A/N: Don't you just love my quick updates? .smiles.

HateFilled-Demon: Here's another chapter for you! Hope it's to your liking!

DeathDealer210912: Sorry for torturing you! I guess you can call me a sadist? lmao! Here's another chapter!

Kalanie: Trust me…keep that stick with you. .cough. And he IS lucky that you can't get to him! He'll be all bloody right about now! haha, Lancelot and Lourdes' bro fighting…that would be so funny. I'm glad you liked my review, though. I TRY to make it interesting! hehe Enjoy this next chapter!

Raging Raven: Yeah, I totally loved this chapter, too. Glad you liked the fruits of my hard labour! .smiles.

Withered Lover: Awww! I'm really glad that reading my story made you feel better. Now THAT is what I like to hear! My work actually affecting people positively! .hugs. Here's another chapter for you – hope it makes you happy, too! And yep, I'm almost trilingual! I gotta bone up on my French though, and maybe even learn Spanish since it's like French and Tagalog put together! And yeah, I'd like to work in the UN! hehe

Well, this story won't be finished SOON. I'm working very hard on it, so the chapters just come to me quickly, that's why. But there's still a good 20+ chapters to go. And you KNOW how detailed I can be! hehe This is an epic, I tell you. I should make this into a mini-series or something. And do not worry about Galahad! All shall be revealed in good time. .smiles. Don't feel bad for not reviewing! I'm just happy that you're still reading! Enjoy!

magical ex-auror hobbit.: I accidentally spelled your name wrong in the last chapter AND made a type-o in my review for your story. That just tells you how tired I am. haha I'm not gonna lie – I'm using these new knights to distract readers from Galahad's absence! lmao. But really, DO NOT worry about Galahad. I did not kill him off… his absence will play a big role later on in the story. I WILL tell you that he will be quite missed in the next chapters, but do not worry. He's NOT completely gone from the story!

And sure, you can be Isabella! Now, getting Hugh Dancy is the tricky part…

Everyone's wondering how things will be resolved! Well, here's the next chapter that explains part of it! .smiles.

And Lourdes' brother is quite the looker. .nudge nudge. Dark eyes, dark, spiky hair, golden-brown skin, muscular build. .cough. DAMN, that's hot! Anywhoo, here's another chappy for you, my lovely! Enjoy!

t t t

CHAPTER 34

"Leve-toi, mademoiselle, c'est l'après-midi! (Get up, miss, it is the afternoon!)"

Lourdes merely replied with a groggy murmur, shielding her eyes from the bright rays of sun that were unleashed as the curtains were pulled wide open. The occurrences of yesterday's events had wholly fatigued the maiden, with her father answering so many of her questions and, following their lengthy conversation, taking her for a tour around the Shinodian capital -- and her new home -- Kenji. She was stricken with awe at everything that she saw and experienced, unable to even fathom the sophistication and skill of her people. Truly, they were an advanced civilization, endowed with incredible knowledge from construction, education to the art of war. From the structures that they built, the schedule of their daily lives, and most of all, the training which the warriors had to daily endure, Lourdes was indeed speechless, with everything being so new and foreign to her. Though, she appreciated such a culture, musing to herself how utterly different, yet similar, they were to those of Arthur's realm and the Sarmatian peoples.

Rolling around on the much too comfortable bed, Lourdes opened an eye and peeked around her, seeing a stout woman bustling about her room. Her hair was tied into a loose bun, wearing a bright-green kimono wrapped around her curvaceous body as she moved to and fro - fixing Lourdes' belongings, dusting shelves, cleaning the utter mess that she had made the night before.

"Mayumi, when do you think the princess will get up?" Lourdes heard another voice coming from the doorway. She was no longer surprised that some Shinodians could speak her language. As she learned yesternight, Sarmatians and Shinodians used to freely travel to each other's lands, during the peaceful years, so a cultural exchange was not out of the ordinary. Also, there is great interest in Shinodians to learn that which was Sarmatian -- especially their language. An all-encompassing education was another characteristic of the Shinodian peoples, and intelligence was highly valued and desired.

The older woman answered to this playful question, replying with, "Ah, je ne sais pas. Peut-être pendant la nuit? (Ah, I do not know! Maybe during the night?)"

Lourdes heard the woman laugh at the answer that she did not understand. Furrowing her brows in annoyance, she quickly rose from the bed, turning towards the two women exasperatedly. "I'm up, I'm up!" She waved her hand at the two of them, walking in a zombie-like manner towards the chair where she had recklessly flung her belongings the night before. With a low bow, the older woman made her exit, continuing her daily chores.

