Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A cool breeze wrapped around her as she stood on the shore watching the water crash
against it. Her serenity was interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind her, she
turned and her lifelong friend Kyla stood before her. Her red hair shined in the
moonlight in the deep midnight blue dress of velvet that hugged her adoringly.

"Viviane calls for us" She gave her reason for the intrusion to her peace.

She nodded picking up her red gown to walk over the grass easier. Her blonde tresses
were clasped back but strays still played in the wind. Kyla followed as they made their
way to the Lady's sleeping quarters.
They walked in and the warmth of the fire flushed their creamy complexions quickly.

  The Lady of the Lake sat at the table full of food. She gestured for them to take a seat.
They did and as they did they noticed another occupant of the room. It brought a smile
to their lips as their eyes laid on Merlin. He bowed his head slightly to the daughters
of Avalon.

"Rome is receding from Briton. Saxons are coming" Merlin began pointedly. The two
girls eyes widened in shock.
"Arthur will need us…..you" Viviane said looking at Lourdes.
Lourdes snapped her gaze to her and her eyes narrowed slightly. "Arthur will return to
his precious Rome."
"His faith in Rome his dwindling. He will not return. He will fight for Briton, he will
lead Briton." Viviane informed.

"I owe nothing to him; we have chosen our destinies. I have not seen him for eight
years," She looked at Merlin." I have kept my oath. I have never raised my blade to
Arthur or his knights. Neither has Kyla. I swore him that"
"They are like brothers to us, that is why" Kyla said gently placing a hand on her arm.
"You have something to go back for I do not. My brother wants no part of me and I
want no part of him." She stood abruptly and walked to the window folding her arms.
As if trying to hold on the pain of those memories.
"The knights will be free, what if they leave? Will you let him die?" Kyla bantered.
Lourdes sighed." They deserve their freedom, let them go. My speed bless them."

"Those men love you like blood, have missed you dearly." Viviane interjected.

"Like I have said, he will not join us." She looked at Viviane, an anguish in her at the
thought of seeing her brother again.
"You are a stony woman, Kyla narrowed her eyes. You think I do not know what part
of your reasons were for running to Avalon."

Lourdes whirled at her. "Dare you, She advanced on her quickly. Ever you speak of
that again, may you pray the goddess gets you before I do." The three occupants reared
back slightly at her rage.

Kyla looked at her the fear and pain in her eyes. Lourdes met her gaze her mind
working quickly to take it all in. "Arthur can rule Briton, he can unite the peoples of
this land and defeat the Saxon."
Lourdes looked up at him she closed her eyes for a second then reopened them.
"When do the knights leave?"

"Two days the Bishops carriage arrives," Viviane answered.
Lourdes looked at Kyla and smiled touching her cheek. "Let Kyla go with a few of
our guard, not that we need them. We are the Raven Warriors. She can see them
before they leave. I will go to Arthur the day after they leave for their homes." She
then turned for the door as Merlin and Viviane nodded in agreement.
Kyla wasn't satisfied. "You won't come say goodbye." Her brow furrowed as she
stood to follow.

Lourdes stopped at the door. "You know why I left why would I go back now." Her
tone was vile and clipped. The animosity had set in years ago. All she lived for was
her ways, her darkness, her will to fight. She gave a rue smile then walked out.

Chapter Text

The legendry knights filtered in gleefully to the roundtable. The bishop was to rest then they would receive their papers. Tomorrow they would leave for Sarmatia. They would be going home. Their ale was brought, and they began to chatter happily.

Jols was at the entrance to the housing dealing with the horses. As he made his way to the stable three riders strode in. Jols looked up, his eyes widened, and a smile broke across his face. “Well, I’ll be…. Kyla”

She dismounted her hoarse wearing a huge grin and hugged Jols. “I had to come say goodbye before they left.” “Come, come, they are in the hall.” He grabbed her hands and pulled her quickly in towards the hall as her two guards tended to the horses. The knights were in a chuckle when the door opened and Jols appeared. He had a joyous grin. “Arthur, we have a guest.” Arthur looked at the knights and then back at Jols “Show them in” He stood as the knights followed suit.

Kyla appeared in the doorway and walked in and couldn’t help but smile at seeing the knights. They all looked shocked at her as she walked farther into the room. “Kyla” Arthur spoke as if to make it real. He hesitated and beckoned her with open arms. She went to him quickly hugging him.

“Well, I’ll be….” Dagonet went and hugged her as she released Arthur. The knights smiled at seeing their friend again. Seven years they had spent together; it had been too long since they last saw the two girls. Galahad followed Dagonet and kissed her hands with a smile.

“We haven’t seen you in so long” Lancelot said.

“Since the day we left” She walked over to him. He pulled her into a strong hug and kissed her cheek.

Finally, her gaze met Tristan’s. He walked up to her and held her face “Avalon has treated you well” Then gave a sideways smile before crushing her tight. “I have missed you my friend” She whispered to him. Tristan moved his head closer in response, pressing her closer. When she pulled away, she looked at Arthur, he looked at the door expectantly. As Bors spoke to her “Come here and give Bors a proper welcoming” She laughed, and he grunted as he hoisted her up in a bear hug. The others laughed then noticed what Arthur did.

No one else was joining her but her guards who stood silently in the corner. She looked sadly at Arthur as she went to him. He put her hands in his, looking at her with such hope in his eyes it broke her heart. “Lourdes?” He asked. She sighed, looking at the floor, closing her eyes and answered with a shake of her head. He grasped her desperately. “She is alright?” He questioned. Kyla looked up quickly. “Perfectly, she is in good health.” She saw the occupants relax visibly.

“Where is she?” Bors asked. “In Avalon”

“Why did she not come?” Gawain asked, as Dagonet brought a cup of wine to her.

“She did not think she would be welcomed. So, she bid me to come because I wanted to see you before you journeyed home” She drank her wine thankfully for the conversation was going to soon turn possibly ugly.

“Not welcomed?” Lancelot rebuffed and she turned to look at him.

“Things were not well between her and Arthur when she left. She knows your loyalty to him. She did not want tension between you in your last day here.” Her answers must tread lightly. Lancelot saw a look in Kyla’s eyes though. Something that she wasn’t saying, maybe couldn’t say.

“She did not wish to see me you mean” At Arthur’s words Kyla turned to him. She grabbed his arms desperately. “No, she does, she longs for her brother. She wished to see you so badly; she almost went to your battles to see you. She misses you so, all of – you” Her words hesitated when she looked at Lancelot.

“Send word then tell her to come” Dagonet spoke suddenly, Arthur looked at her hopefully.

“It would not reach her in time, she has probably left already” Kyla closed her eyes suddenly at her revelation. This was going to get ugly for certain now.

“Left where?” Galahad asked. Kyla sighed heavily

“She is coming the day after tomorrow to see you Arthur, after you knights left.”

“AFTER?! We left?” Tristan’s voice cut in curiously. Kyla nodded.

“What aren’t you telling us?” Bors leaned on the table looking at her. Kyla had to think quickly, she dared not tell the truth.

“She did not want the tension; she does not know if Arthur would refuse to see her, she did not want to chance all the men she loves as brothers denying her. It would be too much. She loves you all too much to lose you all over again.”

“Yeah, love the opportunity to put a bow in Lancelot’s arse before he leaves” Bors laughed. The knights chuckled, even Lancelot. Their fiery game of cutting words was always fun to watch. They did not get along well.

“Then we will wait another day to see her, at least I will” Gawain held his glass in salute, as did the others. “I say I will as well” Dagonet joined.

“She owes me a dance” Bors raised his glass.

Tristan raised his “You have no rhythm.”

“I got twelve kids!” Bors yelled at him.

“Eleven” Galahad corrected as the room laughed. Lancelot raised his glass.

“I shall wait as well, wouldn’t deny her the opportunity of a final quarrel with me” Kyla smiled sadly. Lourdes was trying to avoid this; she made a mess of it.

Chapter Text

A blanket of white whipped around her as she waited in the road. She watched as she heard hooves beat the snow. All she saw was the eyes of the stallion as he blended blank against his white surroundings and the rider all black looking like a death-crone. Her blonde hair was tamed by beads and a few braids. Her dark gown made her pale skin to look like the stallion blending with her surroundings. The midnight blue gown hugged her, sealing some warmth that her black hooded cloak wrapped around her shoulders provided. The glint of the gold chain like belt rested on her waist the extra lay in the folds of her skirt. She turned her head up to look at the rider as he reared his hoarse to a stop.

