A/N: THANK YOU to those that reviewed! Man, you guys keep me alive, even when I think my writing completely blows! Really, thanks for that. I promise that I will work on the 'literary content' part and clean up the presentation a little better. I'm not that happy with my writing style at the moment, but hey. As long as you guys are happy with what's going on, then I guess I'll take comfort in that:smiles: I'll just say that this work is mostly concentrated on the subjective aspects of the characters, not really the objective. So that somewhat explains for the lack of 'metaphoric sentences' and 'descriptive quotes'. :sighs: Whatever, I can always revise it later on! haha Nobody ever said that you had to use superfluous language in a story in order to make a story great! SO NYAH! lmao Anyway, I'm glad that some of you are getting addicted to this story, because I'm addicted to writing it!

Kates: Oh, I am here to utterly spoil you guys! That's how much I appreciate you all:smiles: I'm happy to know that the character development is going well, and that the characters are each standing out and are accurate with their portrayal in the film! It's totally what I'm going for! I just love the way that every knight, every character, is so different from the other. It's just so fun to write about how they interact with and react to one another! And I totally agree with your comment about Lancey. He's the type of chocolate that I certainly would not mind going on my hips! hahaha

I love Galahad's character, I really do. He's like in this awkward stage -- not completely a boy, yet not quite a man. It's just so awesome to explore that and play with his impulsive spirit. Plus, he sort of suffers from the 'teen angst' syndrome, which is always fun to write about! haha It's cool to see how he's trying to work through it, to deal with his problems and somehow get over it. You'll see pretty soon how he manages to deal with his issues! hehe The same with Lancelot -- he's totally a changing character -- and yet, you can never forget who a person really is, or 'what' they really are. :hint hint: haha I totally have big ideas for their characters and how they manage to incorporate how Lourdes has affected them with who they really are, or with who they are turning out to be.

But thank you! I simply love reading your reviews, and I will definitely correspond with you in the future...say...about helping me to choose between Lancey and Galey? hahaha :salutes:

RagingRaven: Theo is a dickhead! But you never know what can happen later on...dun dun dunnnn! haha

makedamnsure: Lord Theodore will be a fun character to work with. You'll see what I mean in the later chapters. But as of now, yes, he's definitely on my hate list too! haha And yeah, the unnamed raider...he's like, the epitome of what humans are capable of doing/being. He was cool. And as for your story, I did try to find the link for it, but it didn't show up on your profile. Weird? Maybe it was just the computer that I was using, but yeah. I'll definitely have a look at it! Oh, and let him off HARD! That's the fun part! haha

But yeah, I try not to really 'choose' between Lancelot and Galahad when I write -- I just write how people in real relationships would act, and react...it's beautiful, because it makes things even more complicated! Hahah Isabella's nice! C'mon, give the girl some credit! lol She managed to get with Galahad! Lucky her! And as I said to Kates above, Galahad's complex character is really fun to work with. I totally want to show the 'boyish' side of him, to show that he's still maturing and is fairly confused about life. Just like the boy I'm basing it on! If you do meet him, he'll just make you cry with his tales! lmao

I'm just glad that this isn't turning out to be a Mary Sue. I'm like, picturing the guys I know and am drawing from my own guy experiences, and I'm glad to say that most of these situations aren't that farfetched, which makes for a totally believable story...which eventually makes for a good story! But you're right -- Lourdes is totally taming Lancelot. But can Lancelot the Lion be tamed? Hmmm...now that will be good to use in the future! But I could totally see Lancelot doing the "Omg, I'm so hurt, therefore I'm going to sleep with every possible woman!" thing! But hey, you should write a story like that...that would be totally interesting! And Lancelot's a complex character too, which is why I love showing his layers -- not just how he portrays himself to others, which is also fun -- but what makes him the way he is, why he ticks, etc.

I've taken your Galahad/Isabella thing and wrote a little about it in this chapter, so thanks for that! I'll try to see if I can squeeze in what the knights think as well!

But thank you for your review. I totally love reading your feedback, it's so awesome. It makes me smile and write more! I'll update again soon, I promise you that!

mangoskin93: I'll keep that in mind. You're another Lancelot fan! Ahhh, where are all the Galahad supporters? Where are you guys!

