A/n: More fluff and thr next chapter will also be fluff but eventually there will be more drama. Until then I hope you guys enjoy this. Also just to let you guys know, I updated an old fic of mine called "I Want To Hold Your Hand" which is a couple of drabbles that are hand related and chapter three is exclusively Janster if you'd like to check it out.

Also as you mentioned Fluffymarshmallows, Sir Theodore definitely knows the tea. Lol. Hope you guys enjoy

Chapter 34: Dragon's Amusement

Smithy told Jane there was nothing to worry about, but he did worry a little that he would not be allowed to care for her as he had been; despite Sir Theodore's words, if he had misconstrued them, then he might be in trouble, but he was no stranger to misfortune. Face it he would, and Smithy set about climbing the set of wooden stairs that led to the knight's quarters which complained under the blacksmith's weight, but they held; otherwise, their repair would have been another task on his ever-growing list. The first sight he was met with upon reaching the top step was that of the older knight's stern back. Even after all these years, Sir Theodore stood tall and stately, but the blacksmith was not afraid. At least not how he had been when he first removed to the castle. "You wanted to see me, sir?" He inquired.

Clearing his throat, Sir Theodore answered with calmness, "Yes. Please sit down."

The blacksmith pulled up the nearest chair, and made sure that it too could hold his weight, and inquired, "What may I do for you, sir?"

For a few moments, there was silence, and the aged knight stood on his balcony and looked out towards the courtyard. There was not much to distract the blacksmith as he waited, except for a woman's portrait that hung nearby. Smithy assumed the knight was collecting his thoughts or heightening the tension with the pause; it was working to a certain degree. It was no wonder he was easy to respect given how dignified he was of manner and speech, but despite whatever power Sir Theodore had or was given, it had not changed him. Be that as it may, the years appeared to have added to his amiableness and respectability. In thinking all this, it did remind the blacksmith that the aged knight's opinion did carry weight.

When Sir Theodore turned to face the blacksmith, he inquired in that voice that demanded full attention, "You may answer this, have you finally confessed and resolved your differences with my old pupil?"

"Yes sir." Was the blacksmith's gentle admittance; unable to keep the briefest of smiles from his face, "It was a rather unexpected turn of events, but yes I did tell her."

"And?"

Jane's mentor must have known; no one was as perceptive as him except for Dragon whose senses alone could not be matched. However, Smithy did not mind telling him; it was due to the aged knight's advice that he had made any progress in the first place. "Well sir, she informed me that the feelings were mutual and had been for a long time."

Despite the reality, the blacksmith almost did not feel worthy of such happiness. The knowing glint in Sir Theodore's eyes did, for the most part, give him a measure of relief that it was not disgraceful to feel as he did. "Hmm, that would explain the mutual contentment. However, if I may make a suggestion," To which the blacksmith nodded in acknowledgement, "a spirited game of chess is more inconspicuous than sparring with swords."

Scratching the back of his neck, the blacksmith wondered, "Right, but this cannot be the reason you called me here, is it sir?"

"You are correct. While your romantic endeavours are illuminating, it is your skills I cared to discuss."

The blacksmith thought as much, but it gratified him to attract the interest of a man with such skill. "I suppose you are referring to sword fighting?"

"Indeed. It is not every day that one comes across a sword-fighting blacksmith." And with raised brows, Sir Theodore questioned more out of amusement than seriousness, "Should I be alarmed?"

Relieved to find that the aged knight was in good humour, Smithy explained with his general calmness, "Not at all, sir. If the practise dummy had been in good repair, I would have had little reason to spar with Jane."

"Perhaps," The aged knight acquiesced, "but you must have been curious about the outcome. Spending all those years behind your anvil would have allowed you to observe their lessons."

It had. Whether he was in the stables or his forge, Smithy had heard and witnessed the clashing of swords and personalities; of bitterness and pride; of the jesting; of glares; and most of all misunderstandings, but the years had allowed for both Jane and Gunther to learn to put up with one another and get along somewhat despite their differences. Why Jester had offered to act as a practice dummy if Jane ever desired it, but the blacksmith, while he had been curious, never believed he would be worthy of the privilege until today. "Who would not be? It appeared at times to be exhilarating, but my reasons… you are aware of a few of them."

