Disclaimer: I do not own Jane and The Dragon, they belong to their respective owners. Nor do I own the Graceling reference I make in this chapter.

Chapter Four

A Mother's Understanding

Jane did not even know why she sought him out in the first place but her legs seemed to know where to take her and she found herself in a small forest clearing. Here, away from the hustle and bustle of the castle and the animated lives of the townsfolk, was the perfect place to think and forget one's worries for a moment or two.

It was off the beaten track and so easily overlooked Jane had almost missed it if it were not for the sharp glint of something shiny that caught her eyes. Looking towards her left where the trees were too big to chop and the grass too tall she found a place time forgot.

In the middle of the clearing, Gunther laid perfectly still, his dark head rested on top of his tunic rolled up tightly as a makeshift pillow. As Jane approached the sleeping knight she noted she rarely seen Gunther so relaxed and serene, his face wore a soft expression and his chest rose and fell steadily in his light sleep.

She sat beside the sleeping knight; her legs outstretched before here and busied herself picking at the grass basking in the silence the clearing offered. She could hear the bubbling of a nearby creek and the chirping of the birds hidden in the trees, and Jane quickly understood why Gunther chose to forget his worries here for just a moment. The place had a sort of magical charm to it, especially the way the sunlight shimmered through the green leaves and despite all the shade the trees provided one could still feel the pleasant warmth of summer.

"Jane," Gunther said his voice laced with sleep broke Jane's train of thoughts. She merely looked at him, not knowing how what to say to him and to her amazement Gunther closed his eyes once more appearing to be content with the silence between them.

"How did you find me?" Gunther once again broke Jane's thoughts sometime later.

"I am not sure myself," Jane responded sheepishly and Gunther hummed his response.

"I found this place many years ago when I was younger. Stumbled across it, is really the word. When I wanted to get away from Father, I would come here." Gunther contributed out of nowhere; a sad look graced his eyes for a second as he remembered he was about nine when he found this place. He was so sick of his Father's cruel ways and he wanted to run away from the harsh words the town folks whispered so loudly about him and his last name he was so sure they meant for him to hear all of their painful words. He needed a place to run where he could cry if wanted to away from the prying eyes of others and especially away from the Merchant who did not tolerate sobbing little boys. He used to come so often to this place when he wanted to forget for a while but soon he managed to perfect the image of not caring about what the town folks say about him as he strolled past, his head held high and wore a constant expression of indifference.

"What did the Merchant do?" Jane inquired hoping that he will not clamp up like he did in the courtyard this morning.

"He is scheming once again." Gunther laughed yet it did not reach his eyes.

"He is good at that."

"He reckons."

"What he is scheming about now?" Jane threaded softly.

"What do you know of Lord Stephen Fairchild?" Gunther pulled himself up to a sitting position mimicking Jane with his Legs stretched out before him and started to pick at the grass under him.

"He is a wealthy Merchant who trades with the surrounding kingdoms more than any other merchants and sailors do." Jane responded, trying to recall the man her father would point out once and a while "He also has a daughter."

"Magnus has decided Matilda Fairchild and I will make a good match." Gunther huffed bitterly. "Of course he's only after her dowry."

"You do not like her?" Jane did not understand why she felt so relieved inside when it was obvious Gunther did not agree with Magnus's plans and certainly did not seem to be interested in the young Lady Fairchild unlike most males who loses all their sense when the young Lady attends court with her father.

"She's hideous." Gunther crinkled his nose in disgust. "And that little blonde head of hers is full of nothing but dresses and jewellery."

"Well, at least you now have found someone who matches your vanity." Jane smirked cheekily.

"And The Captain matches your arrogance." Gunther retorted and Jane hummed in response.

Silence soon developed over them like a cloud comfortably as they came to a natural pause in their conversation. Gunther willed himself to concentrate on the chirping of the birds and not to let his mind wander off with thoughts about his fellow knight.

"I do not want children." Jane whispered so quietly after a while Gunther was certain for a moment she meant it as an afterthought and did not mean to say it out loud if it were not for the curious glance Jane threw his direction.

