Chapter eleven! Okay, WOW, I know I haven't updated in SO long and I'm sorry! School is a major time-sucker and I've been swamped with work. Anyway, here's the newest installment and I hope you guys like it (or even better…love it)! It's pretty long so I hope my faithful readers enjoy it! Read and review:)

Previous Chapter:

"Thank you," Fiora said, blushing concurrently. Elimine, can it be true? Kent just spoke to me! Ah, this must be a sign, she squealed silently. Oh, it's a sign alright. It's a sign that you clearly need help, preferably of the psychiatric kind.

"Oh, and Kent?" Fiora said.

"Yes?" Kent answered. Fiora smiled innocently.

"Would you be a dear and go easy on my little sister? She needs all the help she can get."

A Knight Without Her Pegasus

Farina fought back all urges to lunge at Fiora, and trust me, there were a lot of urges. Kent knew that if Farina wasn't intercepted, there was no telling how Fiora would come out of it.

If she did, that is.

"I would think it…uncouth, to hold back on Farina. And nor would I for she is a formidable knight. I doubt that she needs any help at all," Kent said, biting his tongue. He was trying to be polite, you see, though he didn't really believe his last line. What he really wanted to say is that he doubts she won't need any help to best him, but he kept that to himself. What a good cavalier, he is.

Better to stay on Farina's good side, he thought. Wise words, Kent, wise words. Now let's see if you remember that before your showdown with her….

"A noble knight and man, you are," Fiora noted. She smiled sweetly. "A skilled military man such as you can see how much skill she lacks, as well as the weakness in her strikes. Surely, a knight under those categories would need help against you, Kent, right?"

Farina narrowed her eyes and glanced in Kent's direction. Kent could feel beads of sweat forming at his brow. (Remember that there's a blizzard out there, people.)

Kent was between Scylla and Charybdis. He could either admit that yes, Farina would need a great deal of help to beat him, but that would counter his intentions and barricade any chances with her. This would certainly not do. Or, he could lie and say no, that Farina wouldn't need any help. This would be consistent with his earlier remark and would ensure Farina on his side. Yet, it would be lying, but more importantly, it would be admittance that Kent was weaker than Farina. This would also certainly not do.

"Kent, that was cruel of me. I shouldn't have put you in such an awkward spot, how very unladylike of me. My deepest apologies," Fiora said, fluttering her eyelashes. "It doesn't matter anyway, I already know your answer, but don't worry; it'll be our little secret."

Inside, Fiora was thrilled with the notion of having a secret with Kent. It almost gave her a (coughcoughFALSEcoughcough) sense of intimacy with her knight. Fiora was very pleased with herself. Events were falling into place just as she hoped. Kent would fight Farina and Farina would lose, leaving the match down to Fiora and Kent. It'd be perfect. Fiora would make an elaborate speech about how they're so alike and how their meeting must have been written in the stars. Then, Kent would reciprocate her feelings and sweep her off her feet. She'd blush, naturally, and mutter something about how true love conquers all—like evil sisters. Then he'd place them both onto his strong steed and ride off into the glorious sunset…. Ah, she thought. So romantic!

Romantic…or blindly optimistic? Well, for those who know me, I've got my money on the latter…but that's just me.

"Kent, aren't you going to say something?" Farina asked coolly. Kent was wondering how it could be so warm when a blizzard was raging outside.

"Uh…say something?" Kent said. That's right, Kent, stall. Stall like you've never stalled before because if you don't, you may want to arm yourself…and put on lots and lots of armor. As well as keep a horse nearby, just in case.

Fiora was laughing to herself, her eyes glittering. The sensible part of her felt bad for doing this to her sister, yet the boy-crazy-love-blinded-aggressive part of her stomped that sympathy to dust…

…Dust that Fiora would force down Farina's throat in an instant.

"Yes, say something," Farina repeated, her voice holding somewhat of a warning. If her voice didn't hold the warning, her increasingly frequent glances towards her lance should have.

"Like…what?" Kent responded, trying his best to get out of the hole he was in.

