"Hey, look at Floppy Hat down there. What do you think's wrong?" asked Dragon, flying high.

"Not sure Dragon. Perhaps he just likes evening walks?" Jane said, a little bemused, she had never seen Jester out so late. It was dark, and he was alone. The bells jingled on his hat as he walked. "Go lower. And Dragon, let me talk to him. You're no good with subtlety."

"I am not a namby-pamby short-life, I do not know or understand your emotions, too complicated. I am a Dragon, master of ferocity and scariness."

"Okay Dragon, you have made your point. Now like I said, leave it to me." she laughed at his conspiracies.

They landed, and Dragon went up to his cave to give them some time to talk.

"Jester? Jester, are you alright?" asked Jane, the concern in her voice clear.

He turned to Jane, his eyes tired but his face awake, whatever he was about to tell her was a lie.

"Fine, just fine, Jane. Why, is something wrong?"

"No, you look lonely. Why are you out so late? It is dark, not even Dragon is awake now."

"Is there something wrong with a little walk?" he asked with a voice a little too high.

"No, but there is something wrong with you. Jester, you're not yourself, I have not seen you around the castle as much as I used to. You have lost your spark, have done so for a while now. What is it Jester? You can trust me."

"I know I can. But to tell you this, would mean the end of our friendship. You could never look at me the same way again, Jane. I and some people in... back home where I come from, are the only people who know."

"So make me another. Please, it is not the same at dinner without you. No music, jokes, chatting. Please? Tell me."

"I can only show you, but please, allow me a minute." He dashed off to his room, returning wearing black trousers and shirt. He had taken off his hat, and his dark blonde hair shimmered in the moonlight, floating in the gentle breeze.

"Well? What, this can not be it Jester."

He only stood there for a minute, then two large black feathered wings emerged from behind him. They must have reached 14 feet. Jane stood there, words not having any meaning anymore.

"What...what are they Jester? If the are wings then-"

"Please Jane, if you never want to speak to me again, I'll understand."

Jane stepped forward, and walked behind him. "May I?" He nodded. She ran her hand along the top of his wings down to the tips. A feather came out in her hand.

"I did not mean to-"

"Never mind that." he folded in his wings, "It was already loose. Jane, please, do not tell anyone." The fear in his voice was evident.

"Why not? Your wings are beautiful," she mentally kicked herself, what if he thought she was coming into him? "I mean, everyone wants wings ay some point. The Princess even wanted Smithy to make her some." she considered her next question, "Can you fly?"

"No, I can not. My wings were not strong enough when I came here, and since then I have grown stronger, but have not been willing to risk being found out. I have not ever tried."

"I shall help you learn." decided Jane.

"And so shall I." said Sir Theodore from his balcony.