"Yes, I am."

"However, the disparity between the forge and the rest of the castle was great. That is," He softened, "until Jane met me halfway. Only then did I feel comfortable to offer such assistance as being a sparring partner."

The blacksmith's fondness for Sir Theodore's old pupil did not escape him. It was touching in its own right, but there would be challenges along the way; no doubt the two had thought of the consequences. Nonetheless, it was a delight that contributed to the aged knight's amusement. "Had you tried what had been done this morning a few years ago, I daresay it would not have ended as well."

Suggesting it alone would have amused her, but insisting on it or rather going through with it and besting the lady knight would have invited a measure of contempt, but Jane had mellowed a bit as she matured. However, Smithy could not deny that her fiery nature had its attractions. "She certainly would have put me in my place, sir."

"And it would have given her a reason to resent you, but under the current circumstances, her respect covers up what otherwise might have been jealousy. Despite this, you handled yourself well."

"Thank you, sir."

"Might I add that you appeared entertained?"

To be face to face with whose moves he had always admired, the blacksmith was beyond entertained; he was challenged and had to think fast and rely on his previous training; it was fun in its own right. Yet, it should have dawned on the blacksmith sooner that his leather apron would have hindered his movement. Nevertheless, Smithy was charmed by her strength and while it was not that much of a factor, he was distracted by her confidence when she was persuaded to put aside her feelings and focused on the task; therefore leaving him open for her to strike him on the leg. He could not have been prouder. "I cannot deny that it was different, sir. Though, my bruises might say otherwise."

"Earlier this morning you made mention of your father. If you could enlighten me, was your father's name also Jethro?"

Straightening in his seat, Smithy answered, "Yes, but why do you ask? Did you know of him, sir?"

"That is what I am hoping you would tell me. Years ago," The aged knight explained, "I had heard of a tale about a young man, whose name was Jethro, who was rather fond of competing in tournaments whether it was hand-to-hand combat, long swords, and horsemanship. Not surprisingly," He added, "he had dreams of becoming a knight, but his station would not have borne it seeing as he was a pig farmer. Do you believe that man could have been your father?"

"It might have been. I do not recollect my father ever making mention of any tournaments, but he was skilled in all those things and had wanted to become a knight. However, as you stated his station would not have borne it."

"Well, if it had been, I can see where your skills might have come from. However, disregarding tales, and speaking of the present, I do wonder what would occur if I were to hand you a long sword and assigned Gunther as your sparring partner. By any chance, do you believe you could hold your own against him?"

To imagine himself standing before Gunther, who used to be afraid of him since the blacksmith was larger, was peculiar. Easily, at least in the past, there would have been no doubt of Smithy's success, but the raven-haired knight had become more disciplined and grown up to be a person who was admirable and had much to recommend him. "If I had trained day after day as Jane or Gunther had, then yes. However, I have not, and as you had seen earlier, I had gotten lucky in the first round because Jane did not believe I would seriously attempt to knock the sword out of her hand. So, no I believe not."

"I am not of your opinion. With a little training," The aged knight suggested, "I believe your strength could be put to good use. That is not to say it is not useful in your current duty, but if I had known of your skills some years ago, we might have been able to come to an arrangement."

"In that respect, I have no regrets, sir. My work, while considered lowly allows me to work with the horses, and to be of assistance to my friends."

"Had you been given the opportunity years ago, would you have accepted the honour of being trained to become a knight?"

If the opportunity had been there, Smithy's father would have wanted nothing more than for his son to become a knight, but that was not the blacksmith's dream. Yet, to serve the king in any way he could was an honour, and if he had been given certain choices, he might have done things differently. "If Jane had never wanted to become a knight, then yes."

At this, the aged knight chuckled, "Ah, so you had been besotted since that long ago."