A thin woman a bit older than Lourdes leaned on the doorway, wearing not a kimono as she expected, but a tunic, breeches and boots. Her black, ruffled hair was cut short, stopping just below her ears. A red band lined her head, and she we was adorned with several rings and beaded necklaces. She kept her arms and legs crossed as she leaned on the doorway, eyeing Lourdes with a smirk. She called out in a sing-song like fashion, "Princess, do not even think of sitting on that chair." With a sigh, she stalked to her side, stopping in front of Lourdes. "You have had more than enough rest for one day. Now, it is time to begin your duties."

"Duties?" Lourdes gave out a groan, running her hands idolently over her face. "Duties? Can sleep be one of them? Please?"

The woman only clucked her tongue at the maiden, shaking her head. "Your father would not approve of this sort of behaviour, milady. A princess of Shino must learn discipline, obedience and, most importantly, to never whine."

"If I am princess, then I can whine all I want!" Lourdes said haughtily in mockery, pouting her lips to finish the effect. "If that is my wish, then it shall be so!"

After a slight pause, the two women burst out into laughter, shaking their heads. The older woman extended her hand out to Lourdes, smiling, "I am Akira, a commander of the Kenjian army."

Lourdes shook her hand with wide eyes, taken aback by her statement. "Women are allowed to practice the art of war?"

Akira let out a laugh, placing her hand on Lourdes' back as the two walked out of her chambers and through the long, bright corridor. "Milady, 'tis not only allowed, but encouraged. Your father has already probably told you about what plagues Shino's lands. And, well, King Lothair changed the laws that had ruled in Shino for centuries, allowing women the freedom to do as they please, to even fight for a cause of their own choosing. This life, you'll be happy to know, I freely chose." She smiled, obviously pleased at the king's politics and policies. She placed a hand on Lourdes' shoulder. "Your father never wanted to hinder the growth and prosperity of Shino and its peoples, and he truly believes that freeing Shinodians from enchaining laws such as that would only add to our peoples' advancement."

Lourdes smiled with pride, also pleased at her father's views, which she wholeheartedly shared. He was certainly a liberating, compassionate man -- one who was evidently more than able to improve and advance a people. Nodding at what Akira had told her, Lourdes said, "Will you teach me the art of Shinodian war? I have learned that of Britain and the Woads, but I have seen that the Shinodian art is quite different from the two."

Akira nodded in enthusiastic agreement. "Truly, our way of fighting his different. We value grace, dexterity, swiftness and litheness, rather than brute strength and random blows." She began to explain as the two walked into the grandiose courtyard, where some warriors were already practicing. With light snowfall coming upon them, they observed the fighters carefully. "Every move is carefully exerted, no matter how quickly the battle is happening, as fighting with a blind or frantic mind can easily tire a warrior." Lourdes nodded in understanding, Akira's reasonings making sense to her. She motioned her hand towards the warriors. "Every action has a reaction, and every warrior must learn to predict their opponent's next move as well as counter them successfully with a move of their own." With a nod from Akira, a warrior threw her two thin, wooden sticks called 'kendo', which she caught with ease. Handing one to Lourdes, she stepped back a few paces, keeping the stick ready in front of her in an upright position. Lourdes did the same, mimicking her readied stance as well. "The blades that we use are not much heavier than these wooden sticks. You will soon learn that swiftness in a blade is much more desirable than it's thickness, length and even sharpness."

Without warning, Akira ran at Lourdes in full attack, somewhat startling the maiden. She attacked from above, and Lourdes stepped back a few paces, flicking her wrist to swiftly block the quick offense. The weapon that she held was indeed light, which made it much easier for her to wield it. Their sticks collided once more, and as they pushed each other away, Lourdes began her offense, swinging right and left, though each attack being blocked with skill by Akira. In a lightning move, Lourdes' stick was knocked from her hands. But before Akira could deal the winning blow, Lourdes rolled on the ground, snow covering her entire body, as she quickly grasped the fallen weapon. Propping herself on a knee, she barely had time to stand as Akira came at her with a yell, the stick coming down quickly upon her. In the very last moment, Lourdes had the chance to block the blow, holding the stick parallel to the ground, both hands on either end. Gritting her teeth, she lowered herself onto the ground rather than pushing back at Akira, catching the woman off-guard. Taking this opportunity, Lourdes swung her right leg, tripping the woman. Akira instantly rolled away from Lourdes, then stood, the two women straightening simultaneously. At full speed, they ran towards one another, swinging their sticks. It locked into an 'x', both women equal in strength. In a last, desperate move, they both swirled around simultaneously, their sticks stopping at each others' throats.

