A/N: Greetings, FIT fans! As always, thanks for the support. Well, I've found the time (har har) to pump out another chapter. Hopefully you'll enjoy this one and that it's up to par with my usual work. Since I have limited time to work on fics nowadays, they don't necessarily go through the usual revision and editing process... but anyway! Onwards with the tale. Feedback is always welcome! Happy reading. =) xx IFHD

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Chapter 10: Realizations

"...and why must the men do these movements?" Arthur lightly questioned as he observed the rows and columns of two dozen knights before us, raising a curious brow.

"The movements target compound muscles; when they are done in increasing intervals with short periods of rest, they consequently force the heart to pump more blood, therefore increasing overall circulation and, thus, increasing their ability to..." When I saw that I had clearly lost the blonde king somewhere in the middle of my sentence, I shook my head in order to dismiss my earlier explanation. His blank stare, however, continued to linger upon me as my speech trailed off. He blinked with mouth slightly agape. With a placating motion of my hand, I stated, "Trust me, King Arthur. If you desire for your men to be the greatest in all of the lands and be the heroes of future legends, they must be trained as such. Training the mind and body in unison is how you will achieve such glory."

He pursed his lips thoughtfully, then winced at the sounds of moans and groans of several knights. Some even threw us pleading looks as a gesture for the training - or, to them, torture - to cease. Arthur released a low whistle. "They seem to be in more pain than anything, Lourdes."

Having gone through such athletic training myself, I knew precisely how the knights were feeling at the moment. It was akin to dying. However, I shrugged coolly, "Their bodies must learn to endure such physical and mental rigour. Only then will they adapt to it, become increasingly stronger in the future, and, when applied in combat, be able to carry out the hardships of battle to the best of their abilities. Before the men master how to wield the tools of war, they must begin with the foundations of combat - their own bodies." I smiled when I perceived Arthur's understanding nod. He actually seemed pleased with me...for once. "Discipline, King Arthur. Most of all, they must learn discipline."

It was the first day of the trial for my new, desired position in the castle. By some miracle, Guinevere had actually convinced Arthur to give me this chance; though, by the way the king and queen of Camelot interacted, I hypothesized that it probably didn't take much effort on Guinevere's part to persuade Arthur in the first place. Nevertheless, I was elated that I seemed to have gained the queen's favour. It was more than apparent that Arthur and most of the knights were wary of my presence at first and, truly, I was afflicted with pangs of nervousness; however, Guinevere counselled that as long as I knew my place and made it clear that I was entirely answerable for my actions and was under the complete command of Arthur, the men, in general, should be comfortable with my presence.

Overall, I was pleased. Save for a few, disinterested glances and taunts in the beginning, the queen's advice seemed to be working thus far. As the day progressed, I eventually began to gain their interest and undivided attention; I found that it was even important to me that I would also gain their respect.

A woman could gain the attentions of men with her mind? Revolutionary!

After a few minutes of the knights enduring excruciating physical pain, Arthur finally decided for them to take a short rest. The looks that some of the men shot at me were laced with disdain, but they eventually followed the look with a smirk and satisfied nods. Seeing their expressions, Arthur gave me a pleased pat on the back, which somewhat sent me forward a pace or two. "Next time, Lourdes, perhaps you should lead by example."

"Sure thing, boss." I shot the king an enthusiastic thumbs up as I regained my straight posture. I coughed teasingly as I fixed my tunic, then murmured under my breath, "That is, only if you do."

The smile was entirely erased from his face in an instant. Unamused, Arthur's eyes narrowed threateningly. "I beg your pardon?"

I grinned impishly, then gave a cool shrug. "You could do with a bit of exercise yourself."

"Are you calling me fat?"

Letting out a laugh, I replied in a sing-song tone, "Jest-innnng!" With a wink, I lightly punched him on the side of the arm. Unfortunately, Arthur didn't seem to share my sentiments. For the love of all that is holy, didn't this king have a sense of humour? When his face grew even more bewildered at my actions - verily, glaring at the spot on his arm where I had punched him with narrowed eyes, then shifting his fiery gaze to my form - I just shut my mouth, turned upon my heel, and rightly bolted from his side.

