A/N: Uh oh. I'm losing my inspiration to write, you guys! This always happens to me whenever I try to finish a story, which partly explains why I can never finish one! ARGH. I'm so frustrated! Music is somewhat helping me to continue, but I think the fact that I just want everything in this story to be perfect is killing my motivation to write. -sigh- I'll keep trying to write, though, so never fear! Enjoy this next chapter, and thank you sooo much for sticking with this story!

jenny DEAREST.: Thank you for your lovely comment! I could only imagine what would've happened if I did kill Lancelot off. Lourdes/Galahad romance forever? Irate readers? Possibly. lol I only wish that I could elaborate more on Tristan and Akira's relationship, but my "elaboration" would only make this epic even longer! But I do admire Galahad. The guy's just been through SO much, hasn't he? Even I hope that Lourdes will stop crying soon -- and that both of her knights will make it! She doesn't need any more pain, that's for sure. Awesome summary again, my friend! I'm glad this story makes you feel better -- it makes me feel better, since I pulled a back muscle and it hurts like hell:C But I love yah, and I hope you enjoy this next one! I think you will! - wink-

Kalanie: Got your message! haha But yes, I didn't have it in me to kill off Lancelot. I mean, we already got that in the movie, right:C But hey, I'm proud that I got you hooked! Glad you didn't get a heart attack! And alright, your vote is still for Lancelot. Let's hope he pulls through, eh? But hey, ramble on! I love hearing what you think! Plus, now you've got me smiling because I made your boring day at school...not boring! Toodles!

girllyingbythesea901: Why thank you, my lovely! Don't you agree that the story from chapters 15 onwards have gotten better and better? I was reading through chapters 1 - 14, and I was like, damn...did I write this? Needless to say, I wasn't too happy with it...but a LOT of writing helped me get better, and voila! Hope you enjoy this next chapter!

DeathDealer210912: Oh yeah, that was definitely inspired/ripped from Lord of the Rings! I didn't want to rip it off too much and have Lancelot give this "grand entrance" for his return, so, the knights found him unconscious instead:P A little more realistic after a ghastly fall from a cliff, don't you think? Enjoy this next one!

SorielDegamba: I'm ecstatic and sad at the same time because I made you cry! -poke- I'm affecting your feelings, yaye! And yeah, after seeing KA again, I didn't have the heart to kill of our Lancey! But I'm a sap as well, so no worries! There's so much drama in this story, it affects me, too! And yeah for the knights! When I first started to write this "love triangle romance", it was hard to choose which two knights to feature -- so, I chose the two that looked quite similar yet had opposite personalities! Also, I am in celebrity love with Hugh Dancy! And hey, it's turning out well, don't you think? -wink- And Bors -- what would I do without him! Here's another update! I'll try to update asap, but with school and lack of inspiration at times, it's proving to be quite difficult! But hey, enjoy this one! I hope I won't be attacked by rotten fruit and tomatoes yet! -hugs-

Withered Lover: Yaye! No more pain for Galahad! -hugs Galahad- There, there, sweetums, you'll be alright! Hopefully things will get better -- and that Galahad will stop being bloody and Lancelot will dry up! lmao! Here's another one, my lovely! Enjoy!

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CHAPTER 50

The swift journey back to Kenji was solemn, for many Sarmatian knights had lost their lives in the battlefield and thereafter of their wounds. All of the 30 knights that had survived, along with Lourdes and Akira, were in mourning, and most were still unnerved by the experience, finding comfort in each other and, for some, in ale. Lord Theodore was nowhere to be found, so, presumed dead, Bedivere, Gareth, Kay and Percival pledged their services to Arthur, now their new commander. As it happened, many of the other Sarmatian knights looked to Arthur as though he was truly their leader, for his strong sense of order, civility and, most of all, compassion, had endeared him to many of the men.