"Like what your answer is. My dear sister seems to think she knows you so well, but I do not. So I would like to know your answer, please," Farina said, her voice gentle but her eyes narrowing.

"Um…"

"Everyone come around! It's going to be an interesting competition between Wil, a strong archer from Pherae, Rebecca, an able archeress who also hails from Pherae, and Louise, an experienced archeress and Etrurian countess!" Raine yelled.

Kent breathed a visible and loud sigh of relief. Thank the heavens, he thought.

"Well, let's go see the intermission part of this!" Kent said a little too eagerly. Farina stuck her nose up into the air and joined the gathering crowd without one word. Kent followed her, trying to get away from Fiora's reach.

No such luck.

"Wait for me, Sir Kent!" she cried. Kent waited, years of cavalier manners kicking in. It would be rude to ignore her request, he told himself. I will just have to bide her words until I can get away. Ha, that's funny. Kent thinks he's going to get away—how naïve!

"Certainly," Kent said, hoping she didn't catch the falsity of his voice. She didn't.

"Well, this should be fun, don't you think?" she asked. Kent nodded, devising plans to get away.

"It should be. Wil happens to be a sworn man of Caelin. I remember meeting up about a year ago—" Fiora slapped Kent's shoulder, giggling like a little girl.

"I don't mean that, Sir Kent!" Kent was befuddled. What else could she be referring to?

"Then what do you mean?" Kent asked. Fiora winked suggestively. Ooh, how very, very ladylike, Fiora. Really, your mother would be so proud.

"Oh, I think you know," she replied, turning her head around to watch the games. Before he could inquire further, Raine's voice filled the cave.

"There will be two parts to this mini competition! The first part will test our archers' speed, skill, and strength. Each archer must shoot at each of the five cloth bags that will be thrown in the air, nailing each to the cave's walls. The second part will test skill only; the good old fashioned bulls-eye. There is one drawn towards the left and that will conclude this intermission. So, let's begin! Who would like to go first?" Wil strutted up to the marked line.

"I will!" he called out. Raine nodded. Rath nodded to Wil.

"You're throwing the bags?" Wil asked, astonishment in his voice.

"Yes," he said as he threw the first up into the air. Wil recovered from his surprise and eyed the cloth, his bow lowering as he aimed. He released and nailed it into the cave wall.

"Yeah! Did you see—" Wil's voice was cut short as Rath threw up the next. Wil missed and frowned.

"Hey, I wasn't read—"

Wil starts yapping, bag goes up, Wil misses. You think he'd learn to be quiet and concentrate…right? Last two released and were nailed to the wall by a now focused, and grinning, Wil.

"That isn't too bad! Three out of five, not bad at all," he exclaimed. Rebecca rolled her eyes at Wil's vainglorious shouts. I can so beat that, she thought.

Good job, Wil, Kent thought. Show the other lords what Caelin is made of.

"That Wil guy is pretty good," Farina said, totally forgetting that Kent was with Fiora instead of her. Kent responded anyway, having left Fiora during Wil's turn (his plan worked!).

"Yes, he is," Kent said. Farina was about to say something more until she realized she was supposed to be mad at him. Kent noticed the forced silence and tried to think of something to say.

Nothing came to mind.

"So…what's up?" he asked. Farina glared. Perhaps silence would have been better?

"Are you serious?! Oh, I don't know, maybe my sister is trying to ruin my life again and you're helping her!" she yelled. Kent looked nervously at his comrades who were looking at them oddly.

"Farina, please, keep it down," he said softly. Farina turned around and folded her arms defiantly.

Women (and Sain) will be the death of me, I think, he thought sadly.

"Good job, Wil! Who's next?" Raine asked. Rebecca stepped forward, eyeing Wil as if to say, 'You're going down, buddy.' "Okay, next up, Rebecca!" Raven took the five bags from Raine and nodded to Rebecca.

"Don't let me down, hunter," he said quietly. Rebecca blushed several shades of red while she notched her arrow. Wil looked on peevishly.