“They are headed for the lake we crossed this morning. Most of the troops are still in that area. The Saxons are close behind them” he told her.

She nodded and turned to the trees and beckoned her horse. The black steed trotted to her obediently. She climbed into the saddle. “Let’s watch them from the lake. If I know Arthur, he’ll fight at some point. They will need our help to get those people to safety.”

Her scout nodded and began to lead the way. She followed backtracking towards the lake.

From their watch point in the rocky hills surrounding the lake she saw the caravan begin to cross. She watched the knight’s converse as the drums were heard in the distance. She sighed “Take troops and position them where the Saxons will come in and be ready at my command.” The woman next to her clad in the black Pict paint and design nodded with her dagger in her teeth and crawled over rocks to reach the others. Lourdes made her way over the rocks to place herself behind the Knights as the Caravan began to make its way off the lake to safety. She saw Kyla between Tristan and Lancelot. She eyed the other woman next to Lancelot between him and Arthur. She saw the Saxons make their way onto the lake as she walked closer still unknown to be behind them. She neared and heard Lancelot speaking to the woman.

“Many a lonely men over there” Still the same old Lancelot.

The woman eyed him then replied, “Don’t worry I won’t let them rape you.”

Finally, she was close enough to them. “Personally, I would” The nine companions turned to the feminine voice. Seeing her advance on them she held her dress up slightly to walk her hood pulled up. She stopped and the hood turned towards Arthur. “Once again Arthur I will have to save your arse like when we were kids, she pulled her hood back. The knights smiled while still eyeing the Saxons. Cause like always you never choose your battles wisely.” They were speechless at seeing her.

She turned to Kyla “Kyla call them” She looked at her and Kyla let a grin spread across her lips. Kyla shouldered her bow for a second cupping her hands and a low whistle was heard followed by a high pitched one.

“Lourdes” Was all Arthur got out looking back at the Saxons. Kyla slipped off her cloak as Lourdes did the same. Lourdes started out across the ice.

“What are – Lourdes!” Arthur called.

“You don’t have a weapon!” Bors added.

“Yes, I do” was all the reply she gave.

They watched her, bows ready just in case. She stopped some feet away on the ice. They watched as she raised one hand in a gesture of a circle in front of her. They eyed one another as a few seconds later the snow by the Saxons kicked up as they began to shoot at her. They watched as the mist crawled in suddenly from nowhere. They lowered their bows in amazement looking at one another. Guinevere looked at them shocked.

“The mists of Avalon” Bors said as he watched the mists envelop the Saxon. They saw shadows of something moving into the mist.

“Those are wolves” Guinevere squinted to see. Kyla now by her side they called out in a dialect they didn’t know.

“Raven Warriors” Guinevere whispered. Arthur and Lancelot exchanged a look. “Why would the daughters of Avalon be here?” She inquired.

“Lourdes! Kyla!” Galahad yelled as the others looked and Kyla and Lourdes walked into the mists where the strangled cries of battle were heard. The knights picked up their weapons preparing to go in after them. They heard another call ring out. The shadows of the black warriors climbing the rocks was seen as well as wolves following them. Kyla was the first to come out walking across the ice back towards the knights. They looked for Lourdes and saw her silhouette emerging after hers. She walked out of the mists and walked to the side then she walked a line in front of the Saxons pointing her finger at the ice as she did then began to walk away as the knights heard the ice crack and they looked down and could see cracks forming. They looked up as Lourdes was only a few feet away. They heard it break farther down the lake and Lourdes once again raised her hand making the gesture again, only this time it was reversed. The mist began to clear. They saw the Saxons dead on the ice and screaming as they fled to the land as they fell into the lake with their dead comrades. The knights looked at one another with soft chuckles. Lourdes grabbed her cloak putting it back on. She turned and began to leave the ice.

“Where are you going?” Arthur ran to her grabbing her arm.

“Back to my people to tend to any wounded. I will meet you at the wall” She looked at him. She held a neutral expression, but she was terrified about how he was going to act towards seeing her. She pulled her arm free, she whistled and her hoarse appeared as she reached the land. They watched as she mounted it and with a kick of her feet was gone.

“You just let her leave?” Gawain asked stunned.

“She said she would meet us at the wall” He answered slightly dazed at her sudden appearance.

“Told you she would come” Kyla smiled. Arthur smiled lightly in return holding her hand comfortingly for a second.

“Well let’s get going boys, our freedom and a sister awaits” Bors yelled as the knights chuckled at his excitement. “Hell, our girls are back” He raised his fist in the air as he made his way to the horses.

Kyla laughed as she walked over to Tristan. “You called the wolves?” He asked.

“Yes, you could say it was my gift from Avalon” She grinned as she watched Tristan’s appear and they followed the others off the lake.

“Why did they show up? And how do you know them?” Guinevere asked Arthur.

He stopped short looking at her as Lancelot mounted his horse. “She is my sister, and she, Arthur pointed to Kyla. Is just like a sister to me.”

“Your sister is a daughter of Avalon?” She eyed him.

“Seeing as you fight along side them you should know them.” Lancelot jabbed.

“They are like blood to us, yes, but yet still you fight against your own sister?” She eyed the knights.

“You know nothing of what you speak.” Arthur got on his horse and rode off. Kyla walked up to her as the other knights turned to begin riding. Kyla pulled Guinevere onto her horse and took off to follow.

“I will explain it to you” She smiled at Guinevere who smiled back now knowing who and what she was. She felt a sense of home riding with her.

------------------------------------------

The Caravan had reached the fort an hour ago. Yet there was no sign of Lourdes yet. The knights sat around the roundtable with Guinevere and Kyla drinking and celebrating their freedom. The door opened and their heads whipped around anxiously. Jols came in.

They looked at him expectantly. “The Lady of the Lake and Lourdes are here, they wish to speak with you” Arthur nodded, as Jols eyed the others. “In private” He added.

Arthur looked at the others.” Give me a few moments with my sister and the Lady” The group grabbed their glasses and headed out of the room. Once they had all left Jols opened the door he had come through and gestured for them to enter.

Viviane walked through first a crimson cloak adorned her over the white gown she wore underneath. Her hood sat far back on her head showing her face clearly. Her age barley showing, her raven-colored hair contrasting the white of her gown. A regal wise woman. Just like his mother had said. Arthur bowed to her as she extended her hand to him. “Lord Artorius you need never bow to me” She smiled.

“I beg you call me Arthur” He kissed her hand and eyed the other occupant of the room. She stepped forward pushing her hood off stepping up next to Viviane. Arthur stared at her, and she stared back. An intense gaze they couldn’t break taking one another in. Tears sprang to his eyes, his sister, his friend.

“Arthur” She sighed finally breaking the silence. She bowed her head to him in respect. He did the same. There was a tension filled few seconds before he grabbed her and crushed her to him in an enveloping hug. The tears slipped from the corner of his eyes in relief.

“Eight long years, I have missed you so” His voice cracked under the strain of his tears. She clung to him, and he smiled.

“I thought of you often” She replied.

“Why did you never come back to see me.” He held her out to look at her, noticing the tears bordering her eyes as well now.

“I doubt they would have let the enemy in so willingly” Her eyes narrowed slightly.

His grip tightened on her arms. “You are not my enemy.”

“Your words were different when I left.” She jerked her arms away stepping back from him.

“You left me to fight with our adversary, the people Rome were against.” He stiffened his stance.

“You told me I was dead to you, and You to me as well. I chose my allegiance to our mother’s blood and her people.” She retorted defending her decision.

“Arthur—“Viviane reached for his arm. He held up his hand closing his eyes, asking for her silence.

“The Rome I knew is dead. I know the Saxon are coming. You are my sister I love you more than the air I breathe. You were never dead to me. Anger and pain cause hurtful things to be said that were not meant” He shook his head looking at her.

“Arthur, I need you—we need you. “She gestured to the space around her. “This land, your people need you.” Her words were direct and to the point. He sighed heavily, turning away from her.

“Merlin has spoken to you?” Viviane asked.

“Yes, he has, I received my freedom today and you ask this of me.” He turned and paced lightly, then turned back to them “To cast it away when I have worked so hard for it. I have earned it as well as my men.” He looked at his sister and Viviane, his jaw clenched.

“We are not asking them to stay. They have their freedom, as you have yours. We ask you to stay. Ask is all we can do. Merlin speaks the truth Arthur our people are strong; we need a true leader of our own people though. You are him. It is your destiny as it was my destiny to go to Avalon. All of this you have worked for, Fifteen years Arthur! This will be the last free country in these lands.” Arthur stared at her as if mulling it over.

