Disclaimer: All characters and settings are based on the books by Martin Baynton and the show produced by Weta Workshop.


Chapter 1 – Sled ride

Jester wrapped the bright blue scarf around his neck a second time as the wind blew a few stray snowflakes past his face. He had to protect those golden pipes after all. Walking beside him, Jane stuffed her hands into the pockets of her winter coat. She had originally insisted to her mother that going without a coat would help toughen her up to be a better knight. However after a chilly day of archery practice had left her shaking so badly that she had nearly hit Sir Ivon with a stray arrow, her mother's wishes had prevailed.

"I do love freshly fallen snow," sighed the minstrel.

Jane nodded in agreement. "Like a perfect white blanket. I only wish I did not have to shovel it away later."

A gust of wind caused the squire to pull her coat closer. Twisting away from the breeze, her eyes landed on the livery doors. Struck with a sudden thought, she turned toward the stables. Jester, absorbed in the wintery scenery, did not notice her abrupt change of direction for a few moments. Skidding to a stop, he turned and with a few sliding steps had caught back up with her.

"Where are we going?"

"I thought we should check on the horses. Make sure they have enough blankets."

"Smithy takes good care of them, Jane."

"Yes, I know, but lately he has been so busy working on that new invention. He may have forgotten."

Jane opened the stable door and quickly closed it behind them to keep out the brisk winter air. Just as Jester had predicted, the animals had been well cared for. They had plenty of blankets, feed, and water. With a sudden clatter of metal, Smithy backed into the stable from his small workroom next door, pulling his latest contraption behind him.

"Hullo Smithy," the female squire called.

The blacksmith craned his neck over his shoulder. "Good day Jester. Good day Jane. How would you like to test out my new design?"

As the young inventor turned towards them, the two friends got their first real look at his creation.

"It appears to be a sled," remarked Jester teasingly. Jane turned and gave him a look.

"Well, it is a sled," admitted the stable boy. "However, I developed these metal runners and a foot operated steering mechanism for it. The old sled should now run twice as fast and be three times more agile."

"Really?" Jane cried excitedly. Sledding had always been one of her favorite winter activities. Before meeting dragon, it was the closest she had ever come to the feeling of flying.

"Come on, Jester," she called. "This should be fun!"

As they walked out the castle's main gate and up a nearby hill, Smithy gave his friends a few instructions. "The person seated in front steers by placing their feet on this bar. Just push in the direction you want the sled to go."

Upon reaching the crest Jane turned to the boy in the floppy hat, "Mind if I drive?"

Jester conceded easily. "Just take care not to crash us into any trees. I am rather fond of having my arms and legs all in one piece." Smithy chuckled quietly as the squire playfully elbowed her best friend.

The seat was somewhat small, but they both managed to fit. Jester reached to grab onto the bottom of the sled for stability when Smithy stopped him.

"That is a good way to receive some smashed up knuckles. You should find something else to hold on to."

The minstrel gingerly lifted his hands and after some thought hesitantly wrapped his arms around the waist of the female squire seated in front of him. A small smile flitted across his face as she leaned back into him and placed her arms over his. The bells on the court fool's hat jingled lightly as he leaned over her shoulder to look at the hill before them. Jane knew her unruly hair was likely blocking most of his view, so she moved to tuck it behind her ear. When her hand accidentally brushed his cheek she quickly withdrew it. She hoped that the cold winter wind would be enough to explain the redness creeping up her face.

Jester's eyes grew wide as he looked ahead of them. "There certainly are a lot of obstacles. You sure this is a good hill for our test run, Smithy?"

"I need to see how well she takes turns. Just hold on tight and if worse comes to worse – bail!" With that, the blacksmith gave Jester's back a strong push.

They were off, flying down the side of the hill at speeds the minstrel had never thought possible. Fortunately Jane was a very capable driver, weaving them around tree after tree. Before long the court fool was truly enjoying himself. He let out several whoops which were quickly joined by the red-head's loud laughter. Then they rounded another tree and he spotted it.

"Rock!" the boy cried urgently.

The squire pushed her feet against the steering bar as hard as she could, but the boulder was large and they were approaching rapidly.

"Jane, we have to bail!"

"No, I can get this." She insisted.

They only had a moment or two longer and Jester knew how stubborn his friend could be. Tightening his arms around her waist, the boy pushed with all his might and rolled off the side of the sled, bringing Jane with him.

As the pair tumbled through the snow Jane heard a loud cracking behind them as wood met stone. Slowly they rolled to a stop. Somewhere along the way Jester's arms had released their hold on her. Rising to her knees, Jane spotted him about a yard away, lying very still.

"Jester!" She raced to his side, heedless to the fact that her clothes would soon be soaked through, and braced an arm on either side of his shoulders. "Jester, are you alright? Please, wake up!"

His lashes fluttered and slowly lifted to reveal a pair of disoriented, grey eyes. "Jane?"

The word was barely out of his mouth before he was engulfed by a fierce hug. "Oh Jester, you had me so worried! I thought maybe… Are you alright? Hurt anywhere?" The words came out in a hurried blur, muffled somewhere near his left ear.

Finally the girl leaned back enough that he had the breath to answer. The court fool quickly assured her that besides a dull ache in his right elbow, knee, and at the back of his head, he felt right as rain. The squire gave him half a smile then turned her head toward the wrecked sled as the boy moved to an upright position.

When she met his gaze again, it was with a very serious expression. "Thank you, Jester. I would have never jumped off on my own. You saved me from a very painful accident."

The boy went to shrug it off, but was startled when Jane grabbed hold of his shoulders and leaned over to plant a firm kiss on his cheek. The goofy grin on Jester's face when she moved away combined with the dazed look in his eyes made the squire chuckle lightly.

Smithy was already halfway down the slope and called out worriedly, "Are you two alright?"

Jester's gaze never left hers as he answered, "Everything is perfect."

Jane's eyes sparkled as she whispered in reply, "I could not agree more."


Author's note: Ah yes. I know the summary claims this to be a series of one-shots, but I'm afraid the updates on this project will be pretty infrequent. There will be more chapters whenever inspiration hits. :)