Author's note: Alright. I have been having a writer's block for years. And surprisingly, the thing that got me out of it was a reminded promise I made to Lauraeffingiero, writer of "Yeah, My Best Friend Is A Dragon, So What?" to a Jane and the Dragon fanfic. Reading this, you can safely assume that my promise was to write a Jane and Gunther fanfic. Haha~ So I hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters but this is a fanfic so I will manipulate them and create a story of my own. Mwahahaha!

Summary: Jane and Gunther say their goodbyes in being squires to become great knights of the whole kingdom. However, they must prove to everyone that they can overcome their greatest weakness. Working together and as partners for a lifetime. Thus, their final test to prove themselves is to travel and scout the country for a month… As a newly wedded couple!

Update: It has been too long and I know my apologies are not enough but I must apologize anyways. I came back and started rereading my work and I truly cannot believe I wrote this. I don't know how I wrote this, where I was going, references I was using, all the details, I truly do not know if I can write the same way I did before. So I guess we'll go on this adventure together then. I have updated both the original chapters just slightly for the story and also so that I can get back into the work. In all honestly, you don't have to reread, not many changes that would affect it really. Again, I apologize and I do hope you enjoy.

To Be True Partners

Chapter 1: The Announcement

It seemed to be an ordinary day in Kippernia Castle where the sun was rising, bringing warmth after the cool night air. A rather excited red head was up and trying to brush her hair the best she could as she does every once in a while. See, today was a special occasion. An occasion in which there are going to be two new, young adult knights protecting the royal family and serving the kingdom. What a joy to soon be the first female knight and have a life where there is adventure rather than being a boring lady in waiting.

Seeing as the curly mat of hair was stubborn to stay unruly, she gave up and set the brush down by her bedside. She looked around her small room she grew up in that was a tower in the corner of the castle. She smiled at the small suit of armor she had gotten as a gift from her best, well, second best friend. It brought back memories of how she secretly practiced in it late at night when she was much younger. It gave her dreams of being a knight and living a life of adventure which were soon to be fulfilled. She spotted a sheathed case and went to retrieve the precious dragon sword in it. The hilt had many runes in which she and her dear best friend had uncovered together.

With a smile from the memories, she rushed to her window and called out. "Dragon. Dragon!"

Not a moment later, a large green scaled dragon flew in, circling the castle before landing on the girl's tower. When he was settled, the dragon poked his head through the window staring right at her with a great goofy smile.

"Good morning to you, Jane," he answered. "You know, I stopped by the pasture to watch the cows and oh how I could have watched them all day with their 'mooing'! Haha! How amusing they were, unlike you short-lives with your bustling about so early in the morning."

Jane, who never understood what Dragon found amusing with cows, asked him a question, barely containing her excitement. "Well, I'm sorry we are not as amusing as cows, Dragon, but why do you think the castle would be so busy this fine morning?"

Dragon smiled at this. "Oh I know of course. You kept babbling about it for the last few days." Dragon's eyes soften and he nudged a little closer to his best friend as he tried to squeeze through the small window. "Congratulations Jane Turnkey! After this last test, you will be officially known as a knight."

Jane smiled and held her old friend. After all these years of training as a squire, growing into a woman of 18 years old, and facing many challenges from when she first came to this dream of only 10 years, she is going to be a knight. The first female knight in the whole kingdom! With that title, she would prove to her mother that she was not meant to be a lady in waiting. She would make her dear father proud, or at least prouder than he ever could be already. Her friends, with their great support, happy. And her rival, although reluctantly, would finally acknowledge her as a fellow knight.

It was all she wanted most after many years. She knew everybody would be proud of her, but not her rival. She worked hard to make him see her. She practiced hours anytime she could have. She studied and read gaining knowledge she hoped would best him. But his horrible father apparently thought reading had power so he was very knowledgeable too. She wanted that biscuit weevil to just once, approve of her as a female knight to be. But it seemed like he never would so she thought she could get to him with childish names and words.