Lourdes and Akira stayed in the wagon where Galahad and Lancelot slept rather peacefully, the two knights not waking from their slumber for many days. Becoming more and more worried for their health and its stability, Lourdes tried repeatedly each day to wake both of them, knowing that if they didn't die from their current wounds, they would die of starvation if they didn't wake to intake some form of nourishment. Her attempts to wake them and make them drink, though, were to no avail. So, she and Akira did their best to take care of their wounds, making sure that they would not become infected and that the knights would not experience an ensuing fever.

On the fifth night, Lourdes woke up alertly to the sound of low moaning. Her ears immediately perking up, she quickly oriented herself with her surroundings and saw that Galahad had woken up, his eyes closing tightly as pain rushed through his body. Moving to his side, she placed her hand upon his forehead, brushing some of the tendrils away from his face. As the young knight twisted his head, he perceived Lourdes' concerned, and yet, relieved eyes, peering down intently upon him. He groaned once more, and, rather unexpectedly, said in a hoarse voice, "Bloody hell, I'm dead."

"W-what?" Lourdes questioned in utter puzzlement, eyebrows furrowing as she placed her palm on the side of his neck. "Galahad, you're not..."

In response, he placed a weak hand on the side of her face, a smile then pulling upon his lips as his emerald eyes twinkled with mirth. "I think I am in what those Romans call 'heaven'."

Lourdes had to bite her lip in order to stifle a laugh. She was thankful, though, that Galahad had momentarily distracted her from the negative feelings that had been plaguing her throughout the journey home. As Galahad sat up with gritted teeth, he rested his back on the side of the wagon, quietly observing her as she procured some bread and water for him. Before he could take the nourishment from her outstretched hand, he exclaimed, "By all the odds...Lancelot!"

Shifting his body to Lancelot's side, he looked upon his comrade incredulously, placing his hand upon the sleeping knight's forehead, then his fingers upon his neck. Observing him for another few moments, Galahad breathed out a sigh of relief as he sat back slowly, running his fingers through his curly locks. "He will be alright."

Finding comfort in Galahad's words, Lourdes moved to his side, placing in his hands the bread and water. Wolfing down the nourishment, Galahad twisted his head to observe Lourdes, whose head began to repeatedly bob up and down as she tried to keep her eyes open. Slightly smiling at this, Galahad carefully moved to her side, taking the blanket that he was sitting upon and wrapping it around her cold body. Placing his fingers upon her chin, he tilted her head up, his green eyes looking into her brown orbs alternately.

"Sleep." He instructed tenderly, moving to her side so that she would have room to lie down in front of him. He gave her a small smile. "Worry not. I will watch over Lancelot."

With a thankful nod, Lourdes placed a hand upon Galahad's cheek, so filled with relief that he had become better. Taking her hand in his, the young knight gave lingering kisses upon it, closing his eyes as he reveled in her touch. At that moment, Lourdes felt a sudden urge to kiss him, overwhelmed by the care and affection that he displayed and the fact that he was there, alive, before her. She slowly moved her face closer to his, her lips almost hovering upon his as he opened his eyes once more. As if frozen on the spot, Lourdes stayed still, her heart beating in an erratic manner as he continued to lovingly look upon her. Seeing Lancelot's sleeping form to her right, she gradually moved her face away from Galahad's and only managed to breathed out, "I am glad that you are better."

Running his fingers through her hair once more, Galahad only nodded his head towards the makeshift bed in a motion for her to sleep. Silently, she crawled underneath the pile of blankets and took her place beside Lancelot. Wrapping an arm around his waist, she closed her eyes and instantly drifted off into sleep.

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During the journey home, Lourdes, Galahad and Akira took turns watching over the convalescing Lancelot. Galahad had informed Lourdes that only a few moments after she had fallen asleep, Lancelot had awoken just long enough for him to intake some nourishment, then promptly fell asleep once more, still fatigued from his injuries. It was evident that the valiant knight was fighting with all of his might to quell an ensuing fever, and so far, he had been successful. As the days passed by, his festering wounds were beginning to heal, and so, the likelihood of infection rightly diminished. Lourdes was highly thankful for this, and even moreso thankful to Galahad and Akira for looking after Lancelot when fatigue had taken over her.

