*I do not own Jane and the Dragon or its characters
Authors Note:
I'm not sure if everyone knows about it, but if you look on the character bio for Jane's father the Chamberlain, in the section about his favorite song it mentions a song Jester wrote called "All You Can Be"
And something else you may not know is that a few years back when fans had the chance to ask Martin Baynton questions about the show someone asked for the lyrics for the previously mentioned song. Luckily the page was archived so I found the lyrics and I must tell you now how lovely they are. To those who want to know the lyrics just PM me. Anyway getting to the point, another thing mentioned by Mr Baynton was that he wrote many adventures including ones when she's older. Seeing as it's been almost ten years I'm not sure if we'll ever get to see them but one can hope.
So this is dedicated to Mr Baynton, using his lyrics, his characters, wrapped up into a planned multiple chapter story in which I hope you'll all love.
Set when Jane is eighteen, the time has come for friendships to be tested, a great adventure to look for the Dragons, and to test all loyalties.
With a loud rapping on his door, Jester had a pretty good feeling of who it could be. With a creak of an opened door, Jester greeted his favorite lady knight in his usual manner "Good day my fair beanstalk and what do I owe the pleasure?"
That day of all days wasn't like usual. Jane didn't answer smartly in like manner or even give a response. She stood there looking a bit listless, and it worried him. All there was between them was the lonely silence. He knew by the blank stare that Jane was forlorn. "Jane? What is the matter?"
"Can I come in?"
"Of course, you are always welcome here"
"Thank you"
Stepping through the doorway, the waft of Jane's perfume teased the fools nose. At his age, though he was past the bloom of youth, it did not mean he had outgrown his childhood infatuation. It was more like it transformed into something even more deep and full of his life's meaning. He watched as she made her way across the room in her feminine gait.
"Please sit wherever you like"
The fool sat atop his desk, swinging his legs like a curious child. He waited for her to settle down since he did not know what else to do. Jane's eyes darted around as she made us way across the room. She hoped her friend would give her the time needed to tell him the big news. She wished that the empty chair and its closeness to the fool would not change her resolve, so she proceeded with caution and mentally prepared herself as she took a seat. It was normal that they would have their serious conversations in like manner, but this time it was different. The quiet was almost unbearable for the two since Jester knew nothing and Jane had told nothing. Then finally Jane broke the silence. "I came by to tell you that I...Its just... I guess you could say it is goodbye"
"Wait, what are you talking about? Now Jane really this is not funny. And trust me on that note when I say I know funny hence the funny hat"
She felt her breath hitched as she scolded. "Jester, this is serious"
At this point the fools insides began to twist, his stomach and innards began to ache as though they broke out in a quarrel amongst themselves. "What is going on? Are you going somewhere?"
"For the longest time, I promised Dragon that we would someday search for other dragons. That day is coming very soon."
"But Jane what about your duty as a knight? What about us? But most of all, Why...Why did you not tell me?"
Sensing the hurt in the fools voice, there was no helping trying to hide the painful truth. "Because I thought you would stop me"
Must have been all the years of pent up feelings, either that or the fact that it was a slap to the face when Jane said in more or less words that she didn't trust him. Whatever it was, he was angry. "Then why bother telling me at all? You could have left and gone away!"
Jane expected this much, so she tried to calm him with her honesty. "After I thought about it, I felt guilty for not believing in you"
"I think I'm missing something here. Are trying to tell me that you are to leave and never return?"
"I will return, though I am not sure when that will be"
Jumping off the desk, he turned away from Jane. It was not easy for him to accept the reality of it all. Even though a large part of him wanted to beg her to stay, in his heart he was screaming, and he felt bitter. His bitterness was an ugly thing which reached the tip of his tongue. "There's nothing to stop you Jane"
"I know"
"There's nothing to say"
"I am so sorry Jester, I really am"
His hearts selfish cries were slowly reaching the surface. He could not stop his rage, or stop his terrible tasting bitterness from spilling from his lips. "If there's nothing to stand in your way then what are you waiting for?"
"I know there is nothing standing in my way, but I came to see you today because I did not think it was right to just leave without seeing you once more"
"What do you see Jane? Do I look alright? Did you really think I could lie to you and say I would be happy to see you go? No, not at all. At this point in my life I am about finished with trying to sugar coat lies just to make others feel comfortable. I cannot bid you farewell since my heart will not allow my month to obey it."
"Jester, I know how you feel about me but I..."
"I know, you do not want any sort of romantic attachments. You are like an eagle Jane, you fly high in the sky, far out of reach while the rest of us watch you from afar, hoping that someday we would catch up to you."