She grew a little older and it was obvious to everyone that she was indeed lady, at least physically. He skin was soft and beautiful. Her red flaming hair added flair to her features. This was something always being commented on by her mother who wanted her as a lady in waiting. Her friends treated her a little differently too. Her friend, Smithy, the blacksmith and stable boy of the castle, was even more of a gentleman. And her second best friend, Jester, like his name says his occupation, acted most strange at times with all the jokes and ballads of romance, beauty, and one-sided love. Strange it was. Rake, the gardener, simply said they were all growing up and would look at Pepper, whom was nodding her head that was turning red under Rake's gaze. All of them sometimes forgot she was to be a knight, not a beauty. It made her frustrated in her growing years.

The only one who treated her the same was her rival. He did not call her names as often nor taunt her as much, which was a change she actually liked. It was just that he would still not look at her. He would still not acknowledge her. She wanted his attention and so she excelled enough to be knighted early along with him. She hoped this would finally bring about a good change between the two, not that she wanted to be friends or anything. But that would be nice. She smiled because she would have never thought of the idea as good when she was younger.

Oh if he would just look at her with approval, she would be willing to put aside differences and try to befriend him with his horrible attitude. But then again, there were times when he was a good person to her. Like when they were kids and had to work together one time. The sparing and having each other's back failed. It was worse when Dragon became sick. She willed herself to get a cure in a most dangerous part of the mountain and he, Gunther Breech, had gone with her.

She didn't like the idea, but their mentors, Sir Theodore and Sir Ivon, had ordered them together. It was then she saw a different side of Gunther. He cared for her well-being. He didn't want her to do anything dangerous and get hurt. He really cared for her and when he had to leave her to get help, he had the most saddest but lovely eyes staring back at her. She smiled at the memory of many years ago with him.

Remembering herself, talking to Dragon, she looked back at him kindly for his congrats earlier before memories sprung up to her.

"Thank you, Dragon. Come on. I'm sure Pepper is going to prepare a feast. We should best help out," Jane said, pushing her rival out of her head.

"Right you are, Jane!" Dragon shouted, suddenly delighted. "My stomach would be glad to take in some helpings."

With a giggle from Jane, they both went down to the courtyard and headed toward the kitchen.

Today was his day off. His father was extremely pleased of his only son's soon to be success that the merchant set off early in the morning to complete his usual daily deals like they were his last. No doubt, the man would be thinking that his life would be full of success from now on as his boy was finally going to be a knight of 20. He would gather the eyes of many men who would want to marry their daughters off to, despite their surname, Breech.

The lady's themselves found him very attractive, despite the name. All those practices and trainings, not to mention the extra labor he had to do when he got home for his father left him a strong, somewhat a muscular lean and fit build. He was tall and handsome with deep grey eyes as the young lady's in the village would whisper about whenever he walked about. His shoulder length long, sleek black hair looked so smooth and fine that many girls were envious of but rather admired. Oh yes, he was one good looking man, very soon to be a knight and he knew it. He may have tried courting when he was younger but found none appealed to him and chose to keep to himself. It probably only made the lady's swoon over him more from the mystery.

But at the moment, he cared for none of that. The only attention he wanted was the King's. When Caradoc finally knights him, he would have his dream come true. One, his father would finally be proud of him, if at least for a moment before he is up to his schemes of using his Knight's title for his business. Not to mention his father would no longer have control over him. His dream of attention would be fulfilled too. The King's attention, the Sir Knight's attention, and Jane and her friend's attention. Jane's especially. He always wanted her attention the most ever since they were introduced as fellow squires when they were kids. It has always been a bitter rivalry between the two of them, each fighting to be acknowledged by the other. And after today's last test of squires, both will be known as great knights.

The boy, well, the man stepped outside of his home, dressed the best with a sword at his hip, looking ready to take on anything. He walked toward the castle in a casual pace, seeing as it was morning and the announcement would not be till noon. He stopped by a shop on the way where a teenage girl tending to the shop noticed his presence. He noticed how she gasped and turned around, seeming to be running her hands over her face and hair. When she turned back to face him, he noticed that flirtatious smile and rolled his eyes.

He did not know why, but he never found the village girls interesting anymore. Rather annoying and the same as always, were boring too. When he was a kid, he would have been taken all the attention he could get. But he would never tell them his full name so they would be interested in him, for if they knew, he would be ignored. Now it was different. People saw him as an aspiring knight and ignored his name for a few times. However, he just wanted a handful of people to see him. Well again, one in particular. His thoughts went to the red head squire soon to be knighted along with him.