On the seventh day, the travellers finally caught sight of Kenji. Its teetering buildings and clusters of homes around the circumference of the curtain wall were definitely a sight for sore eyes. A resounding cry erupted from the group, for by this time, they were all highly fatigued, aching and weary from their injuries and travels. As they journeyed closer towards the main castle, Lourdes suddenly felt a sense of dread, a lump immediately forming in her throat. A tint of fear even coursed through her veins as she realized whom she would have to face and the repercussions thereafter for her rash actions. The lump in her throat only increased when she beheld her father and brother stalk down the long castle stairs in large, determined steps, with identical upset expressions plastered on their countenances. Immediately hiding back inside the wagon, she hugged her legs tightly and placed her chin upon her knees nervously. Galahad and Akira glanced at each other in puzzlement at her actions, then turned their concerned gazes on Lourdes.

"I might as well have died on that battlefield." Lourdes muttered under her breath, groaning as she buried her face into her knees. "For in a few moments, I will suffer the wrath of two angry Shinodian men," Her wary gaze landed upon Akira and Galahad as she commented sincerely, "and I do believe that these two Shinodian men will always bring me more fright than 100 rebel Shinodians combined!"

Not knowing whether to laugh or comfort her, Akira and Galahad both opened their mouths to utter a response. Though, they never had a chance to utter anything, for almost instantly, all in their vicinity heard a booming voice roar,

"Lourdes, get out of that wagon this instant!"

"Bloody hell," Lourdes hissed to herself, eyes looking up towards the roof of the wagon, then slowly turning to her left side. Almost instantly, she saw Lothair and Lucas, standing beside one another, both with their arms crossed. She almost smiled in good humour at the fact that they looked quite identical, though hastily reminded herself to where their current upset was directed. Swallowing, she gingerly jumped out of the wagon, biting her lip as she looked upon both of them alternately. Before they could begin their ensuing admonishment, she twisted her head quickly towards Akira and Galahad and instructed, "Take Lancelot to one of the castle chambers. I shant be long."

Upon hearing this, Lucas scoffed, inclining his head towards her as he retorted, "We'll see about that."

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"That was foolish, rash..."

"Stupid?" Lourdes added in a monotone voice, sinking in her chair as she placed her chin in her palm.

Lucas lifted his arm and pointed a steady finger at her as he continued, "Stupid, daft..."

Lourdes yawned, rolling her eyes, "I understand, Lucas."

"That is enough."

Lothair's stern voice instantaneously shattered the bickering between his children. It was the first time that the king had spoken ever since they began to convene in his chambers -- and this, quite frankly, made Lourdes even more nervous. Taking one last look out of his chamber window, he steadily stalked to Lourdes' side, hands locked firmly behind his back. As per usual, his face was expertly masked, his anger and relief hidden well as his piercing brown eyes looked upon his daughter in an inscrutable manner. Lourdes slowly met his eyes, her winced expression half of defiance and half of dread. As Lothair placed his hands on the arms of Lourdes' chair, she slightly cowered back, finally unnerved by his expression. Lothair began, "Do you know what you have put Lucas and me through? Hmm?" When she couldn't squeak out even a weak reply, he continued, "Do you know how many men we have sent in order to find you, how Lucas has been searching for you ever since we found out that you were missing?" His voice continually rose, his face contorting even more as his anger rose. "Do you know how many nights of sleep the two of us have lost because of your sudden disappearance, your foolish actions?"