The stocks and I weren't on good terms, so I didn't feel like seeing it at the moment.

"Ah, there's our little slave master." Recognizing the deep, rumbling voice to my side, I slowed my run and turned to face the owner. Lounging underneath an old oak, Percival, along with Leon, eyed me in polite greeting. Percival gave his head an ascending nod and continued with a smirk, "What say you this afternoon, Lourdes? Have you found yourself in any trouble yet?"

I raised a suspicious brow, wary of where he was going with this. "No, not as of yet..."

The giant knight sauntered over to my side, surveyed our surroundings suspiciously, and then slyly placed his heavy arm around my shoulders. His bright blue eyes were sparkling in the most devious of manners as he finished, "...would you like to?"

"Oi!" I narrowed my eyes in distaste, holding a stern finger to his pointy nose. I snarled, "If you think you can reel me in for another one of your "quests", Percy, think again, because I, for one..."

My speech eventually trailed off as I perceived Gwaine purposely stalking to our side. Although his unamused expression caught my attention, it was his subsequent action held it. Although he did so in a friendly manner, Gwaine sternly lifted Percival's arm off my form, then moved to stand in between us. Gwaine locked eyes with the taller knight and fought to keep his tone steady and light. "Now, now, remember your knightly code, Percival."

It was clear that Percival was genuinely taken aback by Gwaine's actions. "Calm yourself, Gwaine. T'was only a jest..." the giant knight retorted with a wince. The long-haired knight, however, didn't seem convinced. After coolly waving off Gwaine's harsh stare, Percival eventually turned to me and bowed, hand on chest. "I apologize if I have offended you, Lourdes, but surely you must know that..."

My querying gaze lingered upon Gwaine, finding his actions and subsequent expressions odd. I placed a hand upon Percival's upper arm in a conciliatory manner. "No need to apologize, Percival!" I narrowed my eyes slightly at Gwaine's direction. "Can't we all just have a laugh once in a while?"

Gwaine's jaw tightened at this question, though the knight made it a point not to speak in front of the men further. After giving a quick nod to Percival and Leon, he took my wrist with great speed and tugged me away from his comrades. When he ensured that they were out of earshot, he hissed in a scolding manner, "Lourdes, it would do you some good not to compromise yourself in front of..."

"What?" I cried incredulously, eyes squinted. I abruptly pulled away from his grasp and took a pace back. "Compromise myself? By doing what?"

"You hold a position in the castle now. You...you help train the men and are answerable to Arthur." The knight was flustered. What was he even trying to say? He tried to elucidate further, "How do you think you'll be able to gain the knights' respect if we see you allowing Percival's open advances? If you desire to be a respectable woman in these times, Lourdes, there are some codes of etiquette that you must familiarize yourself with and ultimately enact."

Wow.

Just wow.

"You are taking this way out of proportion, out of context, and have heavily misconstrued Percival's intentions." I retorted sternly, keeping my stance firm. I extended my arms to my sides. "Why do you so easily condemn Percival's so-called 'flirtation' with me and not condemn your own?"

Although his mouth opened to utter a reply, the knight was eventually caught speechless. It took a few moments for him to respond with, "Perhaps...perhaps it is you who has mistaken my intentions."

The statement actually made my heart constrict. Was I really mistaken? Fighting the uncomfortable sensation in my chest, I managed to retain a brave face. "Look, I don't know what this is all about," I began, turning away from him apathetically, "but I have to get back to work."

And with that, I stalked away from the knight, never looking back.

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"No, Lancelot, I am not wearing that dress. I refuse. Out of the question. Not a chance in hell."

"Lourdes, you protest more than Sir Leon did!"

My face contorted in disbelief. "Curly Fries wore a dress? What?" I eyed the knight confusedly, then gave my head a curt shake and held up a hand. "Actually, I don't think I want to know. But either way, it probably looked better on him."