She was not like any other girl when he grew to think about it. No, Jane was a natural to becoming a knight and not a lady in waiting or a simple minded village girl. Though, he will never on his life admit that to her. He remembered his childish taunts when they were children and how they would spar while arguing. She was not strong, but she was tough for a girl. Of course, he was stronger. She was fast though, quick on her feet. And she had her over grown lizard thing there to help her if in need. Her friends too, ones that he too wanted to be a part of but his pride when he was a child got in the way.

He sighed at the thought and that was when the village girl of the shop finally got through to him.

"Sir? Oh! Are you displeased with something?" she asked disappointed. Of what, he did not know but it seemed like she thought her flirting attempts had failed when he didn't say anything and then suddenly sighed.

"No. Pardon me, I am just looking," Gunther said with a deep voice. He grew out of the rather childish one years ago.

He looked around at what the shop had to offer. It held trinkets, like necklaces, bracelets, rings, and that was when he realized it was a type of shop for women or gifts to get them. Gunther felt the heat rush to his face at the thought, especially since he was thinking of one particular red head girl earlier.

One small item caught his attention. It was a beautifully embroidered box of a dragon in the center and the box in a deep black hue. He asked the girl to see the box and he thought he caught her frowning. She seemed to be taking her sweet time getting the box to him and when she finally passed it to him, he understood why when he opened it.

It was actually a sort of case. Inside were a pair of rings. One of them large in size, the color of gold and was twisted beautifully between small silver colored leaves. The front of the ring, was a square red ruby gem encircled in what looked like a dragon outlining the gem. The smaller ring was just as similar but the eyes of the dragon held a round green emerald gem with an oval emerald gem in the center and the leaves sparkled a bit more surrounded by small diamonds. It reminded him of the girl's eyes. Both rings held his gaze for quite some time. He looked at the smaller ring in particular interest and held it up with wonder.

"Are you giving it to someone?" the shop girl suddenly asked, snapping him out of his peculiar fascination.

He thought about the question. He would have answered an immediate 'no' and there was no need to be interested in couple's rings when he had no significant other. Yet, he didn't answer. Just who in the world could he be thinking of giving the other pair to anyways?

Gunther place the rings back in the case and snapped it shut, pushing the box back to the shop girl. Then with a moment's hesitation, the next thing he knew was that he asked for the price and bought it, walking out the store with it. He had no idea what overcame him to spend needlessly on the rings but he did it anyway and it was too late to turn back as he was walking towards the castle for the last announcements to be a knight.

"Oh Petal! Am I glad to see you here!" The kitchen cook, Pepper, exclaimed as she caught sight of the red head girl coming down the stairs.

She was small and petite but with a nice womanly figure. She grew into a fine young lady, like Jane, with great skills as a cook. She was known all over the kingdom, right to the village she frequently visited to buy supplies from along with Jane's mother, Adeline Turnkey the proper Lady in Waiting.

Currently, Pepper was mixing up some delicious pot of stew for the small lunch party that is to be held in honor of Jane and Gunther's last task as squires to be knights. On the table were already sets of many different types of dishes from roasted chestnuts to pea soup and mashed potatoes to black truffles and so on. Jane knew the dishes were made to be everyone's favorite and smiled at the kind girl's thoughtfulness.

"Hi Pepper. I see you have kept yourself busy this morning. I kept Dragon outside so he wouldn't eat anything," Jane commented.

"I heard that!" Dragon shouted from on top of the wall in the courtyard, no doubt resting.

Pepper and Jane giggled before Pepper became all worried as she usually does in preparing a grand meal.

"Don't worry Dragon! I have a whole pot of your favorite!" she called out.

"Much obliged!" Dragon replied.

"Jane, dear, can you help me please? I know this is meant for you but-"

"Say no more Pepper," Jane stopped her short, "What can I help with?"

With a relieved smile, "Can you just carry all the dishes to the grand dining hall? Top Table!"

Jane giggled as she knew the term. "Of course, Pepper. But where are the others? I'm sure they would be here to help," Jane said as she started to grab several plates at once. She realized she would have to make a second trip back as she can only carry two at a time.