What's he got that I don't, huh? So he's got big muscles and nice hair and a cool name…so what? I've got all that too, he thought. Okay, well, muscles aren't all that count! It's not like Raven actually likes Rebecca or anything.

"I'll try not to, Sir Raven!" she squeaked, suddenly embarrassed that she even squeaked. He managed a small smile that lifted the archeress' spirits altogether.

Oh, great! Now he's smiling at her. I'm going to get that guy, Wil thought, crossing his arms across his chest with his not-so-muscular arms. (Sorry, Wil.)

Louise smiled to herself and scanned the crowd for her husband. He was already looking at her and smiling. Perhaps Rebecca and Raven will be as happy as I am with Lord Pent, she thought. Huh, I wonder how happy Wil would be with that arrangement!

The first bag went up slowly, yet Rebecca missed. She felt heat rise into her cheeks and refused to look at Raven. I will make the next mark, I will. I won't let Wil beat me and I won't let Sir Raven see me lose!

Never doubt the strength of will power for Rebecca made the next three marks perfectly, much to Wil's dismay. But, then again, Wil could have been dismayed due to the slight smile on Raven's lips. It was slight, but a smile nonetheless.

"…Can we talk?" Kent asked hesitantly and quietly.

"We can, but I don't want to," Farina said childishly, crossing her arms over her chest. Emphasis on the 'childishly' part.

"What is it I can do that would make you want to talk to me?" Kent replied almost beseechingly. But only 'almost,' knights, especially Kent, do not beg.

Except for Sain, Sain begs. (Doesn't get him anywhere, but he begs.)

"Oh, I don't know…," Farina started sarcastically. "How about you stop helping Fiora ruin my life?" Kent was afraid the conversation might take a nasty turn so he said what had been on his mind for a while.

"…I'm hungry!" he announced. Farina's jaw dropped from sheer incredulousness at his answer. Of all the things on his mind, he talks about his gastric issues. How very charming. How about telling her about—

"You're what?!"

"I'm…uh…" Kent prayed he'd find a way out of this mess. "…in a very big hole," he finished quietly. Not a hole, Kent, chasm—you can get yourself out of a hole. A chasm however…? Not so much.

"Come with me," Kent said as he grasped Farina's hand in his own. Farina felt heat rise into her cheeks as their fingers touched as did Kent. Dear Elimine, he's holding my hand. What should I do? I should act furious, right? Because, you know, it's not like I like him or anything. As if. He'd be lucky if I liked him. But I don't. Really. Uh-huh, sure, okay, Farina. You keep telling yourself that.

Kent had pulled them just far enough away from the crowd to be out of earshot, or so he hoped. He was now faced with a truly decisive dilemma: To let go of Farina's hand, or not to let go of Farina's hand? That is the question!

Farina finally mustered up enough courage to look Kent in the eye and tell him off, but one look dissolved all her plans. Kent, on the other hand, was still deciding on what to do. The situation turned mildly awkward, and the two knights pulled back their hands at the same time.

"What's going on between us?" Kent asked at last. It was the one question Farina was wondering herself and she didn't have an answer. Well, not an answer she liked anyway. Come on, Farina! He's just messing with you. If you look fooled by his nice guy act, he might think there's something more. And that's bad because there isn't more. Really, there isn't.

"What's going on? There isn't anything going on," Farina started coolly. Keep talking otherwise he might sway you with those long eyelashes of his! "You know, Kent, I just don't understand you. For a moment, I thought that you weren't such a bad guy even though you're like the male version of the-very-evil-sister-who-will-not-be-named. I thought we were getting along for a while…. Then she came and messed everything up."

"I don't think she—"

"Don't interrupt me, Kent, let me talk." That's right, Farina, take control of the conversation! "I've always avoided people like you, like her, because I just don't get along with serious types. I feel all cramped and choked around them. But for some weird reason, you're not too bad. I mean, for one, you listen to what I have to say and don't wave it off like it's no big deal. Fiora used to do that all the time. But then, like I said, she came, and then you changed. I'm so serious when I say she's trying to ruin my life." Kent grinned at the winged knight's dramatics.

