A/N: Hoorah for the weekend! I can finally work extra hard on this story! But here is another chapter for your reading pleasure. :smiles: I cannot thank you all enough for your patience and, of course, for reading this! It makes me feel as though I'm doing something worthwhile. hehe Thank you for such in-depth reviews. I honestly love reading your analysis on the story and its characters. It also gives me a heads up as to how I'm portraying the characters and showing their development, which is quite useful for writing future chapters! Man, you guys rock. :salutes:

Helea: That's a good point about Galahad. But, c'mon, everyone makes mistakes! He's still young at heart...he doesn't know any better! lol He can learn and make things right! Or will he? haha But this is good, because I'm actually swaying the audience, I guess, to choose the womanizer over the sweet, boy-next-door type of guy! hahaha But I'm not going to lie, I still love Galahad. He's not dead yet! Thanks for your review, and I hope you keep reading and reviewing!

WitheredLover: haha I just wish I had, like, four hands, so I can type both on my laptap and on my PC at the same time! lmao, THEN this story would be even longer! There's still so much more to go, but I'm just trying to pace myself so that the story won't be so rushed and the plotline all jumbled up and confusing. But I'm addicted to writing this as much as people are reading it, so I don't mind at all! I only wish I had more time to write it:frowns: I'll try to update everyday! Oh, and this story is becoming more interesting than MySpace? WOW...Now that is a compliment, because I'm bloody addicted to MySpace! lol There's a link to mine on my user profile, so feel free to add me. hehe Oh, Lancey...he's so cute. And as for breaking Lourdes' heart thing...hmmm...we'll see. Remember how I said I enjoy making her life a living hell for this story? haha

Oh, and there are more battle sequences to come. This story is so mapped out, it's not even funny. Of course, I'm taking in the reviewers' recommendations and suggestions, but I think I have the plotline set up quite nicely. Although, I still do not know who she's going to end up with, and I will keep that a mystery, even to myself, so that even I will be surprised in the end! haha More Asian influence will come in the later chapters as well, I assure you that! Flips represent, what what! And I will do my best to keep you on the edge of your seat! hehe

And you're doing a Double Major! ME TOO! haha English and History, baby! I was planning to be a doctor, but meh. I liked reading and writing better. I'm actually going to England for an exchange next year, so I'm definitely going to roam around that island and sleep in castles or something! lol I can pretend to be an Asian knight and ride on horses...or not. :ahem: Anyway, you're awesome, and I hope you like the next chapter!

makedamnsure: Oh yes, Lord Theo's role isn't done yet in this story! lol And as for the raider, I'm still thinking of what to do with him. As of right now, he's pretty much gone, but he might have some role to play later on! haha

But see, with Galahad and Gawain's relationship, that's the beauty of it, eh? They're such close friends, so it's tough when a girl is added in the picture. (By the way, the story shows up now, so I'll definitely take a look at it when I'm taking a break from writing this! lol) It's fun to play with the tension, to test how strong their friendship is, but also how strong their love is for the girl. Ah, I love it!

It's funny, because I'm trying to make Isabella's character not the typical "bitchy girlfriend"...so it'll be a little harder to hate her! lol But hey, people hate her regardless, so there's only so much I can do. Sorry Isabella, you're a marked woman! haha Galahad totally needs to grow up, and let's just hope he does soon before it's too late!

Awesome. This isn't a Mary Sue. GOOD. And yeah, the first time I saw Gawain, I was like...OMG it's a cute lion knight guy! Ah, he's adorable. But Lancelot the Lion...I guess I was just referring to the hunter/prey relationship! He just lurks around, looking for women, ready to pounce. But hey, I'd like to read that story...it sounds interesting. As for my own story, I just want to keep drawing Lancelot's character out, because he seems to hide so much, even from the knights.

