Good Knight

Not yet night, but the air grew colder as time went on. Sir Theodore and Gunther were prepping a rabbit for eating, the others not yet returned, I worried if the winter air would over come our friends.

Without delay, I asked Sir Theodore "What are we to do, this night air will surely be harsher than our foes."

With a softened expression, Sir Theodore replied "Need not to worry Jane, as long as the fire is large and bright, we will not perish. And with Dragon, there should be enough fire to keep us alive through the night if needed. I sent him to assist with fire wood."

Feeling relief, I continued to stay in Jesters warm presence.

As I sat wrapped in warmth, I felt my eye lids grew heavy. Soon it occurred that I fell asleep. I don't remember what I dreamed, or if I dreamed at all, but, my peace was later interrupted by my lovable, big green newt "Jane, Jane, come over here, I have found something"

Chasing the sleep away, I left the warmth of Jesters arms, for the icy air as I ran up to Dragons side. Now with alertness I asked "What do you have to show me?"

Dragon opened his hand, to reveal a doll that appeared like me. Curious, I asked "Wherever, did you find that? Is that me?"

Smiling Dragon replied "It's quite adorable, not as adorable as the original Jane, but very likeable. I found it up ahead, a few miles from here. It does look like you, but it smells of fire wood."

"Dragon, what did you say?"

"It smells of charcoal, why did you think of something Jane?"

"Is it far from here that you found it?"

"For a short life, it might take a while"

"Dragon, alert the others, and return here"

"Alright Jane, bit can I have a hug?"

"You needn't ask Dragon, I would have anyway."

I hugged Dragons head before he flew off. With urgency I ran up to Sir Theodore and Gunther showing them the doll Dragon found. Taking the doll from my hands, Sir Theodore examined it, and voiced his findings "Jane, do you know where this doll had come from? It appears that you were the inspiration for this creation. This doll was made in the kingdom of Danarium, a land with many artisans. It's possible that someone from the enemy army owned this doll, who knows what for."

I replied "If I may add, I believe your observations are correct Sir Theodore. Dragon said that it smelled of wood charcoal. I told Dragon to go and alert the others to return."

Patting my head, Sir Theodore praised me "We'll done Jane, I must say your intelligence is well matched with your allurement, it's tantalizing even for my seniority."

Looking at the sight before his eyes Gunther smacks away Sir Theodore's hand and pulls me away by the hand and remarks "Sir Theodore forgive my intrusion, however I cannot stand and watch such abnormalities."

Pulling my hand away from Gunther's, I retorted "Gunther, first of all your behavior against Sir Theodore is disrespectful, and second, you haven't won my hand in marriage yet."

Looking at Gunther, he declared "Jane, when a man views something of his threatened of being taken away from him, he will go to lengthy measures to protect it. I can respect that, however, that does not excuse his treatment toward his comrades."

Hardening his face, Gunther apologized "Forgive my impertinence. Jane my fellow knight, forgive my brash behavior, and Sir Theodore, also please forgive my pridefulness."

"Jane, you are excused. And also forgive me if I have brought you mental discomfort."

"Not at all, I appreciate your kindness. If you'll excuse me then."

As I approached Jester, he appeared not to be moving. Upon a closer glance, his eyes were closed and he was fast asleep. So I sat down, layed his head in my lap, and stared at his sleeping face.

Even your sleeping face is sweet. Sweet dreams

I took off his wig to reveal his dirty blond hair. It had been a while since I have seen his lovely hair. He had his hair a mess, so I smoothed out his hair and patted his hair to my heart's content. As he dreamed, he squirmed a bit. Wanting to calm him down, I softly cooed "My lovable fool, be careful and don't hurt yourself, or we won't be able to marry right away, and come greet me with open arms, showing me that dance I love so much, hearing that jingly hat I love, to hear the way you say my name, when your sleepy and bump into things while rubbing the tiredness away from your eyes, I want to know your name, so that I can be even be more closer to you, I don't want to lose you, if I do, if I do, I'll surely..."

Wiping away the tear that tried to escape my eyes he opened one eye and said "a fool can never die. I refuse to leave you."

"I...do..."

Pointing at my eyes he dramatically said "Tears I command you to stop, or you'll have to face Jesters wrath."

"I...do...not..."

"Jane, your sweetness will certainly nourish my heart, but your tears are so bitter, so continue to be brave my lady knight. I promise, to stay alive for a long time."

"What about forever?"

Happily he said "If it's possible, may I never ever leave you, and be together till the end of time."

"Promise?"

He kissed my hand "With this kiss, I seal my promise. Now is it yet time to eat for I can almost eat as much as Dragon."

"I believe it will be soon, now rest, I'll watch you, and keep you safe"

"I'll protect you with my life Jane, I promise."

And with that Jester fell asleep.

Not too far away, I could hear the voice of Sir Ivon, as he's telling Smithy and Dragon the story about the time he fought five men with a turkey leg. Personally, I don't believe he was sober when it occurred. As they got closer, I gently placed Jesters head on a folded blanket, and covered him with my coat.

Let us live this night