A/N: We're almost at the good parts, you guys! I'm working very hard on the next few chapters, as they are some of my favourites! I'm glad that you guys liked the OC Character Collage! If you haven't seen it yet, the link to the image is on my profile. Enjoy this next chapter!

Withered Lover has made a C2 for this story! (Thank you! I feel so honoured, yaye!) So if you would like to join it, go right ahead!

DeathDealer210912: I know eh? Tristan acts less...grumpy in this story! haha You'll see what I mean!

Kalanie: Hmmm, Lancelot may redeem himself, you never know! Guys just take a little longer to do/realize things, you know? lol But I know you're only beating him up because you care. Aww!

Bors is the joker and is the butt of the jokes. .sigh. Gotta love him! He's such an awesome character! So...teddy bear-like. haha And you know how brothers can be!

Oh, and I simply love how you put it: "Bors needs a hug, Tristan had a kodak moment, and Lancelot needs a good beating". Yeah, that's basically Chapter 36 in a nutshell! Here's another chappy for you!

delusional anvil.: I just love the fighting, both verbal and physical! haha And about Tristan and Akira, we'll see what happens between them! .wink.

Chivalry is dead! (That was my desired band name.) But yeah, well...you gotta give Lancelot props for not giving up, right? I mean, he could be bedding other women now! But I know what you mean about guys. .sigh. Let's just hope that everything works out for Lourdes! And everyone else!

Yayeee, I'm glad you liked the OC list! It took me a while to find who would best suit the characters, but I'm very satisfied with it! And aww, you're too sweet! Me, prettier than Tia Carrera? Damnnn, girl, that's a huge compliment! haha

Here's another one of my daily updates! (I love not having work anymore!) Enjoy!

Withered Lover: .grins impishly and wriggles fingers towards Hugh Dancy. Come to mama! I love to spoil you guys! Honestly, you all reply so quickly that it makes me happy and, consequently, write more! It's a love-love relationship, all the way!

Lancelot just had to get burned. I mean, come on! After what he did in Chapter 35? I would've cracked the whip on his ass!

You're so cute! Everyone seems to be excited about a growing Tristan/Akira thing! You will all just have to read onwards to find out if something happens or not! .wink. Oh, and you can picture yourself as Akira! That was another risk of me putting up an OC Character List -- it kinda ruins people's imaginations a little.

But alas, thank you for creating the C2, and here's another chapter for you!

Kates: aaaaaahahaha Oh man. Best. Reaction. EVER! (It's good that you didn't smack Lourdes, because after getting hit with a whip on her face, well, that will just add salt to the wound -- literally?)

It's funny how people in their 20's can still act so childishly, eh? Yeah, we never grow up.

Yaye, another person that liked the cast list! Perfect! Yeah, Ewan's adorable -- he could totally pull off Aiden's character! But I know what you mean. .frowns. Poor Aiden.

haha Christian Bale. I laugh everytime I see the preview for "The Prestige" because I keep thinking..."Omg! It's Batman vs. Wolverine...in a...magic show!"

Anyway, here's the next chappy! Enjoy!

t t t

CHAPTER 37

"You seem to have taken quite a beating out there." Lucas grimaced slightly as he continually dabbed the bloody gash on Lourdes' left cheek with a thick piece of cloth. He examined the wound briefly before he glanced up at her, mirth appearing in his hazel eyes. "At least now I know that you are learning well the true art of Shinodian warfare!"

At her brother's contorted facial expression, Lourdes finally gave out a laugh, then immediately wincing at the pain from moving her mouth. "No more jests, Lucas," she placed her hands in the air in surrender, "or I shall be laughing, crying and bleeding at the same time!"

After a slight pause, the two only began to laugh even harder, eliciting even more pain from Lourdes' wound! Finally managing to control themselves and catch their breaths after a few moments, Lucas nodded his head towards the medallion loosely wrapped around Lourdes' neck as he lowered his arm.

"I see you've had your medallion returned to you." He cleared his throat lightly, raising a questioning eyebrow at her. His memory flashed to the day when he had found it hanging upon Lancelot's neck. He remembered the feeling of such disbelief at finding out that it was Lourdes' medallion after all and the ensuing feeling of such happiness to know that his little sister was alive after all these years.

Lourdes' content smile instantly vanished at her brother's query. A part of her was thankful that she had left the medallion for Lancelot to keep, for it was the one item that brought he and the knights to Kenji, and yet, she felt such contempt for that decision, for it ultimately brought her even more pain, vividly remembering Lancelot's callous actions towards her and how he had shown no respect for her nor her feelings. Turning her glance away from her brother after she snapped out of her thoughtful moment, she quickly nodded, "Yes. It is nice to have it back."

Her subtle attempt to change the subject was lost on Lucas. Instead, her statement only managed to pique his curiosity even more, wondering why she had answered so succinctly and so...solemnly. Tilting his head inquiringly to the side, he pursed his lips as he questioned in a low tone, "What made you give it to him in the first place?"

A lump formed in Lourdes' throat as her chest tightened at this question. She almost scoffed to herself at the double meaning of her brother's words. Lourdes knew that Lucas was not trying to pry an answer about why she gave it to Lancelot instead of Galahad, but simply, why she did not keep it with her -- or, obviously, what she felt for Lancelot. And yet, the former was the question that she was now asking herself -- why did she decide to leave it upon Lancelot's bed as she prepared to leave? Why didn't she give it to Galahad, as she had first decided to do the night before? Confused about her own past decision, she was finally able to block those thoughts from her head. After a few moments, she managed to croak out to her brother in as light of a tone as possible, "It grew too heavy upon my neck, you see." She shrugged nonchalantly. "I simply needed someone to bear the burden for a while."

Lucas did not know whether to laugh or to take her seriously, but he decided not to press her any further, seeing as her mood had immediately changed when he had brought up the medallion. Feeling as though he was responsible for her sudden moodswing, he tried to lighten the conversation by clearing his throat playfully and saying in a mock stern voice, "Just make sure that you do not spend too much time with knights. And warriors. Er...just men in general. I do not want you getting too attached to them, you hear?" He breathed out in an exaggerated fashion, waving a reprimanding finger at her nose. "Or I might just have to pummel them into a thousand pieces if they even dare touch you." He placed a pensive finger on his chin. "Hmm. I take that back. Even if they just look at you..."

Lourdes gave out a laugh, pushing her brother lightly on the chest. "You would like for them to have their eyes closed whenever I pass, then? Or just have them permanently blindfolded?" Chuckling once more, she shook her head at Lucas' 'mock protectiveness' of her, though knowing that, deep down, there was truth in his words. As he smirked, she embraced him lovingly, so thankful that she had a brother like Lucas and that she had finally found him, after all these years, after everything that they had both endured. He is so admirable, such a great warrior, and stays true and loyal to his beliefs. Though stern with others, especially his warriors, he revealed to her and to those close to him his softer, more compassionate side, exhibiting a man that was filled with much conviction and strong love for those that he cared for. It was then that she realized that he reminded her of Galahad.

Galahad.

Swallowing at this, she thought back to her conversation with Gawain a few days earlier, when Galahad had come up as a subject of their conversation. Although not wanting to be so obvious about her quite obvious desire to know about the knight's whereabouts, Gawain had predicted -- nay, he had already known -- that she constantly sought answers about the young knight and how he fared. Gawain feared that he was of no help to her, for he only reiterated to her Arthur's cryptic words, and it only confused the two of them even more. Lourdes, with all her heart, did not want to believe that Galahad had eloped with Isabella; that, after everything that they had endured and after everything that he had told her, he would actually go through with the marriage. And yet, what other explanation could there possibly be?

Lucas' contented sigh brought Lourdes back to the present. Placing the stained cloth in a bowl of water, he examined her face once more, heaving out another dramatic sigh. "I think you'll live." As Lourdes punched him playfully on the arm, he winced at the pain jokingly, rubbing his 'injury' with a child-like pout plastered on his face. "You know, I can definitely get used to this entire brotherly...thing. I quite enjoy it, actually. Yelling at warriors gets quite tiresome after a while, you know!"

"Agreed." Lourdes said with a nod of agreement, embracing him once more, then giving him a pointed look. "Though, just do not overdo it with the whole 'protective' aspect of it. You know that I am old enough and more than capable to take care of myself. I have had much training in the art of war throughout my years, and, if I do say so myself, have proven my skills in the battlefield numerous times."

Lucas exhaled, nodding once as he placed his hand on her head. "'Tis not your skills in the battlefield that worries me, dear sister." He pursed his lips in a thin line, his expression suddenly gone serious. "'Tis about other matters that you cannot easily train yourself for."

Furrowing her brows, Lourdes crossed her legs on the bed, eyeing her brother intently. "What do you speak of, then?"

Groaning and fitfully regretting that he actually brought up the subject, Lucas eyed the ceiling, motioning his hands in a circular fashion as he began, "Well, you're not exactly ugly, so..."

Lourdes gave him a tired look before rolling her eyes and saying sarcastically, "Thank you, brother, I appreciate that."

Lucas winced, letting out another breath before continuing, "What I am trying to say is... Lourdes, you are now of age, and no matter what you do, men will be drawn to you. I know that you share a strong bond with Arthur and his knights, but I feel as though it is my duty to warn you that...well...men will make their advances and desires known, and sometimes...it's quite...dangerous." He paused briefly, giving out a low groan. Lourdes only kept her eyebrow raised as he continued. "You have to act with much caution when it comes to this, for when you start becoming attracted to a man, you'll want to...uh...do things that are...erm..."

At Lucas' pained expression, Lourdes could not take it any longer. Unable to stifle her emotions anymore, she burst out laughing at Lucas' obvious discomfort about the matter. Holding her stomach and no longer feeling the pain in her cheek, she fell onto the bed, now shaking as her laughter increased in intensity. Lucas only eyed her as though she was daft, still feeling a bit uneasy about what they were discussing. Running his long fingers through his hair, he cleared his throat loudly, poking Lourdes' side.

"Should I be glad to know that you find this amusing?"

"Brother," Lourdes squeezed his arm lightly as she sat up once more, "you need not worry about any of that. Believe me, I have had my share of experiences, and..." Lourdes trailed off at the sight of Lucas' wide, shocked eyes and agape mouth. Clearing her throat, she flailed her arms in the air and was quick to explain, "...I assure you that I have taken good care of myself and have learned from what has happened in the past." As Lucas finally relaxed, she gave him a playful wink. "And rest assured, if any man tries any type of advance, whatsoever, I am quite able to protect myself from them."

"Alright, I rest assured." replied Lucas hastily, desperately wanting to change the awkward subject. As he stood, he said, "Well, father is planning to hold a feast in a few days. It is quite rare to have Shinodians, Sarmatians and Woads all together in one place, so he figured that it would be quite nice to celebrate our gathering." As Lourdes nodded in understanding, Lucas made his way towards her chamber door. "Now, you rest so that your wound will heal properly. I will return to see how you fare in a few hours."

As he began to exit her room, Lourdes called out to him. "Lucas?"

He turned back to her call, smiling. "Yes, sister?"

"I love you."

t t t

Lourdes fidgeted in her snug dress, pulling it down so that it would not wrap so tightly around her waist and hips, then ensuing to pull it back up so that it would not sit too low on her chest. Looking upon the mirror once more, she pulled on the flowing sleeves, fixing the collar of the low-cut garment. With hues of red expertly woven together, the silk dress shimmered in the torchlight, illuminating Lourdes' form, and consequently, her striking features. It flowed perfectly down the length of her long body, with some extra fabric sewn at the end so that it would trail behind her as she walked. They definitely like tight dresses in Shino, she remarked to herself as she observed her partially tied hair, a lone rose tucked just behind her right ear. Dark coal lined her eyes once more, creating a dramatic effect on her eyes, and her lips were coloured in a shade of red that perfectly matched her dress. Finally breathing out in satisfaction at her appearance, she heard Akira's voice from behind her chamber door.

"Lourdes, I am sure you look fine!" she called out softly, slightly knocking. "You are more than late now! Everyone is probably waiting for your arrival in the main hall, wondering where you are!" She paused briefly, then breathed out when Lourdes did not respond, "You know, I will be the one to take the blame for your tardiness, not..."

Lourdes raised her eyebrow quizzically as Akira's voice trailed off mysteriously. Waiting for another moment, not a sound came from the woman. Curiously, Lourdes walked towards her chamber door, and as she came closer, her ears perked up at the sound of Akira speaking with someone. Recognizing the other voice to be Tristan's, her interest was certainly piqued, and she placed her ear firmly on the wooden door, pursing her lips.

Tristan had come up to Akira's side so suddenly that she barely even heard him approach. His stealth was a wonder to her, but she reminded herself that that was certainly a desirable skill and useful attribute when it came to being a scout. Smiling instead of being startled at his arrival, she bowed and greeted him. "Good evening, Sir Tristan," she began cordially, and with a tilt of her head, she commented sincerely, "I see you are looking well tonight." She noted the light-coloured tunic and breeches that he was wearing, much different from the dark hues that he always wore, and his newly shaven face. His hair was even tied back in a ponytail, revealing his handsomely rugged features even more. Akira found herself breathless then.

"There's...this gathering...or something." Tristan cleared his throat, seemingly unsure of what he was saying -- nay, what he was doing. He groaned inwardly, simultaneously wanting to nod in goodbye and walk off and stay and speak with the Shinodian woman. As he eyed her with indecision, Akira only kept her smile and eyed him expectantly, waiting patiently for the knight continue. "I was meaning to ask..."

"Yes?" She answered lightly, subtly prodding him to continue. She felt her cheeks becoming hotter as his gaze never faltered from her form.

"Katanas..." he blurted out with a wave of his hand, somewhat confusing Akira, "...where might I find those blades in Kenji? I wish to procure some for myself."

Akira tore her eyes away from his, almost dejectedly, as she responded quietly, "Oh...well..."

Tristan cursed inwardly, thinking himself a fool to even try...this. Wishing that he had just kept walking towards sound of the festivities in the first place, he cleared his throat once more, catching Akira's glance. "'Tis not an urgent matter." With a curt bow, he finished, "I must go."

"Must you?" Akira found herself saying out loud. Shocked at this, she mentally cursed to herself, masking the irritation that she felt for her clumsy reaction with a neutral expression on her countenance. Not able to take back what she had said, Akira could only meet Tristan's gaze, suddenly feeling so vulnerable and self-conscious in front of the knight.

"You do not want me to leave?" Tristan questioned in return, pacing a few steps towards her. Akira only managed to swallow, her entire body frozen, as he stopped only a metre away from her. She wanted so desperately to reach out her hand to him and touch his face, but she never had the opportunity to do so as they were interrupted by a call behind them.

"Tristan, there you are!" They twisted their heads around to see Gawain, beckoning for the scout to come with him. "The festivities are already underway. Lady Akira, I suggest you come as well, for you do not want to miss a minute of this celebration!"

Hearing all of the exchange between Tristan and Akira, Lourdes squealed to herself, Akira, go with him!, with her ear still glued to the door. When she heard Akira reply with, 'I must wait for Lady Lourdes', Lourdes called out as naturally as possible after a few moments, "Akira, I will meet you in the hall in a while. I just need to finish some things in here before I leave. You know...princess-like duties and such. I thank you for kindly waiting, but I think you need to start enjoying the festivities now." She cleared her throat, and in the most royal manner that she could muster, she finished. "I command you to go! I want to hear fading footsteps now!" Lourdes pressed her ear on the door once more, biting her lip in earnest as she impatiently waited for a response.

Akira was caught speechless at this as her eyes darted to Tristan's dark orbs. Stepping to her side, he silently lent his elbow to her, looking down at her expectantly. Gawain watched this exchange with a smirk pulling upon his lips before walking off back into the main hall, leaving the two alone.

"Uh..." Tristan began, looking down at Akira in the most awkward manner, "...you lead the way, milady, for I do not know where the festivities are."

At this, Akira finally burst out laughing, her laughter only increasing at Tristan's doltish expression. As Lourdes heard the two walk away, she smiled to herself contentedly, patting herself on the back for a job well done.

t t t

Entering the main hallway immediately took Lourdes' breath away. As she joined the festivities, she saw hundreds of people -- Shinodian, Sarmatian and Woad alike -- sitting, eating, laughing and singing inside the enormous space, with many still flocking inside through the main entrance. Music could be faintly heard in the background of all the chatter and noise, and some couples danced with delight and clapped to the upbeat tune. Scattered everywhere were servants and barmaids, bringing more food and more ale to the guests, enjoying even themselves as they jovially conversed with those present. It was so crowded that it was often difficult to move through the room from one place to another, and most definitely a challenge to find people who you were looking for. Though, Lourdes felt her spirits raise at this sight, for the peoples that had helped her -- and continue to help her -- on her journey were all gathered in one roof, celebrating in peace with nothing but good will in their hearts and plenty of ale in their stomachs.

With many pardons and nods, Lourdes slowly made her way throughout the crowd, having to stop a few times to bow and curtsy to those present. Even after nearly a month, she was not yet fully accustomed to such attention, thinking herself to be a rustic princess for not only forgetting her duties at times, but often forgetting her place in this society. She tried her ultimate best, though, to learn as much as she could and to perform the duties that was expected of her and surpass those expectations. Not allowing the fear of rejection to control her, she was even pleased at herself for her progression, albeit a slow one, for she was constantly reminded that adjusting from having nearly nothing and no one to having almost everything is quite a challenge indeed. Finally catching a glimpse of her tall father, she breathed out a sigh of relief, and after a few more paces, bows and waves, she was eventually able to stand by his side.

"Dear Lourdes, there you are!" Lothair beamed a smile at her before kissing her forehead. He motioned his hand in front of him at those who gathered around the large, round table, now standing at her presence. "We were just speaking about you!"

"Really?" As Lourdes turned her gaze to where her father had motioned his hands, she abruptly wiped the smile from her face, her blood running cold. She could almost not believe her eyes, for in front of her was Lord Theodore, four knights whom she had never met, alongside Arthur and the rest of the knights of the Round Table. Her stabbing stare did not even heed Lancelot, who stood at the far end of the table, but remained transfixed on Lord Theodore, who was now smiling nervously at her. So many questions ran through her mind at this point, but they were all held back as Lourdes looked up to her father. Batting her eyelashes and smiling innocently, she said in the most sweetest of tones, "Father, would you please grant me the permission to beat this man bloody?"

At first, King Lothair boomed with laughter, not at all taking his daughter's 'threat' seriously. Though, Lord Theodore and the rest of the knights kept silent, jaws clenched, all knowing that she was more than serious. Her blunt manner had surprised even Arthur and the knights -- save for Tristan, who actually tried to stifle a growing smile.

"Lourdes, is that any way to treat a guest?" King Lothair shook his head in mock reprimand, wrapping an arm around her lovingly. "Come and sit with us!"

Shaking her head firmly, she said through gritted teeth as she pointed an angry finger at Lord Theodore, "I will not keep company with that bastard!"

"Lourdes!" King Lothair's eyes grew wide in surprise, then became inflamed with upset as he finally caught the seriousness in her tone. "Do not speak like so under my roof!" He simply boomed, his angry finger now pointed at her. "You are a princess of Shino, and you shall act accordingly, do you understand?"

Not at all dissuaded by the fact that she was being scolded by her father in front of the knights, she spat towards Lord Theodore in an unflinching manner, "Am I not permitted to say that a bastard is a bastard?"

As Lourdes mimicked Bedivere's daily speech, the knight lost all self-control and burst out laughing, even spitting out some of his drink. At Gareth's hard nudge, the giggling knight had to excuse himself and walk off into the crowd in order to calm himself. Bors, Dagonet and Gawain were also eyeing one another at Lourdes' statement, all threatening to burst out laughing as Bedivere had done, but by some miracle, had somehow managed to keep their collected composure. Lancelot only cleared his throat, effectively able to quell the tickling sensation inside him.

Lourdes could see the rage that was quickly building up inside of her father, so she instantly interjected, "Did this...man...ever tell you that he sent assassins to try and kill me?" As King Lothair's angered expression now turned towards Theodore, Lourdes scoffed, eyeing Theodore with disdain as she crossed her arms. "I did not think so."

"Guards!" King Lothair promptly yelled, alarming the knights and some of those that gathered near them. Lothair's eyes simply seethed with such contempt that even Lourdes was surprised to see such emotion emanating from her father. The other knights' countenances were akin to hers as they all turned their attention to Lord Theodore.

Lord Theodore's eyes grew wide at this, fear enveloping his every being, his countenance lined with remorse. "K-king Lothair, there was a misunderstanding!" He stuttered slowly as Shinodian warriors now surrounded him. "Shinodians had attacked my villages, and..."

"Wait." Lourdes held up a hand at the guards, who halted and stood momentarily. "How and why are you even here?" She squinted her eyes in disbelief at her knights. "And why are you all even in his proximity?"

"Lourdes..." Arthur shook his head as he stepped forward, placing a hand on Lourdes' shoulder as if to console her. "Lord Theodore, these knights and many other knights of Sarmatia had helped us claim victory over the Shinodians that were besieging my castle. You had fainted just before they had come to drive the attackers away and chase them off." He succinctly explained, his glance landing upon King Lothair as well. "After you had left for Shino, he had come with a band of his knights to tell us news of an impending Shinodian attack. We agreed to band with he and his knights, and we have been travelling with him ever since."

"Arthur, you cannot be serious!" Lourdes exclaimed incredulously, pointing an accusing finger at Lord Theodore once more. "How can you even trust this man? You come with him here, with his band of knights, to a stronghold of Shino? He can order an attack on my peoples with a snap of his fingers, Arthur!"

Like the rest of the knights behind him, Arthur was rendered speechless by this. He now realized himself that he was so preoccupied with trusting Lourdes' brother on their journey to Kenji that he barely even thought about what Lord Theodore was capable of doing. As indecision plagued him once more, Arthur looked at Lourdes and her father in silent apology. Though, before he could answer her query, Gareth walked to Arthur's side.

"Princess Lourdes, please believe that we have no quarrel whatsoever with you nor these Shinodians." Gareth motioned to the curious onlookers around them as he kept his dark eyes on her. "Our quarrel is with your uncle, Rothair, and his Shinodian rebels." With resounding nods from Theodore, Kay and Percival, Gareth continued with conviction, "We do not desire to interrupt the peace here at Kenji. We are here to stand by your Shinodian warriors, by your brother, lest Rothair attacks this place and threatens you and your family once more."

Before either Lourdes or Lothair could answer, the older knight in Lord Theodore's band stepped forward. "'Tis true, your majesties." Kay bowed towards the two, then stiffly straightened. "We have grown fond of your home, and we desire only to protect it."

"Milady, I beseech you!" Lord Theodore utterly wailed, falling onto his knees in front of Lourdes. "'Twas a mistake for me to turn my aggressions out on you, and I freely admit my fault in front of everyone present here tonight." He bowed his head even lower, making Lourdes grimace. "I will accept any punishment that you desire to give me, but I plead with you, do not punish my knights for any of my actions."

All eyes, including her father's, now turned to Lourdes, looking at her curiously and with expectancy. She thought for a few moments, evaluating whether Theodore was actually telling the truth or if he was merely putting on a convincing show. Though, she knew of the haughty pride that was livid within him, and she admitted to herself that even she was surprised that he was now groveling before her, begging for forgiveness. Breathing in and out heavily in slight indecision, Lourdes kept her jaw clenched and body stiff at she answered with, "Tonight, for your treachery, I will show you the mercy that you did not show me all those months ago." She paused, walking a few paces towards him. "Rise, Theodore."

As the Lord stood shakily before her, Lourdes waited until he looked up and met her gaze.

"Thank you, milady, I -"

But before Theodore could even finish his sentence, Lourdes had swung her arm so quickly that most did not see the hard smack on the face that Theodore was dealt. His head had twisted instantly to the side, her handprint now fixed upon his left cheek. Those around the two gave out hisses and even low whistles as they witnessed Theodore stagger upright to regain his composure.

"Daughter, why did you..."

"I said I'd show him mercy." Lourdes tilted her head back towards her shocked father, only shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly through her anger. "I didn't say I wouldn't punish him."

And with that, Lourdes walked away from the men, leaving them with their mouths agape and Theodore holding his stinging cheek.

t t t

A/N: Ho-yeah. How's that for diplomacy?