And I'll definitely try to put more of the other knights in. It's just getting difficult because I'm trying to show the Lancelot/Lourdes/Galahad interaction and how their relationships are so everchanging. It'll be easier after a few chapters, though, since I have big plans for this story! lol

I think more Isabella's on the way in later chapters. I hope it will be interesting to read! Thanks again for an awesome review, as always! You rock!

magicalex-aurorhobbit.: That's totally what I'm going for with the Lourdes/Galahad relationship. But then again, it's always fun to write about the Lourdes/Lancelot physical relationship! lol And yeah, Isabella's smarter than the average girlfriend...lmao...you'll see that in later chapters, for sure. But yeah, the reviews really helped me to write that scene, so I'm glad that you liked it!

It's so true, because there's only so much a man can take before he breaks. The fun part is when Galahad will break. And, as I claim to be my favourite thing to do in a story, I will totally bring the tension to its limits! Poor Galahad...I'm ruining his life, but it's so fun to read about. He'll understand.

Muahaha even more suspense will be coming on the way! I've learned from my previous chapters just how to do that, and to make every chapter worth reading. So now, I think every chapter can stand on its own, and that makes me even more proud of my work. I just hope I don't run out of steam mid-story, because that would totally blow.

But thank you for your comments about the characters. As long as they're established, it'll be fun to play with them in the later chapters when even more situations are forced their way. I will definitely work hard to keep the realism, which, ironically enough, works to bring out the 'fantasy' aspect of the story even more!

But thanks for your review, my lovely, and more is on the way!

RagingRaven: HAHAHA That honestly made me laugh out loud. As long as that was a good 'bam', then I am content:winks:

Kates: I'm totally making Isabella into a nicer character than most people expected. I think it's an interesting change, because most would expect her to be incredibly bitchy and even hate Lourdes, so I think I threw people a curve ball with that one! hehe It's also sad because so many people go through what she goes through -- as good a person can be, there are still some circumstances out of your control, things in peoples' past that you can't erase or change. I like bringing that into the story.

I honestly love the Arthur/Lancelot interaction, and as you may already have noticed, I love using it in this story. But I think I should also put a little more of the other knights in this. I've already got plans for Tristan later on, which hopefully pleases a lot of people, and even Gawain to a certain extent. But the brotherly relationship between Arthur and Lancelot is awesome, and hey, in this story, they don't fight over the girl, which is perfect!

Aww, you're going away! But that's alright, because I assure you that there will be more chapters up when you return! At least you don't have to wait, right? It's all there for you! But I can't wait to read what you think, and I hope you enjoy your week off:salutes:

t t t

CHAPTER 22

The quiet journey to Arthur's castle was interrupted by a lone cry. Catching everyone's attention, the knights shifted into their defensive positions, hands on their weapons, eyes and ears alert to any sign of danger. Though, after a few moments, they realized that the cry was not of fear nor pain, but of joy. Looking into the distance from the hilltop, a surge of relief passed through the travellers as they saw their homes and Arthur's castle peering from behind the outer curtain wall. It was truly a sight for sore eyes. Breathing out in relief, the knights looked at one another, thankful that the rest of the journey home had been free of incident.

Lourdes' brown eyes panned the distant sight, exhaling in wonder, for in all her life, she had never seen anything quite like this. The castle's parapets and towers reached out to the sky, the inner keep towering majestically in the middle. The circular curtain wall that surrounded the castle spanned hundreds of yards in circumference, housing a sole entrance, which was at that moment opened. Lourdes could make out the little specks that were the villagers' homes, surrounded by fields of farmland and rolling hills of grassland. A variety of animals grazed freely, enjoying their meals and the afternoon sun. Faint noises from the scene could be heard as Sarmatians flocked in and out of the castle's raised portcullis, heading to and from the market, going about their daily duties. Soldiers and knights stood and patrolled the area, keeping the peace and order.

As quickly as their horses and feet could carry them, the travellers rushed forward, the sight of their home re-energizing their bodies. Lourdes and the knights rode at the rear, ensuring that all moved safely and that all returned to their respective homes. They all looked at each other silently before heading towards Arthur's castle.