"I thought you said you didn't like serious types," he responded humorously. Farina blinked until she understood. 'I'm so serious when I say she's trying to ruin my life.' A smile cracked onto her lips.

"See! I knew you weren't completely like her! Otherwise, we'd never have gotten along! She isn't exactly the joking type, that's me," Farina said. Kent relaxed knowing that the brunt of Farina's verbal assault was over. He found himself gazing at Farina and felt heat rising into his cheeks because at long last…

She was looking back.

You know, Kent's way more understanding than Fiora is. And he's cuter. And probably a better knight—wait—make that definitely a better knight. Whoa, what am I saying?! I don't like-like Kent, do I?! I mean, I like him, but do I like-like him? Elimine, spare me the answer! If I like-like him… I can't like-like him. No matter how evil Fiora is, I can't like-like the guy she like-likes. I'm not that cruel, Farina thought.

Or am I? A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Hey, Kent?" The red headed knight nodded almost trance-like at the sound of Farina's voice. Geez, does that boy fall fast.

"When were you born? The month of the pegasus?" Farina asked. Please let it be the month of the pegasus…please let it be the month of the pegasus, she prayed.

"Yes, I believe that is what my mother said," Kent said. Farina sighed contentedly.

"That's what I thought! I was born in the month of the archer so we have, like, zero compatibility! I would shoot you down every time!" she cried.

"…And this is a good thing?" Kent said, trying desperately to hide any emotion in his voice. Aw, poor Kent!

"Well—" Farina stopped, realizing that she didn't want to finish her sentence. This is a good thing, right? I'm totally, one-hundred-percent sure that this is a good thing…? I mean, Fiora likes him. She never has crushes on anyone so I should let her go for it. But…then again…I think I really like Kent. But what if he doesn't like me? It seems like he likes me. I mean, he didn't seem too happy about me being happy about our 'zero compatibility' thing. So maybe that means he likes me! Guys are so confusing…and sisters make them worse, Farina complained mentally. Got to agree with you there, Farina! And anyone else with sisters will agree.

Applaud roared from the crowd yet neither knight felt obliged to look away from each other. It was as if they were in their own little world where sisters didn't exist and cavaliers followed their desires instead of their duties (how blissful Sain would be…). The roar died down to the mere buzz of Raine's voice resounding throughout the cave. Kent, whose ears were naturally attuned to the sound of the tactician, caught her words.

"Ah, Farina, would you like to go back…?" Kent asked, sort of wishing that she would decline. 'Sort of'? I don't think so. He was wishing on every star that she'd decline!

"Oh! Um, uh…do…you…? Want to go back, I mean." Like back to when Fiora wasn't ruining everything? "To the games, that is. We kind of started them…so I guess we should, I don't know, be there? It's up to you though!" She added at the last moment.

"Perhaps, we should," Kent said, regretting his words. "Let's go then." Farina nodded half-heartedly and found her lavender-locked sister, Florina, on the perimeter of the crowd.

"Hey, Florina! How're the games so far?" Farina asked, trying her best to sound like her cheery self. It didn't pass Florina's scrutinizing gaze, Farina could tell, but the younger sister mentioned nothing of it…for now, at least.

"They're good. Isadora won against Lowen and a lot of people are wagering that Dorcas beats Bartre. I do hope Dorcas wins…he is very nice. Bartre…scares me," Florina admitted. "He is very loud." Farina laughed, glad to be in a situation that she could handle. A conversation with her sensitive sister? She could handle that. Battle single-handedly against hundreds of soldiers? She could (or try to) handle that. But have a one-on-one conversation with Kent?

Forget it.

"Ah, so Isadora won? She is quite skilled. Though I do believe Lowen will best her one day. And yes, I agree with you, Florina. Dorcas is a good man," Kent said from behind me. Florina jumped at the sound of his voice.

"O-Oh! Sir K-Kent!" she squeaked. Farina sighed. How Florina will ever get a man is beyond me. She can't even stand being in Kent's company and he's not the most intimidating person you'll ever meet, she thought.

