Hello everyone. sorry i havent updated in a while. I have had finals at school but i am glad to say those are over and i can now update. I hope you like this chapter. Its a little short but i will make up for it in the next one which i hope to have done by tomorrow. Thank you for you patience. I hope you enjoy this chapter and plese R&R thanks so much. Happy holidays everyone.

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"That was an interesting way to begin our stay here." Axel spoke up. Several of the knights that had come with them still remained in their assigned rooms, several unpacking what little they brought. Others, unsure of where to go or what to so remained hidden in the small sanctuaries. Lillian remained silent. Acknowledging his presence as well as Ellaines but did not speak up. The two comrades couldn't help but notice how unlike herself she was at the moment. Once calm, organized, precise in what ever she did now fumbled with her gear and her clothes. Seeming preoccupied more so then they had ever seen.

Taking a different approach Ellaine made her way across the small room to close friend. "You know you really angered Ciaus today. With your actions in the presence of Arthur. He will not be easy on you in the following days."

"Ciaus was never easy on me. Or any of us for that matter." Lillian shot back, bringing her gaze to that of the fair haired woman beside her. "Its just……."trailing off she didn't continue leaving those in the room curious to what she was going to say. Instead she turned her attention back to her unpacking.

"Just what?" Ellaine spoke up, encouraging her to continue. Setting a hand on the womans shoulder she stopped the womans momvements. "Just what?" she asked again, softening her voice as she spoke.

Bringing her blue eyes to hers Ellaine could see the sadness in them. "I was wrong to expect that they would have remained the same wasn't I? It was stupid of me to think that only 5 years in war would not change the boys that I knew." Lillian answered sadly. Taking a seat on the bed.

"Oh Lillian, it wasn't stupid." Ellaine responded taking a seat next to her friend. "It wasn't wrong to think that. We would all like something her that would tie us to our youth. Besides, all in all I believe they all seemed rather nice and remained true to your stories of them. Especially that tall fellow Dagonet. Isnt that right Axel?" Ellaine spoke louder urging Axel to agree and speak up.

"Of course. As a matter of fact they all seemed happy to see you which makes it easier for us." He joked hoping to get a smile out of her. Working ever slightly a grin broke her face.

"Youre right not all of it was disappointing. Dag was here. I knew that Dagonet would welcome me here no matter what. He has always been there for me. I just wish the others were as welcoming. They put on a good front I admit it but I could see it in their eyes." Lillian spoke up as she thought back. She had embraced those she knew when she arrived, they were happy to see her but in the eyes she saw how they felt when the truth of her being there was revealed. Like she was unfamiliar, she was an intruding knight.

"Except for that dark haired fellow." Ellaine intruded upon her thoughts. "I thought it strange that you would embrace the others but refuse him one."

"Lancelot." She half growled remembering the show the young man put on hours before. A knock at the door drew their attention but did not tame her words. Angrily she continued berating the dark haired knight as she went to answer the door. "From what I see Lancelot in an overbearing..drunken…arrogant…. womanizing lout." Her last words fell silent as she opened the door.

"Hope it isn't anyone I know." Although the door still obscured their view her two visitors recognized the voice of the newcomer. Lillian noted the alcohol that was heavy on his breath was now only slightly evident and his voice was no longer harsh. His dark orbs piercing hers.

"Lancelot." She said only slightly startled to see the man there, although more embarrassed at the situation she found herself in. Bad mouthing the man only moments before she wondered if he had heard all.

"Arthur wished me to inform you that dinner shall be served shortly. It is being held in honor of your arrival." He added seeing two beings revealing themselves from behind the door.

Glancing behind Lillian saw what drew the dark knights attention so and sought to rush him off. Just what she needed to do was to have another scene with this man. "Thank you." She answered closing the door slightly so that her comrades became out ofview to theknight before her.Her voice carrying a hint of bitterness towards the man before her she continued. "Is that all?" she asked trying to sound uncaring. "Lord knows there is a woman somewhere that shall be missing your lap." Arching her eyebrow as she spoke enjoying the reaction in the mans expression.

His eyes pierced hers and the sound of her words and defiance grew in him when a thought came to mind.

'Very well, I shall play your game.' He thought before speaking against her. "Sorry dear Lillian,but I am afraid youre not my type." He shot back. A sly grin lit his face as the smug look on hers faded to shock and surprise.

"I would never……….. not in a million years………" Lillian struggled to say after a moments pause as frustration filled her.

"Now, now, no need to be jealous. I am surethere is someone out there for you. Although I would feel sorry for him once you find him." He started to laugh, enjoying the reaction she was giving him.

"You…….you arrogant, pompous ……" she began to say struggling to find the right words to shoot back at him but none came quickly enough.

"You know you're actually kind of cute when you're angry." Lancelot smiled letting his eyes look her over quickly. He had to admit she was not the tomboyish girl they had left behind.

Giving up she slammed the door in the young mans face. "The nerve of that man." She growled leaning back on the door. She heard his footsteps trail off as she leaned her head back.

She saw the smile on her comrades' faces which only drove her frustration with Lancelot.

"Well he may not be the brightest but you have to admit hes not bad looking." Ellaine spoke up.

"Ellaine!" Lillian shouted surprised at the womans forthrightness. Standing upright she walked to finish her unpacking.

"Come on likeyou havent noticed him. Hes not bad to look at, fairly attractiveif I say so myself. Not a bad body either from what i could tell." Ellaine said teasing the dark haired woman. "That is when he's not busy with another woman." In the corner Axel sifted slighty, apparently uncomfortable with the topic of discussion.

"Please." Lillian half answered rolling her eyes at the woman as she spoke.

"I dont see you denying it." Ellaine whispered in her ear causing her companion to pause. "Come on Axel. Let us go prepare for supper." Ellaine said aloud stepping away from the dark haired woman. A smile still evident on her face. "See you later Lillian." she called closing the door behind her.