WitheredLover: Thank you for your heartwarming comment. I really like the fact that you think I gots some writing skills! haha The plot will only thicken, let me assure you that. This is only the beginning! muahaha I can totally cut this story in three parts for what I have planned. Sort of like Lord of the Rings. Fellowship is more intro, lands, etc. TTT is more the battle, character development, etc.. ROTK is the big ending. So hey, I'll see what I can do to set that up for you guys! haha. I love the way you think, though, because I'm playing with what you wrote in the next few chapters! But yeah, there's a lot more to this story, so Lourdes will definitely interact with more women. I just need to finish off this part of the story, then move on to more things afterwards. lol I'm so vague, but I don't want to give anything away! But yeah, I'm totally using the exotic part of Asians appearing out in the west. I'm not going to define Lourdes as any nationality right now...she's...just Asian, okay! haha But definitely put your story up! I'll be glad to read it and see more Asian OC/King Arthur fics up on here! Flip fanfic writers, unite! haha I'm keeping you on the edge of your seat, aren't I? lol GOOD! Just the way I want my readers to be! haha Hope you enjoy this chapter!

mysteriouswonder284: Hey! Glad to hear from you! I'm happy that you're enjoying the story! I've been working very hard on it, especially with the twists and turns of the plotlines and basically not making this into a Mary Sue! hehe. But as I've mentioned before, there is DEFINITELY more to come. More knights, yaye:salutes:

magicalex-aurorhobbit: That's no problem at all, my lovely! lol Don't envy me...I envy other writers on this site! Gah, if only I could have the patience to write like them! lol I just wanna type everything that's in my brain and get it over with! haha You know what's funny? Well...I don't know if I should say this, because it might ruin the story a little bit...so...I won't. But I was definitely thinking along the lines of what you were saying...but we'll see what happens in the end! muahaha How's that for being cryptic! lol We'll see how I can weave your story in! muahaha :points to brain: I've got it allllll in here! And you're definitely not wasting my time. I friggen LOVE your reviews, my very first reviewer! I love that you adore this story as much as I do. I will work extra hard just for you! I heart you, too!

HELEA: Major Lancey fan! I'm casting your vote as we speak! lol

t t t

CHAPTER 21

I'll do anything for you,
Kill anyone for you...

The morning will come
In the press of every kiss
With your head upon my chest
Where I will annoy you
With every waking breath
Until you decide to wake up.

- "Wake Up" by Coheed and Cambria

t t t

Lancelot's eyes fluttered open, feeling the faint rays of the rising sun dancing on his face. He began to shift his body to the side when he remembered what had transpired the night before. He looked down to see Lourdes, still sound asleep, finally receiving the peace that she so desperately needed. Her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, her body only shifting slightly to rest in a more comfortable position against him. She kept her hand rested on Lancelot's chest, her head fitting perfectly on the crook of his neck. During the course of the night, she had unconsciously snuggled closer to him, drawn to his body heat and to the feeling of security in his arms.

Lancelot continued to watch her silently, tenderly stroking the side of her head. She had cried herself to sleep, softly sobbing into his chest as he rubbed her back in comfort. It had taken him a while to follow suit, his eyes never leaving her form as he thought of her future - their future - dreading the days to come. He did not want to admit this to her, nor any of the other knights, for he knew it would only worry them; but he was afraid that the times were only becoming more dangerous, that enemies were approaching from all sides, prepared to hunt them down. Lancelot had shivered at the thought and had pulled Lourdes closer to him, hoping to find some solace and peace in her embrace. It was only then that sleep finally took hold of him.

Still deep in slumber, Lourdes' hand moved to the side of Lancelot's face, resting her palm on his jaw. He took her hand in his, kissing it briefly, before placing it back down on his neck. Ever since he had met her, she had inflamed and aroused so many emotions in him - from anger, sadness, happiness, lust - and many emotions that he never thought he could feel again. His life, his years of service, had molded him into a man that was almost devoid of true feeling; one that experienced emotions, yes, but not experiencing the way emotions should really feel. It was only recently that he had begun to truly feel, an unexplainable change that made him wonder and confused. All that he believed and thought, whether it'd be about beauty, chivalry, and even love itself, had all been challenged, tested and defied. Now, could he take what he had learned and become a different man?

At this point, Lancelot chuckled to himself. He placed his lips on top of Lourdes' head, letting it rest there for a while, feeling the softness of her skin. What was this woman doing to him? How could she affect him so, and do it all unintentionally? As much as his pride would let him, he was thankful that he had met her, thankful of what they had gone through, and most of all, thankful that she was here with him, safe and at peace. And deep down inside of him, he was convinced that he would always protect her, no matter what the consequences.

