A/N: See what I mean about weekends? Here I am, updating again! haha I shall savour this moment, since weekdays are so busy. But yes, Chapter 23! I can't believe I still have steam left. So much more left, actually! This is one of my favourite chapters, so I hope you all like it, too:smiles: As always, thanks for reading and reviewing!
RagingRaven: haha Hey, I guess as long as you're liking the story, I'm content with anything that you say! lmao
anisharoxmistry: lmao Yeah, to tell you the truth, I was totally gonna make it Lourdes...but it just didn't fit in with the story somehow, so ha! Now, there's more drama, which I certainly loooove!
WitheredLover: haha Adobo. My gosh, I haven't had that in a while. Yeah, I love this predicament. He finally refuses a woman, but people still think he's the same ol' Lancey. :sigh: Poor guy, I am starting to like him a lot. Uh oh. Don't cheat on Galahad, don't cheat on Galahad! haha You know what? I do love Tristan's character, and I think I'm going to bring that into the spotlight later on into the story. I just need to finish up a few more chapters to make the storyline/plot work, then I can definitely put more Tristan, and even Gawain and Dagonet, into the story. But you never know...Tristan isn't your average guy, so maybe he can help her? You know, like take her out on a stroll and KILL PEOPLE! hahaha That's what I think his idea of fun is...but hey, it just might work!
Yes! That's exactly how I picture Aiden. The stupid one of the bunch. Then again, he does know how to fight, so people should be careful of him, too! Actually, I took the name Aiden from the band Aiden, since I was really into them when I was writing this...but Aiden is also a variant of medieval names, like Aeden and Aedin, so hey...it worked out perfectly:smiles:
Hmm I plan on working for the government somehow. Maybe as an ambassador or something of the like. I think you should do what you like, so it's good that you're doing what your parents want to do but are also doing something you want to do! Good mix! Yeah, Master's is on my list, too. Gah, too much education. I totally want to take creative writing, but the course in my uni sucks. It's all poetry. I was like, nooo, prose/short-story, please! So yeah, that went down the drain.
The exchange program fit well into my own program, since I'm taking my major courses over there, but yeah. I'm scared to death, but at the same time, I am bloody excited! And I'll definitely find myself a Hugh Dancy lookalike! LOL I'm actually going to Keele University, which is located where he was originally born! So hey, you never know...maybe he still has a house there!
I say we're both cool? lol Here's another chapter for you!
magicalex-aurorhobbit.: I knowww, ahhh poor Lancey. I even winced when I was writing that! I didn't want to do it to him, but meh. It had to happen to keep the story going in the direction I want it to! lol Yeah, I'm still a Galahad lover, but Lancelot is growing on me. It's funny, because I think that's exactly how Lourdes feels. That kinda sucks, though. How she could be with one or the other, I am not yet sure! I guess we'll see what happens...
Aiden is a cutie, I have to admit. Without him, everyone would be all zombie-like and forget how to smile, seriously. It's cool to have a character like him around, to get people all hyped up again and to break the awkard, tense moments.
And Galahad...well...that goes to show you how one decision can ruin your entire life! Maybe the young lad will learn from it, maybe he won't. He's still in the process of growing up, and I think that he needs this type of situation to actually mature! And Lourdes is in the same sort of position, but strong enough to hold her own and keep things to herself. But yes, there is more to come, so thanks for all your support! You've been with me from day one:hugs:
A lot of people want more Lourdes and Tristan interaction. Hmm. I'm definitely putting that on my checklist. And he seems like the type of person that would really appreciate the Shinodian culture. Like, what I noticed in the movie was how he sort of fought like a Samurai and even wore Samurai gear, so I think he would really like the eastern influence in his life...er...fighting technique, mostly. :grins: But I'm glad that personality trait shows in Lourdes, because it does get her out of a lot of sticky situations...especially later on...muahahah There does cryptic me again!
OMG yes, retainers hurt like hell. You'd think that braces would hurt more, but the way you can't even talk properly is so painful! Arrrg. I still have mine and wear it occassionally so I can keep my teeth poifectly straight:grins widely:.
And now...more of the story for you! Enjoy!