Lourdes looked up at the looming arch that contained the raised portcullis. She examined the walls that surrounded the castle, eyes then darting to the various arrow loops and designs. It shouted of strength, stability and protection, one that would have the ability to shelter the villagers upon an attack.

At the sight of the returning knights, the villagers cheered and shouted, showering them with flower petals. The knights bowed humbly at the audience, greeting them with silent nods and waves. It was then that Lourdes noticed the stares that she was receiving, heads turning as she passed by. Sarmatians - men, women and children alike - would look at her in awe, speaking softly amongst themselves, even pointing at times. The children, though, waved at her in fascination, and she returned the gesture with a small smile. Arthur, Lancelot and Galahad also noticed this, but said nothing.

The knights and their families finally reached the steps leading to the castle. Atop it stood Guinevere, her face filled with happiness and delight at the sight of them all. Lourdes' heart jumped for joy as she saw Merlin and Aiden standing at her side. The three walked down the steps, followed by maids and guards, as the eight dismounted their horses.

"You have finally returned!" Guinevere began, running into Arthur's open arms. She had missed him terribly, not attending the Tournament in order to help govern the village in his absence. She kissed him lovingly, then turned to the rest of the knights and visitors. "I am glad that you have all returned safely." Her smile only widened as her eyes landed on Lourdes. "And I am happy that you have come!"

Lourdes, the knights and their families and friends bowed in silent thanks. As Lourdes lifted her head up, she saw Aiden striding towards her, his face firm, yet showing signs of relief. Without a word, he took her in his arms, embracing her tightly. The knights curiously watched this exchange, with Lancelot and Galahad slightly clearing their throats and looking away.

"You owe me greatly for this." Aiden whispered gruffly in her ears, pinching her cheek.

Lourdes furrowed her brows at him in question, resting her hands on his shoulders. "What do you mean?"

"I have already suffered the repercussions of your leaving." he began slowly, releasing her. He cleared his throat and tilted his head slightly as Merlin approached them.

Lourdes gulped, seeing the stone expression on the old Woad's face. She bowed her head to him, yet she could not form any words as dread filled her. Surprising her, though, Merlin took her in his arms, embracing her lovingly.

"We shall have a feast to celebrate your return!" Guinevere smiled widely, motioning to those around her. "Anna, please send for the cooks! And do tell all the other maids to prepare the hall, for it is dreadfully messy at the moment!"

As the maid smiled and nodded to her, Guinevere turned her attention back to the others. At their less-than-enthusiastic expressions, she tilted her head in question, turning to Arthur.

He exhaled, wrapping an arm around her. "I need to speak with you."

Guinevere nodded her head in acquiesce, her smile disappearing at Arthur's stone expression. The two bowed at those that gathered, then promptly made their way inside the castle.

"And I," Merlin began in a steady voice, catching Lourdes' undivided attention, "need to speak with you."

t t t

"That was a foolish thing to do."

She knew exactly what that meant. Lourdes gulped at the beginning of Merlin's scolding of her, the Woad's countenance seemingly calm, yet his voice exhibited it all. When he spoke in the Woadian language, she knew that he was completely and utterly serious. She also knew that this day would come, sooner or later. It was not only about the fact that she had left in the first place, but the manner in which she left as well. In a very long time, Lourdes finally felt as though she was a little child, dreading punishment from a parent for her rash actions. She knew that she took a chance upon seeing the knights again. And now, this, and the deaths of so many, were the consequences.

"Though, I knew that you would do it, sooner or later." She finally looked up at the sound of his lightened voice, his face softening as he continued. "You are quite attached to Arthur and his knights, no?"

She did not know whether to respond or to keep silent. After a few moments of debating with herself, she chose to keep silent, waiting for Merlin to continue. He sighed at her saddened expression, taking her chin in the palm of his hand.

"Merlin, there is much you need to know." she began, slightly choking on her words as tears appeared upon the brims of her eyes. How could she even begin to tell Merlin what has happened? How could she even explain the utter foolishness that she felt, the guilt that plagued her heart?

