A/N: Thank you to Ahyare Tuarwen,Lucy, that's-all-you-know, Amy, and the anonymous reviewer =P for the wonderful reviews and for those who have saved this story on their favourites, alerts, etc. I will try to work on the next few chapters as hard as I can over the holidays and update as much as possible before things start becoming crazy busy again. I really like where this story is taking me so far, and I hope you're all enjoying yourselves. Can I say how excited I am for the S4 finale tonight? =D Have a wonderful holiday season! xx IFHD

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Chapter 10: Thanks A Lot, Lancelot

Song Inspiration: "Never Say Never" by The Fray

Lourdes touched her lips momentarily as memories of what had transpired with Lancelot a few nights earlier traversed her mind; however, she subsequently lowered her arm a few moments later, hands clenched into a fist, as her thoughts travelled to Gwaine and his less-than-amicable disposition towards her as of late. She had no idea how things came about so quickly - how things changed so quickly - with the two knights, particularly after Elyan's accident. Perhaps I'm a true sorceress after all, she scoffed to herself. Meetings in the castle, celebrations, and even simple gatherings for meals became the venue for longing looks shared by Lourdes and Lancelot, but also that of Gwaine's nonchalant and even dismissive gait whenever Lourdes was present, even though she remained more than polite towards him. Although the modified demeanors of all three were not obvious to Arthur, Guinevere, and the knights, Merlin could not be fooled; however, he coerced himself on several occasions to remain quiet regarding his newfound knowledge and growing concern for his friends. Although he cared about their well-being, what transpired between them was none of his business, after all; things would eventually right themselves in the end…

…wouldn't they?

In preparation for the jousting tournament that afternoon, Lourdes and Merlin busily went about their respective duties; Lourdes gathered medical supplies to tend to any injured knights throughout the day, and Merlin, well, mostly gathered and tended to Arthur's armour and weapons - an equally important (if not more) duty.

"You seem distracted today." The young Warlock attempted to keep his tone lighthearted, taking care not to let Lourdes on about what he truly knew and suspected. He observed her closely, as though attempting to read her thoughts. "Is everything alright?"

"I've much on my mind," was Lourdes' simple reply, forcing a smile that did not reach her eyes. She took a helmet from a nearby wooden shelf and playfully placed it upon Merlin's head. A snort escaped her throat as she observed that it was quite large for Merlin - about two sizes too big! "That, and just many duties and tasks to complete on a daily basis. Both the king and Gaius seem to give me more responsibilities as the days pass…"

"Don't I know the feeling?" Merlin's voice somewhat echoed from somewhere beneath the helmet, reverberating through the metal. He flicked open the visor, allowing him to breathe and see more freely. The Warlock was about to bring the matter of the knights up, but thought better of it. "But Lourdes, you're the princess of Anihc. Why don't you just tell Arthur the truth and be done with all of this labour? You're a trusted friend of his now, and you've done so much for the people of Camelot already…"

Lourdes let out a sigh and halted her rummaging. "I do not wish to burden Arthur with matters that do not concern his kingdom or his men. I will not have the blood of the people of Camelot on my hands." She placed a gentle hand upon Merlin's arm, eyes locking with his. "You have all done me such a service already, just by keeping me here safe and hidden. That is all I would like to ask for. And Arthur -"

"You called, m'lady?" Arthur appeared behind them suddenly, smirking as he expertly placed on some metal gloves. He gazed at Lourdes expectantly, eyebrows slightly raised. As his eyes fell upon Merlin, who awkwardly stood by her side, he boomed without restraint, "Merlin, what the hell are you doing?"

Lourdes' eyes quickly shifted from Merlin to the king. In a swift movement, she grasped and pulled the helmet from Merlin's head, making him a bit dizzy. With one hand keeping Merlin in place and the other outstretched to offer the helmet to Arthur, Lourdes responded, "I was just saying that you might need your armour, my lord."

"Ah, now you see that, Merlin?" Arthur's grin grew wider as he repeatedly wagged a pleased index finger in Lourdes' direction, "You could learn a thing or two from Lourdes. In fact, I demand that you do. If you don't, off to the stocks you go." The king placed the helmet on with ease, gave Lourdes a 'thank you', and disappeared into a nearby tent.

Lourdes could only laugh with glee as Merlin began to stare daggers at her. As she gave the young Warlock a conciliatory pat in the back, he eventually began to heartily chuckle, shaking his head.

A brighter smile appeared on Lourdes' countenance when she caught sight of Lancelot, clad in full armour, as he traversed the arena in the distance. However, her expression quickly changed as a result of what she perceived. The knight's attention was caught by Guinevere, who waited at the sidelines for him to approach. Their demeanors and subsequent conversation appeared normal enough; however, there was something in Lourdes' gut that screamed out to her conscience. She is quite beautiful, Lourdes thought inwardly as her eyes landed upon Guinevere, and seems genuinely kind and loving from how she interacts with the knights and others. As Lourdes continued to observe Lancelot's gait and particularly the way in which his eyes lingered upon the young woman, her heart slightly constricted.

Lourdes always had good instincts.

Was this paranoia, or was she seeing something clearly?

Merlin eyed her curiously, wondering why her laughter had died down so suddenly. His countenance bore a neutral expression as he followed her gaze. Oh no. He thought inwardly, slightly wincing at the scene that was transpiring before him.

"I'll be over in the medic tent if you need me." Lourdes said brusquely as she expeditiously gathered her belongings and left Merlin's side. The young Warlock couldn't even get a word in before she speedily disappeared through the crowd.

Whatever it was that she saw between Lancelot and Guinevere, she was no longer a willing audience.