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"MY KNIGHT" ' SOUNDTRACK' #3
1. Reflection - Mulan Soundtrack
2. For You I Will - Teddy Geiger
3. Dare You To Move - Switchfoot
4. On Fire - Switchfoot
5. Killing Me - Cauterize
6. Back To California - Sugarcult
7. Lying is the Most Fun... - Panic At The Disco
8. Take Me Away - Lifehouse
9. Hold My Heart - Letter Kills
10. Stay With You - Goo Goo Dolls
11. Iris - Goo Goo Dolls
12. Hello, I'm In Delaware - Dallas Green
13. Hear You Me - Jimmy Eat World
14. You Were Meant For Me - Jewel
15. Remember Me - Troy Soundtrack
16. You and Me - Lifehouse
17. Meant To Live - Switchfoot
18. Excalibur - Vangelis
19. White Reflection - Gundam Wing Soundtrack
20. All I Ask Of You - Phantom of the Opera OST
21. Come What May - Moulin Rouge OST
22. If I Never Knew You - Pocahontas OST
23. Still Frame - Trapt
24. What Hurts The Most - Rascal Flatts
25. Goodbye - Jagged Edge
26. Getting Away With Murder - Papa Roach
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CHAPTER 23
RATED M - Please read on own discretion.
"I feel quite sorry for the lass."
"Aye, she has been through so much. Trouble seems to follow wherever she goes."
Bors' and Dagonet's voices were only one of the many quiet murmurs that sounded in the main hall. The knights, their families, friends, and some of the villagers gathered around, most hearing word of what had happened on the journey home. The feelings of fear and danger were never far from their minds, yet they tried their best to push those thoughts away on this night. Arthur had stood up at the beginning of the meal, claiming everyone's attention.
"This feast shall not be in honour of our return," he had said in a booming voice, his green eyes surveying the room, "but it is in honour of those that have passed."
All had looked down in silent remembrance, raising their cups in the air.
Lourdes stood at the back of the room, almost covered by the shadows, as she rested her back onto the stone wall. Arms crossed, she paid no attention to those that passed her, her thoughts too preoccupied with a certain knight. What she had witnessed earlier with Lancelot continued to replay in her mind, making her heart constrict even more. How could she even think that he cared so much for her? Was it not his duty to protect those who were in need? And if that was the case, what would make her any different, anymore special than others?
And now, these villagers knew of the Shinodian threat. She would be lucky if she even survived the night, knowing that vengeance stirred in the hearts of the many Sarmatians in the room, most being the friends and families of those who perished. Why was she even here, in this castle, in this land, as if waiting for something to happen?
A portly maid walked past by her with a tray of cups on her shoulder. Lourdes called out to her, motioning politely for a cup. The maid looked at her worriedly, gingerly handing her the drink. "Milady, 'tis not water. 'Tis ale."
Lourdes scoffed to herself, then smirked at the woman. "Best give me the entire tray, then."
Before the woman could protest, Lourdes snatched the tray from her hands, turned on her heels, and walked out of the hall. The woman only gave her a perplexed look, placing a hand on her heart, before disappearing into the crowd once more.
Lourdes walked aimlessly towards the courtyard, finally deciding to rest on the wooden benches in the centre, as she had done earlier with Aiden. Carefully placing the tray of ale down beside her, she took the first cup, unhesitatingly gulping the liquid down. She coughed momentarily, rubbing her throat at the vile taste.
How could anyone like this filth? she cried to herself as she scrunched up her face in distaste.
Though disgust was her initial reaction, only a few minutes later, seven cups surrounded her, all flung in different directions. Lourdes could now feel her head spinning, and she used her arms to steady her on the bench. An impish smile crept to her face at the realization that it was the first time that she had ever been intoxicated.
Why didn't I do this sooner? she thought to herself, hiccuping contentedly.
Pushing herself from the bench, she staggered backwards, arms rotating wildly in the air as she tried to keep her balance. Finally managing to steady herself, her eyes wandered throughout the courtyard, seeing not a soul in sight.
"Good." she slurred, swaying from side to side as she began to walk.
