Jane

Every morning in the stone courtyard of the castle of Kippernium, the sounds of grunting and metal clanging could be heard from the vigorous training of a lady knight to be. Her name was Jane. Right then her red wavy hair was soaked with her sweat and her thin rough-spun shirt clung to her every curve. Her ivory skin glistened in the morning light due to the sweat and her cheeks were flush from exertion. She gracefully maneuvered her lean body as she spared with the training dummy, artfully attacking and dodging as if in a dance. Finally after two hours of practicing, she decided to eat breakfast.

Jane had done this every day for the last two years since she was only thirteen years old. Her dream of becoming a knight will soon come true when she turns sixteen and becomes an adult. She had changed quite a bit over the years, no longer running from her femininity but embracing it into herself. She let her mother brush flower oils into her hair making less unruly and silky. She is no longer afraid of wearing a dress if the occasion calls for one. In only a short time her once gangly body filled out into a lithe and tone build. Her stubbornness had toned down a bit and she no longer acted petty. She still was good natured and confidant though. It wasn't a surprise that this new Jane had brought the attention of the males around her.

A man named Smithy always chose to clean the horse stables at this time so he could watch Jane's routine. Her movements always made him feel exhilarated as if he were dancing with her. He was addicted to the feeling, so in turn he was addicted to watching her. He was thankful for his heavy leather apron that covered the possibly embarrassing erection he got sometimes in those mornings. If they were a bit too painful for him to bear…. Well, his private quarters were relatively close. Thankfully today was not one of those days and Smithy finished his chore just in time to sit with Jane for breakfast. The two of them sat at the servants table just outside the kitchen, just as they've always had since they were children.

"Good work today. I think you get more nimble everyday"

"I would hope I wasn't getting slower" laughed Jane.

The cook, Pepper, placed two heaping plates of scrambled eggs and bread before each of them and then wiped Jane's face with a cool wash cloth.

"There you go Petal, lovely as linen."

Pepper had a natural maternal instinct that she seemed to practice on everybody regardless of age. Although she was the same age as Jane, Pepper had the air of a sweet old grandmother. The only one who could make her act her age was her sweet heart, the gardener, Rake. Rake and Pepper were a prime example of the cute shy couple.

The three of them were having a nice breakfast when Gunther placed two dead plump rabbits on the table.

"Ugh, I've just lost my appetite." Said Jane, revolted by the bloody carcasses.

"Smithy, be a chap and skin these for me. Cook, you may have the meat when he's finished."

"Alright Gunther, I'll be finished skinning them by noon."

"It's Sir Gunther; I am a knight after all."

"Excuse my rudeness, Sir Gunther." Sarcasm dotted smithy's reply

Gunther had been knighted almost two years ago when he had come of age. Although it has been a long time since then his ego has still been partially inflated.

"These will make a lovely stew!" Pepper said delightedly.

Jane playfully scoffed "Careful you two, if you play too humble he'll never be able to fit his helmet."

After sharing a bit of a laugh with the girls, Smithy excused himself and took the rabbits to his work station.

Pepper also excused herself and returned to the kitchen to make preparations for lunch and dinner.

"Don't be jealous Jane; your birthday is soon enough."

"I'm not jealous. I just thought your ego could do a bit of deflating."

Gunther tried to poke Jane in her side as a small punishment but she dodged it easily.

Gunther laughed "Are we still on for that archery match tonight?"

"Of course, "The best archer" title should be mine and I intend to take it." She said haughtily. "I would have won last time if my gloves weren't in such wretched condition."

"Oh excuses, excuses. Put your sweet roll were your mouth is Jane."

Jane gave Gunther a quizzical look. "What?"

"I'm talking about a wager. If you win, you get my title but if I win..."

"You'll get what?"

"Something for me, so we both get a prize if we win."

"But what exactly?"

"A favor. Maybe a couple of chores or something. I'll decide."

"Sounds fair. You have a deal."

The two shook hands and parted ways.