A/N: I think I have the best readers ever! =) I appreciate your support more than you can ever know. Seeing your feedback just makes me write so much more. I'm so happy with the way this story is working out; I haven't been writing stories in a while! But, this story is up to 30 chapters already, and I can't wait to write them all in full and share them with you. It's so nice to have everything planned out; it makes the writing so much easier and helps the story make so much more sense! Enjoy this next one, because I had fun writing it! =D

Kate, thank you for your kind words. I don't think I'll be updating "My Knight". =( All of my efforts are now into this fic! However, I'll be incorporating some of my ideas for that fic into this one; the magic element in "Merlin" certainly gives them a new twist. Thanks to Lucy and AhyareTuarwen for reviewing the last chapter, and for those who have reviewed previously. Happy reading, everyone! xx IFHD

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Chapter 9: I Need A Medic

Song Inspiration: "Pills" by The Perishers

Lourdes strolled in an enervated manner throughout the castle halls as part of her attempt to be rid of the nauseating feeling that formed within her stomach and the incessant pounding that plagued her head. Although the nobility in Anihc did enjoy partaking in celebrations with ale, her family had always frowned upon her and Luis from doing so. That worked well for Lourdes. Clearly, her body was not one for ale and, truly, she did not fancy it much; half a cup would have more than sufficed for her tolerance level. She was thankful that she did not indulge that much throughout the previous night's festivities. Who knew what the consequences might have been?

As the young woman made her way through the castle's various wings, she attempted (with much difficulty) to keep her erect posture and warm countenance. She found it so challenging to smile when all she pretty much wanted to do was, well, lurch over and be rid of her stomach's contents! Citizens, servants, and guards would greet her as she approached and passed by; their eyes alit with wonder, many more of them seemed to recognize her from the previous night's banquet as well as from her work around the castle and nearby village as Gaius' helper. At first, she had been quite worried about the possibility of ill-treatment from others as a visible outsider; but now, slowly but surely, she felt as though she was earning the trust and respect of the inhabitants of Camelot - and for that, she was pleased.

Turning the corner on the south wing, Lourdes caught sight of Gwaine's passing form, which seemed to be heading towards the direction of the castle stables and training grounds. Lifting the bottom of her dress in front of her, she zigzagged politely through various servants and workers strolling down the hallway, excitedly scurrying towards the knight's side. "Gwaine!" she called out cheerfully, taking a hold of his bicep as they reached the stables. A wide smile tugged at her lips as she announced, "I have been trying to find you today! I came by your chambers earlier, but a servant said that you might have gone out hunting with the knights."

The long-haired knight remained silent for a moment, going about his business as though he did not even hear what she said. Working on the stirrup of his horse - tugging it much more aggressively than necessarily - he replied distractedly, "What business did you have with me?"

She released his arm at once. Furrowing her brows at his uncharacteristically harsh tone, Lourdes uttered, almost unsure, "Well…it's just that…you just disappeared from yesterday's festivities after saying that you would return with some refreshments. I…I thought that something might have happened…"

Although finding it truly difficult to do, Gwaine continued to try and disregard her presence, moving about nonchalantly to the other side of his steed. He hoped that his pretenses would hold, for he did not know how much longer he could control his façade. Lourdes openly grimaced at his coarse body language; he had never treated her in such a manner before, or, even on his worst days, even seen him in this kind of mood.

The tension in the air between them thickened as the knight let out a scoff. Lips pressed tightly into a thin line, he tilted his head back so that he could see Lourdes' from the other side of his horse. "No need to worry about my whereabouts, little princess! Everything's fine." Smile, damn it.Gwaine hissed to himself. He did so awkwardly. "I managed to pass the time with…enjoyable company later on in the night." No smug smile to accompany this statement, however. Just darkened eyes. "I trust that you had enough company yesternight and were not in much need of mine?"

Did Gwaine just inform her that he left the banquet to spend time with another woman? Lourdes scoffed, correcting herself. Perhaps other women?