Viviane stepped forward. “Arthur you will rule this land, with the sword of our people, Viviane touched Excalibur where it sat on his hip gently. Rome has failed you. Your father’s land has failed you. You can unite your mothers, lead it, and rule. If not, the Saxon will claim it, and then they will come for Rome.” Arthur eyed them both.

“Don’t let both our parent’s lands fall to barbarians.” Lourdes touched his arm pleadingly.

He turned leaning on the table silently for a minute. “For now, can we just be joyous in your return. “Lourdes looked to Viviane. She nodded and Lourdes went to her brother pulling his arm to turn him towards her.

“Of course, she raised her hand to his cheek. I am here now.” She smiled. “I never lost you in my heart. I kept my vow, and we never crossed one another in battle.”

“That you did, he cupped her cheek. My sister a warrior, a solider.” He chuckled.

“It’s in her blood” Viviane smiled.

Arthur chuckled.” Do you and Kyla win?”

“We never lose” She grinned. “We had great brothers we watched closely.”

“Those brothers are now waiting impatiently I would not doubt to see you again.”

“Well let’s not keep them waiting.” She took his hand. He turned to Viviane “My Lady, would you like to meet my Knights?” He offered his arm to her.

She tilted her head in a slight bow “I would be honored” She slipped her hand into his arm.

They made their way towards the little tavern of Vanoras and met with Jols on their way.

“Lourdes” He smiled, and she hugged him. “It’s so good to see you.”

Arthur smiled at the two.” May I introduce you to the Lady of Avalon, Viviane” Jols bowed his head. “This is Jols our squire.”

“We welcome you” Jols said Viviane nodded her head to him.

“Jols would you please make sure that the people of Avalon are tended too, and that they are treated well.”

“Yes, I’ll see to it” He took off right away to Arthur’s task. As they came to the outside area of the tavern the Knights were scattered about, each doing their own thing. Their heads turned and quirked up as Arthur came with the two women on his arms. Kyla smiled and rushed to hug Viviane then to Lourdes and stood by her. The knights all stood slowly. They eyed the women as Arthur spoke in the silence of the reunion.

“Knights, I would like you to meet Viviane. He looked at her. The Lady of the Lake, High Priestess of Avalon.” He smiled at her. The knights looked amazed.

“Oh my…” Vanora exclaimed in a whisper.

Guinevere walked up and bowed to the lady deeply then looked back at her awestruck.

“Guinevere, we saved her in this last mission” Arthur looked at Guinevere.

Viviane held her chin in her hand. “Lovely” Guinevere blushed and smiled appreciatively.

“My lady Welcome to Hadrins Wall” Bors held out his hand and took hers holding it in-between his hands and bowing his head.

“Bors” Arthur named him “This is Galahad”

“Your reputation precedes you, My Lady” Galahad now took her hand and kissed it.

“Yet does not hold a candle to the beauty we see before us” Dagonet smiled a whimsical grin at her.

“Bless you child” She wrapped his hands in hers and bowed her head to him as he bowed his.

“That is Dagonet” Arthur continued as they stepped up one by one. “Tristan our Scout”

“It’s an Honor” Tristan stood before her Viviane stepped forward and hugged him pressing her cheek to his. Kyla and Lourdes saw her whisper something to him. When she pulled back Tristan had a gracious smile.

Gawain went to her twitching slightly, nervous. She smiled at him as he bowed his head; she placed her hand on it in acknowledgement. “Gawain” Arthur smiled as he walked away still twitching.

Lancelot looked at her as she turned to him. “Lancelot” she said before Arthur could. The others looked at her “My reputation is not the only one that precedes the owner.”

Lancelot eyed Lourdes who already wore an evil grin “My Lady it is a pleasure” He bowed his head; Viviane grabbed his face though and looked at him. “Why Lourdes he looks nothing like a pig” Viviane grinned at her playfully.

Kyla looked at Lourdes as did Arthur who was holding back a chuckle. The other knights laughed away at him.

“To each their own” Lourdes cocked her head.

“I think he looks more like an ox’s ass myself” Bors interjected. Lourdes looked at him with that lopsided grin. He opened his arms wide. Lourdes ran to him, and he bear hugged her much like he had Kyla. Dagonet was at his side, and she turned to him and he enveloped her till she thought she could hide in him.

“Hey, save some for the rest of us” Galahad and Gawain stood behind her.

“Oh, look at you two” She put her hands on Galahad and Gawain’s cheeks. “Handsome as ever.” She hugged them both wrapping an arm around each of their necks. She turned and found Tristan. He looked at her through the hair in his face. She cocked her head down lightly as she gave him a playful look.

She pulled him to her and hugged him. “You were sorely missed” He whispered to her. She looked over his face when she pulled away. “As were you” She glanced at Kyla and so did Tristan. She kissed his cheek.

“Saving the best for last” She heard a voice behind her. She looked at Tristan and her eyes narrowed.

“How did you know Tristan was always my favorite?” She turned to Lancelot.

He looked at her, he was anxious to hug her and know she was real. “You would deny me a hug after eight years?”

She eyed him ‘Something’s never change’. “I would” She agreed.

“Lourdes, it’s been eight years. Your feud has not calmed even slightly in that time” Arthur asked. She went to turn her gaze back to Lancelot, but he had grabbed her and wrapped his arms tight around her. She returned the hug, after eight years it was wonderful to be with them again. She closed her eyes as his hold tightened.

“I missed you” He whispered to her.

“I wish I could say the same” She replied sadly. He pulled back to look at her. She put on her grin, and he narrowed his eyes playfully at her.

“Not even a little?” He asked.

“Not even” She shrugged and walked towards her brother. The knights once again chuckled trying to hold it back as Lancelot stood there watching her walk away shaking his head.

“Vanora, I need more wine, he held up his glass. Seeing as the Lady Lourdes is back and has that sword still in her arse.” Kyla erupted into a loud laugh but put her hand over her mouth at Lourdes’ glare. Viviane and Arthur turned their faces to mask their amusement as they heard the snort and muffled chuckles of the knights. She whirled on Lancelot.

“Let the games begin” Gawain whispered to Bors.

“I’m sorry if I do not care for men with the morals of a Saxon, who treat women like commodities, playthings, you are arrogant, conniving, and a pig. Thinking you are a God to women, so handsome and caring that woman piss themselves when they see you.” Her voice getting louder with each sentence.

Lancelot turned to her smiling. “Did you really?” he asked mockingly.

Lourdes flared. “No, she stepped forward. When my ladies at Avalon asked of the great Knights and bid me to regal the tales to them, she paused and looked at him. When they wanted to know all about the great Sir Lancelot, the lover, I had to tell them the truth.” Everyone looked at her, including her brother curiously.

“I told them you were a eunuch; her answer was nonchalant. Why else would you wield two swords but to compensate for your lacking.” The knights were turning red from holding in their laughter Bors didn’t he let it rip loud and Kyla bit her cheek as Arthur shook his head.

Viviane smiled, eyeing the pair. Such animosity, such pride between them. A story she knows well, seeing as she was Lourdes’ confidant. She saw their eyes; she saw the potential.

“If you will excuse me, I am going to see to my warriors.” She walked away leaving Lancelot to realize that she was fully back. All the hate, all the evilness of their friendship, if you could call it that. He watched Kyla walk to Tristan as the others were telling him to laugh it off, he knew how Lourdes was. He watched the way they looked at one another; nothing had changed for them either. That secret passionate love they had despite their denial of its existence. He looked at the ground then up to where Arthur stood talking with Guinevere, he knew that look was there for them as well. He put down his cup and walked away from the tavern.

Chapter Text

Kyla sat with Tristan while Viviane sat with Arthur and Guinevere at the table in front of them. She laughed gleefully with them as they cheered at one another’s jokes and to their freedom. She felt at peace with them around. She brought her glass to her lips to drink and looked at Tristan, that always calm and impassive look on his face. She eyed him.

“Avalon taught you many things I see” He met her gaze.

She squinted her eyes” How do you know?” She questioned curiously.

“Well, you called the wolves; you have a stature to you now.” His response was absentminded as he watched Gawain once again pick on Galahads baby face.

“All priestess’ have the stance of the goddess. Her connection to the wolves I believe was instilled in her before she reached Avalon” Viviane interjected. Tristan looked at her and she smiled at him.