Still mixing the soup, Pepper answered after a sip, "Oh yes. Jester is practicing his jesting. Something about making it special," she winked at Jane. "Smithy is helping Rake set up the Hall or perhaps trying to get Prince Cuthbert prepared. Your mother was calling for you earlier, Jane. But she went with the Queen to get the Little Majesty, Princess Lavinia, prepared for lunch today. The King and your father were discussing kingdom matters somewhere and the Knights are in there quarters and not to be disturbed."

"I can always count on you, Pepper, to know what goes on around the castle."

"Anytime, Petal."

"Well then, I'll be right back with more dishes while I drop these off!" she said as she popped a wild strawberry in her mouth while holding two plates on her hands.

Jane hopped the steps and found herself walking through the courtyard towards the dining area. Humming to herself, she watched Dragon rest peacefully in deep sleep on the wall and forgot to look where she was going. She walked straight into the wall hard and almost lost her balance with all the dishes she was holding when she was falling back.

Just then, someone managed to take the plates off of her hands and pull her upright, smacking her into her savior's hard body.

"Goodness, Jane. Do you love the wall that much to walk straight into it." Said a deep, husky voice, chuckling a bit. Jane felt a rumble through his chest as he spoke while she was leaning on him. It gave her shivers, but for some reason, not in a bad way.

"Gunther!" she yelped, her face heating up with frustration and embarrassment. She couldn't think of any smart remarks without making herself look like a fool so she opted to glare straight in front of her. Unfortunately, it was straight into his chest in which she saw her hands on because of the almost falling incident. She was perhaps as red as a tomato and certainly did not want Gunther to see so she pressed her head against his chest rather hard.

Gunther felt her leaning on him as he took the plates off of her hands and pulled her to him. He sighed in relief as she was not hurt and noticed their position. To others, it may seem like a romantic scene, if the dishes weren't in the way. It would be awkward if they were to be seen so he made a witty remark in which she would have no say back to get her away from him.

But strangely enough, Jane was always full of surprises to him. One moment she was glaring at him, next looking at his chest, then turning red, and finally pressing her head on him. He stiffened at the intimate contact not knowing what to do. His hands were full with the dishes so he couldn't push her away or anything. Not that he wanted to, it wasn't uncomfortable or anything, just awkward.

Calming herself, Jane took a deep breath, backed away, and smiled at him. This time she made him confused.

"Glad you are here, Gunther. Thank you for taking the plates off of my hands. Champion! Now we can set the tables a lot quicker." Jane cheered happily and walked back to the kitchen.

Gunther stood there dumbfounded and not moving as he watched Jane return with two more plates of food.

Smiling, he made another remark saying, "Careful you don't run into the wall again, dear Jane. I think its had enough of your mindless beating."

"If you don't shut your lips, beef-brain, you'll be the one getting the beating mindlessly," Jane shot back walking through Rake's garden toward the dining hall. Dragon secretly laughed and it turned out he watched the whole ordeal with much interest, letting his imagination run wildly into one of Pepper's old gossip of the two courting.

Gunther grumbled but stayed quiet and let it go, following Jane into the already decorated hall. A cold wind blew the doors as Gunther shut them and Jane placed the plates on the table. It seems that though the sun may be out, winds were coming and leaves have been falling as of late, signaling the season of Autumn and ending of Summer.

A cold shiver ran through Jane's spine and she crossed her arms, rubbing her hands on them. Gunther took immediate notice and a look of concern flashed in his eyes before he covered it with a look of disinterest. Of course, not forgetting that it is indeed rather cold.

Just then, he noticed a small green leaf stuck on Jane's hair. He went close to her and reached for the leaf. The sudden close contact made Jane still. She could feel his body heat close and simply stood there, not knowing what to do when she felt her hair being tugged.

"Gunther, what are you doing you maggot?"

"Hold still you stubborn mule," he said as he let the leaf fall. She seemed surprised and quietly thanked him. She shivered again and he wanted to get her warm.

"Seems the party won't start for another few hours. Why don't you go with your fire breathing lizard on the wall you like so much and get heated," he said rather taunting and teasingly.

Annoyed and wanting to get away from Gunther, she turned away. "Hmph. I think I will. Better than the cold wherever you are," she said with distaste, knowing it would hurt him, and so she stomped out to meet her best friend.