Merlin tenderly hushed her, placing his hand on hers. "For now, you must rest. I know that there is much on your mind." He finally gave her a reassuring smile. "I shall speak with Arthur and the rest of the knights about everything."

Lourdes was almost relieved at this, for she did not know if she could bear to tell Merlin of what has happened. She did not want him to become even more disappointed with her.

The Woad then linked her arm with his as they languidly walked through Arthur's court. Her attention was drawn to the intricacies of her surroundings as she surveyed the area. It was a melange of majesty and civility, precisely characterizing Arthur and that in which he believed in. Marble statues of warriors, mini-waterfalls that flowed from the agape mouths of gargoyles, elaborate flower gardens in colourful patterns that spanned hundreds of yards. To Lourdes, this was indeed paradise.

Merlin led her towards the stone courtyard, guards standing still at the exits as servants rushed in and out of the castle. As they stopped, their eyes fell upon Aiden, standing at the doorway of the main hall as he looked at the two expectantly. When neither spoke, he scratched his head and cleared his throat.

"Uh...supper is...almost ready?" he began slowly, shifting his eyes, quite unsure of what he was to say.

Merlin merely nodded at this as he walked to his side, patting him on the shoulder. With one last look at Lourdes, the old Woad made his way inside the main hall, the tapping of his staff on the ground fading into the distance. Lourdes released the breath that she was holding, shutting her eyes tightly.

"How's that for saving you?" Aiden winked before raising his eyebrows repeatedly at Lourdes. She eyed him wearily, but he took no notice of it. He then laughed to himself, slapping his leg as he shook his head. "'Supper is ready!' Hah, pure genius!"

Lourdes only rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms.

"Did he give you an earful like he did me?" Aiden questioned, pointing to both his ears as he strolled towards her. "I am utterly deaf now because of you and your little knights!"

"No..." Lourdes answered quietly, taking a seat on one of the wooden benches in the centre of the courtyard. Aiden followed suit, plopping down beside her with a sigh. She glanced at him, shrugging slightly. "He barely spoke to me, really."

Aiden rolled his eyes, pushing her on the arm playfully. "Figures." When Lourdes did not respond, he continued with, "Well that either means that he really loves you...or...he's really angry."

Lourdes clenched her fists, gripping the edge of the seat. With no warning to Aiden, she burst out crying, her sobs sounding the air around them.

This completely startled poor Aiden. He looked around, smiling nervously at the guards that stared stonily at him. Wincing, he turned his attention back to Lourdes, trying his best to calm the poor girl down. "I'm sorry! I did not mean to...he really loves you, you know! He's not angry, not a'tall! Merlin's a calm fellow, you know, and he never once yelled at anyone! Well...except this one time, when..."

"Aiden, that is not it. It is not about Merlin." Lourdes sniffled, gripping the front of her dress as she dropped her head. "You do not know what happened when I was gone."

"Bloody hell." Aiden looked to the sky, as if in torment, then glanced back at her. "Something about your pansy knight?"

"No!" she quickly shrieked, not even heeding his jest. For a few moments, she paused as she thought about it. Then, turning to him, she said, "Well, yes, that also. But that is not all..."

Aiden breathed out, giving her a half smile. "Alright. Tell me what you need to tell me, Lourdes." He embraced her tightly, kissing her forehead. "I am here for you."

t t t

Lourdes wandered the castle grounds all by her lonesome, for Aiden was so distressed by what she had confided in him that he immediately sought Merlin's counsel. A part of her regretted her decision to tell him, but she consoled herself with the thought that Aiden would catch word of what has happened, sooner or later. Swimming in lethargy, she sought to escape in Arthur's paradise, losing herself in the majesty that was his realm. Passers-by glanced at her curiously, their interest piqued by her exotic appearance. Though, she only responded with polite nods, even thankful that she had not yet received any menacing threats from any of them.

