daughter, wife. I would have her meet us."

Their fingers entwined and she bore down, a wrenching scream emanating from her. Without control, tears sprung into his eyes as she sobbed, pushing with all the energy she had left. The band on her left hand cut into his fingers, but he was beyond a care.

"That is it, Sibyl. One more," Nasir said.

And then he heard the cry. His wife slumped in his arms, exhausted, brave, beautiful. If the poets were true, then love's physical manifestation was in the miracle of creation. Laeta handed the baby to Sibyl, both their arms reaching for the child.

"Your daughter," Nasir said. "Instincts were right, brother."

Gannicus nodded but his attention was upon the little person before him. Her eyes were closed tightly, her cries silenced to mewing when she settled upon her mother's breast.

"You were right. Another daughter," Sibyl whispered, her fingers tracing the soft cheek.

"She has dark hair, perhaps your blue eyes… and your temperament as well."

"It sounds as though you send prayer to the gods."

"Let there be no mistake," he said. "I do," he teased.

Gannicus had been quiet all afternoon, much as he had been after he had first met Kore and Oenamaus.

"What is it?" she asked gently.

He was quiet for a moment longer. "Notion is true that experiencing the birth of our daughter has been most terrifying experience of my life. Facing seasoned fucking gladiators in the primus held less fear."

She rested; the baby having taken her first drink was now asleep between them.

"You were magnificent," he said.

"I recall very little of birthing the twins. What I do recall clearly was that I wanted you there. It was all I wanted – for you to be there with me. And today you were. Gratitude."

Words failed him and so he remained silent.

"It is all worth it," she said instead. "The pain of bringing our children into this world. When I look upon them, it is all worth it. I would do it a hundred times over to have them."

"I think I will miss your rounded body," he confessed with a wink.

"Gannicus! You will not!"

"Watching our babe grow within you, watching your body change to accommodate her… I did not believe in miracles. Yet how can I not after what I have born witness to these last months?"

"The gods continue to bless us," she said. "What shall we name her? I made choice before, would you like the honour?"

He stared at her for a long moment, his hand gently brushing at the dark hair upon her head.

"Camilla."

She looked pleasantly surprised. "I expected I might have to gently protest choice. But Camilla is lovely."

"It is a name I had come across during my travels. I cannot claim to have known a Camilla myself-"

"A thing I am grateful for," she said with humour and he chuckled, overwhelmed with an almost giddy happiness. "Kore, Oenamaus and Camilla."

"That is perfect, wife."

"So are you."

He leaned over and pressed his lips to hers, humbled and grateful for the life he had been granted. It was a peaceful life, it was a sedate life, but it was a life filled with love. It was a full life.

Five Months Later

The bliss of summer had passed, the air had cooled and winter was finally upon them. At present however, the cold was not a thing felt by anyone. Despite frozen winds and gentle snowfall outside, inside friends laughed, sipped wine and celebrated.

Large fire roared in the hearth, blazing warmth to rival summer's heat. Candles burned everywhere, adding intimate glow to whispered conversations, children's laughter or raucous tales. Gannicus and Sibyl hosted their closest friends at their home in honour of the twins' birthday. They had turned two.

A long wooden table was laden with food, cooked with aid of Laeta and Diana. Upon wooden benches, Gannicus had the twins upon his lap, one upon each leg, breaking words with Vitus who sat opposite him, maintaining watchful eye upon his children. It warmed her heart to hear his laughter, loud, free, happy.

Agron found Sibyl as she stood as silent observer, watching activities. He smiled at her, both their gazes drawn back to scene. Between Vitus and Laeta sat their two children, both trying to gain the attention of Kore and Oenamaus from across the table. Laeta gently scolded when they offered the children more cake, a thing their chubby hands reached for absent thought. Diana tended to her son, deep in conversation with Nasir who stood beside her, gently rocking Camilla to sleep.

"My sons have gone in search of wood for fire," Agron said. "I do expect task to take longer than usual, they seem to find trouble where there should be none."

Sibyl laughed. "A talent they have inherited from their father, I have no doubt."

Agron winked. "Fucking boys." It was an endearment.

Oenamaus wriggled from his father's arms, having caught sight of her. Under his breath he repeated ma ma, ma ma, ma ma, ma ma, until his feet found firm ground, launching self toward her as arrow upon swift winds.