His eyes were drawn to the twinkling medallion around her neck. With eyes squinted, he examined it further, marvelling at the intricacy of the designs, the skill of its make. He realized that he had never even noticed it before. It was attached to a thin, golden chain, which now hung loosely around Lourdes' neck. The medallion had fallen outside of her shirt, the chain hanging beside her chest, with the medallion head lying in between she and Lancelot. He was intrigued by the jewel, his curiosity piqued as to what it meant for Lourdes. It must be precious to her, he thought to himself, knowing that she had barely brought any of her belongings with her.

"Where is Lancelot?"

The question brought him out of his reverie, and he immediately perked his head up at the sound.

"I do not know. I have not seen him since last night."

Exhaling, he slowly retrieved his arm from under Lourdes' head, gently placing her to the ground as he sat up. He was thankful that he did not disturb her slumber, even after all his movement. Though, he saw her furrow her brows in annoyance as she felt the loss of her pillow and source of heat. With a pout that could best any baby's, she snatched the blanket right out of Lancelot's grasp as she turned, wrapping herself into a tight cocoon. The knight burst out chuckling at her actions. Even when she was asleep, she could make him laugh!

He finally managed to crawl out of the tent quietly, surveying his surroundings to find his comrades and the source of the voices. He instantly saw Arthur, who stood a few metres away, gripping the reigns of his horse. He gave Lancelot a quizzical look as Lancelot strode to his side.

"There you are." Arthur greeted with a curt nod, placing a light hand on his shoulder. His countenance showed that he himself did not receive much sleep that night, his thoughts obviously still disturbed by the occurrences of yesternight.

Arthur's eyes then darted to the tent, then back to Lancelot. "Where is Lourdes?"

With an endearing smile, Lancelot gestured his head slowly towards the tent. "She is still sleeping."

Arthur eyed him with a hint of disapproval, yet he tried to mask the expression with relief. Even though he nodded his head in understanding, Lancelot gave out a groan, rolling his eyes.

"Do not look at me like so." Lancelot knew the expression all too well, coming especially from Arthur. His best comrade, Arthur knew of (almost) every occasion that Lancelot had spent with women, both drunk and sober. And some of those instances, well, Lancelot wished he didn't know of.

Arthur gave out an exasperated sigh, shutting his eyes. "You did not..."

"No." Lancelot answered firmly, breathing out in a huff. He almost felt embarrassed for the very first time, since he always spoke - nay, boasted - about his conquests to Arthur and the rest of the knights! When Arthur did not reply, he continued sincerely, "I would not take advantage of her like that, Arthur, especially not during the current state in which she is in."

Finally convinced, Arthur gave him a curt nod, saying nothing more about the subject as he motioned for him to follow. Without questioning his commander, Lancelot walked beside him, seeing that most of the encampment was already taken down and packed up, placed on the horses and inside the wagons. The mood was less sombre as the previous night, as home was only a few hours away, yet the travellers only spoke in quiet voices as they moved about, preparing for their departure. He motioned in greeting at his fellow knights before Arthur claimed his attention.

"It is best that we leave for my castle as quickly as possible." Arthur responded to Lancelot's observance of the area. He paused for a moment before asking, "Do you know what has happened?"

Lancelot nodded uneasily as he felt his heart grow heavy and his rage rise. "Lord Theodore sent those men to kill...to kill Lourdes."

"Yes." Pursing his lips, Arthur sighed and continued. "Shinodians have begun attacking Sarmatia. Why, I am not entirely sure. If it is for conquest, then numbers of their warriors shall exceed ours."

"What is our course of action?"

"As for now, we head home. We bring everyone to safety and make sure to keep them out of danger inside the castle walls. I have yet to hear news about any Shinodian threat in my lands, but I am not willing to risk any more lives." In understanding, Lancelot nodded, the threat of Shinodian invasion making his heart sink even more. "If Merlin and his Woads are there to greet us as planned, then we shall all meet to discuss this new threat."

"And what of Lourdes' situation?" Lancelot's jaw clenched at the question, wanting of only nothing but to slice the neck of Lord Theodore and to hear him scream out in mercy.

"I know what you are thinking." Arthur replied knowingly, placing his steady hands on the knight's shoulders. "But Lord Theodore will be the least of our worries if the Shinodians have truly come to invade."

Lancelot could not believe what his best comrade was saying. "We cannot let him get away with this!" He took his commander's arms, swimming in heightened emotion. "If we do nothing, he may send more men to..."