Lourdes haphazardly rounded the corner in between two tents and was immediately met by a strong chest. Although she managed to keep her balance at the impact, two hands shot out to grip her arms to keep her upright. As her eyes met Gwaine's, the knight immediately released her. "Sorry about that." Clearing his throat, he stepped back and hurriedly made a move to leave once more.

Lourdes' patience was tried and incredibly thin by this point. With furrowed brows, she aggressively snatched his recoiling arm. She gripped it tightly, hoping that the gesture would help to make her point. "Alright, this needs to stop."

"What?"

"This." The young woman gestured agitatedly towards Gwaine's entire form from head to toe. "You've been so distant with me, and I know that you're purposely avoiding me…"

The knight eyed her hand on his arm, tight-lipped, and quipped, "If I were avoiding you, little princess, I wouldn't have bumped into you, now would I?"

Lourdes let out a sarcastic laugh at this remark, roughly releasing the knight's arm. "And you can't even meet my eyes when you speak?"

Gwaine's hazel orbs slowly met her piercing, fiery gaze; it seemed as though it took so much effort for him to connect with her in this way. For a split second, his expression softened as he laid his gaze upon her. Then, as quickly as the expression came, he expertly masked his emotions with a neutral countenance and a flippant gesture. "Don't think so much of it, Lourdes. You go about your day, and I go about mine. We have both been preoccupied with our duties and other things, and that's all."

Lourdes almost accepted this explanation were it not for what her senses were screaming out to her. "But…"

Squaring his jaw, the knight interjected, "Do not put complications on things that do not need to be complicated."

In truth, Lourdes was certainly not used to either this kind of treatment or experiencing such conflicting emotions within her. If anyone had so much spoken to her in such a manner in Anihc, she could have them put in stocks - or worse - if she so pleased, with a snap of her fingers. She had always thought herself a patient, understanding person, even in her younger years; it took much for her to be angered or distressed. However, this knight in particular was igniting raging emotions within her, something that she could not so easily explain or express. Summoning her self-control and also keeping her true emotions locked within her, Lourdes merely pursed her lips into a thin line and sidestepped out of Gwaine's path before going about on her way once more. As she passed, Gwaine heaved out a sigh, lowered his head slightly, and left the scene.

A string of curses ran through her thoughts as Lourdes threw her belongings aimlessly upon the ground of the medical tent. Her deep breaths were audible as she attempted to calm herself. The prolonged tension between her and Gwaine was not only infuriating, but draining. Resting her hands upon the wooden table for support, she lowered her head, eyes fixated upon nothing in particular. As the flapping sound of the tent entrance resounded behind her, Lourdes twisted her head slightly towards the clinking of chainmail and heavy boots. Without warning, strong arms encircled her waist from behind, and slick lips kissed her right cheek. Lourdes found her eyes automatically closing at this gentle contact, her body instantly flushing with heat. Slight stubble tickled her neck as Lancelot rested his head upon her shoulder. With a light exhale, he commented, "You seem tense."

Lourdes did realize that she barely moved when Lancelot began contact; although her body's instincts betrayed her as a result of his proximity, her mind was elsewhere, flashing between Lancelot's interactions with Guinevere and to Gwaine's treatment of her. "I just have many extra duties for today due to the jousting tournament." That wasn't a lie, she thought. But she knew that that was not also the truth in its entirety.

She felt the knight nod in acceptance of this, and then release her from his embrace. Lancelot turned to face her before taking her chin in between his thumb and index finger. His strong gaze bore upon her orbs, unrelenting and persistent, causing her to almost break the contact. "Why do I feel as though there is something else?"

Various shouts of "Lancelot" from somewhere outside of the tent saved Lourdes from replying.

"I wish I could spend more time with you," Lancelot looked up towards the sounds instinctively, "but I believe it is my turn once more." He smirked then, lightly trailing the backs of his fingers upon Lourdes' cheek before placing on his helmet. "Gwaine should be my opponent this time."

Even the mention of Gwaine's name made Lourdes' momentarily flinch. Fighting the rising emotions from her being, she plastered a smile on her face before embracing Lancelot closely. "Good luck." She said sincerely, resting her head upon his steady, broad chest. "Just don't hurt each other."

Lancelot could sense her worry and attempted to alleviate it by lovingly stroking the back of her head with his open palm. "With any kind of joust or melee, Lourdes, there will be pain inflicted; knights are trained to expect and conquer it." He then rested his hand upon the side of her waist and pulled her closer. Lifting her chin once more so that their eyes could meet, he poked, "That is why we have medics around. And besides, if I am injured, I will only be able to spend more time with you."

"Or Gaius." Lourdes finally broke into a smile.

Lancelot pretended to look thoughtful for a moment before placing a soft kiss upon her parted lips. He rested his forehead upon hers, warm breath tickling her cheek. "I do like Gaius. But to be honest, I much prefer you." He pulled away unhurriedly, almost reluctantly, and made his way towards the exit. As he was halfway out of the tent, the knight poked his head inside once more, calling out almost worriedly, "Lourdes, if there is anything the matter…you know you can confide in me, yes?"

Lourdes admired the sincerity of his words. She forced a smile. "Of course, Lancelot."

With a parting wave, the knight disappeared from her sight.

For a few moments, Lourdes surveyed her cluttered surroundings before beginning to clean. As she prepared her medical supplies and placed them in order, she heard the sound of footsteps coming behind her once more. Without turning, she called out, "Did you forget something?"

In reply, a gloved hand covered her mouth as another arm wrapped around her waist.

Lourdes let out a muffled scream, then was dragged outside of the tent.