Returning indoors through the back terrace, she passed through servants and maids, hustling and bustling throughout the various rooms, preparing for the night's feast as they made tables, laid down the cutlery and decorated the hall. She continuously evaded the lot of them, zigzagging her way through the main hall and turning into a random corridor. Adjacent from the mall hall, she spotted two, 20-foot swinging doors in the distance in front of her, with one side slightly opened. The flicker of torchlight shone through the tiny crack, a lone shadow dancing on the wall. With her curiosity piqued, she ventured towards the room, only her light footsteps echoing through the stone corridor.

Pushing the door open just a little, she cautiously peeked inside, careful not to intrude on anyone's privacy in her exploration. Glancing to the left, she caught a glimpse of Galahad, drinking silently from his cup. Deep in his thoughts, the knight did not even notice her enter the room. Lourdes fought with herself whether to leave the man alone, though all arguments dissipated when she saw what the room really was, her attention drawn to what was around her.

Before her was the Round Table of legend, decorated with Arthur's coat-of-arms, surrounded by intricately carved mahogany chairs. It left her in awe, eyes moving throughout the room, taking in the sights of shields, weapons, coat-of-arms and various statuettes that decorated the walls and lined the space in between. The torches that rested on the walls of the circular room were not lighted, save for one.

Stopping a few metres from Galahad's side, she finally caught his attention. He cleared his throat, sitting more upright as his emerald orbs landed on her curiously.

"I've seen a place that only legends speak of." She breathed out, still in awe at what she was seeing, tracing the table with her fingertips in wonder.

"After a while, it loses its touch." The knight replied, bitterness lining his voice as he took another sip of his drink. "It even becomes a sight which you do not want to see."

She tilted her head in question, gingerly lifting a chair and taking a seat beside him. The knight only looked at his cup, mindlessly swirling the liquid around. Lourdes breathed out, "And yet you are still here?"

Galahad's face turned into surprise, shrugging. "We had a meeting, and after those couple of hours, I was too tired to move. Best of all, my bottom found a comfortable spot."

Lourdes raised her eyebrow, turning her head towards him. Galahad returned the gesture, his lips pulling into a smile. After a few moments, the two burst out laughing simultaneously, their voices slightly echoing within the room. It was a sound that neither of them had heard in so long, a welcome sound indeed through their present circumstances. Both of them were still so young, yet these experiences had forced them to quickly mature, being freed from any childish disillusion.

"I'm glad to finally see your happy face." Lourdes commented amiably as their laughter died down, giving him a small smile. "I only wish that I could see it more often."

The smile on Galahad's lips vanished, only to be replaced by a neutral, contemplative expression. "For 15 years, I have risked my life for a cause not of my own. Now, I am a free man, and yet my life is still plagued by war and pain." He paused, placing his cup on the table. "My entire life had been sworn to Arthur and the knights of this Round Table. Yet, even now, it is still my life."

Frowning, Lourdes placed a hand on his, squeezing it lightly. "I have been free all my life, Galahad, and yet I still feel imprisoned, caged - as if something inside of me is continually fighting for release." She bit her lip, fighting the rising emotions threatening to take control of her. "You are home in Sarmatia, you belong to this land. But I...I do not know where I truly belong."

Galahad placed a hand above hers, taking her hands in his in benignancy. "But you have something to live for, Lourdes. You wake everyday not knowing where the wind shall take you, free to do as you choose, free to go wherever your heart desires. You are not hindered by orders, duties, expectations of what you should and should not be."

"What freedom is it to know that you are a marked woman, to continuously look behind your back, always alert, always defensive when it comes to all that you meet?" Lourdes croaked out, shutting her eyes. "That in itself is a prison, is it not?"

Galahad gulped, at a loss of words after her statement. He tore his eyes away from hers.

"I am a prisoner wherever, I go, Galahad, and there is nothing I can do to change it." Biting her bottom lip in order to quell the tears that were forming in her eyes, she hung her head, defeated.

"You can always change the circumstances of your life. Fate is only an illusion." The knight professed, rubbing the sides of her arms, eyes transfixed to her. "There will always be people around you to love and protect you, to stand by your side through thick and thin. You are not on this journey alone, and you will never be."