Lourdes did not even know her way around, but she didn't care. All she wanted to do was to get away from the hall, to get away from this castle, to get away from everything. In a drunken stupor, she roamed the castle grounds for almost an hour; though now, exploration was the last thing from her mind. After falling several times, she finally became tired of forcing herself to stand back up. It took too much energy, and gravity proved too much of an opponent. Finally seeing the garden around her, she was content enough at the site, dropping slowly to the soft grass.
Galahad excused himself from Isabella and his comrades. Making his way through the crowd and several conversations, he suddenly felt a little claustrophobic, desperately needing fresh air. Seeing a terrace on the side of the hall, he made his way towards it, stepping outside. Finally feeling the fresh, evening wind on his face, he exhaled loudly, gazing out at the floral scene. It was then that he furrowed his brows at a shadow in the distance. Squinting his eyes, he made his way down the terrace steps, jogging towards the figure on the ground. Fearing the worst, he bent down at what he now recognized was a woman, rolling her over.
"Lourdes!" he exclaimed, hearing her groan. He pushed the hair back from her face, examining her from top to bottom. "What has happened to you! Speak to me!"
She blinked twice, her eyes finally focusing on Galahad's concerned countenance. The world still spun, and she closed her eyes once more, pushing him away from her. "Go away."
Galahad could now smell the ale on her, and his expression showed a mixture of disbelief and worry. "You are drunk!"
"Of course not, knight!" she slurred, actually managing to pull herself up with an arm. "I...I am ready to fight, sir! Look at me slash my way through people!" As she made little slashing noises, she made sword-like motions with her hands, almost knocking Galahad in the face. Though, the knight was quick enough to evade her 'attacks', stepping back a few paces.
"I believe you." Galahad said tiredly, placing a hand on her back. "Now, can you walk?"
"Why walk when the grass is so comfortable?" she giggled before falling back down onto the ground, rolling around slightly. "Try it!"
"I will if you can stand up."
Lourdes opened her mouth in surprise, wagging an index finger knowingly at his nose. "You are...trying to trick me!"
Galahad let out a sigh, placing his arms underneath hers to help her up. Lourdes instantly slapped him away, pushing him back with great force. He lost his balance and fell to the ground, stunned.
"Lourdes, stop this at once!" he boomed, frustration taking over him as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Now start acting in a civilized manner!"
"I will bloody not!" she cried, hitting him once more as she squinted at him. "And you...go be with your precious Isabella and leave me be!" Galahad's eyes widened at this, and before he could respond, she continued weakly, "I...I do not love you anyway."
"You do not know what you are saying." The knight gulped, shaking his head as he reached out to her once more. "Now, come."
"Do not," she simply screamed, pushing him away from her once more, "do not touch me!"
Galahad did not realize that this would be as difficult as it was proving to be. He pushed her previous words away from his mind and stood up, pointing to her fervently. "You stay here. I will go get you some water."
As Galahad ran back inside, Lourdes stood up slowly. Bloody hell, I will, she scoffed to herself. Looking around the garden, she spotted a small door at the side of the terrace. Smiling, she swaggered over towards it, feeling so much the pull of gravity. It took her a few tries before she could hold the latch of the door. But as she did, she pulled with all her might, sending her to the ground once more. Wincing at the pain on her bottom, she crawled inside, and the door shut automatically behind her.
Looking up at the torch-lit passageway, she followed the tunnel, realizing that this had to be the servants' way of getting around the castle. Thank goodness it was a narrow passageway, for she was able to use both sides of the walls to steady herself as she walked. Finally reaching the end, she pulled at the latch of another door. It opened easily, and Lourdes eventually crawled out into a long corridor. Even in the dim light, she recognized it to be one of the corridors that contained their chambers.
"Lourdes?"
As she looked to her left, she saw two black boots a metre away from her. Her eyes followed them upwards until her gaze finally rested on Lancelot's confused countenance. She groaned, pushing herself up on the cold, stone floor. "Why can't everyone just leave me be!"
"What is the matter with you?" Lancelot asked sternly, wrapping his hands on the sides of her arms. He examined her distant expression, then heard her hiccup. "Bloody hell...you are intoxicated!"
"Would you stop talking so loudly? My ears are going to bleed."
