A/N: Man, I sure did get a lot done this weekend! .laughs gleefully. I updated three days in a row, yaye! (Which means...that TristanOC story I was telling you guys about is on the backburner again! Boooo!) Dah, well. I honestly wish I could type, like 1000 words per minute or something, because there is so much more to tell in this story! Lourdes isn't even together with a knight yet! So imagine how much storyline there will be if/when she does get with one of them! haha We haven't even gotten to the good part yet, my friends, trust me! .laughs mischievously. But I'm glad that you guys are still with me. I know a lot of people wouldn't have this much patience to read through a story this long, but hey. This is my vision, and hell, my vision is a long, descriptive and incredibly detailed story! Whoever said love was simple? So yeah, Chapter 28 definitely didn't beat Chapter 27 in my eyes, but here's Chapter 29 for everyone! Along with Chapter 23 and Chapter 27, this is one of my favourites thus far. So I hope you enjoy it too! Cheers!

Raging Raven: I know what you mean, eh! When I was picturing the Lourdes/Isabella scene, even I didn't trust Isabella! haha But no, she's not one of those bitchy girlfriends, and I actually do feel bad for her! Pssh, and even if she did try something on Lourdes, Lourdes would've definitely kicked her ass -- big time!

Kates: Hello, my lovely! Ugh, I honestly do feel bad for Isabella, because picturing myself in her position makes me cry! With her character, I tried to show that as good as some people are, love will still slap them in the face. That's just how relentless love is, and I wanted to be realistic with that aspect of love.

And as for Lourdes' destiny, oh my, I've got major plans in the future. Think of the end of this chapter as the end of Book 1, so to speak, because there's sooo much more to tell -- and I'm glad that you're excited to read it, because I'm definitely excited to write it! And OMG, I was laughing SO hard when you were describing Lancelot and Galahad pulling at Lourdes' arms and demanding, "Where the heck did you think you were going without me?" hahaha And that fistfight you spoke of? Yeah, that DEFINITELY crossed my mind. But then, right now, I don't know if it's the right time for that. Well, I don't know. Okay, I'm not making any sense right now, but all will be revealed in due time! . wink. And man, I should definitely make Shino a polygamous society! haha

But yeah, that Isabella/Lourdes scene definitely made me feel awkward...when I was the one writing it! hahaha I was like...oh man, how would these two women react to and speak with one another? So, I remembered a time when a friend and I were "fighting" over a guy, and voila! The scene is written.

And as for the fanart...that would be LOVELY! I was thinking of doing one myself, but I'm spending so much time writing this that I don't have the time to do it. But sure! I would love to see your artwork! I envision Lourdes as a mixture of me (haha) and Tia Carrere (you know, the actress in "Relic Hunter"?), but a younger version of Tia Carrere. The link to my MySpace is on my profile, so if you want to see how I look like, well, there you have it! haha

P.S. On a sidenote, if anyone wants to see how I sort of envision how Lourdes and Galahad look like together, I found this really cool video of Hugh Dancy in an episode of "Relic Hunter" (rightly entitled, I might add) called "The Last Knight", where he plays a French rockstar/relic collector and Sydney Fox (Tia Carrere) goes off to find him. It's on the YOUTUBE website, so you can search for it there. This was in 2000, so Hugh's a bit younger than I picture. But...picture him as older and Tia Carrere younger, and voila -- Lourdes and Galahad! lmao! (The episode has nothing whatsoever to do with my story, but hey...it's a visual! And I like Hugh Dancy visuals! .cough cough.) Hope you check it out and tell me what you think!

t t t

CHAPTER 29

"...an' then I called 'im a manwhore."

Dagonet's booming laughter sounded the expansive, bright-green field upon the clincher of Bors' tale, even managing to frighten away some birds from the treetops as it increased in intensity. He pounded his fists repeatedly onto the ground, shaking his head in wonder at his older brother's doltish expression. Eyeing his brother briefly, Bors only managed a shrug at Dagonet's uncontrollable fit of laughter before striding towards Galahad, who lied down on the soft, dewy grass a few paces from him, eyes closed, trying to find some comfort in the morning sun. It shone incandescently upon his handsome face, illuminating his striking features and emphasizing his youthful state. Bors peered down at him curiously, lightly kicking the young knight's crossed boots. Galahad only mumbled a response then rolled to his side, away from the older knight.

"Bors, leave him alone!" came Dagonet's droning call as the muscular knight shook his head in silent admonishment. "The boy is trying to relax."