At that moment, Lourdes felt no ill emotion towards the knight. To her, he was once again the man whom she had met all those months ago, the man whom she laughed with, joked with, spent so many waking moments with. This was how she wanted things to be with him, the way she wanted things to be. Sitting together, heart not constricting at each other's presence, comfortable and consoled during the moments that they shared. Though, she knew that she had to be content with this and not want anything more. She had to, for she had no choice.

Blinking her tears away, Lourdes eventually leaned her head on his shoulder, thinking of everything that they had said. She hoped with all her heart that he was right, that she would not be left alone to fend for herself, to protect her life. Who else was she to trust? Who else was she to spend her days with?

"I am glad that you are here for me, Galahad." She said sincerely, glancing upwards at the knight. "I am glad."

t t t

Lancelot stayed in his chambers the rest of the afternoon with only a lone candle lighting the stone room. He had managed to rest for a few hours, yet he still felt so fatigued, so worn out. He had spent so many hours in silence, deep in thought, that the slight knock on his door startled him. When he called for the person to enter, only the creaking of the door opening sounded, making Lancelot a bit apprehensive. Reaching for the dagger in his boot, he heard the door close, then saw the faint silhouette of the figure.

Before he could speak, he was pushed onto the bed and was straddled. He caught his breath, only to lose it when he felt hard lips on his, kissing him hungrily, savagely. Hands roughly crept up his tunic, fingers scratching the skin beneath, making him give out a low groan. His grip went from his dagger to the woman's hips, trying to both control her and himself. He gasped for breath as she began to kiss the side of his neck, her hands then resting on his bare chest.

"L-Lourdes?" he called out softly, desperately trying to see in the dim light.

The kisses suddenly stopped. The woman moved from him, pushing him away as she stood up.

"Lancelot, you bloody bastard!"

His eyes grew wide at the sound of the irate voice. "Mariana?"

"Yes, you oaf!" she shrieked, slapping him on his shoulder a few times, making him wince. "And don't you ever forget it!"

He quickly sat up, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. Mariana, the beautiful maid who had caught his eye upon his arrival to Arthur's castle; the woman who, last week, Galahad had even mistaken for his wife!

"Look, Mariana, I..."

"Will you make love to me again?" her voice asked sweetly, seductively, bringing her face closer to his, mouth trailing his cheek. "Just like you used to?"

Lancelot gulped, her hand trailing his chest, then abdomen, then teasing to go lower.

"I think you should leave." he finally croaked out, grasping her arms and pushing her from him.

She stood, bewildered. Needless to say, she was quite furious at his words and actions.

"You have found yourself another woman, haven't you?" she began to sob, clenching her fists at her sides before she turned her back on the knight. "It only takes a week for the great Lancelot to do so, I suppose."

She walked away from him, making her way towards the door. He followed her, blindly trying to take her arm. She recoiled at his actions and finally gripped the latch of the door, pulling on it with great force. Lancelot staggered back, evading the swinging door, before following her outside. Mariana only looked back at him with a cold stare before quickly disappearing down the steps.

Meanwhile, Lourdes parted with Galahad, walking back through the long corridor and following the twists and turns in her path. Looking curiously around the interior of the castle, she continued her exploration. Every little detail fascinated her, especially because she had never even stepped foot inside a castle in her life!

Earlier, she was given directions to her new chambers, apparently the cornermost room in the perpendicular hall of the corridor in which she stood. Seeking much needed sleep, she continued to walk towards the end of the corridor when she heard a door creaking open in the distance. Reaching the corner, her eyes caught sight of a short, curly-haired woman exiting a room. Lourdes would not have thought anything of it until she saw who followed her out.

Lancelot?, she said to herself as she moved back behind the stone wall, out of sight. She rested her head on the wall, her breathing becoming more erratic as she heard the woman's footsteps disappearing down the stone steps. Closing her eyes, she swiftly turned and left the scene, running back from whence she came.