"I do. One day, that is." Gunther confided softly closing his eyes and tilting his head up to the sun savouring the heat on his face as he leant back on his arms. A brief image flashed into his head of children with wild red curls and steel grey eyes, laughing and dancing circles around him and the woman whose face he did not need to see to know who she was. In this happy fantasy of his, he had his arm around the woman's waist and she looked up with love in her green eyes as she mumbled something inaudible and he responded with a kiss on her cheeks.

"The Captain wants six children." Jane laughed bitterly as she wrapped her lean arms around her knees, remembering what happened last night.

The Captain was invited to dinner yet again by her parents and the night's conversation took a serious turn when Henry laid out his plans to marry Jane and had the audacity to ask her father right there and then if he could have Jane's hand in marriage. To make matters worse her Father had given his blessing and she swore she heard her mother squeal in glee. Caught off guard she stared at the Captain, her mouth agape in an un-ladylike manner before she bolted up out of her chair and ran out the door in lightning speed almost tripping over her own skirts. She locked herself in her tower, ignoring her parents' persistent knocking on her door as she pondered all night about the past few years as a knight and what she would be giving up if she bends to comply with her mother's wishes. She was truly torn and for once in her life she did not know what to do.

"He cannot make you." Gunther said seriously, the happy image of children vanished and a dull anger slowly crept into his skin at the new image that was brandished into his mind. No one should make his Jane do something she does not want to do. He would rather see Jane on the back of Dragon as they fly away to discover the world with no promise of return than have her in the arms of Henry Beaumont.

"He does not seem to be a fellow you can easily say no to, do you not agree?" Jane said sadly, her mother certainly seemed to adore the idea of grandchildren and even her father seemed eager to agree with her mother. How could she end up in such situation, all her years of hard work training to be a knight and is it just going to waste when she marries the Captain?

Surely there is more to her life than this? She was convinced of a life full of adventure, courage and bravery, she wanted to see the world with Dragon and marry a man who understands her commitment to the realm.

She knows she has avoided and dodged her mother long enough when it comes to her upcoming betrothal to a gentleman of the sort. She thought she could go on a little bit further fending off the suitors her mother arranges for her yet Jane is getting tired and is entertaining the idea of giving in to her mother and just hoping her betrothed will understand better than her own mother.

It was a far-fetched idea anyway becoming a knight; she started doubting herself, only to end up as the lady of the house. It was her own fault anyway, she supposed, she filled her own head with ideas about adventure and valour in a time of great prosperity and peace the kingdom is in instead of becoming a lady-in-waiting just like her mother. Then, she was sure, it would be so simple and she did not have to be torn between duties and dreams.

"There are herbs." Gunther offered.

Jane laughed "How funny do you think the Captain will find it when he discovers a patch of pennyroyal I planted in the garden."

"Not very funny especially if he wants six children." Gunther chuckled humorously as he could not help himself but imagine the pompous arse finding Jane's patch of pennyroyal. He would pay good gold to see what his face would look at that moment in time.

"Well, then he shall find me a very vexing wife when I cover the garden with nothing but pennyroyal."

"Promise me one thing, Jane." Gunther sighed, pulling their conversation into a serious note once more.

"What's that?" Jane looked at him curiously especially at the frown that crossed his handsome face.

"You will never let anyone make you do something you do not want or feel comfortable doing. No matter whom they are. You are a knight first and foremost." Gunther said with utmost sobriety, his grey eyes narrowing yet the anger that seemed to be radiating off him did not seem to be directed at her.

"Ladies can't be knights," Jane replied sadly.

"Don't be ridiculous, Jane!" Gunther exclaimed, taken aback by the defeated tone and the slump of her shoulders "Where is that fire of yours? So easily extinguished by an arrogant captain? Come now, you spent years proving everyone wrong who laughed at you when you dreamt of being a knight, I included."

Jane looked away from Gunther's intense gaze "I can only fend my mother off so far."

"Promise me, Jane, please." Gunther insisted as he did something so uncharacteristically him and placed a gentle hand on the side of Jane's face directing her to look at him. As they stared into one another's eyes Gunther silently willed Jane to understand his plea.

Cool grey met brilliant green eyes and Jane nodded her head meekly "I promise."

"To never let anyone belittle you and make you do things you do not want to do."