In the past, when Jane was still a babe, she would have stormed out of there at the first sign of argument, but not now. No, she outgrew those childish tendencies, learned to govern her feelings a bit better, but her temper still lingered. "What were you it hoping to be? I have a life to live Jester and to tell you the truth, romance does not determine my lot in life. I have duties and responsibilities to do and I just do not have the time"
"Where are you going to go Jane? How are you going to live? Have you even calculated the cost?"
"I have enough money for a month or so"
"And what then? The world is a cruel place Jane, I should know since I have done extensive traveling all my life"
"You are starting to sound just like Gunther"
"Gunther? Gunther! And what did he tell you Jane? Please enlighten me"
Jane's voice began to lower as she revealed a surprising revelation. "He wanted to accompany me"
"But you two alone? That would be highly inappropriate even if you hated each other"
"Not like that exactly, he wanted to marry me. He promised me that he would provide all the needed funds and would guard Dragon alongside me if the situation called for it"
"All of a sudden, I forgot what we were talking about. It almost sounded as if you were someone else"
"The truth is, I feel a little scared. I know that the even if I am respected by some, it would be hard to get very far because of the worlds prejudice of woman. What should I do Jester? I know you are angry with me and I know you do not want me to go, but if you still care about me then please tell me what I can do?"
Honesty was a cruel thing for him at that moment. There was no need to reevaluate the truth. What Jane wanted was reassurance, what she needed however was someone to listen. Even if it hurt him something fierce, a stronger force urged him to do the right thing. Forgetting the hurt the she knight inflicted, the fools heart overflowed with compassion for his lovely lady knight. "No matter the hurt, no matter the cost, no matter what you have to do, you should do whatever you think is right. Not what anybody else thinks you should do, not even me"
Hugging her friend, Jane confessed "I am going to miss you most Jester. No matter what, you are there for me and you always believed in me. I do not know what to say"
Suddenly, it was like someone turned on a dozen candles in his head, and a brilliant idea came to him. "There is a way you do not have to miss me Jane"
"What?"
"I need you to listen carefully. Alright?"
"Alright"
"I may be all fingers and thumbs, but I know one thing for certain, I love you more then anything else in this world"
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Jane acknowledged it "I know"
"You said that the world does not recognize the strength woman have since they all live in the shadow of man. So what if we were to prove them wrong?"
"I do not understand"
"What if I went with you to help you search for other Dragons while we proved to the world that woman have as much right to things as man does?"
"But if you came with me then that would mean..."
"It would mean that you would have to marry me. I know you do not want romantic attachments and I know you do not need anyone to weigh you down. But I could help you and assist you in life like a partner or like a comrade. We would be joined by law, but only in name. Things would be just like they are now and all you have to do on your part is say I do"
"But what will you want Jester? Things in this life are not free, and I know everyone wants something"
"There are many things in this life I want Jane. One of them is spending my life with you. Even if it is in name only, I will accomplish my dream which is to make yours come true"
"Why would you do it when there is nothing to gain?"
"Who said I was not going for all the souvenirs?" he joked
"Do you really promise all that Jester? Is that really a true offer?"
"I have never gave you reason to doubt me have I Jane?"
Hugging her friend tightly, she whispered softly "I do"
This should have been the happiest day of his life, but in reality it was more like a business deal. The fool had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from crying. "I'll handle all the preparations, all you have to do is meet me under the cherry tree"
"When will that be Jester?"
"Tonight"
"I have nothing to wear though" she giggled
"I think I might have something that fits you"
Opening his trunk, it overflowed with puppets of all sorts of colorful costumes. He pulled out his princess costume, which he used when Lavinia wanted to play tea party. "I hope this is alright"
Hugging the gown, she smiled weakly "It is perfect"
Evening In The Courtyard
With the help from the castle staff, they managed to pull it all off. Pepper prepared a simple dinner for everyone in the castle. Rake spread a carpet of rose petals only after he mourned their parting with a good cry. Jane's parents gave their blessing though they were a bit flustered over the rush of it all. Smithy set up the chairs and tables as well as formed two rings made from Jane's dowry. And Dragon was waiting for the free food. By the time it was all set and ready, the staff was exhausted. With Sir Theodore performing the ceremony, Jester did his best to make Jane as comfortable as possible. "Before us stand a couple of dreamers who brightened up our days and changed the course of history forever. But, after all of the dreaming is done, they are nothing more then two people looking for a place in this world. It is clear that they found their match, a place to call home and though they will soon take part on a magnificent journey, may all their days be joyous and happy as ours have been with them"
"Hurry up to the part where they swap smoke" Interrupted Dragon
Flashing a glare at Dragon, Jane said "Dragon!"
Thank goodness Sir Theodore was a patient man and not a dragonslayer since Dragon at times gave him a good reason for resentment. Clearing his throat, he continued "Do you Jester..."