A murmur erupted from the crowd that had formed around them. Both Akira and Lourdes looked around with surprised expressions on their faces, both giving out a laugh at their impromptu exhibition of skill. Lowering their sticks to their sides, claps then ensued, making both women feel the need to slightly bow. Akira hung her head low at Lourdes, a smile pulling upon her red lips. "Well done, your majesty."

"Please," Lourdes sighed, placing an arm around Akira's shoulders, "call me Lourdes."

t t t

The Sarmatian warriors sat divided with the Shinodian warriors, with the crackling line of firepites dividing them. The two sides continued to eye the other warily and defensively, some even showing obvious aggression towards the other. Though, no blood was spilt on that night, with both sides remaining relatively calm and composed, a tense truce hanging above them. The hundreds of men took shelter in between the valley, the two mountain peaks thankfully shielding them from the strong winds and unforgiving snowfall. They made their encampents around a wooded area, resting, as best as they could, after long journeys.

Arthur, his knights, Lord Theodore and his four knights gathered in a meeting with the Shinodian commander and a few of his warriors. At first, all the warriors could do was sit in silence and observe one another, all attempting to assess the other. It was Lancelot who first broke the awkward silence between the two sides, the screaming of his questioning conscience too much for him to bear.

"How can we be sure that you are telling the truth?" he called out, standing in front of the Shinodian commander. "How are we to know that you are truly Lourdes' brother, as you claim to be?"

"Our quarrel is not with you, good Sarmatian knights, but with our own Shinodian peoples -- with the rebels who shame our race." the tall, Shinodian man replied bitterly, gritting his teeth. After a few moments, he sighed, shaking his head. "And as for proof of my identity, I would think that the medallion would be enough. But now that I think of it, it barely proves anything." As he began to pace, he thought of any other possible ways to prove his words true, to fully convince these Sarmatian knights. He thought back to what his father had told him, of his past, of Lourdes' past, and of anything else that may be familiar to these knights. He suddenly snapped his head up as he questioned, "Do you know the name Merlin, then?"

Lancelot twisted his head back to Arthur and the rest of the knights of the Round Table, a twinkle becoming evident in his brown eyes. He turned back to the Shinodian man, brows furrowed, lips pulled to a frown. "Merlin? I have never heard the name before. What is it?"

The Shinodian man actually groaned at Lancelot's feigned cluelessness, running his hand through his face. "It is not an it, sir, but a he." Breathing out, he eyed each and every one of the Sarmatian knights with a firm gaze. "My father, King Lothair of Shino, has told me tales of him, of what he has done for my family -- for my sister." Captivated by his ensuing tale, the Sarmatian knights gave him a curt bow to encourage him to continue. "At first, I did not understand what was happening in my lands, why I was being separated from my infant sister. I was only told that Lourdes was given to the Woad for protection, that he was taking her away to a safer place called Britain. I was devastated at this, for I loved my dear sister, even when she was only an infant and when I was seven. I have not seen her since we parted all those years ago." He closed his eyes at the painful memory, yet forced himself to continue. "You see, in my childhood, I was also sent away, not long after Lourdes' departure. I was sent away from Shino, from the lands that were in civil war, from my family. I was given to a family in the lands east of Shino for protection, where I learned the art of war, was told of my origins and of my purpose." He paused briefly, taking a sip of his water. "When I was twenty, I had made a decision to return to my land of origin, to find my family and to no longer hide in fear. I have now served my father for seven years, fighting back the rebel Shinodians and venturing into Sarmatia now and then to stop them from pillaging your lands...just as we are doing now."

Arthur pressed his lips into a thin line, his brows furrowing as he questioned, "You speak of your civil war and 'rebel Shinodians', sir. What is happening in your lands that has your people in such a bitter dispute?"

The Shinodian man sighed at this, his fellow warriors even murmuring with emotion at the question. "The origin of this war, we do not know. But now, my uncle, Rothair, pillages lands all around Shino, attempting to amass as large an army and as much land as he possibly can. Bitter that he would never sit on the Shinodian throne as king, he rebelled against my father, even attempting to assassinate him a few times, thinking it unfair that he was to live such circumstances. Unable to control his greed and lust for power, he has ridden with his fellow rebels for many years, his eyes now set on your lands."

