A/N: This story is set a year before the episode "All Fool's Day"

"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days a year." – Mark Twain

Chapter 4: The Art of Tomfoolery

Slowly Sir Theodore made his way up the steps to the royal gardens. The first half of his plan was accomplished, now to find the boy who was best qualified to bring it to completion. Early on Theodore had noticed his natural gift of wit, and over the years his tongue had grown as sharp as any sword. The knight had been further impressed when the lad took the time to memorize his favorite ballad, a rather long and complicated song. Yes, he was satisfied. Given the boy's creative abilities he just might be able to take this plan to the next level.

Reaching the top of the stairs, a blur of motion caught Theodore's eye. The juggling balls flowed with precision and smoothness, but lacked any special flair. The boy was obviously lost in thought. Even as the knight approached he continued to stare off towards a nearby shrub.

"Jester?"

The blue hat rose slightly as grey eyes finally seemed to register his presence. "Hmm? Oh! Sir Theodore… I was… I was just … umm…" The colored balls fell in disarray around him.

"Planning for All Fool's Day?" The knight supplied.

The boy hung his head sheepishly as he kneeled down to gather his things. "How did you know?"

"As Captain of the King's Guard I find it valuable to be able to tell when a man is scheming. Besides, when I was about your age that same particular look used to cross my face fairly often… especially around this time of year." His eyes twinkled, a secret clearly hidden behind them.

Jester's eyes widened. "You, Sir?"

"Oh yes. My friend, Thomas, and I thought ourselves quite the princes of pranks in our day, but you would not care to hear about that."

"I would be honored if you would share, Sir." Try though he might, the jester's courtly speech did nothing to disguise his eagerness for fresh ideas. The bright, excited gleam in his eyes betrayed him.

Sir Theodore sat on the nearby bench and leaned back, a fond smile softening his features. "My love of pranks stretches back to the time I was very young. At first I only told silly stories to my younger sister about goblins and ghosts. Then one year I came up with what I thought to be the best trick ever. I took an apple and hollowed it out. Inside I placed a big black beetle. Then I filled in the hole so it appeared like any other apple. When the beetle tried to get out, the apple seemed to roll of its own power. My sister was terrified, and refused to eat apples for the next month. My parents, however, were unfazed. My mother simply cut the fruit open and released the bug outside. I determined that the next year my farce would be believable enough to fool them too.

"When All Fool's Day came around again I rose early. First I went to the table and switched the sugar with salt. Then moving to the stables, I loosened the straps of my father's saddle and replaced his sword with my wooden practice version. Silently I snuck back inside to watch the gags unfold. It was only mid-morning when my father stormed into my room, red-faced, a hand pressed against his throbbing back. While I went out to cut down a sturdy switch, as ordered, I came to the conclusion that one must be extremely careful in choosing a prank's target or be prepared to suffer the repercussions.

"Over the next several years my friend, Thomas, and I earned a reputation as the best pranksters in the region. Our capers grew in scope and complexity with each passing year until finally we decided to fool the entire town. At a secluded spot near the edge of the village we dug a wide pit and lined it with stones. In the center we gathered brushwood, a few very green branches, and lots and lots of leaves. Around noon on the first of April we snuck away from town with our flints and set fire to the pile. All the leaves produced an especially large amount of smoke. It was perfect. The two of us ran through the village yelling 'Fire!' It did not take long before everyone was in a panic, yelling and carrying buckets of water while running towards the smoke. We raced along behind them and upon reaching the now sopping pile of debris called out 'All Fool's Day!'"

The older man chuckled good-naturedly. "It was then I learned what a bad idea it is to pull a hoax that really could turn dangerous. To make sure I remembered that particular lesson my father saw to it that I would not be able to sit properly for a full week.

"After I had moved to Persia, my friend took a position as court jester. He became famous throughout England for his antics. Even today, those who act in a silly manner are often called tomfools.

"As for me, many years passed before I was able to put my skills to good use. I had thought my days of trickery over until one time while on an espionage mission in Ethiopia for Al-Rashid I was surprised by a gang of bandits. Using a mask from a local witch doctor along with several well timed ploys I remembered from my exploits as a youth I was able to break through their ranks and escape."

"You know," Sir Theodore mentioned slowly, as though the thought had just occurred to him, "I managed to bring that mask back with me from Persia. It would quite perfect for tomorrow. Unfortunately I am too old for the court to find such activities excusable."

Jester's grey eyes were bright with excitement. The old knight could almost see the ideas rushing through his head. He paused to give the lad a meaningful look.

"You never know what you may find lying in your room, my boy." With a wink he rose to leave. "….be sure to put it to good use."

The next day the captain of the guard watched as the blue clad boy unveiled a plan more cunning than any he could have concocted. The mask would certainly be used to its full potential. He chuckled quietly to himself. This would be an All Fools Day long remembered.

End Note: It's tricky trying to balance Theo's love of All Fools Day with his disapproval of poking fun at people. I hope I was able to portray that properly.

Is this the true origin of the terms "tomfool" and "tomfoolery"? Of course not! :) "April Fools!"

The mask. Oh, the mask. It's hanging on the wall in Jester's bedroom. You can see it through the window when Jane talks with him during "Jester Justice". I'll post a screen shot of it on my site if you want to see. I find it rather scary looking. Who know how he sleeps with it hanging there? Seriously, that thing would give me the heebie-jeebies if I woke up each morning with it staring at me. Yikes!