“You my friend seem enchanted by Avalon” Arthur turned to him.

Tristan shrugged slightly while drinking his wine. “I admire their carefree spirits and ancient ways.”

“It reminds you of home. Of something you can remember. Sarmatia embraces many of our ways and traditions” Viviane added placing her hand on his.

Tristan looked at her and his eyes warmed it shocked everyone to see. His lips quirked and he smiled.

“You are inspirational, My Lady” Arthur looked at her amazed at what she brought out in people.

“Arthur you are just as inspiring to your people, and I do not mean Rome.” Her words were gentle to let him know it wasn’t a prod for their cause, only true kind words.

“You should visit Avalon Tristan; I believe you would find many things there that you can appreciate.” Kyla suggested. Seeing his eyes sparkle with curiosity and intrigue. Yes, something maybe to bring some peace to the battle he fights inside all the time.

He looked up at her for a second contemplating. “I’ll consider that.”

“You will come to consider a great many things,” Viviane spoke. Viviane smiled at Kyla then turned her eyes back to Tristan. Maybe you have already” Tristan looked down at his glass, and Viviane had to restrain a chuckle.

Lourdes walked along the path to the stables, the only place she hadn’t looked. She didn’t know what made her want to do this, but she did. She turned and walked into the stables lit by torches on the wall now. She saw him moving in a corner stable. He was making sure his horse was ready for the journey home tomorrow.

“I expected you to be drinking till dawn in celebration.” Her words startled him, and he swiveled around quickly. He looked at her. Standing in the middle of the stable, her stature was commanding and powerful, regal even. Like that of the goddess she praised. Kyla had it as well now, to see them so different but still so much the same was odd. Lourdes always held that position of commanding and powerful, yet now she had an output for it and earned it. To see Kyla now so tall and proud made him smile. Avalon had changed them in many ways, yet he still saw so many of the old ones too. Lourdes with this station having a reason to wield it and use it would make her terrifying to some men. Like Lady Viviane herself. Kyla’s would grant her what she has always wanted with the strength she now carried.

He stepped out of the stall.” It is not dawn yet” he pointed out.

She just eyed him not moving, just looking at him, her face unreadable. “I came to say goodbye.”

He looked perplexed “You would not even consent to missing me, why waste the courtesy of goodbye on me then” His words were mocking as he folded his hands in front of him leaning back slightly to await her answer.

She looked at the ground sucking the corners of her mouth that made a clucking sound as it opened to answer “Clearly it was wasted. I should have known better; we are not capable of civil words between us.” She turned to go.

“That is not of my doing!” He roared. He undid his hands stepping forward exasperated. “You have had nothing but poisonous words, and a disgusted look for me since the day we met.”

She turned back to him, that vile look returning to her face. “What else would I have for a man such as you?”

“What have I even done to you!?” His eyes widened holding his hands in front of him now gesturing at her.

She stood silent, taking a deep breath. Her gaze strong against his yet she could not answer. He leaned his head forward cocking it to the side waiting for the answer. “Do you not have a reason?”

“My reasons are my own, I don’t answer to you.” Her voice took a low tone. “If you must have one though, she took a step towards him. It is because you treat women like animals, put on this earth for your purposes and nothing else. You are arrogant, self righteous, and pig headed.”

“You are just as self righteous and stubborn. Casting your brother aside all these years.” He pointed at her then threw his hand out to his side in a gesture to Arthur.

“You know nothing” She spat and turned once again to leave.

“What was your real reason for leaving?” She stopped mid stride. He knew he was right; she had left for other reasons. “I know Arthur better than any other, as you do. He would have made peace before you left. Knowing you longed to be with your mother’s people. Yet you made sure there was no peace, you made sure you had no reason to return here. Why? He longed for you so badly, praying you would return, his only family.”

She just stood there not moving her back to him. He switched his weight to the other leg intolerantly.

“Huh? Why return now when he is to return to Rome, knowing you will stay here. Ripping him apart once again at losing you.”

“Once again my reasons are my own; I do not answer to you, or any man.” She said over her shoulder then left. Lancelot looked at the stable doorway where she left then at the ground shaking his head lightly before turning away biting his lip angrily. He was leaving tomorrow, and he would never have the answers. The mystery of Lourdes, her hate, her stony disposition, her icy words, and vile looks. He would never have reasons. The reasons he longed to understand. To know why she was the way she was. Her years away had only intensified her contempt it seemed.

Jols ran into the stable. “Lancelot you must come to the wall.” He looked panicked. Lancelot furrowed his brow and took off in a quick stride.

Lourdes, Kyla and Viviane watched as Arthur and Guinevere ran up the stairs. Lancelot and the other knights stood across from them. Arthur looked out as did Guinevere. Saxon covered the entire land in front of them. He turned to look at the knights, then the three women of Avalon. He stepped forward looking at the people in the courtyard, the terrified looks on their faces. He turned back to the others; he looked at Lourdes and Kyla, then Guinevere.

“Knights, my journey with you must end here. May god go with you.” He turned and walked away down the stairs. Guinevere looked at the three women as Lancelot looked at her. There Lourdes saw it again, the look in his eyes. He took off after Arthur glancing at the three women as he passed. Viviane and the other two women followed. Lourdes stayed listening to Lancelot plead with Arthur and she took a deep breath looking at the Saxon army again. She looked at the other knights, stopping at Tristan. He took off as well going to seek Kyla knowing now why the women had returned. Lourdes turned to see Guinevere and Kyla listening intently to Lancelot and Arthur. She made her way down the stairs, stopping at Viviane who was at the bottom of them. She saw Arthur leaning close talking to Lancelot then walking away while Lancelot wore a pained expression. He looked up locking eyes with her. She proceeded to walk away.

Lancelot realized as did Tristan as he watched her walk away, and the rage flared in him as he took off after her. Guinevere and Viviane stood together; Kyla had disappeared. He went on his hunt for Lourdes.

Tristan pulled Kyla away from the crowd. “Why?” was all he asked as he pulled her into a quiet corner.

“It is Arthur’s choice” He replied sternly. Tristan looked at her, his eyes angry and doubtful.

She sighed. “Tristan, you do not understand. This is his destiny. His Rome does not exist all he has now is Lourdes and his people, Briton is his blood.”

“This is impossible to win” He shook his head.

“No, it isn’t we will band together and fight. She looked at him holding his face. You fought all these years for something you did not believe in, and you won. We believe in this, and Arthur, we must believe we will prevail.”

He looked into her eyes. “You could die tomorrow.”

“I know and it would be worth it, a fight for freedom.” Her voice was a whisper. “Take your freedom and live out your life with happiness Tristan, finally find that happiness you have been denied for so long. I know you will be safe, that’s all that matters. That the danger is over for you.” He couldn’t take his gaze away. The painful realization that this would be the last time he saw her. He leaned down and captured his lips with hers in a surge of regret. He held her tight as she let the tears run down her cheeks and hugged him to her just as tightly.

She pulled away, turning her face and Tristan looked at her. “Go, please. Let’s leave it please” Her voice cracked trying to hold her tears. Tristan wiped one of her cheeks, kissed it and walked away. She leaned her head against the wall and let it all out, she would have to go to Arthur and Lourdes very soon, and she wanted to get it out before then.

Lancelot got to her room and barged in. Lourdes and another woman was with her and they turned at his abrupt entrance.

“Get out” he snarled at the woman; she trembled looking to Lourdes. “OUT!” He yelled. The woman scurried out and he slammed the door. He turned to Lourdes who just stood there calmly. “So, this is why you came, it was a statement more than a question. To take away his freedom and chain him to your cause.” His hand rested on his word as the other one clenched into a fist, his brow furrowed in anger.

“I chain him to nothing; it was his choice.”

“Like he would deny his sister, the last of his blood, the one person he has left.” His anger increased.

“These people are his blood! This land is his land” She pointed to her window as she yelled her retort.

“This is not his fight!”

“It is his fight! This will be his land, all of it. He will unite these people! He will rule this land. You all could Lancelot. These people, my people believe in Arthur and you. We do not deny any of you your freedom though. You have earned it; you did your duty to Rome! This is no longer your fight” She pointed at him.

“Only death awaits you, it is hopeless.” He threw out his arms trying to make her see.

“I know I can lose tomorrow; I will gladly forfeit my life for the greater good of my kin. For what I believe in.” She pointed to herself as she replied. “I have faith Lancelot, unlike you. You fight for nothing but your freedom. You and the others finally have it so go!” She now gestured wildly to the door.

“What would you have me do?” he asked desperately.

“Nothing but have a safe journey home. Find your family if there is any still alive and enjoy the rest of your days. It is what you have always yearned for. You have it. This is Arthur’s choice! He will not perish tomorrow; I will make certain of that. I will give my life for his if need be.” Her words firm and commanding as she looked at him.

Lancelot shook his head. “You are your brother’s image when it comes to stubbornness and strength.” He looked at her. “Arthur would do the same for you.”

“I know, as he would for any of you” She turned to ready things for tomorrow’s battle.

“So, you fight, I only hope your people are as good they claim to be.” His tone was sarcastic, and she turned to him.

“You have fought Ravens before.”

“We always won too” The sarcastic smile now joined to tone.

She advanced on him till only inches apart. “Because you never fought against me, my blade was never at your throat with the opportunity to kill you. I made an oath to Arthur” Her voice was a menacing whisper.

“I always knew you wanted to kill me” He smiled irritating her. Her eyes narrowed and she turned away.

“Goodbye Lancelot” She folded her arms; he eyed her for a minute and sighed leaving the room. She heard the door shut and took a shaky breath “Goodbye” she whispered to no one.

Chapter Text

Dawn came on them quickly. Arthur stood on the hill as he watched the caravan leave. Viviane next to him on her white steed. She was in Avalon battle attire, the black markings on, her black tresses pinned back gracefully. Bors looked at them and left the line and rode to him raising his sword “Artorius! RUS!!!!!!!!!”

Arthur looked at him and the other knights then held up his sword “RUS!!!!!!!!!” The knights looked around only to see Viviane and Arthur.

Kyla and Lourdes watched them from their vantage point. Kyla let silent tears track down her cheeks and took a shaky breath. Lourdes looked at her. “Not now, you need to have your wits about you” She pulled the reigns of her horse and turned him to go check some things as she rode away though she had a single lone tear trek down her cheek her only show of sadness at their departure.

Viviane watched as Arthur talked to the Saxon. Her eyes surveying the battlefield. Today would be history. Her trained eyes picked out where her people were. She watched as Arthur held his sword to the Saxon then rode back in through the gate that closed behind him.

They stood together watching the Saxon army, the drums had begun, and it made the horses antsy. “My Lady” He caught her attention. She looked at him.

“May our people’s freedom reign and we have victory today” He looked at her and she stood straighter. She nodded happily. For the first time he thought of Briton as his people it gave her a surge of empowerment. He took her hand, looking at her.

“We will prevail.” She squeezed it reassuringly. They watched the Saxon arm themselves and form for battle. As they watched they heard hooves behind them. They turned and as they did Lancelot rode up between them. Arthur looked at him and smiled, as Lancelot nodded and smiled holding his staff. He turned to Viviane, and she smiled at him as well nodding her head to him. They heard more horses as the other knights joined them. Arthur and she looked around at them overjoyed, as they all smiled at one another and looked to the field.

Kyla Looked up and saw the knights on the hill. She nudged Lourdes and nodded to the hill with a huge grin. Lourdes looked and she smiled. She nodded her head, and they took off for the hill.

The knights looked as Lourdes and Kyla rode up to them. “Knew you couldn’t resist a fight” Kyla grinned.

“One of our choosing for something we believe in” Dagonet replied. They took them in. Kyla wore a black top that was sleeveless and cut low to show her Avalon markings of animal claws. It was held together in the front with ties showing the black markings down her chest. She had a Celtic mark on her cheek and bands around her upper arms. Two holders for her daggers much like Bors’ crisscrossed so they sat at her sides. She had an axe strapped to a belt on her waist, with leather ties around the waist of her pants.

Lourdes and her both had their adorned with beads and tied back with leather straps form their face. Lourdes wore a leather top wrapped around her breasts, it had one long sleeve and was laced in the front holding it together you could still see the chest cavity and the black mark down it. She had a Celtic mark next to her right eye and to bands wrapping around her was it joined to a large elements symbol on her back. She had dark bands around her upper arm like Kyla. The dark line that joined the two at her chest was connected to a Celtic design across her collar bone. She also had a holder strapped around her shoulder holding her sais to her back. She wore a strap around her pants leg holding a dagger to her thigh. The arm guards for their bows covered markings on the wrist.

“You look positively barbaric” Gawain looked at them.

“Why thank you” Lourdes sneered. She turned to Arthur as the knights looked out. “They are sending a small legion in” Arthur nodded and turned to his knights.

Viviane stopped him with a hand on his arm “Let the Ravens go, it’s only a small party, don’t waste your strength. He is wanting us to show our plan now, let’s not give in to him.”

“Viviane— “

She cut him off. “The main army is the battle we need to worry about, the woads and ravens can take care of these ones quickly.” She pushed. Arthur looked at Kyla and Lourdes; the knights followed his lead, eyeing them.

He nodded Lourdes smiled and met Lancelot’s gaze before she turned her horse. She watched the small group of Saxons enter the gate. Kyla looked at Tristan, he gave her a smile. The small group saw and started for the knights. Lourdes pulled out one of her Sais as Kyla made her way down the hill to tell the other ravens. Lourdes looked towards the woods and raised her sword; they saw arrows fly and watched as it slayed the small army. Then the Ravens ran through the thick smoke taking out more. Lourdes raised her sais again as Kyla returned to her side. More arrows flew. Then the Ravens came through again. What was left of them was taking out one another in the smoke. The knights watched they had no idea what the plans were since they had not planned on being here. They watched as one Saxon retreated. They made their way down the smaller hill by the cemetery.

The drums began again the battle cry, and the Saxons made their march to the gate. Viviane looked to the hill they had vacated, and the Merlin now stood there. She looked at Arthur. “I must go up to help.” She turned her hoarse around and went back to the hill.

Arthur turned to his knights. “Knights! The gift of freedom is yours by right. But the home we seek resides not in some distant land; it's in us, and in our actions on this day! If this be our destiny, then so be it. But let history remember, that as free men, we chose to make it so!”

Lourdes and Kyla nodded, smiling proudly at their brothers. They looked back out at the field and saw the Saxons splitting up one half heading towards the woods. Arthur looked into the woods. Getting ready, once they all crossed the mark, he threw up Excalibur. They watched the fire arrows fly through the smoky sky. They landed and a fire broke out forming a line down the battlefield. Then they looked up to the main hill. Viviane and Merlin stood there. The knights eyed the large catapults. He raised his arm again. The Merlin yelled out they started hurling enflamed rocks, the knights couldn’t tell. Putting holes in the Saxon lines. The woads screamed as they ran from the woods and met the Saxons, and the battle began.

Kyla looked at Lourdes. Lourdes nodded and turned to her brother and his friends.

“It’s our cue, wait and charge in with the villagers, give them three waves now that we have the knights.” Lourdes held her horses’ reigns tight.

“Three is better then two.” Kyla added as the knights eyed their sisters. “You’ll need all your strength don’t waste it early”

Arthur nodded “Come back safe” He whispered. Lourdes took a deep breath and looked at each of the knights, her eyes lingered on Lancelot. As Kylas gaze held Tristan’s.

Lourdes pulled out one of her Sais as Kyla took off blowing a small horn that she had at her waist. Lourdes looked at her brother again. “May the goddess be with you, my friends.” She jerked on her horse and took off down the hill. They trotted forward to see Kyla riding in with the Ravens and Lourdes was right behind them. All they saw was a mass of bodies.

Their eyes watched carefully trying to keep an eye on the girls, but they were lost in the mass quickly. Arthur kicked his horse, and they took off down the hill.

Kyla ran on her steed smashing at her sides with the ax. She jumped down hitting the horse in the arse to get it to take off. She made her way towards the wall. She charged her ax down at one Saxon and his shield deflected it she spun around catching the unguarded area and took him down. She saw Lourdes making her way in still on her horse. She threw one of her daggers at burley man attacking one of her own. She ran and retrieved it quickly, making her way to the wall to help the villagers with their fight.

Lourdes fought her way through before being pulled off her horse to the ground. She kicked with a yell at the Saxon and stabbed one of her sais through him when he came back at her. She caught another in the leg before slicing his throat. She saw more woads charge in through the fire where Viviane was. She made her way to help her. As she struggled through fighting her way, she saw the knight’s charge in with the last of the villagers and woads. She jumped back on her horse kicking a Saxon in the face along the way and took off for Viviane and Guinevere.

Kyla saw Bors get knocked off his horse, the wind knocked out of him and saw the Saxon running for him. She slung her dagger and caught him in the chest. She ran retrieving it and kept going. Bors grabbed his ax getting up.

Her eyes landed on Lancelot; he got a side wound as he fought on his horse. She was quickly pulled back to fighting again as a Saxon came at her from the side. She swung around out of the way, and he pushed at her with his shield. A woad came and axed his back and her arched and she sunk her daggers into him.

Lourdes made it through the fire and jumped off her horse as an ugly Saxon cleaved one of her ravens with his sword. She kicked him forward and he fell flipping over quickly as she held both her sais ready for it. She had a sinister smirk. She loved to fight, the adrenaline rush. Her gaze caught something over his shoulder, and she felt cold suddenly. Lancelot crossed the fire and was fighting the Saxon Kings son. Saving Guinevere, defending her, he had purposely sought her out. He had been by Arthur who was on the other side of the field. A pain clenched her and she charged and the Saxon charged. She blocked the sword and hit his shield with her other sais then kicked his legs out, making him kneel sinking her sais into his neck and taking his head off.

Gawian went down and Arthur went to help him. Dagonet she hadn’t seen or Galahad, they must be up by the wall or the other side of the fire. Then she saw Dagonet fighting by the firewall. She spun taking out a Saxon with a blow to his spine. As she spun, she saw Tristan fighting the Saxon king across the field. Her eyes widened and she started fighting her way to him. Arthur still fighting not too far off to her side. She fought all she could. She saw Tristan go down holding his ear before being throttled by a saxon. She punched him with the dagger, slicing his face open and kicked him away. Tristan still held his sword and was up. She continued her path.

Lourdes made her way furiously through the Saxons. She had taken a hit on the leg but nothing major. She saw Lancelot still fighting the son. He was giving Lancelot a good fight. She slammed her sais into a Saxon helping a man who was being strangled. He whirled at her punching her with the shield she fell. He went to slam his ax in her but she held up her sais and caught it punching the other sais into his gut. She saw Guinevere down the way now fighting. Viviane, she caught site of, and she was strangling a Saxon with a rope as other Raven and woads stabbed at him.

She had almost made her way to Tristan. She saw him on the ground and the Saxon king picked up his sword. She had yet to get to him yet. She turned “Arthur!!!!!” She screamed and Arthur looked, and she looked back to Tristan. He looked where she did as he pulled his sword from the throat of a Saxon. Tristan was down, badly. She saw him nod and take off for him as she did. She was too damn far still. She threw her dagger, and it landed in the Saxons leg she ran pushing her way through. The Saxon turned away to pull her dagger from his leg. She ran kneeling by Tristan. The Saxon came over to her and grabbed her hair to cut her and Arthur appeared catching his side with the sword.

“Get him out of here!” He commanded as Kyla looked him over, he looked at her breathing heavily. She looked around Dagonet, was now on the other side of the fire fighting with Viviane, then she saw Bors. She whistled knowing her horse would come “Bors!” She yelled. He turned and saw Tristan on the ground. He took out a few Saxons making his way to her as her horse arrived. “I need you to get him on the horse” she said quickly Bors lifted him up over his shoulder and cried out as from his back wound. As he lifted him onto the horse Kyla went to get on but was stabbed in the side. She hollered. And swung her arm around catching him in the neck. Bors helped her on the horse as she rode holding Tristan as best she could and the reigns and fighting with the other arm but Bors was helping. He called Galahad when he saw him. Galahad came over and helped get the horse through to protection. “It’s alright Tristan hold on” She whispered.

When Lourdes looked up again, she saw Lancelot kick the king’s son off him and pick up his swords to begin fighting another Saxon. Lourdes saw the crossbow just as the son did. She went numb, she turned taking of at a sprint dodging everybody she could. She was maybe thirty feet away but in a raging battle like this it could take her an hour to get to him. It seemed like everything went into slow motion. She ran with all her might. Lancelot wasn’t looking. The son had the crossbow now. He was setting it right. “No!” She yelled. “Lancelot!!” She was almost there. She would never make it to the son she had to make it to Lancelot. As she crossed into the son’s view he shot. Lancelot had just pulled his sword out of a Saxon and was turning. She was inches away.

Lancelot turned swearing he heard his name. He saw a streak of black that was Lourdes as he turned. She was inches from him and just as he turned, she arched violently with a gasp having the wind knocked out of her. His eyes widened as he saw the tip of the bow sticking out of her chest. She grasped his shoulder, and his arms went to support her. He looked at her in shock, his mouth open. He saw the arrow sticking out of her back almost going clean through her. Then saw the Saxon son behind her a few feet away. He heard Viviane scream “NO!!!!!!” And looked up to see her running, Guinevere and Dagonet looking up with her scream. He looked back at Lourdes, everything jumbled together inside of him. He was in shock, he couldn’t speak. Lourdes brought up the sais still in her hand weakly and handed it to him. “Finish him” her words were gurgled. He had dropped his swords to catch her. He took it then looked at the son as Lourdes slid down him to her knees, losing her strength. Lancelot flung it with a wild yell, and it landed in the son’s chest.

He dropped quickly with Lourdes as she fell sideways, and he caught her in his arms. Viviane, Dagonet, and Guinevere were still fighting their way through to them.
“No, he looked at her. Lourdes” He slipped his hand in her hair it had come free in the battle. She had blood coming from the corners of her mouth. Her breathing was labored, and she looked at him. “Why?” His brow furrowed. He searched her face as his voice cracked. “Lourdes stay with me” He called to her eyes roaming not being able to focus. Finally, they landed on him again.

“You’ll be happy to be rid of me” She gave a weak smile. She closed her eyes.

“No, Lourdes, Stay with me. Don’t do this.” He shook her. He screamed to the sky holding her rocking her. Viviane and Dagonet reached them. Lancelot would not let her go though.

“Lourdes, my child, come back to us now” Viviane spoke as she and Dagonet looked her over. Guinevere stood by them. She looked wildly at the scene and looked up searching for Arthur.

“She is still breathing it may have missed her heart” Dagonet said eagerly.

“We need to treat her NOW!” Viviane said sternly. Lancelot still wouldn’t let her go. He just stared at her and looked at them. Lancelot got up with her, the battle had winded down and he could get through easier.

Guinevere looked desperately for Arthur still. Lancelot carrying her limp body in his arms. He held her close, and tears slipped down his cheeks.

“Don’t you dare leave, don’t you dare, stay with me. Where is your stubbornness?” He whispered the commands sternly. Dagonet and Viviane in close pursuit. Finally, Guinevere saw Arthur off to the side by the wall she took of running.

Arthur watched her running towards him. “Arthur!” She yelled and he took off running to meet her. “Arthur” she said out of breath when she reached him. She looked back and saw Lancelot ahead of them already rushing her through the other wall. Arthur looked up and saw his sister’s body in Lancelot’s arms.

His eyes wide in horror, Guinevere turned his face to look at her. “She saved Lancelot; she took the arrow for him. She is still breathing”

Arthur gazed manically taking in the information then took off after them. He raced through the field littered with bodies. “God be merciful please” He whispered the plea as he made his way through the gates.

Chapter Text

Galahad and Bors carried Tristan into the fort Kyla on their heels as they got him to his room. They began stripping his armor off trying to get to his wounds. Kyla got her satchel with her herbs and supplies in it. A gift Avalon blessed their priestesses with, healing. Tristan took deep labored breaths and groaned as his jacket and shirt were stripped away.

She saw the deep wounds on his neck and two deep ones to his chest and side. She got clothes and handed them to Bors and Galahad as they watched.

“Press them to the wounds” She instructed she grabbed a vile of something spreading it over the cloth pressing it to the laceration on his chest. He sucked in his breath and looked at her. She smiled weakly. It was bleeding badly as she pushed on it she grabbed a root of some kind and pulled her hand away, pressing the head to the open flesh. She watched Tristan’s face tense and his jaw tighten.

She grabbed a liquid substance Bors and Galahad watched. She pulled back the cloth to see the blood still seeping out but not as badly. She poured it on his wound and Tristan grabbed Galahads arm who sat at his other side.

“What is that?” Galahad asked as he watched.

“It is cleansing the wound to help ward off infection.” She wiped the substance away pulling the dirt and grass from it. She saw the bleeding was slowing down. She rubbed a salve over it and grabbed a bandage. She grabbed a clean cloth and gestured for Bors to come by her. “Here press this against this to help and try and slow the bleeding down more.”

She went through each wound one by one. Tristan watched her as she worked, her eyes catching his occasionally. He was tired, the pain and the battle wore him out. Kyla grabbed her herbs and walked away from the bed for a second. The knights looked at her then back at Tristan.

“I’m fine” He looked at their worried gazes. Gawain came in as she made a drink for Tristan with certain herbs to calm his pain. She had stitched three of the wounds including the harsh one she was worried most about and was tending to his neck injury now. She looked up and Gawain was pale. The other knights looked at them.

“We won, it’s over” He said softly.

“Arthur?” Galahad asked.

Gawain nodded “He is fine, Lancelot as well.” Kyla smiled and took a deep breath as Tristan relaxed into the bed, his tension loosening knowing it was over. Gawain looked at Kyla, her back turned. Galahad and Bors looked at him and knew something was wrong. Gawain shook his head quickly for them to hold their questions.

Lancelot was ushered quickly by Viviane and Dagonet down the halls till they reached Lourdes room. Dagonet stripped his Armor off, and Viviane looked for Lourdes’ satchel. Lancelot laid her on her side on the bed. Viviane sat the satchel on a table next to the bed and climbed on it to get close to her. Dagonet took Lancelot’s spot at the side of the bed as he pulled off his armor to help them.

Dagonet looked at the arrow at her back as Viviane looked at the front. She looked at him. “We will have to cut off the tail of the arrow and push it through.”

Dagonet sighed and grabbed his dagger as Lancelot watched. “You want to push it through her more??” He yelled.

“It can’t go out the way it came in the arrows head will do twice the damage going back through. It isn’t even fully out of her. We have to get the arrow out without adding more damage to her.” Viviane spoke to him. “Now are you staying or going?” She stood in front of him.

“I’m not leaving her” He retorted looking at her then Dagonet.

“Well come hold her, she’ll need the comfort as we work.” Dagonet got up. Lancelot took his spot sitting behind her slightly to the side to avoid the arrow. Viviane got cloths and opened the satchel. Lancelot wrapped his arm around her shoulder and saw all the blood covering her and seeping from her wound. He took a deep breath as Dagonet stood behind her and Viviane in front on the other side of the bed. Dagonet took hold of the arrow, cutting the end off.

“Hold her tight, she can’t jerk around, she’ll probably wake up for this.” Viviane caught Lancelot’s eyes. He nodded, holding around her shoulders and waist giving them room to work. Dagonet took a deep breath and pushed slowly. As Viviane took hold as it came through.

Lourdes’ head shot up and she screamed. Lancelot looked at her. He saw the arrow coming through her chest and closed his eyes. He held her tight and she grabbed his leg that sat next to her. She squeezed and her body went stiff as she whimpered through it.

“Shhh, you have to be strong” He whispered in her ear as her head fell back as Dagonet stopped pushing. He grabbed cloths getting ready to put pressure on her wound as Viviane pulled it all the way through.

“It’s almost out, hold on precious” He whispered to her. Her breathing was deep. He was just happy to see her breathing. She gripped his leg and screamed again into his neck as Viviane pulled it free from her. Lancelot saw the blood pour from her as he held her in a sitting position. They looked up to see Arthur in the doorway and Gawain behind him both white as snow looking at her.

“Get him out of here Gawain; don’t let him see her like this!” Lancelot yelled and Gawain fought to pull Arthur out of the room, he was frozen.

“Arthur, I love you” He heard Lourdes whisper. He looked at her as Dagonet and Viviane examined the now gaping wound.

“Lourdes” He whispered her eyes were closed but her lips were moving.

“Lancelot, she sighed, make sure Lancelot is ok” He looked at her in awe.

“Keep her talking” Viviane urged as she looked at her wound.

“It punctured through her lungs.” Dagonet finally said. Viviane grabbed something form the satchel.

“Lourdes I am here, I am fine” He looked at her. She opened her eyes slightly and brought up her hand to his face.

She just looked at him. “See I am fine” He tried to smile as Lourdes winced at something Dagonet did to her back. Then she coughed and when she did he saw the blood.

“She is coughing up blood” He was panicked.

Viviane wiped her mouth and kissed Lourdes forehead. “Be strong Lourdes.” Then looked to Lancelot “Try to keep her talking, keep her conscious.”

“You have to be stubborn now Lourdes, finally we have use for it” He said. Pick a fight was the only thing he could think of. She would never walk away from a fight with him.

She just looked at him; he saw tears spring to her eyes. “You were helping Guinevere” He just looked at her his brow furrowed. “I saw you ride to her.” She moaned as Viviane worked on her. She ran her hand over his cheek. His eyes met hers and he searched her. She was too weak to hide anything at the moment.

“Why did you save me?” He asked what he couldn't help but ask.

She didn’t answer as her eyes rolled back and she passed out. “No, No! Lourdes wake up. Stay here. Stay with me” Lancelot yelled. Viviane grabbed more things from the satchel and set about making a drink for the pain. Lourdes coughed as Dagonet worked fiercely to get her bleeding to stop. She coughed up more blood.

“Lourdes!” Lancelot shook her slightly. She looked at him as he wiped her face. The blood was all over, all over the three of them.

“Answer me” Lancelot tried making her mad again by demanding her.

The tears once again in her eyes. She blinked and they fell down her cheeks silently. “Let me go” She whispered to him. His eyes went wide as he looked at her, at the sadness in her eyes. So much finally showed on her face right now. “Please, she grabbed his arm as he laid his forehead against hers. He took a shaky breath, the pain he felt was too much for him as she pleaded with him to let her die.

Their foreheads still together he looked her eye to eye. “You’re not going anywhere” and he kissed her temple as he buried his face in her hair.

Kyla sat next to Tristan cleaning him up of all the dirt and blood, Bors and Galahad had gone outside with Gawain. She couldn’t shake the feeling something wasn’t right. She stroked Tristan’s hand and he in turn had his thumb stroking her hand.

“Something is wrong,” He said. She looked at him. “There is too much whispering going on” Kyla nodded, getting the uneasy feeling again this time intensified.

She stood up.” I am going to go find the others, rest” She instructed and he nodded his response.

She entered the hall and saw the three knights standing there and they had tears in their eyes. They looked at the ground avoiding her gaze. “What is going on?” Her brow furrowed in fright. Arthur turned the corner at that moment. She saw him and Guinevere approach and they were crying as well.

“How fairs Tristan?” Arthur asked.

“He will be fine he needs rest. We got him out in time. What is going on?” She asked desperately, grabbing his hands, the fear choking her almost.

“Kyla--” Arthur swallowed as he tried to talk. He couldn’t as Guinevere put her hand on his shoulder.

Bors stepped foreword “Lourdes” He said gently. The color drained from Kyla’s face. Her sister, her life long friend. She shook her head the tears quickly came.

“She saved Lancelot; she stepped in and took an arrow for him.” Kyla looked at them confused, she searched all their faces.

“Shes gone?” She whispered.

“No, Gawain stepped forward. Viviane and Dagonet are still with her. There hasn’t been any word though.”

“Lancelot?” She asked.

“He is with her,” Guinevere answered. “She was very brave. Nobody would have made it to him in time”

“What happened?” Kyla asked as she held Arthur’s hands still and her head lay on his chest as they clung together. The other knights looked intrigued as well.

Guinevere looked at the ground “He was fighting to help me; we were fighting the Saxons' son. He came to my aid. Lourdes saw the son go for a crossbow. She took off for him. She ran straight to Lancelot, he was fighting another Saxon and did not see what was happening. She ran trying to shield Lancelot; the bow caught her in the back going almost straight through her.” Guinevere’s voice wasn’t more than a whisper as tears ran down her cheeks. Kyla balled into Arthur’s chest. As the knights looked at one another bewildered and sad.

They waited all they could do. They decided not to tell Tristan yet. It was another couple of hours before the door opened. Dagonet came out followed by Viviane. They were covered in blood, trying to clean themselves off. The group looked at them anxiously.

“She is alive” Dagonet gave them their answer and they all visibly relaxed.

“It will be tense till she gains some of her strength back. She could still fail us at any moment. She is unconscious; she’ll be out for some time. Her body has shut down, needing to heal. She is not out of danger yet.” Viviane explained.

“I want to see her,” Arthur said gently, wanting to see her for himself to quiet his mind. Viviane nodded, smiling, placing a hand in his.