Arthur and the rest of the knights of the Round Table eyed each other, thinking his answer satisfactory and acceptable. They even marked the resemblance between the man's features and Lourdes', this fact erasing even more of their doubt. Though, Lord Theodore arrogantly stood, eyes aflame, pointing accusingly at the Shinodian man.

"Lies, all lies!" Theodore cried in rage, heightening the defences of all by his outburst and sudden show of aggression. He turned to those around him and warned, "Sarmatian knights, do not believe this man! He is only setting a trap for us!"

The Shinodian commander stopped in front of Theodore, eyes burning. "Think you my warriors and I would not have slaughtered you when we first met? If we really desired to kill you, sir, we would have done so already, with no hesitation and no remorse. We have no use for prisoners, or even keeping all of you alive for this long." His jaw clenched, turning his attention to Lancelot, who slowly met his intense eyes. "If my sister has truly given that medallion to you, and if you truly have not done anything to harm her, then I've no quarrel with you." He turned to the rest of the knights, holding up the medallion. "You see, my mother and father wore these identical medallions, which were passed down from generation to generation of Shinodian royalty. My mother gave hers to Lourdes and my father to me, in hopes that one day, we would both learn the truth and return to our ancestral lands when we were able." The man almost choked upon his last words, though masked his great emotion with a hard expression. "And now, I do not even know where my sister is."

"She journeys towards Shino with Merlin and their Woadian companions." Lancelot finally piped up, doubt completely erased from his mind. He even felt a tint of sympathy for the pain that the Shinodian man was trying his utmost best to conceal.

As the Shinodian commander stood still in bewilderment, a Shinodian scout jogged to his side, bowing briefly before saying, "Prince Lucas, there is another band of Sarmatian men coming from the north. Are we to prepare for an impending attack?"

Lucas turned towards Arthur and the Sarmatian men expectantly. Arthur replied in explanation, "These are the band of Sarmatian knights that we are to meet. We are not here to attack Shino -- only to defend our fellow Sarmatians in danger at the border of our lands."

At his explanation, Lucas shook his head at his scout. "No. Do not attack them." Turning his attention to the knights once more, he said, "Rothair is planning to attack Sarmatia from the south, then make his way north. He found this pass and a few others that would make his invasion much more simpler. Though, we fear that he will first attack our stronghold, a few days' ride from here, before he begins his infiltration into your lands." He paused, breathing out briefly as he offered, "If you wish, your band of warriors may join us on our journey into Shino. With our numbers, we will be able to stand a better chance in defending against Rothair and his army. What say you?"

Arthur gave Lord Theodore a stabbing stare, already predicting his outraged protest and silently stifling it. His gaze landed on every one of his knights, who eyed him with firm resolve and gave him curt nods and low murmurs of acceptance. As their silent consensus was made, Arthur's green eyes darted back to Prince Lucas as he gave him a low bow.

"We will journey to Shino with you."

t t t

"Akira, this dress is too tight! And my feet are utterly in pain!" Lourdes complained childishly, squealing as she eyed herself warily in the mirror. "What am I ever going to do without my boots?" She breathed out, finally wiping the pout from her face as a tint of acceptance finally lined her countenance. "At least my hair finally looks proper now."

Akira eyed the maiden proudly, utterly satisfied at what she and the maid, Mayumi, had accomplished. Lourdes stood before them, all 5'9'' of her, with grace and beauty emanating from her features. She was clad in a tightly-wrapped royal-blue silk kimono, which boasted white flower patterns, topped off with a glimmering white belt, tied in a neat bow around her upper waist. It flowed beautifully to her feet, which were wrapped with white straps that were tied to a wooden sole. Her face was powdered slightly, brightening her countenance and emphasizing her striking features. Dark coal lined her eyes as she wore faint pink blush on her cheeks and dark red lipstick as the finishing touch. Her long, raven hair was wrapped neatly in a tight bun, her head adorned with glittering clips and stunning jewels. Truly, an outfit made for a princess.

Lourdes, obviously not at all used to this, gawked at herself for many moments in the mirror, playing with the ornaments in her hair and moving from side to side to see how her dress fit her. It definitely showed off her curves, which she always had tried desperately to hide. Though, she admitted that it did bring out such elegance and even majesty in her that, in the end, she too was satisfied.