"You don't have to clam up around Kent, Florina. You've known him for a long time and he's a good guy. Of all the guys to be afraid of, he's not one of them," Farina said. She could practically feel Kent smiling at her so she started talking again. "The guy you should be afraid of is that Sain guy. If he ever bothers you, tell me. I'll set him straight!"

"And the winner is Bartre!" Everyone cheered except Raven who just looked plain relieved. Now I won't have to teach the ignorant fool to write, he thought gratefully.

"Hey, Raven! After the matches you're gonna teach me my letters, right?" Bartre hollered from inside the circle. Raven sighed and melted into the crowd, away from Bartre's sight.

"Oh, okay, I'll find ya later then!" Bartre yelled after him. Raine rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, center field is now Matthew and Guy!" she yelled. Guy came forward with Sacaen confidence. He brandished his weapon skillfully and waited for Matthew to appear. "Guy is a Sacaen plains dweller and an experienced swordfighter. Matthew is…uh, well…," Raine paused, unsure of how to describe him. "Where is Matthew anyway?"

"Right here," he said, appearing behind Guy. Startled, Guy turned and faltered backwards, falling onto his back. It is safe to say that the 'Sacaen confidence' was no longer.

"W-What…where'd you come from?" he sputtered. Matthew twirled a sharp dagger between his fingers.

"What do you mean, 'Where'd I come from?'" he said. "We have a match, don't we? Unless, of course, you're backing out." A mischievous glint in his eyes sparkled. Guy jumped to his feet and stared down the not-so-secret spy.

"Never! I said I'd take you on anywhere at anytime and this time's good as any," Guy declared. "You'll never win in a fair fight. I'm going to win." Matthew nodded.

"Yep," he said. Guy's impressive stance drooped.

"What do you mean, 'yep'?" Guy said, growing confused. "Are you saying that you admit I'll win?" Matthew nodded again.

"Yep," he said. Guy grew angrier (and more confused).

"Grrr! Stop saying 'yep'! Fight me already!" Guy cried. Matthew stopped whistling long enough to say:

"Nope." Guy's jaw dropped.

"WHAT?!" he yelled. Matthew took no notice of Guy's practically frothing mouth and continued whistling.

"Matthew! We have a match! This is a tournament! You have to fight!" he yelled. "Now FIGHT me!" The thief yawned.

"I don't feel like it," he replied. Guy's eyes blazed.

"YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT?" he screamed. With a loud grunt, Guy swung his blade at Matthew's head. The thief, who was still whistling, merely ducked.

"Fight back!" Guy said.

"Nope," Matthew said. "You said it yourself, Guy. In a fair fight, I'd lose for sure. So what's the point?" Guy couldn't decide which was worse: losing to Matthew or winning because Matthew didn't feel like fighting.

"You can't quit!" Guy said, growing increasing riled. "You have to fight!"

"But now you win," Matthew said simply. Guy started sputtering random words until he laughed. Farina, Kent, Florina, and the rest of the spectators looked on curiously.

"Hah, I know your games, Matthew!" he cried. "You're just telling me I can win to confuse me, but I know better. I quit first!" The triumphant look on Guy's face dampened when Matthew grinned.

"Well, I guess that means I win," Matthew said, sheathing his dagger.

"What—no—how—you…you tricked me!" Guy shouted. Matthew faked surprise.

"Really? Did I?" he said. "I've no clue what you're talking about, but what matters is that I won. You lost, Guy."

"No, no! Raine, he said he quit first! So I win!" Guy cried. Matthew waved his finger.

"No, no, no, Guy. That's not what I said. I never said, 'I quit.' But you did," he said.

"Sorry, Guy, but Matthew's right. He never said that," Raine said. Leave it to Matthew to figure out a way to win without having to fight, she thought. He's such a sneak. "So…I guess Matthew's the winner!" The thief smirked and disappeared into the crowd.

"What a cheater!" Farina cried. "He didn't even fight!" Kent looked at her.