Lancelot mumbled in apology as he threw her arm over his shoulder and wrapped his arm around her waist. Pulling her up, he finally decided that sleep was her best option, seeing that she was already near to passing out. As they began to walk, Lourdes stumbled and swaggered, making it even more difficult for Lancelot as he led her towards her chamber door. Walking in a pace that would make any turtle frown in disappointment, they finally made it to their destination. Gritting his teeth, Lancelot managed to kick the door open. After a few more paces inside, the knight finally laid Lourdes down on the bed, sighing loudly.
"Now, you rest here. I will tell the others that you are safe."
Before Lancelot could move away from her, he felt Lourdes' arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
"Do not leave me." she whispered into his ear, making his entire body shiver.
With firm resolve, he shook his head. "Lourdes, you are..."
"Please?" she suddenly caught his lips in hers, pulling him down to her. Lancelot kept his arms on the sides of her waist, trying to keep his balance. She pulled him even harder, and he finally fell on top of her. Using his knee to prop himself up on the bed, he eventually began to kiss her in return, his hands roaming the sides of her body.
"Lancelot..." she hissed with a sharp intake of breath, running her fingers through his hair.
"Do not..." his lips claimed her neck and moved lower as he squeezed her hip, "do not say my name in such a way."
Lourdes traced her fingers down his strong arms, taking his hand in hers, then placing it slowly upon her breast. Lancelot swallowed at this, feeling himself becoming more and more undone by the second. He kneaded her breast tenderly, making her whimper. Their laboured breaths sounded the room, mixed with the ruffling of their clothing and the blanket on the bed.
"Feel me, Lancelot." she whispered seductively, biting his ear. "Feel me."
As he buried his head in her chest, Lourdes' hand reached down to the string of his breeches, fumbling with it. Startled by this, Lancelot then pulled away from her, making her frown in disappointment.
"Lourdes, what are you doing?"
"This is what you want, isn't it, Lancelot?" She slowly began to remove the buttons on the front of her dress, pressing her hips closer to his. "You like it when maidens give themselves so easily, so freely to you."
She claimed his lips in hers again, tightly gripping his hair.
"Stop this." Lancelot pulled away from her once more, his eyes exhibiting both passion and confusion. "This is not like you."
"What's this?" A smirked pulled on her lips, as if taunting him. "The great Lancelot, the knight of the ladies, refusing a willing conquest?"
"You're acting like a common whore!"
Lancelot had tried to catch his tongue, but it was too late.
At this assertion, Lourdes' eyes seethed with contempt. Lancelot's countenance appeared to scream in apology, yet he was unable to speak. Finally, Lourdes slapped the knight across his face, snapping his head to the side. Her eyes burned with disdain, her face cold and unyielding. Lancelot pushed himself away from her as he placed a hand on his stinging cheek.
"You even dare to call me a whore, Lancelot?" she spat in a low voice through clenched teeth. She sat up slowly. "Tell me, how many women have you bedded?"
He did not respond, only feeling the burning sensation on his face.
"How many!"
Lancelot finally managed to point a menacing finger at her, gritting his teeth. "Bite your tongue."
"Why?" she inquired in an oddly conversational tone as she brought her face closer to him. "You do not like to hear the truth?"
The visible rise and fall of Lancelot's chest was a testament to his growing impatience. His brown orbs were inflamed at her insinuations, though he tried to convince himself of her current state, controlling his anger.
"The great Lancelot, so easily tempted." Lourdes scoffed, suddenly shoving him, eyes inflamed. "You are not capable of love, or any depth of feeling!" her face squinted in pain, continuing her attack, "You touch and kiss as though you breathe, eat and sleep, devoid of any recognition or sincerity!"
"Do not pretend to know what I do and do not feel." Lancelot uttered as calmly as he could manage. He breathed out to restrain his anger. "You are not yourself. Go to sleep."
"Without you by my side?" she replied with a scoff, placing her hands dramatically over her heart. "Oh, dear sir, what shall I ever do!"
The knight could only take so much. With clenched fists, he stalked his way towards her chamber door. He heard the clatter and crash of several objects behind him, hearing Lourdes curse to herself. He stopped momentarily, and defying his angry emotions, he looked to see if she was alright.
