*I do not own Jane and the Dragon or its characters
A series of drabbles about the Sir Theodore and a certain Redheaded knight. I know, their age difference is great but who said it defined who you love? Anyway, I love this pairing and thought it was about time someone wrote a few lovely fics for them, don't you agree?
Some of them were meant to be multi chapter stories but for one reason or another it just didn't work.
A few might sound a bit Oc but I had fun and I hope you'll enjoy.
Armor
"Dummy! Varlet! Donkey faced baboon!
As I took out my frustrations on dummy, I hardly noticed the audience I had "It takes many skills to be a knight Jane in addition to name calling that is"
"Oh, Sir Theodore"
"Practicing hard are you?"
"Yes, I was"
"Come with me Jane to the armory"
Walking into the armory, the walls were lined with a wide assortment of weapons. Handing me a rag, he said "Things haven't changed much has it Jane?"
"Even after my knighting? What about that responsibility you spoke of? I thought things were going to get exciting"
"I never said you didn't have to shine or polish"
Letting out a disappointed sigh, she asked "Where do I start?"
"At the beginning"
"Even the ones Sir Ivon invented?"
"Afraid so Jane"
While she worked up a good polish on one of the broad swords, Jane heard the familiar sound of Dragon crashing in the courtyard. The ground shook causing Jane to lose balance. The force from Dragons crash so great a disturbance, that it shook the swords out of place. "Watch out Jane!"
With no where to run, she prepared myself for the worst. Then, there was warmth. Looking up, it was Sir Theodore shielding her. He struggled to hold up the weight of the shields and swords that's fell on his body "Are you alright Jane?" he asked
"I'm fine, what about you Sir Theodore, are you alright?"
"This armor can withstand anything."
Droplets of blood fell upon her face which she knew weren't hers "But Sir you are bleeding"
Pushing the large shield out of the way, she was about to wipe away the blood which was trickling down his face, but he stopped her hand "Your new duty is to put everything back in place."
"But Sir"
"Is that clear?"
"But"
Grabbing the clean rag from her hands, she felt pained as she looked into his eyes. Never had Jane felt more grateful and thankful. His expression itself explained it all. He was in agony, he was bleeding, but most of all his sense of duty remained firm "Please do as I say Jane"
Taking him by the hand, she helped him to his feet "Yes Sir though only after I bring you to Smithy"
Supporting his body, he limped a little as I brought him to Smithy who stopped mid swing and took Sir Theodore to the privacy of the knights quarters to tend his wounds.
Afternoon, Sir Theodore's Quarters
"How are you doing Sir?"
"Very well actually. Dragon proved they our armory is not strong enough. If we were attacked at this moment we would have been in danger"
"Nevermind that Sir, is there anything I can get you?"
"No, it is alright"
"How long will you have to rest for?"
"I suppose it will be a few days"
"I am so sorry, if only it was me who got hurt"
Taking the she knights hand in his ungloved ones, he gave it a light squeeze "You are my knight Jane, it is my duty to protect you"
She felt overwhelmed, as though someone she cared about almost died "Oh Sir"
"Come now Jane, it is nothing to mourn if an old man dies, it is bound to happen someday"
"Do not say that, even if it is true do no say it. I want you to live forever, then you can always critique my skills"
"It is surprising to me that you would care this much Jane"
Kneeling close to the bed, she placed her ear over his heart "If I listen carefully I'll know that your heart is very stubborn and refuses to let go"
Chuckling lightly, she said softly "It certainly is heartwarming"
As she lifted her head, she took a moment to his face. Around his eyes and around his mouth were a few lines indicating age, yet he had very little grey hair. Twirling a strand on her finger, she teased "Do you dye your hair Sir? Or do you go natural"
"What do you think Jane?"
To some he would even be considered handsome. She liked the way his eyes wrinkled when he smiled, are the brightness of his eyes when he was amused. Before she knew it, he caught her staring. Jane was at awe at the deep blue of his eyes. Feeling a sense of warmth, care, thankful, and attraction, she closed the distance between them, pressing her lips against his in the warmest, softness kiss that could hardly be described except for words that soon forward followed in a whisper "I love you Sir Theodore"
He said nothing, but she knew from the way he held her hands over his chest that he felt the same. Sometimes the loudest moments are the quietest and the loveliest are the simplest.