"Lancelot, those men were not knights, nor soldiers, nor any type of fighters." Arthur began to explain, trying his best to calm the irate knight down. "In a few hours, we will be protected behind castle walls. No more Sarmatian blood need be spilt on our swords."

"Arthur, they tried to kill her. Does that not mean anything to you!"

"It is of great importance to me." he replied calmly, his voice never faltering. "But we cannot risk any more lives - not hers, not ours - by returning to Theodore's domain." Arthur shut his eyes briefly, taking in the severity of the situation. "I will ensure that Theodore will be punished for this. But as of this moment, we need to concentrate our efforts on other matters. Lancelot, you and Galahad must learn to..."

"Galahad? What of him?"

"He was greatly angered, as were all of us, by what had transpired. Yet he was quick to temper yesternight, and I was afraid that he was about to do something rash." Arthur recounted, replaying Galahad's words and actions in his mind. "He, too, would like nothing more but to show Lord Theodore the sharp side of his blade."

"And I stand with him." Lancelot answered firmly, but bowed his head slightly in respect. "But I do understand your reasonings. I shall not disobey your orders."

"Alright." Arthur gave the knight a nod, patting his arm as he turned. Lancelot stood still for a moment, convincing himself that he would leave Lord Theodore alone for now and act to protect the others, to keep them away from harm. He wanted nothing more but to pummel the Lord into a million little pieces, yet he also did not want to act foolishly, maybe even placing Lourdes in more danger.

Meanwhile, Arthur only managed a few paces before he turned and glanced back to Lancelot. He cleared his throat, waiting until Lancelot's eyes met his.

"You really did not bed her?"

"Arthur, I thought I had made myself perfectly clear when..."

The commander only smiled lightly, shaking his head at Lancelot's exasperated expression.

"Then you must really care for her."

t t t

"How are you feeling?"

Isabella glanced upwards at the sound of Galahad's voice, graciously accepting the sac of water that he held in his outstretched hand.His dark curls were tousled everywhere, manifesting the unsettling sleep he had experienced during the night. His usual, bright-green eyes were dark and sombre, no mirth, no joy evident in them. His garments, wrinkled and unkempt, only accentuating the ensemble that was his fatigued body.

At this sight, Isabella frowned in worry. When she had first met him that frightful day in the woods, he seemed so strong, both physically and emotionally, so valiant, so handsome, so...perfect. He had captivated her heart instantly, not only by his unyielding valour in the face of danger and his dashing good looks, but by the kindness in his heart. He had opened his own doors for she and her father during and even after their convalescence, and daily, he could think of nothing but to help his fellow villagers rebuild their lives.

And yesternight, the way he repeated the same actions that he did those many months ago - tending to her scrapes and cuts, saying such soothing words, holding her closely in his arms.

Oh, how she cared for him so, so deeply.

Yet, deep down in her heart, she knew that something was eating away at him, keeping him from being truly happy. She desired so much to help him through whatever he was going through, to erase the negative emotions that he was feeling inside. What she did notice and find odd was that during the tournament, his brooding only increased. She had thought that the competitions and he being champion of three events would lighten his heart, even if only a little, but it seemed to have had the opposite effect. Her heart ached because of this, yet she did not want to press the knight by asking him.

"I am feeling better, thank you." Isabella finally replied after a few moments of silence. Handing him back the sac, she stood up, facing him. "And you? Your injuries, are they..."

"I'm fine." he replied tersely, tearing his eyes away from her inquiring ones.

Isabella frowned at this, placing her hand in his. "Galahad, please speak with me. Tell me what is bothering you so."

Swallowing, Galahad's eyes unconsciously landed on Lourdes, preparing her belongings a few yards away from them. His passing glance turned into one of longing, his frown only growing in intensity. Isabella's eyes wandered to where his eyes were transfixed, seeing the maiden in the distance.

"Lady Lourdes?" she piped up, searching his eyes for an answer.

"They were sent to kill her." he choked out quickly, though not releasing his stare on Lourdes.

Isabella's eyes widened at the revelation as she lowered her gaze to the ground. "A-all those men to kill her? But...why?"

Galahad turned to her, his trance finally broken. Shaking his head as he placed his hands on her shoulders, he said, "Do not worry about any of this, Isabella." He forced a smile, tracing her cheek with the back of his fingers.

Isabella's eyes darted to Lourdes' form for a few seconds before she met Galahad's eyes once more. With a silent nod, she moved closer to him, trying to find consolation in his embrace.

t t t

How do we make it all real?