Gunther's eyes saddened. Perhaps he was a little cruel to Jane. After all, he just made fun of her best friend for the umpteenth time and he actually regarded Dragon an awesome being. Not to mention, there was a time when they could have been friends with their great dung jokes. It was also a day for celebration. They were supposed to be together and everyone was to be happy on this wondrous occasion. With a sigh, he decided to follow after Jane, albeit slowly in reluctance of his conscience to apologize to his fellow squire and rival, soon to be partners as knights.

Jane stomped to the courtyard and babbled on with crude words of and about Gunther Breech to Dragon whom was content to listen and comment here and there, trying to calm the poor girl down. The nerve of that guy! One minute he is the kindest gentlemen and the next, a complete baffling donkey. She was just so confused.

"I'm sure he just wanted you to get warmer with me and-"

"And you know what! That beef brain is just so, so infuri-"

"Sorry."

Dragon and Jane turned to the voice in surprise. It was certainly a surprise to see Gunther standing there. Jane noticed his habit. He stood alone and leaned to a side a bit. His foot slightly kicking the ground and his head down. He occasionally looked up and met her eyes and simply looked down again. His hands at his sides, not knowing what to do as he swayed. She always saw him act this way whenever he was repenting something. She always took notice of him.

"I'm sorry. I was rude back there," he spoke again. Then he sadly looked Jane in the eyes as if he was expecting something.

There was a moment of silence in which Dragon, Jane, and even Gunther had no idea what to do next. It was obvious for Jane to say something, whether to forgive him or hold a grudge. But she simply stood there next to Dragon staring back at Gunther with wide green eyes. Dragon was looking back and forth between the two in awkward silence.

Gunther made the first move. He took a step back and started to walk to the yard in front of the dining hall, not knowing where else to go. Dragon nudged Jane and broke her out of speechlessness.

"Go after him!" he hissed.

Jane, confused and baffled at these turn of events, replied unintelligibly, "Huh? Oh!" She was then rushing to Gunther at full speed, hoping to mend their bitter relationship. At least for today.

"Gunther! Gunther, wait up!"

He stopped in his tracks but did not turn back to look at her for fear of rejection. He simply stayed quiet.

"Gunther, I… I forgive you. I'm sure you meant something else. Right?" she asked hopefully.

"What makes you think I meant something else?" he scoffed, a moment later with regret. Great, he's making things worse.

But Jane was understanding, she always was. She smiled wistfully, though he could not see her with his back turned. "Because… Because I know you, Gunther. Maybe as a child, I could not say the same with all our bitter rivalry. But you have changed. You always come to my aid, no matter how large the danger. Although in a roundabout sort of way," she laughed at this. She tried looking for an excuse to make up but the words just came out. She never knew she saw Gunther this way. "But, you always mean to help people. That is one of the great things I've seen you learn through the years to be a knight."

She stepped forward and placed a hand on Gunther's shoulder, hoping to have him accept her words. It was then she realized just how much Gunther really has grown from the childish days to a tall, strong, young, and handsome man. She smiled at the thought. They both have grown and they should really set aside their differences. All she wanted now was to get along. She wanted to be real friends.

This time, it was Gunther's turn to be speechless. He smiled as well, having similar thoughts, and inched his hand up to his shoulder where Jane was resting her small but comforting hand. He placed his hand on top of hers and they stood like that for a while. It would have looked like Jane was embracing him from behind with how close they were. Then, slowly, Gunther turned around to face Jane, never taking his hand off of hers. He held her hand and brought it down, his gaze on her, never letting go.

He realized how much shorter she actually was compared to him now. Though she may seem tall, it was because of the great feats and strong challenges she faced that made her seem so much bigger. Sure, she was taller than most girls, stronger, tougher, and smarter too. But to him, at that moment, she simply looked herself. Remarkable.

Over the years, he grew to care for Jane a little. She was very adventurous and got herself in many sticky situations. Some of those situations, he was with her because of their knight's duty or code. They took care of each other, many times, only to bicker the next day. He looked at her and remembered all those memories they shared.

They looked into each other's eyes. Deep grey ones holding with sparkling green ones.

Then they heard a voice, calling from far away. It was Rake calling for everybody to get to the dining hall. Gunther and Jane swiftly broke from their trance and awkwardly stood apart again. Suddenly, Jane turned to face Gunther and held out her hand.

"Truce? Just for the rest of the day, if not longer at least?" she said strongly.