Too Close
"Sir? What are you..."
"Jane, can you give me a hand? It seems I can not get up"
"Why must you always push yourself so hard?"
"I do not have time to rest Jane, after all without you on duty everyone is working double. Tell me Jane, what am I going to do with you?"
"I am sorry Sir, something's are out of my control"
Nuzzling close, the scruffle of his mustache tickled her skin. They snuggled in the warmth of cotton bedsheets, not wanting to get up for their daily duty. Jumping out of bed, she helped Theodore up. Handing him his boots, he sighed and began to pull them on. Jane took delight in watching since she had a secret boot fetish. "There is nothing lovelier then a man who knows how to put on a nice pair of boots"
"You are a peculiar girl Jane"
"It is lines like those said with those mustached lips that makes me wonder why you weren't a charmer."
"It never occurred to my before I suppose"
Brushing warm lips against his, she wrapped his coat around him "It is a bit brisk outside, but it would be a shame if they were to miss out on an important lesson"
"It is my duty Jane, no matter how much I rather be here"
Passing his hand over her belly, he smiled "The baby just kicked. It's a blessed thing is it not?"
"I'm ready for this thing to come out already"
Standing at the door, he looked back "When I come back you better be resting"
Flashing that defiant smile if hers at him, Jane asked "Is that an order Sir?"
Tapping her on the head lightly, he chuckled "It is more like a friendly suggestion"
Cupping his face, she smiled "Yes Sir, right away"
Dinner Talk
"Say Jane, how does it feel eating at the royal dinner table?" Asked the king
"It feels a bit spacious, though I do not hate it"
"At least I won't have to deal with your elbows" teased Gunther
"Hey!"
Smacking Gunther's hand with his spoon, Sir Theodore scolded "You two, I thought you have put all that aside"
"Sometimes I cannot help but express myself in such a way " Said Gunther, obvious to everyone but Jane of his intentions.
"That is enough Gunther!"
Feeling the burn of his mentor, Gunther stopped his teasing and went back to eating.
Jane beamed a smile across the table at her mentor. He looked away, down at his bowl only to notice how her creamy white hands wrapped around her spoon as she ate.
It was difficult keeping the secret of an unrequited love, but he swore to himself to take it to the grave. Speaking of the weather and her findings in the kingdom over, or as she spoke about her day, the melodious flow of Jane's words sounded so sweet, that he feared his heart would grow fat.
Her presence around him became a confusing thing.
Chess and Letters
Walking through the halls, Jane crossed my path "Good day Jane"
"Good day Sir. I was just on my way to see you"
"Is that so?"
"I was wondering if I could borrow your book on Dragon Law"
"I grant you permission"
Walking away, I was going to pass it off as nothing but I asked "Would you care to join me for chess later?"
"I must warn you I'm very competitive"
"All the better for a spirited game"
"Alright, I'll come over after dinner"
After Dinner
I took out my treasured Persian chess set, that I only used when foreign delegates wanted to play. Waiting at the table, I got surprised when Jane came from the balcony "I had Dragon drop me off"
She must have passed a tree since there was twigs and leaves in her hair. Picking up a hand mirror, I laughed "It seems to me as though you have a few, hitchhikers on you"
"Haha! I fell out of a tree while trying to catch the varlet who stole my jerky"
Pulling out the twigs, I laughed "What kind of thief was it?"
"It was a crow"
Taking a seat, we played chess and laughed at silly about how she bested Gunther and the jokes I've played on Sir Ivon.
After an hour or two of chess, Jane yawned "It's getting late, I have to go to bed"
"Jane"
"Yes Sir Theodore?"
"Watch yourself"
"Why do you say that?"
"Do you trust me Jane?"
"Yes"
"When the time comes whether in battle or in life, you must use your properly trained judgment to guide you"
"Thank you Sir, but is something wrong?"