With a raised eyebrow, Bors eyed his brother and Galahad alternately. It was then that Galahad heard him plop to the ground with a thud, shifting around uncomfortably as he lied down a few metres from him. Opening an eye, the young knight twisted his head back to the portly knight, who then began to roll around in the grass beside him.

"Does this really work?" Bors questioned, blades of grass attaching to every inch of his body as he continuously rolled from side to side. He winced, stopping on his stomach, feeling the butterflies fluttering in his belly. "I feel quite dizzy, if you ask me."

Galahad finally gave out a laugh, shaking the grass from his hair as he sat up. His brooding had been kindly interrupted by Bors the jester, and he was glad of it. The thoughts of yesternight had greeted him upon his wake that morning, attached to his mind as a shadow to his body. Even after he had gone for a morning ride with Bors and Dagonet, the fresh scent of the morning dew and the meek rays of the rising sun did not entirely withdraw those memories from his mind. In fact, the momentary peace that he had experienced only encouraged those screaming thoughts, the stillness and tranquility of his surroundings evoking the turbulent emotions that he tried so hard to will away.

He remembered the feel of Lourdes' warm body under his, the way his lips seemed to perfectly fit upon hers. She had kissed him so innocently, so daintily, arousing his innermost passions for her even more. By the Roman God himself, how badly he had wanted to take her then, how badly he wanted to take her now, to prove how much he truly loved her, to share with her the depths of his entire being. Yet, she was nervous, even hesitant, and he did not desire to press her, to take her against her will. And even he had felt a pang of guilt as he had exited her chamber, desiring to explain to Lancelot what had truly happened, to even...apologize to him. How Lancelot felt about her now, Galahad did not know. How Lancelot felt about him now, Galahad did not want to know. But it only pained him to replay the expression on Lancelot's countenance, the look of such anger, and even betrayal, that had appeared during the faintest of moments. Even through Lancelot's large reservoir of self-control, Galahad did not miss the emotions that were exhibited in his countenance. For so many years, Lancelot was his friend, his brother at arms, and Galahad did not want any ill emotion to pass between the two of them.

Then Isabella. The reality of his infidelity had finally become so real, so vivid. He could no longer take back what he had said, what he had done; but what made his betrayal so much worse was the fact that a part of him did not regret his actions. The confines of his past decisions and the weight of his current circumstances could not pry him away from Lourdes, and he knew that it never would. No matter the obstacles in his path, Galahad knew deep within him that his feelings for her will remain unchanged. Though, he knew that he could no longer play this game, to keep his true feelings buried.

He had to set things right.

It was then that the three languid knights heard the sound of pounding hooves in the distance, coming closer with each passing moment. Squinting, they eyed the rider curiously and saw Tristan heading towards them with much haste, his steed almost flying through the fields. Dagonet lifted a hand in greeting to the scout, receiving a brisk nod from him as he dismounted his horse.

"You've come to enjoy the morning sun with us, Tristan?" asked Bors good-naturedly with a laugh, patting the scout on the back.

With raised eyebrows, Tristan shook his head curtly at the older man. "The sun hurts my eyes." Clearing his throat briskly, he continued in a firm tone. "Arthur desires to meet with all of us, for Lord Theodore is on his way to hold counsel with us."

At this news, Galahad shot off the ground, immediately feeling for the hilt of his sword that hung on his belt. His emerald eyes flashed, glinting with anger as he shouted, "That bastard will not come anywhere near our proximity unless he desires to meet with the sharp end of my sword!"

At his outburst, Dagonet strode to Galahad's side and squeezed the young knight's shoulder. Turning his attention to Tristan, he inquired, "Do you have any idea why he wants to hold counsel?"

"No." Tristan replied curtly, shaking his head. As he expertly mounted his steed, he motioned his head behind him. "But if you fear for the Lady Lourdes' life, you can breathe a sigh of relief. She leaves with Merlin and the Woads now."

"What?" Galahad exclaimed as he stalked to Tristan's side, face lined with incredulity. His voice rose as he continued, "Leaving? Where?"

"Shino." Tristan clicked to his horse, and it made an about-face as the scout motioned his head towards Arthur's castle once more. "If you desire to see the lady one last time, I suggest you leave now."

Galahad did not tarry, and with no hesitation whatsoever, he swiftly jumped upon his steed. He cried out through gritted teeth as he snapped the reigns and lightly kicked the side of his horse. Sending him forward with breakneck speed, he was off in the blink of an eye, racing towards the castle at full gallop, clouds of dust following his path. Bors and Dagonet eyed each other with discerning glances, both nodding their heads towards their steeds.

