*I don't own jane and the dragon or its characters

Another small addition to the story game Arc2 before Janther


Today was a glorious day. Outside, birds were twittering about, the air clean, the sky clear, with a slight bite to the oncoming winter. As the days went on, it would not be surprising to see touches of frost here or there, and for some of the staff to go back home to their families and return in the spring. Some had such luxuries, but not Pepper, not when bone broths, and soups and puddings were still in demand.

Yet, this would be a tiresome season in other ways. With Rake tending to the gardens in his obsessive bouts, his feelings, emotions, shifting, and changing according to the state of the weather, it was bound to be a lonely winter. Spring can take the snow away, but could it return her gentle, soft hearted friend? Perhaps not, perhaps no one could.

Morning comforts were well seasoned porridge and full bellies. Of course what the staff would eat was not the kings porridge, but with its fine mix of berries, and crunch of wild nuts, it would not be half bad. The castle cook had not noticed when the blacksmith had joined her in the kitchen. Moving about, rushing to get chores done, to start fires, and cut this or that vegetable, she simply gasped at the sight of him, but returned to her activity like she should. This he understood, and he did not hinder her activity, but picked a chore and committed to getting it done, before picking up another chore he could easily finish.

There were such silent truths as these, when great friends danced at their own pace, and would sometimes bump into one another, and think nothing of it. Oh, and there were secrets, a great deal of secrets that neither had the luxury to admit, or share, but there were hints. Missed glances, soft expressions, light conversation, affection shown in its sincerest form. Perhaps, the great romance Pepper was searching for did not exist, and it was all just a fantasy. Perhaps, the greatest love which could be had was friendship.

Then again, what girl did not care to dream about love every once in a while?