"I'm just a bit tired that is all"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'll be fine."
"Goodnight Sir Theodore"
"Goodnight Jane"
Putting away the chess set, I noticed my book of Dragon law. I thought she might have forgotten, but as I picked up the book, a note fell out from its pages.
It read:
"There is so much I'd like to say, but I'll start like this.
You're one of the best persons I ever met. Although you were skeptical about my abilities, once we began training, you paid extra attention to me so that I would be strong. At times, I thought you were bullying me, or found my presence lowly, but I pushed those feelings aside.
There were times when, I disobeyed your orders or times that I greatly disappointed you. There were times when I thought I was done for, but then your hand reached out for me and saved me. I don't know what I would do without you.
I'm so thankful that you take the time to continue to mentor me, since I feel there is so much more I still have to learn from you.
It's hard to find the words that can truly express my gratitude, but I hope that you'll always and forever be my comrade, my mentor, but especially my friend.
From Jane"
As though a secret place in my heart was ripped open, my troubles came way as tears. It was one of the hardest nights I ever had
Copper
"Oh dear did the dummy beat you again?" Teased Gunther
"There us only one dummy in this yard and he never beats"
From his balcony, Sir Theodore scolded "Enough you two. Jane come see me immediately"
"Yes Sir"
Sir Theodore's Quarters
"Has it occurred to you that he aggravates you so that he can get your attention?"
"Yes, it has Sir"
"Then, explain to me why you allow it?"
"He has nothing else to do Sir, he is a bit pitiful is he not"
"Jane when a man, when a man loves a woman there is not telling of what he might do"
"I act the way I always do to keep things the same. I cannot respond to his advances, because I cannot lose a valued comrade of the king just so that I could live in the fairytale of world romance"
"A very wise decision indeed"
"And because if this choice, I believe it would be best if we..."
"I know where this going and I accept you choice"
"You understand don't you? It just seems it is not the right time, I haven't completed my training yet and I think it would be better to focus on my goal. It's not because I don't... Not because I don't.."
Patting the top of her head, he smiled weakly "I understand my little coppertop, I completely understand"
"I know things will never be like before, so I won't ask for such a thing. Instead, I'll move forward."
Holding his hand for the briefest of moments, she kissed it lightly "Thank you for all your hard work, I will always value this experience Sir"
"And I will always value you"
"The next time we see each other it will be strictly professional"
"You'll know where to find me when you feel ready for the challenge"
"Am I relieved of duty Sir?"
"Yes Jane, you are"
As she walked away, he sank into his chair feeling the weight of the situation sink in. Opening the small box on his desk, the glint of a golden ring sitting on velvet cushion seemed pointless now. He closed the small box, and hid it away, in hopes that someday it will see the light of day again.
Sneeze
"Is it really necessary to remain silent for night patrol? Jane asked
"Silence is key for concentration"
"Can I whisper?"
"As long as you don't wake anyone"
Passing the royal garden, a light breeze sent the pollen flying. "Ah"
Watching her mentor make a funny face, she asked "Are you going to sneeze?"
"Ah.. Ah... Ah"
Covering his nose, she stopped the sneeze "I got your nose Sir"
"Thank you Jane"
Finding it amusing, she did her best to hold in a laugh. Teasingly, she said "Weren't you just telling me about the importance of silence?"
Sir Theodore looked a bit embarrassed, he retorted "It was beyond my control Jane"
"Watch yourself Sir, or you'll wake everyone up"
Raising an eyebrow, he said sternly "Do you find it amusing Jane?"
It was that look of his that sent fear and respect into her. "Yes Sir, sorry Sir"
"You'll atone for it"
"And what will I have to do Sir?"
"You'll have the honor of polishing my swords, after we go on a picnic"
"Sir, what do you mean picnic?"
"We are to guard the royal family tomorrow"
"I see"
"You didn't think it was just going to be the two of us did you Jane?"
Part of her felt embarrassed since at times he had that way of teasing in his own way. Looking away, Jane was unsure "No...well..."