Lancelot took in a breath, then paced a few steps forward. I had been enjoying his company in my lodgings until this revelation: "Lourdes, you wearing this dress to the banquet is by order of the Queen." He sounded like he really wanted to do Guinevere's bidding. What, did he, like, love her to death or something? When I didn't budge in both movement and agreement, he eyed me sternly, lips pursed. "Do you really want to be put in the stocks again?"

Bloody kingdoms, their bloody traditions, and their bloody punishments! I bared teeth as I mulled over my options...and then thought about my good friend, the stocks. With a groan, I hesitantly took the sea blue, empire-waist gown from his outstretched hand. The knight merely grinned at this, utterly pleased with my decision. Upon closer inspection, I had to admit that the dress was quite beautiful. I mean, wearing it couldn't be that bad, right?

At least I could fool people into thinking that I was a real lady!

With an elongated exhale at the termination of that battle, I then gestured for Lancelot to take a seat at my sparsely-decorated dining table. "Come, Lance-a-lot. Help yourself to some dinner."

"Oh." The knight's brows raised in surprise. "You do not mind?"

"Of course not! Why would I?" I smiled, then gave him a light slap on the side of his upper arm in a friendly gesture. I eyed him deviously and poked, "Unless, of course, you have more...lancing to do..."

He rolled his eyes good-naturedly at the latter quip. It seems as though this man was quickly becoming used to my quirks! Lancelot merely uttered in reply, "Thank you, m'lady."

As I sat across from him and divided the food between us, I commented lightly, "You know, you really have to stop calling me that, Lancelot. I don't think I'm a lady, by any standards of any time."

He let out a low chuckle as he poured our drink. "You may not think you are a lady, Lourdes, but in any case, it seems as though you're earning quite a good reputation with training the knights. That is a marvellous success indeed." A proud smile graced his handsome face as he raised his cup in a toast. "Has Arthur taken you on permanently?"

"Perhaps you can say that." I grinned, eyes alit with mirth, as I met his toast. "The more I please Arthur and train you knights well, the less I will be found in the stocks. Everyone wins!" Then, as though there were others in the room, I shifted my eyes suspiciously before whispering, "And maybe I should start training Arthur, too. He's getting a bit round about the waist and arse..."

The laughter that originated from deep within Lancelot's throat caused him to almost choke on his drink. His animated expression caused me to almost choke on my drink and, in an unladylike manner, I consequently spat some of the liquid into the fireplace to my side to spare him from being the target. Lancelot and I froze for a moment and locked eyes. Then, we simultaneously burst into even more laughter.

Through our booming voices, we heard a light rap on the door. Wiping a fallen tear from my eye, I was finally able to control my giggles and catch my breath. As he was able to do the same, the knight then turned to me, head tilted slightly, as though asking for permission to answer the door in my stead. "Are you expecting company?"

My brows furrowed in contemplation as I took a sip of my drink. "Nope, not that I know of..."

The knight stood with a shrug. It only took him a few strides to reach the door. As he opened it, the visitor across the threshold was momentarily blocked from my view. Curious as to what was transpiring, I followed Lancelot's lead and peered over his shoulder. Finally seeing Gwaine - who had a gravely unamused expression plastered upon his countenance - I made a reluctant motion for him to come inside. As Lancelot stepped back in order to allow his fellow knight to pass, Gwaine finally tore his eyes away from him and met my gaze.

Lancelot, at first, found that nothing was amiss; he greeted his comrade with a smile and armshake. However, when he realized that there was a lingering silence between me and Gwaine, he eyed us alternately in curiosity; he seemed to easily perceive the tension that cloaked around us. "I shall take my leave, then." Before I could even persuade him to stay - and, verily, alleviate the awkward feeling forming within me - Lancelot took my hand and kissed it lightly. Stepping outside, he threw me and Gwaine a small smile. Before he closed the door behind him, he twisted his head back and called out, "Remember, Lourdes: come to the banquet tomorrow with that dress. I am certain that you will look quite ravishing in it."