"I am sorry father, brother, for not letting you know of my whereabouts and causing you much anxiety. I truly am." Lourdes then stood, walking in between the two men, head slightly bowed as she clutched her hands tightly in front of her. "But you both know, as well as I do, that you two would never have let me follow them! You two would have -"

"And why do you think that is, Lourdes?" Lucas then snapped, walking in front of her as he tilted his head angrily to the side. "Did you even think about the consequences of your actions? The danger that you put yourself and Akira through? Hmm?" The irate Shinodian prince threw his arms angrily in the air, shaking. "And look what happened! You were almost killed by rebel Shinodians, Lourdes!"

"You knew that a rebel Shinodian attack was a possibility, and yet you sent those Sarmatian knights on this mission!" Lourdes screamed in a like manner, stepping face to face with Lucas. She then twisted her head fiercely to face her father, spitting, "What makes my life any more valuable than those valiant knights? Tell me. Just because I am royalty and they are not, their lives can be easily played with, can be easily risked? With a flick of your wrist, you send them off to fulfill this mission, conscience nothing but clean? Why does rank or the type of blood that courses through one's veins determine the value of life?"

At her outburst, Lothair closed his eyes briefly, recollecting his escaping emotions. "Lourdes, you know that is not the reason." He replied rather calmly, placing his fingers upon his temples. "They are knights, and this is their duty in life. You are a princess of Shino -- and even if you are knowledgeable in the art of war, you do not know how to defend yourself as well as these knights. War is their life, Lourdes, and they have done this for many years. You do not have that type of experience."

Lourdes crossed her arms as she shook her head belligerently, still unconvinced by her father's reasonings. "This isn't only about my safety, is it?" She raised an eyebrow, saying tight-lipped, "It is about Lancelot." The two men tensed, sharing a look before gazing back at her. Lourdes scoffed. "I want both of you to think very hard about why I did what I did. Think about the person that you love. It does not matter if you know how to fight, if you are injured, sick or dying. If you were able, wouldn't you follow them at all costs? Wouldn't you want to be by their side, hoping that in some way or another, you could protect them from danger? Could you honestly sleep at night knowing that your loved one was in harm's way?"

Lucas squinted his eyes at these barrage of questions, almost as if in hurt. "You think so much of him, and yet you do not think about us? About how we would feel when we realized that you were gone?"

"And did you think about my feelings?" Lourdes retorted in kind, scoffing. "No. You both thought about a bloody law instead of me. You both desired to tear us apart, having no care about my wishes and my feelings!" She shook her head, quelling the tears that were forming in her eyes. "What makes what I did any different from what both of you did?"

Without waiting for an answer from either of them, Lourdes instantly turned on her heel and exited the room, slamming the door forcefully behind her.

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Lourdes seethed with so much anger that she couldn't even think of an outlet for it. How could her father and brother be so insensitive, so backward in their thinking? Though she could understand and appreciate their concern for her well-being, she couldn't fathom why they desired to make her unhappy, when they both knew that she wanted to be with Lancelot. Lancelot was an honourable knight, a good man -- of that, she was certain. And yet, because of the blood that was running through her veins, she was not permitted to be with him? Laws should not be enchaining, but liberating and should encourage advancement. If the people of Kenji -- and Shinodians as a whole -- could not see the folly in this law, then what kind of a civilization are they? How was she expected to lead such a people when they are the ones that chain her to unhappiness?

As Lourdes stomped angrily through the corridors, she unexpectedly bumped into a figure as she hastily turned the corner. Looking up in apology, she beheld Galahad, his countenance a mixture of wonder and confusion. Raising a questioning eyebrow at him, Lourdes asked slowly, "Are you alright?"

The young knight winced, scratching his head sheepishly. "I seem to be lost."

Actually finding herself giggling at this, Lourdes crossed her arms. "And where exactly did you want to go?"

"Outside. Just...anywhere outside!"

Placing her hands over her face as she heard his alarmed tone, Lourdes laughed even louder, the previous confrontation with her father and brother thankfully being pushed to the back of her mind. Smiling upwards at Galahad, she took his hand gently in hers. "Come."