Before she could get out a word, a pain-filled cry pierced the still air around them; it was audible even through the clanking of swords, raging yells, and the violent pounding hooves of horses. The two instinctively twisted their heads to the direction of the sound and perceived a group of knights sprinting to a fallen knight, who was momentarily cloaked in rising dust. The young knight, clad in full armour, writhed upon the ground in pain, clutching his stomach and chest with both arms.

"Call for help!" One of the knights, who Lourdes recognized as Percival, called out. His once stoic face now flashed in panic. "He is in need of a medic!"

Lourdes and Gwaine shared a brief look before sprinting towards the scene themselves. Gwaine arrived first and was quick to intervene, asking the other knights to step back to allow their injured comrade some breathing space. Lourdes knew that Gaius was out in the village for the morning to retrieve some supplies, and Merlin was tending to Arthur at this time…well, most likely to his armour

The medic apprentice straightened her spine as she felt her training emerge.

Lightly pushing past the concerned knights - including Gwaine - she fell to her knees and surveyed the fallen knight in a cursory manner from head to toe. "What happened?" Authority lined her voice as she unbuckled and unclamped the knight's armour and tugged it off. Lifting the heavy, damaged helmet, her eyes scanned the knights around her expectantly.

Percival recounted behind her, "The horse…Elyan fell from the horse when it became spooked, and it looked as though it trampled him…"

Lourdes winced, both at the explanation and scene before her, as she finally took off the knight's breastplate. Blood seeped generously through his tan tunic, and she could see through the bumps that a few ribs seemed to be broken. Lourdes didn't want to imagine what could have happened to him had he not adorned himself in full armour. Thankfully, she inspected that the knight's head remained unharmed, with no visible damage or bleeding. Placing an open palm upon behind the knight's head for support, she inquired, eyes searching his, "Sir Elyan? Where do you feel pain?"

"My ribs…neck…" Elyan called out weakly through gritted teeth, eyes connecting with hers worriedly. "I do not think I am able to stand on my own."

Lourdes gave him an understanding nod, then lightly touched the side of his face and head in comfort. "I need to treat him, but what I need are in Gaius' clinic." She announced, almost regally. Turning to face the men who surveyed the scene anxiously, she declined her head towards Elyan's supine form. "Knights, could you please help me with him?"

"Here, let me help."

Lourdes instantaneously craned her head upwards to the sound of Lancelot's voice, her expression softening as she saw him. A smile automatically graced her countenance when the knight approached her. Lancelot momentarily locked eyes with Gwaine. The two shared a nod of understanding before they helped their injured friend to his feet. Elyan, who continued to painfully hold his stomach, was placed in between Lancelot and Gwaine; with Lourdes' help, they flung Elyan's arms atop each of their backs and shoulders and began to support him as they walked. There was a palpable tension between the three, although none of them knew precisely why; they would seem to look at one another, then refrain from doing so. Aside from Elyan's groans and forceful exhales, the trip to Gaius' and Merlin's lodgings was entirely silent.

Upon entrance, Lourdes politely instructed the two knights to delicately lay Elyan on the nearest bed. As they did so, she gathered the supplies that she needed, trying her hardest not to become distracted by the presence of the two knights behind her. With an audible exhale, she took a seat beside Elyan upon the bed and began to treat him.

Lancelot and Gwaine watched curiously as they stood, remaining a few meters from Lourdes and Elyan.

"Did you have a good time yesternight?" Gwaine piped up casually, though kept his voice low so that Lourdes could not hear their conversation.

Lancelot completely missed the meaning behind his comrade's words, wholly unaware of the turbulent feelings that collided within Gwaine's being and the sarcastic lining to his tone. "I did, thank you." He smiled genuinely, elbowing Gwaine's side as he poked, "Leon informed me earlier that he and Percival saw you prancing around yesternight with that tavern barmaid that you always fancied. I presume that you also had yourself a good time?"

Gwaine let out a scoff, chest rising at the insinuation. "Many good times, yes."

