*I don't own Jane and the Dragon or its Characters
Inspired by ep 19 "Father's"
Unloading casks of salt, the sweat from his rigorous task burned his eyes. The Chamberlain stood nearby in the shade, checking that the merchant didn't cheat the castle of its order. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Gunther took a moment to catch his breath. His father wasn't a patient man, saying time is money. If anyone didn't know any better, you'd say it was the color green that ran through his veins. Snapping at his son, the merchant scolded "What is the matter with you boy? Can't you do anything right? We don't have time to waste"
"Sorry father"
"I don't want to hear sorry! I want to see things get done. Children are better seen and not heard"
"Gunther! Gunther!"
Putting down a heavy cask of salt, he looked up to see Jane "What is it?"
Perhaps it was from her short sprint, but Jane's words usually carried a sort of energy. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, Jane said animatedly "Sir Theodore said you have the night watch tonight"
The young squire felt a bit of the she knights excitement "Really?"
"I would have done it but he said I've already done it too many times"
Feeling the burn of his father's gaze, Gunther cut the conversation short "I'm a little busy right now Jane"
"Oh, sorry. Anyway, be ready for sparring practice later, for I've been practicing and I'm sure to beat you"
"In your dreams will you beat me"
"We'll see"
After greeting her father, she was off to who knows where. Watching her run off, an invisible smile warmed Gunther's heart as he continued his task with a newfound vigor. Gunther may have had to deal with his fathers abusive treatment, but seeing Jane always softened the blow, even if it meant working twice as hard. He might have always been late for their daily sparring practice, but he'd never missed, because she was the healing salve for his heart.