As they languidly strolled throughout the castle and walked towards the courtyard, Lourdes pointed at and motioned around their surroundings, telling Galahad of Shino's history, of Kenji's wonders and describing to him the Shinodian works of art and way of life. Galahad was awestruck by the majesty of...well, everything. He found almost everything that was Shinodian beautiful, instantly having much respect for their culture and way of life. His breath was taken at their modes of construction, the style of their dress and the utter sophistication of their lifestyle. Galahad felt proud, then, that Lourdes was heir to all of this, also thankful that she had found her family.

As the two reached the courtyard, Galahad's interest was once again piqued by the practicing Shinodian warriors. Worrying about the condition of his leg, Lourdes beckoned for him to join her on a stone bench that overlooked the courtyard. For many moments, they sat in silence, just breathing in the crisp, morning air and surveying the warriors as they went about their daily training and morning routines.

"Is that what you have to endure daily?" Galahad questioned breathlessly as he glanced at Lourdes in incredulity.

"At first, yes." Lourdes twisted her head to face the young knight, then gave him a sly smile. "But after a while, I learned to wield my authority properly, so it became every two days, then eventually three."

After pausing for a few moments, the two simultaneously burst out laughing, holding their stomachs as their laughter increased in intensity. As they eventually regained their composure, Galahad poked, "So with all this practice and training, do you think that you can defeat me in a sparring competition?"

Lourdes inclined her chin proudly, no doubt evident in her features. "Definitely."

"Is that right?" Galahad gave her a sly smile, then leaned his face closer to hers as he pursed his lips into a thin line. He stated playfully, "Because I am almost fully healed, so we can definitely place that to the test quite soon, milady."

"Dear sir, I would not want to hurt your pride." Lourdes gave him a masterfully executed pout, then slapped him hard on his injured leg. "On second thought, maybe I do!"

As Galahad groaned in pain, Lourdes gave out a laugh, instantly running away from the young knight. Hearing his heavy footsteps as he painfully chased her to the fields around the castle, Lourdes squealed, periodically looking back at the limping knight. Though, she cried out in fear as she beheld him steadily gaining on her, his limp progressively disappearing as the chase continued. Then, after a few moments, she heard a loud thud behind her.

Swirling in alarm, she found Galahad lying motionless on the ground, the blades of grass surrounding his body.

Scurrying to his side in panic, she skidded to a stop beside him on her knees, assessing his condition as she placed her hands upon his chest. Shaking him lightly, she called out to him repeatedly, looking for any response on his countenance. Her dread increased when he did not respond, his body remaining limp as his eyes were lightly closed. As Lourdes looked around in alarm, she was about to call out for help when suddenly, Galahad rose, taking the sides of her arms as he yelled,

"Grrr!"

Giving out a shriek, Lourdes fell back on her bottom, eyes as wide as saucers as she watched Galahad sit up, nonchalantly brushing the blades of grass from his body as he shook them childishly from his hair. He then turned his head towards her, grinning impishly as he awaited her response.

"You bloody ass!" Lourdes threw a pebble in his general direction, hitting him square in the forehead. "You bloody scared me!"

"My, what a foul mouth you certainly have." Galahad commented as he winced, rubbing his 'injury' lightly. "Well, I for one thought it was rather funny." His wince then turned into a smile as he pointed a finger at her. "You should have seen your face! You looked as though you saw Bors naked or something!"

Squealing in annoyance, she lunged at the young knight, repeatedly slapping his arms and back as he boomed with laughter. She shrieked, "You will pay for that!"

"Will I?" Galahad questioned amusedly with a raised eyebrow. He wagged a finger at her nose. "May I remind you, princess, that I was the one chasing you?"

At this point, Lourdes immediately halted her onslaught on Galahad, stunned for a moment. Almost instantly, she tried to stand up and run from the young knight. Though, she did not get far, for he encircled his arms around her waist, pulling her back towards him instantly.