With a quick knock, Arthur hastily appeared inside the room, shortly followed by Merlin and Guinevere. Lancelot informed them of what had happened to Elyan before stepping aside to allow them to assess the scene for themselves.

"Will he be alright, Lourdes?" Arthur made his way to her side, anxious gaze shifting from the knight to the medic respectively.

Lourdes met the king's bright-blue orbs in equal measure. In a steady voice, she reported, "I've given him some medicine to help ease the pain. Luckily, his body did not sustain that much damage. I believe that a couple of his ribs are broken, but other than that, he will be alright. After a few weeks' rest, he should be back to normal."

Arthur smiled at this promising news as Guinevere gave Lourdes an appreciative embrace. "Oh, thank you, Lourdes!" She breathed out, tears forming in her eyes. "My brother and I are indebted to you."

Lourdes was surprised to hear of their relation, but was quick to shake her head. "No, no. There is no need for that. I am just happy that I was able to help."

"Intelligent and modest." Arthur smirked, placing a proud hand on her shoulder. "I think you deserve a promotion."

Lourdes threw him a bewildered look. "King Arthur, what do you…?"

The king's chin slightly lifted as he proclaimed, "Lourdes, I officially declare you a full medic of Camelot."

Through the proud looks and excited congratulations from those around her, Lourdes managed to croak with a crooked smile, "Does that mean I receive a raise?"

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Lourdes dragged her feet back to her chambers after a long, grueling day. Although the title of "Medic of Camelot" bestowed by the king was a great honour, it was certainly more responsibilities than she had expected it to be; this profession was certainly not a selfish one. Nevertheless, through the aches, long hours, and fatigue, she continuously reminded herself why she had become so interested in medicine in the first place: to have the ability to cure, comfort, and help others. What did it mean to be of royal blood, she thought to herself, if you were not able to help your people? Even though titles were bestowed upon individuals, she believed that they had every duty to earn them.

The thumps and clanks that sounded from inside her chambers piqued her curiosity. Although instinct forced her to be on guard, a strong feeling within her overpowered that instinct; she succeeded in remaining calm and collected as she drew closer to the room. She then felt Merlin's presence, which made her furrow her brows further in question. Mumbled voices pierced through the wooden door as she stalked to its front.

"She'll be here any minute!"

"How would you know that?"

"Well…who has the magical powers here?"

A slight pause. "…Fair enough."

As Lourdes suspiciously stepped inside her room, she caught sight of Lancelot a few meters from her, bustling about with a goblet and utensils in hand. When she cleared her throat, the knight stopped in his tracks, eyes wide, brows raised. Turning on his heels awkwardly to slowly face her, he began, "…Hello."

"Hello, knight-in-my-chambers-while-I-was-working." She quipped with a toothy grin, then turned her gaze in the direction of the window towards her right. As she set aside her belongings upon the ground beside her feet, she called out lightly in a sing-song tone, "Hi, Merlin!"

Merlin cautiously popped out from behind the curtains, starting with his head, and presented her a sheepish look. "I don't even know why I hid. I know it's utterly useless." Side-stepping towards the door, one dainty step at a time, he threw Lourdes a salutatory wave. "Well, I'd best be going now. You wouldn't want Arthur barging in here yelling for his underpants." He winced at the thought. "That would be slightly awkward. More than this situation already is."

As Merlin made his exit, Lancelot placed a hand upon Lourdes' back as he led her to her dining table. "I thought you might need some nourishment, so I've made you something to eat." Lancelot began, gesturing to the dish in front of her. "I know that, as Camelot's newest medic, they've been putting you to work for hours on end."

"Lancelot!" Lourdes beamed in surprise, giving him a light embrace. "I'm so relieved that you and Merlin had a good reason for being in my chambers while I was not around!"

The knight exploded into laughter, giving her a reassuring nod. "Yes, well, at least I know that the surprise worked."