As the door fully shut, I suddenly felt a bit nervous about being entirely alone with Gwaine. Attempting to ease my discomfort, I busied about at the dining table, haphazardly arranging the used utensils. In a matter of moments, Gwaine's heavy footsteps came closer and halted right behind me. "So..." he cleared his throat and, as a gesture to Lancelot's previous presence, jutted one of his thumbs towards the front door, "...what was that all about, then?"

"Oh, Lancelot?" I kept my tone light and cheerful, though was careful not to meet his eyes. "He was just passing by. Had an errand to run."

Gwaine, almost unconsciously, crossed his arms upon his wide chest. "Are you sure that was all?"

Feeling my defenses quickly rise, I swirled to face him. With eyes narrowing in question, I hissed, "What?"

The knight walked in front of me in order to face me fully. His eyes bore upon my form, unrelenting. "I wouldn't even think about it, Lourdes."

I froze then, halting everything that I was doing. I rested my hands upon the edge of the dinner table, then inclined my head in order to meet his probing eyes. "Excuse me?"

To my surprise, Gwaine actually looked sincere as he replied with, "Lancelot, he's...he's not in a good state to give his heart away at the moment."

Although I instantly knew precisely what he meant by that, I humoured him with, "...and that's supposed to mean something to me right now because...?"

"Lourdes, it is clear that you fancy the knight, so just..." When Gwaine finally realized, from my expression, that he was upsetting me more than helping me, he was quick to change the subject. He ran a hand through his long hair. "Look, I just came here to...well...about what happened at the training grounds a few days ago, I... I just wanted to apologize."

It was my turn to cross my arms upon my chest. "Ah, yes. Your little hissy fit." I ignored that he seemed to be somewhat puzzled by the latter terminology. My toe tapped in impatience. "And what was that all about?"

Before I could register - well, anything, really - Gwaine took a few purposeful steps towards me, cupped my face in his calloused hands, and then hungrily pressed his slick lips upon my own. My head swirled immediately upon contact. Frozen in place, I let out a weak mumble (or was it a moan?) at the abrupt action; however, my protests - as miniscule as they were, even at first, - did nothing to dissuade the knight from wrapping his arms around my waist and gently pulling my body towards his. As his hands stroked the length of my back in a loving manner, his tongue managed to delve into the recesses of my mouth, deepening the kiss. My legs grew so weak that I thought that my knees would buckle at any moment and cause me to instantly lose balance; however, the knight held me steady upon his body, unwilling to release me.

Absent of thought, I began to kiss Gwaine in return. Grasping his tunic between my fingers, I tugged him even closer to my form, reveling in the feeling of his strong body softly colliding with mine. The guttural groan that came from his lips only encouraged me to kiss him even more frantically, to continue to taste him. My movements were almost automatic now, instinctual. With no protest whatsoever, he allowed my curious hands to reach under his tunic and glide upon the pleasing bumps of his abdomen; my fingers then lightly grazed upon his wide chest, reveling at the warmth and strength that they found there.

Gwaine was afire. Almost unable to control his actions, he paced forward and pressed me upon the dining table. Half-seated and half-standing, I loosely wrapped my arms around his neck, never breaking the kiss. Yes, Gwaine's lips were familiar, but under these particular circumstances, the knight was unexplored territory. He had such intensity and vigour that I was quickly captivated.

...But the knight also had Ragnelle.

My conscience's shout was enough to break the trance that I currently found myself under. A slew of emotions coursed through my veins as my eyes suddenly opened. In a fluid motion, I pushed the knight from my form, then kept him at bay with an extended arm. My tone was unyielding. "Please leave, Gwaine."

"What?" sounded his husky voice. He seemed disoriented as he found himself absent of pleasure; his eyes were still glossed with desire. "Lourdes, I..."

As difficult as I found it to say, I managed to utter in an unwavering voice, "That should not have happened and will never happen again." Ripping my eyes away from his perturbed expression, I sternly pointed towards the door. "Just go."

I didn't have the heart to look upwards at him once more. After a brief pause, I only heard his fading steps, then the shut of the creaking door as he closed it behind him.