Once more was there an interruption except this time by the groom himself. "Actually Sir Theodore my name is Amaro Vitale"
Looking surprised, Jane's whispered "Is this really the time?"
With a smile, the fool said happily "You had to find out someday"
"That day being today?"
"A good time as any, would you not agree?"
After everyone got all their laughs and giggles out of their systems Sir Theodore continued "Do you Amaro Vitale, Court Jester take Dame Jane Turnkey as your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love one another the rest of the days in your life?"
With a wink, he smiled "You bet my jingly hat I do"
"Do you Jane Turnkey, Knight and Peacekeeper take Amaro Vitale as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love one another the rest of the days in your life?"
Sitting at the edge of their seats, everyone waited anxiously for her answer. Jane looked deeply into the eyes of her best friend who loved her. Jane knew that there was no turning back once she said those words but in order to be free sometimes you have to give up certain freedoms. She trusted Jester, she trusted him because deep down she knew who it was that made it all possible. He gave her the armor, he gave her his dream, he gave her his everything. So just this once, she would return the favor. "I do"
With cheering and clapping loudly, everyone was too eager and impatient to hold back their delight and joy.
This made Sir Theodore smile since there was no helping the varying personalities is the castle inhabitants and their great enthusiasm. With a proud voice, as though it were his very own granddaughter, he concluded the ceremony "With the power vested in me by King Caradoc of Kippernia, you are now husband and wife. Jester you fool, you may finally kiss the bride. Looking at Jane who seemed nervous about the whole matter closed her eyes. Feeling the deep stab of pain, he pushed away his own wants and attended to Jane. Jester touched her cheek softly to comfort her. Feeling the warmth of his callused hand, Jane opened her eyes, wide and brimmed with tears. He softened his face and mouthed the words "It will be alright"
With her heart prepared, she mouthed the words "I know"
As they were slowly closing the distance, Dragon butted in between them causing the two to kiss Dragons snout. Everyone laughed, even Jester who could not help but see how ironic Dragons timing always was.
"That's Jane's nurse maid for you" laughed Gunther
Jane's Tower
After their dinner and partying they had to get over another obstacle. Sitting on opposite sides of the bed, Jane asked "What do we do? Mother will come cheek to see if we have...Consummated the marriage"
Jester colored at the reminder, but he flashed her a reassuring smile "Do not worry Jane, I will handle it"
It was a touchy subject, but Jester had thought it out already. Walking over to the quiver of arrows, Jester took one and made a cut on his arm. Taking the arrow, Jane scolded "What are you doing?"
"They will be searching for blood Jane. If it is going to be anyone's, it might as well be mine"
Another reason why Jane needed him, for he was a smart and quick thinker. "I did not think of that"
"This is what I am here for Jane. Though I know you are more then capable, I am going to protect you in my own way. That is if it is alright?"
Jane felt the pang of guilt as the blood seeped from his arm. Wiping the dripping blood on the bedsheets, he soon wrapped a bandage on his cut. With the scene before her and of Jesters self sacrifice, she truly began to understand that he really did not want anything from her but he meant what he said. "I trust you Jester, I really do trust you"
"I know you do Jane"
When Jane's mother came over, Jester handled the situation flawlessly and closed the door letting out a sigh of relief "We are going to be alright now"
"It is time to sleep Jester"
"You want me... With you... Over there?"
"If it does not bother you then it does not bother me"
"Just to be clear this is all new to me and I may be inexperienced but please take care of me"
"Have you been talking the geisha's again?"
"Glad you noticed"
"It is alright, after all we are just sleeping"
Slowing he inched over to the bed, and slipped under the cover. Separated by a barrier of pillows, Jane smiled at him "It is like old times is it not?"
Jester relaxed a bit, appreciating that even that amount of closeness sent his heart overflowing with love and nostalgia "Yes it is"
"We have a big day tomorrow, hope you know how to pack"
"More like needing to know how to duck. I feel as though instead of your father, Dragon will be my father in law"
Jane could not handle the glow of admiration that shone in Jesters eyes so she turned to her side, away from his eyes. "What should I call you?" Jane asked
"Call me Jester if it feels right"
"Then what about your name?"
"Call me by my name when... When the time feels right"
The fool turned around so he would not have to stare at the perfect alignment of Jane's back all night. For Jane it was odd having his warm presence there, but not completely uncomfortable. Treating it as though it were a sleep over, she said warmly "Goodnight Jester"
"Goodnight Jane"
With saying their normal goodnights, they both intended to keep it platonic at least for the time being.
What do you think? Leave a comment, tell me your Ideas, and hope this story will end my writers block.