"Yes, Gunther." Jane was surprised at the sincerity that danced in her fellow knight's eyes and wondered where it was coming from. But then she was sure she was seeing things especially when she could feel herself flaming up under Gunther's calloused hand on the side of her cheek and she hoped to the heavens above she was not as red as her hair. It was not like it was the first time Gunther had touched her, they have grown up together for heaven's sake and trained together as knights, but why is it that she was very aware of his touch sending shivers down her spine and warming her insides.

"And you will tell me if anyone does?" Gunther leant in closer to her, their foreheads almost touching and whilst he seemed oblivious at their current position Jane's breath hitched.

"If it pleases you," Jane swallowed hoping that her voice did not quaver.

"It will." He nodded and as quick as that he dropped his hand away from Jane and the spell shattered.

As a child Adeline loved walking through the forest, her late father would carry her on his strong back and they would spend hours playing hide and seek. but as she grew older she spent less and less time in the woods and had forgotten the serene charm the forest held. Today she needed to clear her head of the frustrations that plagued her especially with what happened lately.

It was not Jane's fault, she knew, but why is her daughter so stubborn? A small quiet voice reminded her that Jane definitely inherited that trait from her and she sternly berated that voice despite feeling odd telling herself off.

All she wanted was the best for Jane and she does not mean to be so harsh on her but Jane needs to understand that she cannot spend all her time running around with her sword and riding on Dragons. Jane needs to settle down and find a good husband and Jane has spent too long evading the inevitable. It is not like she was not proud of her Jane, being the first Lady Knight and proving everyone that she could be anything she wants despite everyone doubting her but Jane needs stability only a good husband can provide.

Captain Beaumont had asked for Jane's hand in marriage last night and once again Jane had run away. The Captain seemed sincere and Adeline knew that he will the best for her daughter yet Jane refuses to give the Captain a chance and she does not understand wh-

Soft laughter interrupted Adeline's thoughts and she stopped in her tracks for it sounded exactly like her Jane's laughter. She followed the sound with curiosity and surprised was not the word for it when she came to a small clearing and discovered it was indeed her Jane with none other than Gunther Breech. They were in the middle of the clearing so engrossed at their own animated conversation, so totally off guard and unaware of Adeline watching from a distance.

Something Gunther said threw Jane in an uncontrollable fit of laughter, hands around her sides and she almost toppled over if it were not for Gunther placing his hand on her shoulder to steady her. The moment Gunther touched her shoulder Jane's laughter ceased abruptly and her eyes were drawn involuntary on Gunther's hand.

Gunther cleared his throat, pulled his hand away and looked away as an awkward silence developed over them.

Jane, Adeline noticed, did not know what to do and twiddled her thumbs before the silence broke when Gunther suddenly chuckled at the absurdity of whatever they were talking about before.

"What is so funny?" Jane raised her eyebrows in mirth.

"I cannot believe you would do something so foolish." Gunther shook his head in amusement.

"It's true! if you do not believe me ask Dragon." Jane said defensively.

"I believe you," Gunther smirked "you are after all a beef brain."

"Hey!" Jane frowned, placing her hands on her hips but it only sent Gunther to laugh harder. She tried to maintain her frown but she could not hold it and ended up laughing along.

Adeline had never seen the two knights so comfortable and content in each other's company, their defences down and bare. As far as she was aware despite the truce they claim to have, they still carry on with that petty courtyard rivalry of theirs even now that they were both Knights of the Realm. Certainly she never heard the pair of them talking in a civilised manner before, instead, all she ever heard were insults from both of them. She never did understand how Jane could go from insulting her fellow knight one moment then defending him from anyone in the next. She always just put it down to whatever odd loyalty knights hold onto.

But here they were, getting along so nicely, none of that constant competition between them and she never seen Jane so relaxed and free of worry, not even around her dear friend Jester and certainly not around her own parents. Adeline has also never heard Jane laugh like she did with Gunther nor seen the fond glance she kept throwing at her fellow knight when he was not looking oblivious that he too looked at her the same way.

Finally for once, Adeline understood Jane's reasoning as to why she's always fending her off even if Jane did not understand herself just yet. Smiling, she walked away quietly leaving the two knights to their own company and along with Jane's tinkling laugh she left the weight on her shoulder flutter away in the wind.

Edited: 13.04.17

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