He smiled, his features softening. It was just like those times when they had to work together for a whole day. This was more than what he could have asked for. He firmly took her hand and shook it. "Truce."

Inside the hall, everyone was settled in. Princess Lavinia had her fill of her favorite wild strawberry's from Rake's beautifully garden grown over the years. Smithy was listening to a talkative Cuthbert, trying to seem interested. Pig was next to Dragon who poked his head through the door, letting a slight cold draft fill the room that more lamps and torches were out and burning with warmth even though it was still a little past noon. Rake and Pepper were stealing glances at each other across the tables, giggling and laughing all the while. Jester was entertaining the King and Queen with a joke.

But the strangest thing was that Jane's parents were nowhere to be found. Nor Gunther's father as he was told to attend to see his son receive his last task as a squire and be knighted once he completes it. The worst is that neither Sir Theodore nor Sir Ivon was there to give them that task.

It seemed like the lunch party was going to end soon and the two squires were growing anxious. Jester sat right beside Jane and as if he could read her mind, asked no questions but instead tried to comfort her like he always did.

"Oh don't worry, Jane. I'm sure they will be here soon. Probably in the privy. You know how that Sir Ivon is when he eats more than he can handle. Sir Theodore would never want to disappoint his favorite pupil either. I'm sure of this!" Jester comforted.

"Oh? And how sure are you, Jester?" asked Jane, still worried.

"As sure as my jests are the best," he winked, earning a laugh from Jane and encouraging smiles from her friends.

As if on cue, Sir Theodore and Sir Ivon walked in and bowed to the King and Queen. Jane's parents came slowly up behind them, looking ill and grim. Why, her mother seemed angry and her father with concerned eyes. Then Gunther's father came in grumbling and absolutely in a foul mood.

Across the tables, Jane and Gunther took a glance at each other. Both were wondering what could ever upset their parents so much on the day of celebration. They were about to move to them but the King stood and the whole room fell to a silence. It seems that everyone also took notice of how the parents of the squires were so upset. Curiosity took over them. Finally the King spoke and everyone paid attention with big ears.

"As you all know, today is the day squires Jane and Gunther receive their last test to prove to me they are worthy to be knights defending the royal family and my kingdom," he announced with cheer. All the occupants clapped and shouted with joy.

"You did it, Jane!" Jester joyfully said while clapping his hand on her back.

"Oh congratulations, Petal!"

"I have a full batch of your favorites in the garden for this day."

"You've done well, Jane."

"Haha! I always knew you could do it," roared Dragon. "Never doubted you for a second!" he winked.

And the cheers continued. Jane was being congratulated everywhere from everyone. She could not have been happier. When it died down a little, she stood up and walked towards Gunther who was smiling at her. Both were excited to say goodbyes as squires and to be full fledge knights.

"Congratulations, Jane Turnkey," he said first. And he actually meant it. He knew she deserved to be knighted. He knew she was going to be a fine knight who would go on many adventures and travel everywhere with her fire breathing dragon. He always watched her from afar so he knew. He was genuinely happy for her and thought he should finally say it. "You deserve this."

Jane smiled greatly. Was this it? Did she finally get him to see her? Her eyes softened but still held much joy. "Thank you, Gunther Breech," she said finally. "And congratulations to you too. You always had it in you."

They smiled at each other before realizing that all eyes were on them. Jester spoke first, breaking the awkward silence and wanting the strange atmosphere between Jane and Gunther to go away. For some reason, they seemed to be getting along much better over the years and made him feel rather uneasy.

"So on with it! What is this final task?" he cried with enthusiasm and bringing everyone into curiosity as they stared hard at the King.

The King hesitated and looked to Sir Theodore who nodded his head as if he knew what the King asked. Sir Ivon made glances at Jane and Gunther's parents who tensed up at the sudden question, obviously already knowing the task and seeming to be upset about it. The silence was strained and the King kept looking around for help but it seemed it was he who had to give them their and no one can do it besides the King because there was no greater power than him. Besides Dragon, of course.

"What is it Daddy?" Princess Lavinia chirped, oblivious to the tension. She is a little girl of 12, outgrowing her dragon wings made by Smithy but still a naïve and innocent child.