"We better go after 'im." Bors let out a sigh as he swung his leg over the saddle. "This ain't gonna be pretty."

Dagonet and Tristan nodded in silent agreement, and as quickly as Galahad had disappeared, the three knights were off, speeding towards the castle.

t t t

In the castle courtyard, villagers flocked to and fro in quiet murmurs, their curious eyes surveying the scene before them as they went about their daily duties. Lourdes and about two dozen Woads were each gathering their belongings, setting them atop their horses and placing them inside a pair of wagons. They spoke to each other in lowered voices, taking note of their belongings and procuring what they still needed. As her companions strode past her, Lourdes greeted them with silent nods and half-hearted smiles. As she tied the last knot on her linen sac, her eyes roamed the area in conscious search, desperately hoping to catch a sight of both Lancelot and Galahad. Though, in the distance, she noted that only Arthur, Guinevere and Gawain were standing by Merlin's side, speaking with the old Woad in quiet confidence.

"Are you certain that you have enough provisions to last you on this journey?" Arthur kindly inquired, surveying the possessions that they had already loaded upon the horses and wagons.

With a thankful nod, Merlin walked to his side. "Yes. The journey shall take only two weeks. We have packed enough for three."

"What do you plan to do when you reach the Sarmatia/Shino border?" Gawain questioned worriedly, his doubts still not alleviated by Arthur's explanation of Merlin's reasonings.

Merlin gave the knight a reassuring smile. "I will send for my Shinodian comrades. When they come, we shall then journey towards the southern half of Shino, where my allies are living. We will take Lourdes through the passages that I had once taken in my journeys throughout the Shinodian lands, then head for the castle of the King and Queen of Shino."

Arthur furrowed his brows, his concern still not dissipating. "What if those passages are no longer safe?"

Merlin gave out a sigh as he shook his head lightly, knowing the doubt that plagued him. "'Tis a perilous journey through and through, Arthur, and even when we travel with my Shinodian allies, the threat of the civil war will always loom upon us." The Woad closed his eyes, gripping his staff tightly as he continued. "If we encounter any hostile Shinodians, rest assured that our Woadian warriors will protect her, at any cost. You see, Lourdes herself is the key to all of our safety."

Arthur and Gawain made eye contact at Merlin's cryptic speech once more, quite used to it by now. The Woad was so sure of himself that they felt it was no longer necessary to question his intentions and decisions. Ironically, they took comfort in the fact that now, as Shinodians were infiltrating Sarmatia, their journey into Shino will be less dangerous.

"You are sure that you are not in need of my knights?" Arthur offered graciously, receiving an incredulous nudge from Gawain, the knight's eyes quickly widening. Arthur only eyed him with a stern stare, then turned to Merlin to await his answer.

"The more that come, the more our stealth shall be hindered. The Woads are warriors of the woods, Arthur, and as valiant and skilled as your knights are, I do not want to risk their lives." Merlin bowed his head gracefully. "I would not want them to give away their freedom once more. I firmly believe that you are more in need of the knights here in Sarmatia than we on our journey to Shino. But I assure you that when we reach our destination, I will send word of our whereabouts and news of how Lourdes fares." The Woad paused, a tint of mirth appearing in his eyes. "I would think that this would be welcome news, since I am led to believe that one of your knights cares deeply for her, hmm?"

"Two." Gawain coughed out as inconspicuously as possible, though not succeeding to hide his meaning. He received a tired look from Arthur before he began to look to the sky and whistle nonchalantly.

At this point, Arthur wondered where Lancelot was. He did not correspond with the knight at all this morrow, and it grieved him to see that Lourdes would be leaving without saying her goodbyes to the knight. His following question of the whereabouts of the other knights was promptly answered by the sound of a galloping steed, followed by three more close behind. Glancing in the knights' direction, Arthur perceived a distressed Galahad, followed by Tristan, Bors and Dagonet.

Lourdes' attention was drawn to the commotion of pounding hooves as well. As she saw the expression on Galahad's countenance, her heart ached once more for the sheer dejection that resonated on his handsome features. She lowered her head slightly away from him as Galahad promptly dismounted his horse and strode towards her. As he reached her, he instantly gripped the sides of her arms, not heeding the curious looks that both of them were receiving from those around them. Those that gathered, including Arthur, Guinevere and the knights, watched this sombre exchange, difficult to take in the pain reflected in both of their countenances, exhibiting the sorrow that filled their hearts.

"Lourdes, what are you doing?" Galahad hissed, gulping as he tried to control his escaping emotions. She could only look at him with solemn eyes, tears already streaking down her saddened face. She gasped as he suddenly pulled her closer to him, her eyes darting around her alertly to the eyes that watched them. Lourdes extended her arms, resting the palms of her hands on his chest, as if to place a barrier between them.

