*I don't own Jane and the Dragon or its characters
I got this idea while eating in an empty restaurant. Enjoy
Standing in a solitary corner, I'm the only one that is silent other than the steaming dish of beef on the table. The smell waters my mouth, causing me to lose focus. I bite my tongue to gain focus on the duty at hand. Their voices blend together warmly as they speak of what families talk about.
Long ago I had numbed myself, so that I won't ache in homesickness. I once had a wife, she too a Persian. I lost her to illness at a young age. Never again, never again would I let myself be as careless and let harm come to those around me. Is it a lonely life? It always is, but my duty distracts me from my own feelings.
I watch over the royal family, waiting for them to finish, so that I too can eat my portion without worry. The clattering of dishes distract me from the rumbling of hunger that ails me.
At my age it's customary I have wisdom, patience and understanding. However, I am starved from my hunt. When all have eaten and gone to their chamber to rest, I sit alone eating what's left of the now cold beef. Taking small bites, I savor the small fatty bits. On my third bite, I spot an orange puff standing at the doorway in the corner of my eye. Feeling annoyed, I dropped my cutlery and asked "Jane, is there something you needed assistance with?"
With hands behind her back, Jane walked over and revealed two slices of pie. With a smile, she pushed one in my direction and asked "Actually Sir, if it's alright, would you mind some company as well as some pie?"
I couldn't help but smile at the gesture "Not at all"
Perhaps being alone doesn't always have to be lonely. After all, being lonely is a choice, not absolute. And as long as my favorite squire lights the way, I'll find that warmth I really need.