"I am so grateful for your kindness. You did not have to make anything for me…"

"True." The knight looked thoughtful for a moment, teasing. "I could've simply asked Merlin to do it for me…"

Grinning, Lourdes allowed her hands to rest upon the knight's wide chest. Lancelot trailed his hands down her spine, palms stopping at the small of her back. Lourdes did not seem to flinch at this contact and reasoned, "I need to earn my keep, so I work as hard as I can…"

"What you did for Elyan and what you continue to do for Camelot's people…" Lancelot's orbs thoroughly traced the contours of her face. "…do you realize now noble all of that is?"

Lourdes quirked a brow, eyes shining with mirth. "Perhaps I should be knighted instead, then!"

"If you were a knight, then it would be an honour to fight alongside you." Lancelot commented sincerely, eyes fixated upon her smile. He placed a palm upon her cheek, locking eyes with her. "Whatever it is you were running from, or whatever it is you are hiding from, I know that you will be able to face it when the time comes. You are stronger than you think, Lourdes. I see it. With your will, tenacity, and intelligence… well… Camelot is certainly fortunate to have you in its walls." He paused then, placing a tendril of hair behind her ear. "And whatever brought you here, I am grateful for it, because I was fortunate enough to become acquainted with you…"

The words came from Lancelot faster than he could control them. Why did he suddenly feel as though he shared much more than he was initially willing to? Before the knight could further contemplate the consequences of his words and actions, Lourdes tilted her head upwards abruptly, her warm lips making contact with his. It took a moment for Lancelot to realize what was happening but, when he finally returned the kiss, Lourdes' cheeks immediately flushed red, her body becoming soft, almost weightless.

After a few moments, the chaste kiss suddenly transformed into that of wanton desire; Lancelot pulled Lourdes closer to his body, arms coiling around her more tightly. Their forms were now fully touching. His tongue begged for entrance into her mouth, and she instantly obliged with a sharp intake of breath. Their tongues danced in rhythm, almost fighting to take the lead, as the knight pressed Lourdes upon the stone wall. When her back made contact, he lifted her arms to either side of her head, pinning them there. Lourdes let out a slight whimper, almost protesting that she could no longer touch him. This only managed to ignite the knight's passions for her even more, and he pressed the length of his adamantine body upon hers. Unlocking their lips briefly, he kissed her cheek, then moved his searing lips down the side of her neck with an onslaught of nips and butterfly kisses.

Lourdes let out a moan, both from what Lancelot's lips inflicted upon her as well as from her undesirable position of not being able to touch him. She could merely observe the knight's enamoured actions with parted lips, finding her heart beating so quickly that she thought it would jump from her chest. This torture was too much for her. Pulling her arms free from his lightened grasp, Lourdes tugged at his tunic and freely roamed her hands upon the hot skin of his hard chest and abdomen. Her desire for Lancelot only grew; now, she began to kiss and nip at his mouth and neck, which elicited a prolonged groan from the knight. Her fingers began to trail lower, now teasing at the belt of his trousers…

It was Lancelot who suddenly broke the contact, as though waking from a trance. Resting his forehead upon Lourdes', he murmured with light pants, "I apologize, m'lady…we shouldn't…" His eyes remained full of heated desire, betraying his true emotions. "I did not know what came over me, I…"

Lourdes only silenced him with another lingering kiss, cupping his face in between her hands. "I am drawn to you, Lancelot," she admitted, placing her lips upon his forehead, then cheek. "I always have been."

Giving her a smile as he drew her closer, the knight poked, "Even the day when I attacked and questioned you when we first met?"

The young woman embraced him with a light laugh, resting her head upon his chest. "Even then."

Lancelot admitted to himself that even he could not describe the feelings that she stirred within him, the emotions that coursed through his body when they touch. It had unnerved him, confused him…but now, they elicited feelings of calm, security…hope. She was helping to restore his faith, giving him a reason to start anew; but most of all, she was giving him a reason to let go of the debilitating pain that remained in his heart.

She could be his saviour, he thought.

Only if he would let her.

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A/N: Anyone see the rating go up a little bit? You better believe it just did. =D Till next time, my lovely readers! xx IFHD