"You cannot get away from me that easily, Lourdes!" he chuckled with mirth as he pinned her down onto the ground. He proclaimed heartily, "Revenge is mine!"

Without warning, Galahad began to tickle her sides mercilessly. Lourdes uncontrollably cried out, tearing with laughter as the simultaneously uncomfortable yet pleasant feeling coursed throughout her entire body. As she kicked, she tried to push the knight from her form, yet he continued, his attack unyielding. Lourdes had to continuously gasp for breath, and through her giggles, repeatedly called for Galahad to stop. Finally showing her an ounce of mercy, Galahad halted his assault, resting his arms on the ground on either side of her waist. As he beamed her a triumphant smile, Lourdes caught her breath, and through gritted teeth, she breathed out, "Oh, that is it!"

Taking Galahad by surprise, Lourdes pushed at his chest and instantly pinned him onto the ground. Holding him there with her elbow, she began to tickle the young knight in return, causing him to burst out into hoards of laughter. "Bloody hell!" he cried through laboured gasps, his head snapping from side to side as she returned the favour in kind. He choked out, "I...can't...breathe!"

Finally halting, Lourdes rested her elbows on Galahad's chest, placing her chin upon her hands as she grinned triumphantly at him. The young knight only groaned at this, rolling his eyes as he placed his head upon the ground with a light thud, breathless. Lourdes poked his side repeatedly. "Do you not agree that I deserve a reward for this?" she joked, peering down victoriously upon him. "I brought down a knight of the Round Table with a barrage of tickles." She shook her head, jokingly brushing her shoulders and arms. "Now that is skill indeed!"

At this, Galahad playfully pinched her nose, which she promptly wrinkled, as he laid back down comfortably on the grass. Lourdes slowly rested her head upon his chest, sighing as she looked up at the clear blue sky. Their bodies were now perpendicular to one another as they gazed up at the heavens, finding solace and peace in their surroundings. In this tranquillity, Galahad rested his hands behind the back of his head as Lourdes twisted her head to face him.

"Remember how we always used to do this all those months ago, Galahad?" Lourdes vocally reminisced, her eyes twinkling with mirth at the happy memory, "Even though the Saxons were always on our tails, we would find such comfort in just lying in the snow-covered fields, looking up at the sky, feeling the snowflakes fall and melt on our faces."

"I remember." Galahad replied quietly. As he turned his head to look at her, a smile pulled upon his lips. "How could I forget? My arse froze every single time we did it!"

Lourdes sputtered laughing at his contorted expression. Her countenance became neutral, though, when Galahad lifted his hand and began to brush her cheek mindlessly with the back of his fingers. His touch and the feeling that it gave to her rightly frightened her, for at that moment, she felt so comforted, consoled and at peace. Galahad, on the other hand, was desperately trying to fight the reckless feelings that collided within him, his turbulent emotions masked by his gentle touch. He wanted her, by the Roman God, he wanted her with all of his being, with all of his heart. She brought to his life simultaneous chaos and peace, and yet, he welcomed these feelings with open arms and wished that they would never end. Deep down in his heart, he knew that she felt something for him, and yet, he also reminded himself that there was only one thing -- one person -- holding her back from freely giving herself to him. He thought back to what Lancelot had said almost a fortnight prior: Lourdes needed to choose. And in doing so, he felt that she needed to do it freely, without pressure nor force.

Unexpectedly, the young knight stood up, eliciting a puzzled look from Lourdes. With no trace of mirth on his features, he breathed out, "You should see to Lancelot. He may be awake right now and may need some nourishment." He paused, turning his gaze away from her. "I would think that he would want to see you as well."

Not knowing how exactly to respond to this, Lourdes took Galahad's outstretched hand gingerly as he helped her stand up. She could only blink and eye him once more before she nodded in agreement. "I will."

Without another word being exchanged between the two, they walked back towards the castle, the lingering silence accompanying them.

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A/N: Careful, Galahad, there are many Lancelot lovers reading!