"Uh, Farina—" Kent started.

"I mean, this is a tournament for warriors," she continued anyway. "How could he just trick him like that? I know he's a thief and all, but still—"

"Will you calm down, little sister," Fiora said. "You're up next." The crowd had gone silent and looked from Fiora to Farina, to Fiora again. Farina's eyes narrowed at the sound of that voice.

"I hope you watch closely," Farina said, "because that's the only thing that might help you in our upcoming match." Fiora smiled.

"Aw, that's so cute. You think I need help." Farina grabbed her lance and swung it expertly. People around her stepped away.

"No, I know you need help," Farina said, "in more ones than one." With that said, she looked to Kent to put some edge in her words. Kent was confused as to why he was suddenly involved. The flames in Fiora's eyes burned dangerously. Raine, as much as she was enjoying the banter between the two sisters, butted in.

"Okay! Time for the last match for today: Farina of the Ilian Stormwings, and Kent, Commander of the Caelin Knights! Please step forward," Raine ordered. The crowd made way for Farina and Kent as if they were royalty. Farina eyed Kent's sword.

"What are you doing?" she asked. Kent stopped practicing his stances to look at his opponent quizzically.

"What do you mean?" he replied, clearly not understanding. She pointed to his sword.

"You know I'm using a lance yet you chose a sword," she stated flatly. "Are you trying to lose? Or wait, are you throwing the competition? Are you using a sword because you know I'll best you with it? I won't win like that! I refuse to!" Farina was shouting by the end of it. Kent smirked.

"I meant what I said earlier, Farina," he said. "I will fight to the best of my ability, as I believe you will. I am simply more skilled with a sword than a lance. That is okay with you, yes? If you find that the situation is unfair, I will switch to a lance." Farina gaped at him. Kent thinks that he has an advantage over me because he's supposedly 'skilled' with a sword?! HAH! Yeah, right. I bet Murphy has more skill with a sword than Kent does, she thought. In fact, I know someone who has some skill with a sword….

"You know, Kent, I'm glad you said that," she said. Farina smiled after seeing confusion flicker in the Crimson Shield's eyes. "I do think the situation's unfair…for you, mind you. May someone pass me a sword?" It was Kent's turn, as well as the entire crowd (including Fiora), to gape.

"What?" Kent sputtered. Farina smiled. She took the sword and took some swings with it. To everyone, including sword wielders, she looked impressive. Fiora was not happy for two main reasons:

1. Kent was impressed with Farina.

2. She was impressed with Farina.

Naturally, the second reason made her the unhappiest.

"You look surprised, Sir Kent," Farina said, enjoying every moment of Kent's confusion and shock. "Is there anything the matter?" Kent's brain was short circuiting. I mean, how in the world could a pegasus knight beat him without a) her pegasus and b) a lance? There would be no way for her to win…right? The odds were against her…right?

"You know how to use a sword," he said, stating the obvious. Farina shrugged, still swinging her sword. She grinned at him.

"I know a thing or two," she said. Even if I lose, which I won't, seeing Kent like this is so worth it. But I won't lose, obviously, she thought confidently, because if I do, I won't be able to kick Fiora's butt. And kicking her butt in front of the entire camp is just too good of an opportunity to pass up!

"Are you sure you want to continue with a sword?" Kent asked. While she looked extraordinary with a sword in her hands, Kent wasn't convinced of her skill with it. He wanted to win, badly too, but he didn't want to win just because she was at a disadvantage—just like how Farina didn't want to win when he was at a disadvantage. Quite similar minds, no?

"Yep, I'm sure," she said, getting into her first stance. "Now if you don't mind, I'd like to get to the actual fighting part. That is, if you can handle it, of course." She grinned, already relishing the moment when their blades would crash.

"Oh, I can handle it," Kent replied. What else was he to say? Besides, he had to admit he was impressed with her weapon diversity. He knew he'd savor the match's every blow. Kent moved into his first stance. The two of them smiled at each other.

"Well, if the two of you are ready," Raine said, "begin!"

With an iron note, their blades met at last.