"Galahad, don't..."

The knight only tightened his grip on her, stepping forward. "Do not do this to me again, Lourdes, please. Do not leave me once more!" His voice had become increasingly unstable, the pain of everything that he had gone through becoming more and more evident in his actions.

Lourdes tried to pull away from his grasp once more, but he held her in place. Shaking her head, she squeaked shakily, "Can you not see what my presence has caused, Galahad?" She now trembled through her tears, wanting so desperately to tenderly trace the side of his face with her fingertips. "Can you not see that all of this has happened because I am here?"

"When will you ever believe that none of this has happened because of you?" He responded in the most compassionate of tones, taking her trembling hands in his. With firm resolve, he blinked away the turbulent emotions that shone through his eyes, replacing it with a stone glance as he stated, "I will go with you."

"No!" Lourdes exclaimed, shaking her head profusely. "No, Galahad. You cannot leave your brothers in arms to defend against possible Shinodian incursions. Your duty is to your land, your people..."

"My duty is to my own heart!"

Lourdes shook at the emotion that resonated in his voice as she continued to battle her conscience. She closed her eyes, freeing more tears down her cheeks. This was the only way, she decided, to free them all from pain and torment. "Forget about me. Forget that you ever met me. Bury all your feelings for me." She played with the tendrils of his curly hair, breathing out as she forced a smile. "Wake tomorrow, Galahad, and think to yourself that this was all just a bad memory."

He grasped her forearms, his emotion only rising as he replied through clenched teeth, "Can you not see that I cannot just...will this away? Forget about it all?" Tenderly, he brought his forehead to hers, the transparency of his true emotions now evident to all around them. "Do you so hate me for what I have done that you wish to punish me, to torture me with what you are about to do?"

"I would never want to hurt you." Lourdes shook her head profusely, finally surrendering to her feelings as she embraced him. "Please, Galahad, do not think of me in such a way. This is the path of my cursed life. You have your home, your freedom. I shall not take that away from you." She choked out, resting the palm of her hand on his cheek. "I love you, and that is why I am leaving you."

Galahad closed his eyes at her unexpected confession, feeling as though his heart was going to burst with happiness and simultaneously shrivel up in sorrow. He had longed to hear those words from her for so long, but he would never have thought that he would hear it in this context, in this situation. Breathing out, he lowered his head in defeat, nose to nose with her, their lips almost touching.

Lourdes was so torn in every possible way – never wanting to leave his side, yet wanting to shield him from her life. How could she admit to him how she truly felt? How could she bear to tell him that her desires were being pulled into two different directions, being drawn to him and another? She could not hurt him like so -- not now, not like that.

They held each other closely now, the sounds of those around them fading into the distant background. At that moment, they were alone, their surroundings serene and tranquil, made only for the two of them.

"Begin your life, Galahad." Lourdes began, keeping her eyes shut. "Start your family and spend every waking moment loving them." By this time, the emotion that she had kept locked inside of her was released, no longer controllable. She sobbed, cupping his face in her hands. "There is a woman in that castle that loves you for everything that you are, that loves you with all of her heart -- her entire heart."

Galahad shook his head as he began to sob, refusing everything that she was saying to him. Placing his hand on the back of her head, he pleaded, "Please do not leave me, Lourdes. Do not."

With all the will that was in her being, she slowly pulled away from his embrace, staggering a few paces backward. She used the reigns of her mare for support as she looked upon his emerald eyes once more. "I will never forget you, Galahad." She mounted her mare, hiding her tearful face from those around her. "Goodbye, my knight. Maybe we shall see each other again someday."

At this point, Gawain walked a few steps and stood behind Galahad, placing a comforting hand on the young knight's shoulder, who kept his head bowed. Arthur, Guinevere, Tristan, Dagonet and Bors stood in line, eyeing the departing Woads with solemn expressions, hands clutched in front of them.

"Yer like a daughter to meh, lass." Bors piped up, placing his hand upon his heart as he gazed at Lourdes proudly. "I guess that makes ye Number 12, even though yer the oldest..."

"May you journey safely to your lands, milady." Gawain gave her a cordial bow, his mane-like hair falling down his broad shoulders.

Dagonet lifted an arm as he gave her a smile. "T'was a pleasure fighting by your side." The gentle giant then nudged Tristan with his elbow, who pretended to be preoccupied with his tunic.