I just can't decide

I want to know you for a while,

Instead of letting you go again.

- "Letting You Go" by Faktion

t t t

Lourdes stood beside her mare, merely watching the activity of the others as they prepared to begin their travels once more. She had dreaded waking up and exiting her tent, afraid of the hatred and scorn that she would receive from all of them. Guilt was still prevalent in her mind, and she could not will it away. Yet she noticed that when they glanced at her, even through their grief and pain, they gave her small smiles and nods, happy to be alive and happy to wake to see another day. This had brought her some relief and comfort, and the weight on her heart lightened just a little.

She observed the knights speak to each other in confidence, their countenances all hard and callous. She wondered if they now hated her too, their unfortunate circumstances brought about only by her return. It pained her to think of this, to have the knights that she cared so deeply about abandon and hate her.

It was when that she felt the medallion around her neck. She gripped it tightly, feeling as though it was choking her, burning her skin.

A mark of a Shinodian.

She hated herself a little more then, wanting so badly to rip the necklace off, to destroy the medallion into a million little pieces. It came from a mother whom she did not even know, a mother who was a descendant of a murderous, despicable race.

It took all of her will not to cry out right then, to scream at the top of her lungs. Why has fate been so cruel to her, to all of them? Why are these good people suffering so needlessly? In Britain, she was taught there was a God, a Roman God who saw everything, who had the power to control the lives of all. Where was this Roman God now?

She pulled her fingers from the medallion, finally laying it on her chest. This was who she was - and even if she destroyed the medallion, she would always be Shinodian, no matter what.

Lourdes felt a hand on her shoulder, and she immediately recoiled - not only from the sudden touch, but because of the injury that afflicted her there. She instantly placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to control the pain.

"I...I'm sorry." came Galahad's voice, walking in front of her as she faced him. "I did not know that..."

Lourdes shook her head in reassurance. She kept her eyes on Galahad, who suddenly seemed quite unsure of himself. He lowered his eyes to the ground, not being able to meet her gaze. He swallowed, pausing for another moment until he could finally meet her eyes. "I...I wanted to thank you for coming to my aid yesternight." he croaked out, his fingers itching so badly to touch her. "If you did not come when you did, I..."

"Do not think anything of it." she replied quietly, her voice so soft and soothing.

"Lourdes, you risked your life to..."

"You have all risked your lives for all these people," she interjected, keeping her ground as she held his gaze, "and you all risk your lives for me right now by keeping me here."

Galahad could not deny that she spoke the truth. Though, he did not know if she knew what he truly meant by his words, the unspoken emotions that he felt. He was so afraid of what could've happened to her yesterday, not even wanting to think of it. She had been so close to being killed! The thought only angered him more, the vision of running his sword right through Theodore's heart becoming even clearer in his mind.

"Galahad." Lourdes called out to him. He immediately looked up at her voice, surprised that his name would ever come from her lips again. "I am saddened and sorry, for this attack only confirms what you were told." She stopped, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I now believe that Shinodians are to blame for those atrocities and heinous acts committed in your village. And Galahad, it pains me to know that when you look at me, you will be brought to anger and be reminded of what my race has done."

"No..." he replied sincerely, taking a step closer to her. His hand roamed over the side of her face, touching only tendrils of hair before shakily placing his arm to his side. "Looking at you does not bring me grief, nor anger. It brings me the opposite." he cleared his throat, not wanting to make their meeting anymore awkward. "But do not ever think that your presence will illicit such feelings in me, or in all of us."

Lourdes could only stare at the conviction in his eyes, hear the sincerity and power in his voice. She wanted so badly to scream at him her apologies, to shout out her many regrets. The anger inside her, pertaining to their current circumstances, was slowly dissipating, being replaced only by the longing of so much lost time, of so many stolen moments. It was only another instance of what fate had cruelly given her, another circumstance that she had to carry in her heart.

"I never blamed you for anything." Galahad then choked out, feeling so much regret over his previous loss of temper. "It was wrong of me to take out my emotions on you."

"I had forgiven you many months ago, Galahad." Lourdes whispered after a few moments, giving him a small smile. "Do not burden yourself with anything that pertains to me."

Galahad knew this could never be true. Their past would always be there to haunt him. His conscience would always ask what it would've been like if they had made such different choices, how things would be if their circumstances were different.

"I assure you this." Lourdes claimed his eyes once more, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "We will bring whoever did this to justice."