"All this for a simple meeting?" Lourdes commented as she breathed out through her bottom lip. Thinking back, Lourdes thought it odd that a servant had come into her room with haste, interrupting a language lesson that Akira and she were having, and telling them to prepare for incoming guests immediately. He did not even provide an explanation -- but of course, since he was ordered by the king to deliver the message, Lourdes and Akira did not question it.

"A princess of Shino must always be prepared to meet guests," Akira pointed out in a matter-of-fact tone, "...and look good doing it!"

Lourdes burst out laughing at her sense of humour, thankful that some force beyond her had sent her this woman. For the two weeks that she had adjusted to Kenji and the Shinodian culture, Akira had been there for her almost every moment -- not only teaching her about the art of war and her royal duties, but also about Shino's traditions, festivities and way of life. When her father had other matters to attend to, it was Akira who had taken over, always making sure that Lourdes was content and being educated about her new home.

"Also..." Akira began in a playful tone, raising her eyebrows repeatedly, "there are many men that vie for your attention, you know. Even before they knew that you were the princess of Shino, I had already heard much talk of their interest for you." Smirking, Akira nudged Lourdes. "Surely, you must notice how men's eyes follow you when we sojourn throughout Kenji?"

Lourdes rolled her eyes, "I do notice, but care not for it." She sighed, sitting back down on her bed. "I have no interest in the attention of men."

Akira's child-like smirk immediately disappeared from her face, then replaced by a frown. "Why do you speak like so, Lourdes? Surely, in your years and travels, you must have been attracted so some men, hmm?"

Lourdes placed a hand on the woman's arm, shaking her head. "Akira, you do not even know the half of it." Tearing her eyes away from Akira's inquisitive orbs, she said, "I left my heart in Sarmatia not too long ago."

Akira's frown only increased, her face now saddened as she rubbed the sides of Lourdes' arms and sat down beside her. "Was he a good man?"

"They were good men."

With wide eyes, Akira stared at her, mouth agape. She was rendered speechless for a few moments, but managed to croak out, "W-what? Do not tell me that...oh my." she winced at Lourdes' expression, pulling her in a tight embrace. "Dear Lourdes, in my lifetime, I have learned that being torn between two men is a thousand times worse than being beaten bloody by kendo sticks."

Through her sadness, Lourdes looked up at the woman and eventually burst out laughing at her analogy. After a few moments, Akira joined her, their mirthful laughter echoing within the room. As tears of joy began falling from their eyes, a soft knock came through the door.

"King Lothair has sent for you, milady. He and the guests are all in the main hall." the servant reported before heading off down the corridor.

The two women finally regained their composure and exited Lourdes' chambers. Linking arms, they walked down the open corridor and made their way towards the main hallway. They spoke silently to one another as two guards opened the large, double doors. As the two women entered the main hallway, Lourdes stopped abruptly. She blanched as her smile disappeared, seeing who stood before her.

King Lothair turned to her upon her entry, lips pulling into a smile. "Ah, daughter, you have finally come." He motioned for her to come by his side. She stumbled as she did so, barely able to take her eyes from the visitors. "I believe that you have already met Sir Arthur and his knights." She gulped at this, her eyes immediately landing on Lancelot. He, too, could not take his eyes away from her, his expression frozen into bewilderment, as Lothair continued. "But you have not met your brother, Lucas."

Lourdes gave out a gasp at this, seeing a tall Shinodian man step out towards her. His brown eyes brimmed with tears, biting his lip in order to quell his rising emotions. "Sister..." he breathed out, his voice and legs slightly faltering as he came closer to her.

In pure shock, Lourdes began to cry, not believing her eyes. First, Arthur and his knights were standing right before her, a sight that she never thought would see again -- and now, the brother that her father had only recently told her about, was standing in front of her with open arms. With great emotion, she ran towards Lucas, colliding with him in a tearful embrace. The two sobbed, not heeding those around them, not caring about the transparency of their emotions. The hall was silent, save for Lourdes' and Lucas' quiet sobs, and those who were present, especially King Lothair, were overcome by the exchange before them.

"By the gods," Lucas slightly pulled away from Lourdes, cupping her face in his hands. "You are the image of mama."

Laughing through her tears, Lourdes embraced her brother once more. She had found her home.

And now, she had her family.

t t t

A/N: You like it? Yes? Good.

Anyway, if there's something you don't understand about the story, do let me know! It's quite a handful to resolve all these plotlines and think of ways to connect/develop all of them! Thanks, you guys!