"Yes, get on with it," Prince Cuthbert grumbled. He didn't change much as people had hoped over the years, still with a rather grumpy and bratty attitude. With a quick stare from his mother, he added hesitantly an apology as low as a whisper.

King Caradoc cleared his throat and took a deep breath. When it seemed like he was not going to say anything again, Sir Theodore spoke at last.

"Squire Jane. Squire Gunther," he addressed to them. "Your last task is unlike any other. You have already learned all sorts of skills and overcame many challenges and fears over the long years under Sir Ivon's and I guidance. It is time for both of you to overcome the greatest obstacle we have deemed both of your greatest weakness."

"Aye," added in Sir Ivon. "In order to become a knight, the last task is always something that might make everyone go against it. Ya may not like it lads, but it must be done. It's both of your faults that you must overcome."

Tired of this beating around the bush talk, Dragon roared. "Well? What is it then? Get to the point you short-lives," he grumbled impatiently.

This time, it was Queen Gwendoline who spoke, silencing everyone with her presence. "Dear, you should be the one to order it."

The King looked at her and his features softened. He nodded and turned back to his audience. "Yes. My squires, your last task is to travel the Kingdom and beyond as you can reach for half a years' time. When you come back at the end of the sixth month, you will report to me what you have learned from my Kingdom and the lands and sea you will have also ventured off into."

Jane and Gunther turned to each other, disbelieving. That did not seem so hard. They have done it many times on their own and such a task did not seem like it was cause for such a tense atmosphere. It was not at all a weakness to either of them. Jane overcame her fear of the dark long ago. And Gunther would not have to fear his Father's hand while he was away. It seemed almost too easy. Time-consuming into being a knight, maybe the first time they'll be gone so long and together at that, but an easy task nonetheless.

It was the impatient Dragon who spoke the thoughts out loud. "That's it? All this wishy washy talk for that?" He bellowed and started laughing. "Cows have more interesting tasks to do in shorter time. Like their 'mooing'."

"Dragon!" Jane scolded, but was understanding.

"The King is not finished yet," spoke Jane's father after a long while of staying silent. His wife shifted uneasily next to him and Gunther's father grew even angrier.

No, the King was not finish. "Tell me, squires, what is both of your greatest weakness?"

Jane thought about this. "It is patience?" she guessed, knowing that both of them were rather brash at times, mostly her.

"Good guess, but not patience squire," Sir Theodore remarked.

"It is teamwork!" Gunther said knowingly.

"Right you are, lad," Sir Ivon smiled.

Gunther had a smirk on his lips which infuriated Jane to no end. She was still rather competitive with her rival, truce or not.

"It has been rather obvious," Smithy commented.

"Yes. But for good reason," Rake added.

It was Jester's turn to, well, to jest. "Ha! The day our lovely Jane and beef brain of a Gunther get along is the day pig's can fly."

Just then, Pig oinked and looked up at Dragon. Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Does Pig flying on Dragon count?" Princess Lavinia asked and then they weren't so sure anymore.

Finally, the King spoke once more. "Teamwork is the greatest challenge here. Over the years, I have seen you two grow. Insults, bickering, fighting, and the hostilities as such have never fully calmed. If so, it was only meant to last a day or so to get through a task you've been given. As Knights, you've always been told to work together but have never accomplished this task for a length of time. As knights, you are to watch over each other, trust each other, and work together to properly protect the kingdom as one for the many years you are knights, So squires, during your travels, you are to be together at all times. You will help each other out with cooking, cleaning, hunting, riding, and all that needs to be done as you scout the kingdom. It is an order and the last task you will have as squires," he added when Gunther and Jane wanted to speak against it. It sounded rather strange to everyone. Like 'teamwork' wasn't the right fit word. The King clarified, "And by 'together', I mean as…"

"… A newly married couple."

Author's note: Dang. This was long and drawn out. Never got to put more thoughts and writing on the relationship over the years between Jane and Gunther. I will probably bring back their memories of training and adventure together over the next few chapters as they travel the kingdom as a "married" couple. I tried to make it romantic but it is only the first chapter so it was more of an intro instead. I will get the next chapters with feelings and the such. Criticism is welcome. Ideas that I can use too. I'm just typing what comes to mind, not really planning this out like I should. Oh wells. We'll see how this goes. I didn't proof read this so there may be many errors. Rawr!