"I'm sure it would have been a bore for you if that was the case"
"Not at all Sir, I enjoy our discussions"
"In time you'll understand Jane that you should be careful what you wish for"
"What do you mean?"
Chuckling lightly to himself, they continued their patrol while Jane tried to understand her mentor and while Sir Theodore tried to control his amusement.
Battlements
After much tossing and turning, I decided to take a walk around the castle. As I walked along the battlements, I expected to see Gunther on duty but instead noticed Jane curled up asleep. "Jane, what are you doing here?"
"Huh? Sir Theodore?"
"Why are you not in bed?"
"I couldn't sleep, so I was patrolling but I must have fell asleep"
"And why are you here instead of Gunther?"
"I am not sure Sir"
"Nevermind, I will deal with him later. Well then get to bed"
Trying to get up, she yelped "My legs have gone numb"
"What am I going do to with you Jane?
Putting down his sword, I scooped her up gently "It would not do you any good if you fall ill"
"Sir Theodore this isn't necessary, I could have gotten up"
Her skin glowed under the moonlight, as though it were cream. Her arms wrapped around my neck made it difficult not to notice the closeness between us. A sideways glance was all it took for me to fall pray to her emerald eyes.
When, when did Jane become a woman? I used to carry her all the time, but now she's not a child.
Of course there was no denying she was heavier then I remembered but not that much. Her warm breath was sweet, almost tantalizing "It is highly inappropriate to sleep on the battlements Jane. So I suggest you sleep in your own bed instead on the battlements" I scolded
"I am sorry Sir but not only for that but for for carrying me. I must be heavy, please you do not have to do this"
"Oh but I do Jane, this way you will remember the humiliation of being carried"
"The odd thing Sir, it is not so much humiliation but more like a comfort"
"How so Jane?"
"When I am in danger I know I can count on you will always to be there for me"
Stopping in front of her door, I put her down "Now go to bed"
"Thank you again Sir"
"It was..."
It was a pleasure
"It was nothing"
Looking up me quizzically, she said "Sometimes you have this look in your eyes Sir, as though you have something to say but then you will not say it"
"Something's are better left unsaid"
"Perhaps someday you will say it. Till then, I bid you good night. And thank you again Sir, I really appreciated it"
Walking away quickly, I hoped my smile was hidden by the darkness and my heart never to see the surface.
Age
"Sir, how old are you?"
"I have served in this kingdom for many years"
"Sir that doesn't really answer my question"
"And if I may ask, is there a reason for this line of questioning?"
"If it is all the same to you, do I have permission to speak freely?"
"Permission granted"
"I would like the opportunity to get to know you better"
"What is there to know Jane?"
"What I mean to say is that I like you Sir"
"Jane what are you speaking of?"
"I like you as a man Sir, you contain all the qualities I admire and I find you very attractive Sir"
"Jane, what you are confessing, is it true?"
"I swear on my knights honor"
"It is cruel to play with people's feelings Jane"
"I would never lie to you Sir, never ever"
"And tell me Jane, what is it that you planned on doing after telling me this news?"
"I'm not sorry if you feel insulted or embarrassed Sir, but I mean what I said."
Sir Theodore couldn't understand why a lovely girl like Jane would declare her honest feelings to him, but it warmed hours heart. However, he thought it would be unjust to reciprocate her feelings. Giving her a warm hug, he said "It was very brave of you Jane, and I admire your confidence greatly."
"Thank you Sir"
"But it would not be wise to waste your affections on a old man"
"I was happy to tell you Sir"
"Is this all have Jane?"
"Yes it is. I knew it would be this way, but I had to tell so so that I could get over you"
"That is very admirable"
"Thank you Sir, I'll be leaving then"
Letting her go, he held his stern face until she was out of sight. In truth, the aged knight loved her very much, and he was sure he could afford her any luxury she desired and even make her happy. Yet, he was too old and she was only just starting the best years of her life. Feeling pained and relieved, he declared his honest feelings to pen and paper. And burned it as soon as he finished, throwing away his feelings as well so he could move on too.