"Off to find another maiden, Lancey?" she questioned in a sing-song voice, laughing to herself as she stood up. "The one earlier was not enough for you?"
Lancelot's stone expression turned into astonishment, realizing that she must have somehow seen Mariana leaving his chambers earlier. He furrowed his brows. Was that the origin of her current state and anger?
He decided that trying to explain himself to her when she was completely intoxicated would not solve anything. Turning towards the door once more, he paced a few steps.
"I am not good enough for you." Lourdes stated, closing her eyes. "What could I possibly give you that no other maiden could not?"
Before Lancelot could answer her remark, Lourdes crawled onto her bed, immediately resting her head on the pillow. Lancelot exhaled, finally managing to check his emotions, before pacing a few steps back to the side of the bed. He surveyed the now sleeping maiden silently, brushing the hair from her face as she heavily breathed in and out.
What she had previously said was no new revelation to him. In fact, it described him precisely. In truth, he could not remember how many women he had taken to his bed, when most of the time, he was also intoxicated. He did not mean to hurt any of them – and he did, many, to be exact – it was merely for his own selfish reasons. He did it for the temporary pleasure, yes, but deep down within him he had wished that it would permanently erase the emptiness and longing that he felt. He sought solace in their bodies merely to fill a void, to try and find what was missing in his life. For so long, all he had wanted to see his family again, to go home. It was never about love. Only lust. He understood this, although some of the maidens did not. He pried his heart away from all of them, not knowing what the morrow would bring him, where his duty was to call him. What was the point in being attached to a person when you could die the next moment? And how was he to truly know that those maidens really did care for him, and not his looks, his status?
He wanted to change, desperately, he did. He wanted a wife and many children. He would be faithful, honouring the vows that they would exchange. And he would love her with all of his being.
Leaving Lourdes' room with heavy thoughts, Lancelot nearly bumped shoulders with Galahad, who was followed by the wobbly Bors.
Galahad looked at him expectantly, worry lining his handsome features. "Lancelot, have you seen Lourdes? She is extremely intoxicated, and..."
"She's in there." Lancelot motioned his head towards Lourdes' chamber door. "She is asleep."
Galahad breathed out in relief, eyes falling to the ground.
"Did she sting you with her sharp tongue as well?" Bors staggered beside Galahad, resting his arm on his shoulder. He poked playfully at Galahad, knowing precisely what had transpired between he and Lourdes earlier.
"She was extremely intoxicated," began Galahad in exasperated explanation, "She did not mean…"
"I believe she meant everything that she said." Lancelot said almost solemnly, his expression identical to Galahad's. "The ale does reveal the subconscious. It only uncaged her emotions and thoughts, along with her loose tongue."
"No." Galahad replied, almost inaudibly, shaking his head. "I do not believe it."
"So…" Lancelot began slowly, raising his eyebrow, "you do not believe that I am a whore?"
Galahad's solemn expression immediately changed to incredulity. He and Bors shared a look before they said together, "She called you a whore!"
"Well…not exactly," Lancelot winced, rolling his eyes, "…maybe?"
As the first to recover, Bors breathed out, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Lancelot, yer not a whore."
"Well, thank you Bors, you are quite kind to…"
"Yer a manwhore."
Lancelot stopped his speech abruptly, mouth agape, eyes widening. He clenched his fists and squinted his eyes. "Why you…"
Bors winked before evading Lancelot's coming grasp, quickly running down the steps from whence he came. After running down a few steps in chase, Lancelot stopped abruptly, mumbling to himself.
"You bloody bother!" he called out, giving his fellow knight a less-than-friendly gesture.
Bors, reaching the bottom steps, then looked up at him with an impish expression on his face. Before he could say anymore taunting words, Vanora walked to his side, handing him one of their crying children, as she led three more into the main hall. Lancelot waved at him dismissively before walking back to Galahad's side.
"She'll be fine in there 'till morning." Lancelot began, seeing the concerned expression on Galahad's face. He raised an eyebrow. "What did she say to you?"
"'Twas nothing," Galahad answered quickly, shaking his head as he met Lancelot's eyes. "I just want her to never touch ale again."
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A/N: How'd you like that chapter? Please review and let me know:salutes: