A/N: I think I got rid of that writer's block. I have an ending to this story now, yaye! This will probably be 56/57 chapters by the time I'm done, depending on which situations/scenes I keep. But yes, all things must come to an end. But hey, there's at least 12 more chapters to go, so never fear! -smiles- I'm glad you're not tired of reading this yet. Enjoy!
Also, thank you to those that checked out my Tristan/OC fic, "When Worlds Collide". I hope you're finding that a fun read as well! -salutes-
DeathDealer210912: I know, huh? Let's just hope this chapter is a little more cheery! -smiles-
delusional anvil.: Yeah, I kinda got tired of the lovey dovey romance. This story needed some angst! lmao. But thank you, I'm glad that you liked the chapter! -smiles-
Well, I'm certainly glad that I'm not a princess restricted by such rules. Bah. It is retarded, huh? But this chapter will answer your question! (It might make you squirm, but...you read what you feel comfortable!)
Gally a mean PS2 player? Damn, this man has got skills. No wonder I love him. And that makes me jealous. -cough- But at lease he was having fun while you were gone? And he says that you can't leave again? Wow...you're one lucky chick, let me tell you that!
Not even Gally can seduce you? Ohhhh boy. -pulls on shirt collar nervously- I never even had self-control when it came to Gally in the first place! But at least he seems to be pretty content staying with you...and...helping you with homework, even though he's not that great in Physics! But I love you both, and let him know that he'll be back soon! Quite soon, actually! -clears throat- And I love you both! Enjoy!
Withered Lover: lol! I just loved your review, you're too cute! But oh yeah, tension's all gone. I built it up for like 39 chapters, so I'm proud. It's realistic, right? hehe But yeah, I really like how the Tristan/Akira thing is turning out. They are quite cute together, indeed!
Aww, you cried! Kudos to me for writing something that made you cry, though! lol Let's just hope this next chapter makes you feel better!
But yeah, writer's block is almost gone. I've mapped out the rest of the story, so if all goes according to plan, I can probably finish this story by mid-September! ...Or, even earlier, if I get even more inspired! hehe Enjoy, my lovely!
Saxongirl345: Thank you so much for your kind review! I know it's a long read, but I'm glad that you've gotten through it and want to read more! Here's another one soon, and thanks for adding this story to your C2! You're awesome! -hugs-
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CHAPTER 43
Rated M-MA. Discretion is advised.
"Thank you all for being here."
King Lothair's amicable voice did not betray his true emotions. Not only was he masking his turbulent emotions with a façade of respect and civility, but he fought the urge to stare at his daughter with sullen eyes, having not spoken with her since she ran from his being a few days ago. He rightly felt that he had hurt his daughter severely, their emotionally charged conversation replaying endlessly in his mind. Having spoken with Lucas the day after the entire incident with Lourdes and Lancelot had happened, his son had actually given him good advice, one that he could rightly comprehend, wise words that continued to replay in his mind, even at this moment. Maybe you should stop acting like a king for once and start acting like a father, Lucas told him with a tint of bitterness lining his voice, his scathing tone surprising even he. Lothair could not help but admit the fact that he thought more about the laws of Shino than his daughter's feelings that night. He also could not fathom why Lucas seemed to be so affected by this situation, but did not question him in the end. Instead, he placed Lucas' reason and bitterness on the fact that he was deeply concerned about his sister's well-being, about her happiness.
Pushing those thoughts away from his mind for the moment, King Lothair eyed those that sat before him: his son and daughter, Arthur and his knights, and Lord Theodore and his knights. He could not miss and barely ignore the looks that Lourdes and Lancelot sent one another as they sat across from each other. Though upon receiving sympathetic looks from Lucas, he decided to leave the matter be for now.
"As you all may know," King Lothair began, gaining everyone's undivided attention, "Lord Theodore here and these four knights of his are to leave in the morrow to meet with the Sarmatians at the border." The king began to pace, hands clutched on his back. "Though, as Sir Arthur and I have been discussing, I feel as though this journey is too perilous for only five knights."
Lourdes felt a lump forming in her throat, the feeling of dread consuming her. Immediately, she snapped her head up to Lancelot, who eyed her with the same alarmed expression. Lourdes closed her eyes as she felt her heart constrict at her father's words:
"So, brave knights of the Round Table, I command you to aid in this mission, along with a few other knights of your choosing, if you so please."
All of the knights of the Round Table glanced at one another with mixed emotions. Some simply glowered at the idea -- such as Lancelot and Tristan -- while the others agreed that the mission was too perilous for only five knights. They had become close with Gareth, Bedivere, Kay and Percival, and the feeling of camaraderie between the knights only convinced them even more to complete this simple task. The more important factor was the fact that they also did not trust Lord Theodore enough to effectively complete the task. Gawain, Dagonet and Bors all gave Arthur and King Lothair half-hearted acceding nods and murmurs, though Tristan and Lancelot remained silent, deep in thought. They had grasped the essentials of the mission and understood it well -- and yet, unpleasant feelings still flared within them, indecision plaguing their minds.
Voicing their inner frustrations, Lourdes stood suddenly, hands rested on the round table as her eyes connected immediately with her father's. All eyes were on her, most taken aback, and some, such as Bedivere, even intrigued, by her sudden outburst. With temper flaring, she spoke, "Your majesty, with all due respect, there are many other Sarmatian knights stationed here in Kenji that are more than capable of fulfilling this mission." She briefly glanced at Lancelot and Tristan, pursing her cherry lips into a thin line. "Father, these knights have been through so much already, have endured and fought through danger for so many years. Do not give them this new burden." She appealed to her father, bowing her head low, "I beg of you."
Despite her pleading voice, Lothair answered steadily, "Lourdes, Sir Arthur here has already agreed." He placed his fingers upon his temple, sitting back on his chair. "You must understand that their 16 years of experience in battle will be of much use in this mission."
In desperation, Lourdes eyed Arthur pleadingly, whose green orbs looked at her apologetically. "Sir Arthur, this is not your duty. You are not required to do any of this!"
"Daughter, please do not question my authority." Lothair replied tight-lipped as he did his best to quell his anger. "They have made their decision."
All eyes turned to Lourdes, the men fully knowing that she would not deem this answer satisfactory. Wincing at the coming retort from Lourdes, the knights watched silently as Lourdes pointed a steady finger at her father and growled, "No, you made their decision for them." Lothair, and even Lucas, was stunned by her gall, along with the rest of the knights. Her disposition did not falter, not even flinching under Lothair's angered gaze. "Can you not see that they are content here? That they are free Sarmatian knights? They are not tied to Shino, to your authority..."
"Enough!" King Lothair boomed as he smashed his fist onto the table, startling all the knights in the room. Lourdes did not flinch at this sudden burst of anger, jaw only becoming more firm, eyes only becoming more inflamed.
"These knights went through hell and back to gain their freedom, father." Lourdes stated in a steady tone, even walking towards King Lothair defiantly. "If you want them to go on this mission, then ask them. Do not command them and make them feel as though they have no choice. They are Sarmatians, not Shinodians, and even in this land, they shall do as they please."
Lothair, Lucas and the knights could not believe the brazenness that Lourdes possessed and exhibited. Now face to face with her father, she did not yield and kept her posture straight and erect, remaining calm and collected even though her father's eyes seethed with both rage and...admiration. King Lothair looked down upon the spirit that his daughter exhibited, the conviction in the voice and the truth that lined her reason. He was simultaneously angry at and proud of her at that moment, though pride dissipating some of the anger.
An uncomfortable silence lingered in the air after Lourdes' last outburst. Lancelot kept on guard, seeing as though King Lothair was dangerously close to Lourdes as he simmered in his anger. With tight jaws, those present in the room turned their gazes back to King Lothair, awaiting his answer.
"I shall do as my fastidious daughter asks." King Lothair finally spoke, his statement and the civil manner of its execution surprising Lucas and the knights. "Knights, will you agree to take this mission upon your shoulders, as free men, as Sarmatian knights?"
With a consensus that stunned Lourdes to her core, all of the knights in the room nodded their heads and replied with "aye". Lancelot would not meet her gaze, keeping his stare fixated onto the table. When another silence lingered throughout the room, Lourdes stated, with no room for convincing her otherwise in her mind, "Then I shall ride with you."
"You will not ride with them!" Lucas was quick to interject, rising as well. King Lothair could only close his eyes, placing his fingers upon his temples once more.
"No one will tell me what I can and cannot do!" She spat callously, eyeing both her brother and father with sharp eyes. The two did not miss her double meaning. She continued, "I do not care however you wish to punish me, whatever you do to me. I am going."
Lancelot began to respond, but Arthur's arm on his shoulder kept him in place, silencing him instantly. "No, Lancelot." Arthur whispered in a low tone, shaking his head once. "Not now."
King Lothair ran a hand through his face, crying out in frustration as he turned to his son. "Lucas, please deal with your sister." his jaw tightened, fiery eyes landing upon Lourdes. "I fear as though my patience has been tried enough."
"You have no need to deal with me any further." Lourdes snapped at her father's scathing remark, lifting the skirt of her dress as she stalked towards the door. In his wake, Lancelot tried to take her arm, but she quickly recoiled, pushing past the Shinodian guards that stood at the door. Lancelot glanced at his comrades, King Lothair and Lucas before standing. Without hesitation nor fear of punishment, he followed Lourdes outside, jogging towards her until he reached her side.
"Lourdes..." he called out softly, finally managing to take her arm. "Stop."
They halted in the middle of the empty, stone courtyard. Grey skies hovered above them, threatening rain. In a matter of a few moments, the two felt tiny water droplets free-falling from the sky. Then, it began to pour, water seeping through their clothing, soaking them. Though, neither heeded their states and remained where they were.
Lourdes heavily breathed in and out, trying to contain her upset state. Every bottled emotion within her was uncaged in that room, her frustrations not only elicited by the present situation, but of course, also by her situation with Lancelot. Closing her eyes to stop the tears from falling, she swirled to face the concerned knight, gazing into his brown orbs alternately. "He is only trying to tear us apart." Lourdes choked out, inclining her chin to face him. "You know that, Lancelot."
He embraced her lovingly, tenderly placing a hand upon the back of her head. "Even if he is, Lourdes, you must understand that it is better for us to ride with Lord Theodore." He paused, now understanding himself why he had agreed in the first place. "We need to keep an eye on him. Lourdes, this will only take, at the most, a month. Please do not worry."
"Every time you and the knights are in my presence, you are always placed in danger, always prompted to do things that you do not want to do." She wrapped her arms around his waist with a whimper, placing her cheek on his chest. "I will not let my father risk your lives in order to do that. This war shall not claim any of you, not if I have the power to stop it."
He rested his face on the top of her head, kissing her forehead, nose, then finally, her lips. His lips lingered upon hers for many moments before he spoke, "We agreed, Lourdes. We are not being forced against our will. We have no ties to this land, or your laws. Your father is not our king, and rest assured that what we do shall be the outcome of our own decisions." The tips of his fingers traced the side of her face delicately as he looked down at her adoringly. "This is our life. This has been our lives for 16 years. Do not be concerned for our safety."
Lourdes claimed his lips in hers fervently, repeatedly kissing him, her palms rested on the side of his face. Lancelot kept his arms around her waist, pulling her closer, breathing in her scent. Lourdes bit her lip, blinking away the rain and tears from her eyes as she whispered with a heartfelt sigh, "I love you."
"Do you love me or the pleasures that I give you?" Lancelot questioned teasingly with a smirk as he rubbed noses with her. He only managed to elicit a smack from the blushing Lourdes, but he cheekily continued with, "because you know, those are completely different things..."
Breathing out, Lourdes claimed his lips once more. She was so consumed with passion and emotion for this knight. And Lancelot -- what he felt for this woman was indescribable, and he could barely explain it to himself. She was so compassionate, so carefree and filled with so much conviction. He felt so enlightened in her presence, so much different from -- rather, so much better than -- his former self. With her, he now believed wholeheartedly that he could be a better lover, a better knight -- a better man.
As the rain poured mercilessly upon their heads now, Lourdes turned her face towards the sky, hands opened widely beside her. Chuckling lightly, Lancelot did the same, running his fingers through his face and hair as he closed his eyes. He placed his palm out in front of him, gathering some of the water droplets, feeling much comfort in the gentle pounding of the rain on his body. Tucking Lourdes' hair behind her ears, he rested his hands upon the side of her head as he tilted his head to the side. "We better seek shelter. We'll catch our deaths out here."
Feeling the cold seeping to her bones, Lourdes nodded in acquiesce, grasping Lancelot's hand as they made their way towards the castle. They did not heed the curious stares that they received and continued about their purpose, only looking at one another with twinkling eyes as they walked through the castle corridors. With an unspoken decision, they headed to Lancelot's chambers, seeking a haven from everyone around them.
Immediately upon their entry, Lancelot pinned Lourdes to the wall, surprising her with his fervent haste and eagerness. Crying out, she inclined her head, allowing the knight's lips to roam down her throat to her chest. Lancelot only halted his assault in order to pull her towards his bed, lying her down under him tenderly. Eyes glazed over with passion, Lancelot slowly unwrapped her dress, his lips trailing from her neck, then to her shoulder, then down her arm. Biting her lips, Lourdes inhaled sharply at his scorching lips, seemingly burning every inch of her body. Her trembling hands felt anxiously underneath his tunic, his rock-hard abdomen bringing so much pleasure to her fingertips. Her hands trailed lower to the brim of his breeches, teasing him lightly. The knight gave out a low groan, pinning her to the bed as she helped him take his garment off. The moment that they were both completely undressed, Lancelot crushed his lips upon hers, so enraptured with touching her, so enchanted by her being, that Lourdes was almost overcome by his actions.
Without warning, she pushed at the knight's chest, rolling with him upon the mattress and stopping atop of him. Taking Lancelot completely by surprise, she straddled him, her thighs around his hips, her hands grazing over his hard chest as she teasingly kissed his nose.
"Well, I certainly do not mind this position." Lancelot commented huskily, his hands wrapping around Lourdes' hips. She closed her eyes, crying out as he entered her. She moved her hips slightly as the lengths of their bodies pressed even closer to one another. Lancelot gave out a moan as she moved forward, biting his bottom lip, fingers raking on his torso. The two became breathless as they began once more to move in sync, shivering, whimpering and gasping as waves of pleasure coursed through their bodies. Every time Lourdes cried out, Lancelot's passion would be even more heightened, and in bursts of energy, he would quicken his pace, eliciting even more sounds of pleasure from the maiden -- and, rightly, himself. As their breaths became laboured and their hearts pumped an an erratic speed, they continued to move with one another, fingers entwined, lost in each other once more. Lancelot held her so lovingly, so tenderly, that at that moment, Lourdes wanted nothing more than to be in his arms, to be with him, like this, for all of eternity.
Reaching their peak of pleasure, Lourdes collapsed upon the knight, the two catching their breaths as they lied still, bodies still entwined. Lourdes mindlessly wrapped Lancelot's hair in her fingers, her thumb tracing his face as she rested her head on his chest. He kissed her forehead lovingly, hands grazing down her back.
"I have no words." Lancelot breathed out huskily, embracing her tightly.
Lourdes completely understood the overwhelming emotions that the knight was feeling. She replied quietly with, "We have no need of them."
t t t
We were drawn from the weeds
We were brave like soldiers
Falling down under the pale moonlight
You were holding to me
Like a someone broken
And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down
Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you forever in me
Ever the same
We would stand in the wind
We were free like water
Flowing down
Under the warmth of the sun
Now it's cold and we're scared
And we've both been shaken
Hey, look at us
Man, this doesn't need to be the end
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down
Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same
You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
t t t
The scent of rotting, burning flesh lingered in the air, enough to elicit a gagging reaction from Lourdes. Piercing cries of pain and anguish ripped through her surroundings, mingled with falling bodies, colliding swords, and frightened horses. She covered her ears at the deafening sound, wavering on her knees, struggling to stand. Her armour and body were covered with blood, dirt and sweat, her aching muscles crying out for her to stop her movement, her own lips crying out as heart-stopping pain shot throughout her body. She fell back down onto the ground, nearly all of her strength drained from her being, feeling faint.
As she blinked with blurred vision, she recognized the silhouette of the figure lying beside her. Using the last ounce of strength in her being, she crawled to Lancelot's side, collapsing upon him. Trembling, she lifted her head to look upon his face, heart constricting at his sight. He lied on the blood-covered ground, motionless, face pale and covered with dirt and blood. The crimson liquid still dripped from the side of his mouth, no breath coming from his body.
"No!" Lourdes cried out in anguish, tears free-falling from her eyes as she shook his lifeless body. "Lancelot! Lancelot, please, wake up!" She wailed, burying her face on the crook of his neck as she gripped his arm. "Lancelot!"
"Lourdes?"
"Lancelot!" Lourdes whimpered lightly, gripping the bedsheets beneath her. Stirring, she closed her eyes even more tightly, her face distorting in anguish as her head shifted on the pillow. "Lancelot, please, open your eyes..."
The knight furrowed his brows, palm rested on the side of her face worriedly as he tried to shake her from her nightmare. "Lourdes, wake up!"
After a few moments, Lourdes' eyes finally flew wide open. She gasped, feeling the tears that streamed from her eyes, breathing heavily as she oriented herself with her surroundings. Recognizing the chamber that she was in, her heart began to beat in its normal pace. The fear evident in her expression slowly faded as she looked up at Lancelot's concerned orbs. Instantly, she embraced him, trembling lightly in his arms.
"Shh." He said quietly, tenderly kissing her forehead and rubbing the sides of her arms. "'Tis alright, love, I'm here. 'Twas only a nightmare."
"Bloody hell." Lourdes cursed lightly as she sobbed, kissing Lancelot lovingly as she ran her fingers gently through his curly locks. She traced his cheeks with trembling fingers as she breathed out shakily, "I thought I lost you."
Lancelot raised a laconic brow mockingly, replying with, "Me, dying, when you are here, in my bed, naked?" Lancelot gave her a smirk as he pulled her closer to him, resting his chin on her head. "Not a chance."
After breathing out a sigh of relief, Lourdes actually laughed at this, thankful that Lancelot was making light of the situation. It was only a nightmare, after all! Now concentrating on the present, Lourdes smiled as she gazed lovingly at her knight. Drawn to his touch and warm body, she entangled her legs with his, pulling the covers above them. Though, their moment of solace was once again interrupted by a light knock on the door.
"Lancelot, are you awake?" came Arthur's muffled call, then pausing to await his best comrade's answer.
"Uh..." Lancelot gave Lourdes a panicked shrug before blurting out mindlessly, "I believe so."
Lourdes groaned inwardly, pushing the knight as she looked at him with bewildered eyes. Lancelot pursed his lips and winced, using his pillow to shield himself from Lourdes' onslaught of shoves and pinches. Just when Lourdes was about to reprimand the knight through clenched teeth, the door began to creak open. In a lightning movement, Lourdes covered herself with the wrinkled bedsheets as Lancelot rolled over and lied on top of her, trying to desperately act as nonchalantly as possible.
As Arthur stepped inside, he perceived Lancelot still in bed, elbow propped up, head on hand. Needless to say, Lourdes was quite uncomfortable underneath the knight, barely able to breathe as he kept still. Her slight movements tickled Lancelot, and the knight did his best to quell his laughter, biting his tongue as he did so.
"Have you prepared for our journey yet, Lancelot?" Arthur questioned lightly. Though, the awareness of something being awry was clearly evident on his countenance, and his cursory glance around the room landed suspiciously upon Lancelot.
"I...um..." Lancelot found it hard to even speak as Lourdes' hair began to tickle his sides. Feeling an ensuing giggle, he finished rather quickly, "No, but I shall soon. I only have -"
It was then that the two knights heard a faint sneeze.
Groaning inwardly at this, Lancelot tried to cover it up, sneezing in a high-pitched manner as he looked upon Arthur and his raised eyebrow. Lancelot explained quickly, circling his hands, "I was in the rain yesternight, you see, and..."
With a tightened jaw and a still raised eyebrow, Arthur stalked to the bedside, crossing his arms. Arthur knew exactly what was transpiring as he studied Lancelot's fidgety and bothered disposition. As Lancelot laughed nervously, Arthur calmly reached for the bedsheet. Though, as his best comrade did this, Lancelot pulled the bedsheet down from his grasp, exclaiming, "Arthur, do not! Unless...you...desire to see me naked!"
"Funny." Rolling his eyes tiredly, Arthur continued to do as he had planned. As he did so, he peered down to see Lourdes, hands covering her beet-red face. Arthur tilted his head to the side as he remarked, "Now...what do we have here?"
A highly embarrassed woman!, Lourdes squealed to herself as she looked up meekly at Arthur through her fingers. Laughing nervously, she managed to squeak, "Good...morrow?"
"I'm sure 'twas a good night for both of you."
"Alright, Arthur, that's enough!" Lancelot cried out exasperatedly, hitting his best comrade with a pillow at hand. "Give me a few moments, and I will be ready!"
Arthur only raised an amused and skeptical eyebrow. "You are sure you will be packing?"
At this poke, Lourdes snatched the pillow from Lancelot's grasp and proceeded to hit Arthur herself. Pointing her finger towards the door, she yelled, "Out, you!"
Raising his face towards the ceiling, Arthur boomed with laughter, clutching his stomach. Shaking his head as his laughter died down, he turned on his heel and began to walk towards the door. Before he could close it, though, a pillow went flying across the room, hitting the knight squarely on the back of the head.
t t t
The eleven knights were gathered upon their horses in the castle courtyard. They conversed with one another in good spirits as Arthur and King Lothair made last minute preparations, speaking with each other in confidence. Knowing that her protests would no longer be heeded, Lourdes, with Akira, began to act co-operatively and made sure that the knights were well equipped for their journey, ensuring that they had their weapons and provisions at hand and tightly fastening the straps of their horses. Lourdes completely ignored Lord Theodore, proceeding only to help and converse with his knights, before finally making her way to Lancelot's side.
"You sure that you have everything you need?" Lourdes inquired, gently petting the side of his black steed.
"No." Lancelot replied quietly, his dark eyes gazing down at her. "I am sure that I do not."
Blushing profusely at his intended meaning, Lourdes bowed her head meekly, unable to keep Lancelot's burning gaze. It pained her to see Lancelot leave once more, the fact that she could not ride with him...
Unless...
Lourdes' thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Arthur's booming voice as he called out, "Knights, ride out!"
Looking up once more at Lancelot with saddened eyes, she saw him smiling down upon her. "Worry not, my love." He gave her a bow, turning his horse around to face the road. "We will see each other again soon."
t t t
A/N: Will Lourdes and Lancelot see each other again? Will Galahad ever return? What will happen to the knights during this mission?
All this and more will be revealed in chapter -counts fingers, then hits head on table for stupidity and just scrolls up to see which chapter this is- ...44!