"Forge, I've been thinking," the delightful Queen Blade of Albion said to Forge, blacksmith of Brightwall, the royal's esteemed butler affectionately known as Jasper's eyes and ears on his beloved master, but most importantly, he was Blade's right-hand man.
"Oh, dear Lord," he replied. "What have I told you about that?"
The redheaded queen simply glared at her smug companion.
"I mean about us," she said.
"And?" Blade had piqued Forge's curiosity.
"We should have code names."
"Blade and Forge aren't enough?"
"I mean pet names," Blade frowned at the smart ass.
"Pet names?" Forge raised an eyebrow. "You make it sound like we're an old married couple."
"I've thought of a few," Blade continued, obviously ignoring him.
"Hit me."
"Goddess Divine."
"Okay," Forge said, hesitantly.
"And Forgey-poo."
"..."
The blacksmith looked as though he were contemplating it. After what seemed like an eternity, Forge finally said, "Forgey-poo. Am I allowed to ask for a different one?"
"You could, Ben'll be pretty disappointed."
"You told him?!"
"He was curious."
"Fine," Forge grumbled. "I'll keep it."
There was another moment of silence. Blade broke it.
"Forgey-poo."
…
"Forgey-poo," Ben called upon seeing the blacksmith, which was returned with an air-kiss, as the officer walked through one of the castle's many corridors.
Coincidentally, a pair of devious ears overheard Ben.
Suddenly, Forge noticed the figure, lingering nearby. "Ben, not in front of Reaver," he whispered.
"Forgey-poo?" Reaver asked.
"The queen came up with pet names."
"But Forgey-poo?"
"Don't ask," said Forge.
"Do I have a pet name?" Reaver asked.
"Reaver."
"Oh, thank God." Reaver paused, his lips curling into a smile. "Forgey-poo."
"Shut up."
A.N.: "Goddess Divine" is from the Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen version of Pride and Prejudice, when Elizabeth and Darcy are discussing names that the latter is allowed to call his dearest.
{Mr. Darcy: How are you this evening, my dear?
Elizabeth Bennet: Very well... although I wish you would not call me "my dear."
Mr. Darcy: [chuckles] Why?
Elizabeth Bennet: Because it's what my father always calls my mother when he's cross about something.
Mr. Darcy: What endearments am I allowed?
Elizabeth Bennet: Well let me think..."Lizzy" for every day, "My Pearl" for Sundays, and..."Goddess Divine"... but only on *very* special occasions.
Mr. Darcy: And... what should I call you when I am cross? Mrs. Darcy...?
Elizabeth Bennet: No! No. You may only call me "Mrs. Darcy"... when you are completely, and perfectly, and incandescently happy.
Mr. Darcy: [he snickers] Then how are you this evening... Mrs. Darcy?}