"Yes baby," she said, reaching for him. But it was a game. As he came close, he giggled and raced back towards his father, checking to see whether she gave chase. Kore noticed activity and wiggled to stand upon Gannicus's lap, watching games from vantage point. She clasped hands into his hair for balance and pumped her knees in excitement.

"Kore," Gannicus cautioned. "Slowly."

Agron laughed, waving at the little girl. This only served to increase her excitement. It was a thing of purpose. Gannicus sent a warning scowl in Agron's direction.

"Between you and her father, it is no wonder Kore is easily excitable," Sibyl scolded.

"She is her father's daughter. It is truest nature." Agron winked at her.

Sibyl could not argue. Gannicus's laughter boomed, so did Kore's as he swung her in his arms.

"I sometimes forget what we have endured," Agron said, for a moment sombre.

"Do you miss your old life Agron? Anything about it? I know there are days where Gannicus yearns for clash of steel."

"No," he said immediately. This surprised her.

"Apologies. I see vehemence has confused. There will always be the thrill of battle that is now absent from life. But I recall where I came from, what I have endured, what humiliations Nasir has had to endure and all taste for it vanishes as mist upon mountain peak. I tend goats because it is necessary. But I tend it because alternative is to condemn those I love to the unimaginable. We are masters of our own destiny. I choose this life. As does Gannicus."

"I know. Gratitude Agron. It seems that whenever I am to birth a child, you are upon hand to lend much needed aid."

She saw him blush. "It is an honour," he said humbly. "This is a different life, Sibyl. But it is a better one. Would that our fallen brothers might have stood beside us."

She touched his shoulder and teased. "Spartacus would have made a fine farmer."

"Crixus would have been better, I suspect," he said in parting, collecting Oenamaus and swinging him into his arms. This meant that Kore wanted to be in Agron's arms as well. Before long, both the children were crawling all over him.

"Family has grown. Any more and we will need larger rooms to house them all," Gannicus said, stepping close. He linked their fingers and joined their hands at the base of her spine. "Tired?"

"A little. Day has been long. But gazing upon family and friends, fatigue is worth it. The gods bless us." That morning before dawn, Gannicus and his wife had made offering to the gods – to request the continued safety, happiness, care and blessings upon their children.

He placed an absentminded kiss to her temple. "I have feeling that our next will be another girl."

Sibyl raised her brow. "Next?"

Gannicus chuckled, the sound warm, tugging at heartstrings. "I am to be surrounded by women."

"That is Agron's wager."

"I begin to believe it. Oenamaus and I shall make endeavour to stand firm and strong. Keep our women in line."

She bumped their shoulders together in playful manner. "How many children are you hoping for husband?"

He shrugged. "Since I never thought I would ever have any in this life, I hope to have as many as possible."

"Fuck the gods!" came Agron's response. "Apologies for lending ear. I wager all females. It will be ironic gift from the heavens."

Sibyl shook her head in amusement.

"Would you care to wager on the gender of the next babe?" Laeta asked.

Sibyl shook her head. "I am not with child. We hope to wait for a while." Gannicus just chuckled and she squeezed his hand.

"I do not mean your babe."

"When who?"

Laeta looked to her husband who nodded, her eyes then seeking Nasir who also smiled broadly.

Sibyl felt hope bloom. "You are-"

Laeta nodded. "I am with child."

The room erupted. "This is wonderful!" Sibyl said as they hugged. "The gods have blessed you, sister."

"I had assumed I could not conceive. Nasir suspect's problem must have been Ennius's."

Later that night, when food had been cleared, plates and cups cleaned, Camilla suckled upon her mother's breast while Gannicus lay awake and watched.

"You are in earnest," she said softly. "Many children?"

"As many as my wife would have with me."

He placed a kiss upon her shoulder. "We would have to make more room," she cautioned. "Agron's words might be prophecy," she teased. "We might have only girls."

"If that were so," he said, shifting to place a kiss upon his daughter's brow, her eyes flickering open momentarily. She stared back at him, her gaze direct and clear, her blue eyes the exact shade of her mothers. "nothing would make me happier."

Gannicus, once god of the gladiatorial arena had been completely, utterly and thoroughly tamed.

A/N: We have come to the end of a story that has been the hardest for me to write. Mainly because its completely and utterly AU. But Ganny!daddy is something I am a little obsessed with, so this was born from that. There is copious amounts of fluff, but if characters deserve it, i think its these.

Hope you enjoyed! And thank you for your reviews. I always love hearing your thoughts.

xxx