"Oh..." the scout began, clearing his throat as he scratched his head sheepishly. He nodded to her before snarling. "Bloody hell, I hate goodbyes..."

Guinevere walked to Lourdes' side, taking her hand. "I only wish that we could have spent more time together." She admitted with a frown. "Though now I know that which currently plagues you, and I am sorry because of it." The Woad gripped her hand even more tightly, her face becoming firm with resolve. "Lourdes, do not give up hope. Somewhere out there, you shall find that which you seek, live the life that you deserve. You are a strong woman, and I have no doubt that you will one day find true happiness."

Lourdes gave her a small smile, bowing her head in thanks, before she finally turned to Arthur.

"We will always be here if you need us." he proclaimed proudly, earning acceding nods from Guinevere and the knights. "We will be forever your allies, your comrades...your friends."

Sitting up straight on her mare, Lourdes pulled the reigns to the right, turning the horse a few degrees to face them. "Thank you." she managed to croak out, eyeing Guinevere and each and every one of the knights. "Thank you for all that you have done for me and the kindness that you have shown to me and my Woadian comrades." They all exchanged silent bows as Lourdes finished, "You will always be in my memories."

As her glance moved throughout the courtyard, a slight movement caught her attention. Her gaze was drawn to a figure in a windowsill that overlooked the courtyard, staring down intently upon her. Their eyes met. As she recognized Lancelot, her breath was immediately stolen from her lungs, and her heart constricted. He peered down at her as he leaned on the side ledge of the window, his arms crossed. The expression on his countenance was inscrutable, yet she distinguished his solemn brown eyes. A part of her wanted to scream out to him, to make known to him her apologies, her regrets, her true feelings for him. Though, she only managed to look at him with such longing in her countenance that it pained him to keep his gaze upon her. Lancelot eventually broke the stare, twisting his head slightly to the side.

"Lourdes, we must go." Merlin lightly called out to her, halting his steed next to hers. She held her gaze towards Lancelot once more, but when he would not meet her eyes, she nodded her head to Merlin and turned her mare to face the entrance of the courtyard. The wooden doors that were continuously battered by the Shinodians those many nights ago were pulled open by a dozen Sarmatian guards, the path away from Arthur's realm laid before them. The Woads had finally begun their procession from Arthur's castle, bowing and waving in goodbye to those around them. As they exited the courtyard, they began to ride at full speed, the thundering hooves of their horses fading away into the distance.

Lourdes glanced once more at Guinevere and the knights behind her, most giving her encouraging smiles and waves. Galahad's tear-filled eyes met hers just before she turned her horse forward. After a few moments, Lourdes clicked her tongue, sending her out of the castle grounds in full gallop. She rode, silent tears continuing to plummet from her eyes, as her sacrifice was finally completed. With one last look at the people that had given her so much of themselves, Lourdes disappeared into the distance, leaving behind her heart, her soul and her knights.

t t t

Sometimes...

What may be the best thing for you to do

Sometimes it's the hardest thing for you to do

And that's real

Cause...I know that I love you,

I know how I feel about you

But I also know that don't make everything alright

And for that reason...

I gotta say goodbye

Tell me have you ever been in a

Situation where the best thing you could do

Is the hardest thing you've ever done

But you try to do what's right

And I know that deep down inside

That I really wanna be there by your side

But I can't stand to see you cry

Not when it's because of me

And its over, I'll never love another

I'm always thinking of her, I'm doing this because of her

Don't wanna say goodbye

I don't wanna let her see me cry

Looking out the window and wondering why

Did we have to say all those things that we said last night

Baby I don't wanna say goodbye

So I'm just standing here wondering why

Just don't like to see when you cry

So I'ma say goodbye

If you think 'cause I packed your stuff

That inside I ain't really really cracking up

Cause you're wrong I just hide it good

Cause I know that's what you need

And there's more to life than loving yourself

You gotta learn to love somebody else

And thats why I do the things that I do

There's no one in this world that can ever take your place

All the love that we share, it can never be erased

and I know that, that it hurts so bad

And its so that, that you're the best I've had

- "Goodbye" by Jagged Edge

A/N: THE END! haha No, no, I'm just joking. But it could be the end, couldn't it? In all honestly, if I couldn't decide who she was to end up with, I was going to end it here! haha But alas, there's more to this story to tell, so instead of breaking it into a 'sequel', per say, I'll just keep going. Just think of this as the ending to "Book 1" of "My Knight". So never fear -- Chapter 30 will be up soon! More about the knights, Lourdes' destiny, and how they will all be intertwined in the end! .smiles. 'Till next time, my lovely readers!