“Come let us go help on the field there are still many injured.” Dagonet said and the group followed except Viviane.

She turned to Arthur as he went for the door. She stopped him. “He refuses to leave her side” was all she said and then she left down the hall following the others.

Arthur entered the room and Lancelot looked up seeing him then turned back to Lourdes. He held her hand stroking it gently. Arthur looked at his sister and she was pale, very pale. He saw her chest rise and fall shallow, but there. He closed his eyes looking to the heavens. Then looked at his friend. He was still covered in her blood now dried. His face was smudged with it, his clothes soaked, his hands red, down his neck. Arthur closed his eyes again. The agony and turmoil on his face was horrible to bear. Lancelot got up not saying a word he walked to Arthur.

“I will go clean up, and return later. Let you have time with her.” His eyes met his friends warily. He went to walk away and Arthur stopped him. He looked to his friend and Arthur saw his friend crumble before his eyes. The tears flowed down his cheeks.

“Arthur, I am so sorry” His voice pleading and desperate as he held out his hands to his friend.

“My friend, it was her choice to protect you.” Arthur’s voice was gentle.

“It was meant for me Arthur! Not her, this wasn’t supposed to happen, I didn’t even know she was there.” He paced then looked to the floor. “I held her and watched life bleed from her. Begging even your god to spare her.” He looked at Arthur as he cried out, he needed it. “Why?” Lancelot looked to the heavens himself begging for an answer.

“I went to help Guinevere. The saxon was taking her down. I didn’t see him get the crossbow; I didn’t see Lourdes till it was too late.” He sighed wiping his tears, then turned to Arthur.

“There was nothing you could do but what you did my friend. You got her here and she is still on this earth.” Arthur put his hand to his friend’s cheek. “I thank all of you for that.” Lancelot looked at Lourdes laying there bandaged up.

“She begged me to let her die” His voice was so soft he didn’t know if Arthur heard him. Arthur gripped his neck now and Lancelot turned to him. “She woke up as they pulled the arrow from her. She thought I was you at first, said she loved you, and said to make sure I was alright.” Arthur kept his gaze on him intensely. “She said she saw me ride to aid Guinevere, that I saved her, he looked at the ground and back up to Arthur an anguished expression on his face. Then she began to cry and begged me to let her go, to let her die” Lancelot swallowed hard and looked at the ground. Arthur eyed him then his sister wildly.

“Why would she wish to die?” Arthur was looking at Lourdes.

Lancelot joined his gaze. “I wonder that as well.” Arthur and him hugged as they looked at her and both men wept like children.

Lancelot stood over Lourdes’ bedside staring at her. She was alright; it had been a week now. Her breathing was still shallow, and she hadn’t moved really at all. She was still breathing though and that was all that mattered. He had hardly left her side. Food didn’t appeal to him, sleep was something that came seldom and when it did was only for small amounts of time.

He couldn’t stop staring at her, afraid if he did or if he left she would be gone when he returned. Arthur had come and spent half his days here talking to her and sitting by her side. Kyla, Viviane, all the other knights had come, even Jols and Vanora. Tristan was still recovering confined to his bed, they could only hold off telling him for so much longer. Trying to not worry him as he needed his rest as well.

The questions plagued his mind endlessly as he watched her. Over and over he played the battle in his head. He hadn’t even seen her out there. He closed his eyes, sighing. He was her worst enemy; he truly believed she had not hated a man on this earth more than him. Her face when she was hit and he caught her. The desperate fear in her eyes. Then watching her barely holding on, the agony as they tried to heal her. Yet the only reason she cried was to beg him to let her go. Let her die. The anguish gripped him again at the image of her so broken and beaten. The strongest woman he had ever known. She was stubborn, strong, sly, and evil when she needed to be. He had seen her put the fear of god into men, Christians and pagans alike. Opinionated, her opinions were always heard loud and clear. She was not a woman who backed down from a fight, he should know that. Yet she was willing to give up so easily, give up herself for him. The ‘what if’s’ and ‘whys’ plagued him.

His thoughts were interrupted by her door opening. He saw Kyla enter and she walked next to him.

“How is she today?” She asked.

“Well she hasn’t gotten a fever, we can be thankful for that, I don’t think she would survive it.” He replied not looking away from the lethargic woman on the bed.

“How are you?” Kyla looked at him as she asked, Lancelot glanced at her.

He eyed her and sighed, shaking his head lightly. “I am confused, bewildered, I don’t understand.”

Kyla took a deep breath glancing at Lourdes then put her hand on Lancelot’s arm and turned him to her.” We cannot begin to understand her; even I do not understand her reasons sometimes. What I do know is she is an enigma Lancelot. Much like yourself at times, too much– she is like you I think.” She gave a soft smile. “ You influenced her more than you realize, She jests at you wielding two swords yet does she not wield two herself” She cocked her head.

Lancelot furrowed his brow thinking and a small smile came to his face. “Yes, he shook his head remembering for the first time. Yes she does”

“I know this feud between you two has many years under its belt, someday you will understand Lancelot.” She said gently, trying to convey to him to have patience.

“Do you know something the rest of us do not?” He asked curiously, a slight urgency in his voice.

Kyla looked at Lourdes. “I know her better than any other, as does Viviane. Maybe more so than Arthur I think sometimes. All I do know is that she can’t help how she deals with things Lancelot. She deals the only way she knows how. So don’t hold it against her so much when she lashes out. That is all she knows. Her trials and the demons she is fighting inside nobody knows but her, hopefully we will someday. I do know she has them, and she has been fighting them for a longtime, and it has made her cold on the inside and darkness haunts her heart.” She took a deep breath. “For as loud and boisterous she is about her opinions and feelings on matters. She is mute on others, and when those demons finally become too much to fight alone. She will turn to someone. So if that someone be you one day, be understanding.”

Lancelot eyed her perplexed at her words, but they made sense to him. He smiled gently at her and hugged her. “Have you told Tristan yet?” He asked suddenly.

Kyla shook her head “No but we will have to, he is getting worried and antsy, he adores Lourdes.”

“We all do,” Lancelot corrected.

Kyla raised an eyebrow. “I wonder when it comes to you sometimes.”

“Can you blame me; the woman would make the pope swear against his god in anger.” He laughed.

Kyla joined him. “She loves to fight, personally I think the adrenaline rush gets her lust flowing” Kyla nudged him playfully. Lancelot looked at her contemplating. “Whether it be battle and killing or a verbal war, she loves to fight, she needs it to live.” She laughed harder now as did Lancelot.

Arthur walked into Tristan’s room with Bors and Kyla. He looked up sitting up. He was tired of being bed ridden if anything the knights were never good patients. They were like babies.

“Arthur” Tristan greeted “Bors.” Kyla came and sat next to him. He looked at her, then their faces and he knew something was wrong. He had asked Kyla to go get Lourdes; he hadn’t seen her since before the battle. She looked tense when he mentioned it but she left to get her now she returned with his commander and fellow knight and friend. He knew instantly.

“Is she dead?” He asked.

Arthur and Bors sighed “No, she took a very bad wound though, almost cost her her life.”

Tristan closed his eyes, sighing. Kyla took his hand. “She is still doing okay, she hasn’t woken up yet but she seems to be healing well.”

“How?” Tristan looked to his friends.

“She took a bow for Lancelot,” Bors replied. Tristan eyed his friends then Kyla.

“She saw he was going to be hit and he was fighting, she protected him and took the bow, punctured her lungs just missing her heart.” Arthur’s voice was soft and misty.

Tristan looked down where Kyla held his hand. “Trust me, we are all confused, I don’t expect her to give us answers when she wakes up either.” Bors chuckled.

“No she wouldn’t” Tristan shook his head. “Can I see her?” Arthur nodded and Kyla helped him up. Bors and Kyla helped walk him down the hall, his sutures were still healing.

They walked into her room, and Dagonet and Galahad were there. They looked up from visiting. Everybody kept trying to talk to her and get her to wake up. Tristan looked at his friend, and sister in the bed and he winced. She was still pale indicating a large blood loss. Her chest was bandaged up he could see a discolored spot where her wound was though, her chest rising and falling gently. She looked peaceful at least. Dagonet got up from the chair next to her bed and let Tristan sit. They all left letting Tristan have some time with her.

He looked at her face, and he ran his fingers over her cheek. “What did you do to yourself?” he asked silently. She stayed motionless.

“You are needed here. We just got you back.” He took her hand. “ I need you here, who else but you can help me figure out Kyla” He smiled sadly.