Yes, Smithy had cared for Jane before he recognized what such emotions were called. He scarcely knew when, or why, but as gradual as it had been, Smithy did remember those early days he witnessed Jane's displays of strength and courage from the forge, although she was just starting her knight's training; it had bewitched him, and he was never quite the same; becoming conscious of her and her ways. He never could do enough for her, or rather find things that she would like him to do, but if he could have her smile at him or delighted because he had sharpened her swords and such, then he was happy, and all the more eager to please her. And it was thanks to witnessing Jester's similar feelings of attentiveness and eagerness to please the lady knight that helped him realize what his feelings were. Yet, he had refrained, until he did not have to refrain any more.

Colouring at the thought of the lady knight smiling sweetly at him as she had earlier in the morning, he confessed, "Afraid so sir. I daresay it started before I knew it began, but she had her ambitions and I wanted the best for her."

At this Sir Theodore's amusement softened his smile. "Did not want to spoil her dream?"

"How could I, sir?"

Walking towards the blacksmith, and patting him on the shoulder, he agreed, "Exactly. I admire your forbearance, but it will not be easy. There is still the matter of courting."

"I know, but the timing is not opportune." And Smithy had not fully discussed the particulars with Jane yet. "I will be leaving in about a fortnight. I thought of waiting until the spring, but… "

"You do not want to appear fickle." The aged knight finished.

"Exactly."

"The chamberlain can be reasoned with." And with a few strides, Sir Theodore neared a table, picked, and held up two carved figures he used for his battle planning. "Your situation can be compared to the alliance of two nations; you must reach an agreement by meeting the terms of the other party. One way or another, the issue must be resolved and if you have no other task, you may take leave for the day to handle your business."

"But sir, I thought you needed my assistance."

"I do. I would like you to move this wooden chest to the other corner of my room, and then you may go."

As could be expected there was no major issue in the land to be found. There had been a farmer who needed assistance in moving his cart, but otherwise, there was peace. And as they rested near one of the grazing fields, Dragon mentioned, "You are in a good mood today Jane."

"Is it any wonder? Patrol went well, and I have nothing else to do but enjoy the rest of the day with you."

It was not that the dragon did not believe her, but Jane had been in too much of a good mood. "Is that right?" Dragon remarked, his voice coloured with mischief, "I thought you had to get back in time for the evening meal."

"Well yes," Jane answered matter-of-factly, "because I will be hungry."

Restraining his amusement, Dragon commented, "And to talk to that sweetheart of yours no doubt."

"Dragon," She laughed, "whatever could you mean?"

"I saw you making cows eyes at him," He accused, "at hammer boy. And do not tell me I did not, because I did and last night you two were smoke swapping."

How had Jethro not been turned into charcoal? It was a miracle to be sure since green lips was so protective of her, but now that the subject had been brought up there was no getting around it. At some point, the whole kingdom might learn of her romance and Dragon was her best friend after all; he had a right to know. "I was going to tell you," She confessed, a bit sheepish, "but I guess I am no match to dragon eyes."

"You got that right. That is why I keep saying you need to eat more carrots." He reasoned, "Get your eyes like mine in no time."

"Right, all the better to spy with. Anyway, now that you know, what do you think?"

"About?"

"You know, about my sweetheart."

"Ah yes, that. Well, I must say, Jane, never thought you had it in you," The lady assumed he meant the kissing. "but other than that, what am I supposed to think?"

That, was it? She had expected her favourite green newt to put up more of a fight, but this was good. For now, it meant that Jethro was safe. "I am not sure. I assumed you would have had your objections."

"Honestly Jane, that is your short life business," And leaning towards her for emphasis, he admitted, "but let's just say I knew it all the time."

"Since when?" She wondered, "I never mentioned anything of the sort."

Tapping his head, he thought it over for a few moments, then answered, "Hmm, not sure, but you sometimes smelled like him, so I knew you two were spending time together."

Could others smell her as well? Or just Dragon? Allowing her imagination to run wild with the implications of his statement, she coloured, "Dragon!"

"What? It is true. He smells like leather, iron, and horse. You, short life, smell like whatever is that stuff you rub on your skin cause that queen of yours wants you to smell pretty. If you are around Smithy, you will smell like him, and if you hug him and smoke swap, he will smell like you. Plain and simple as the freckles on your nose."

"Alright, I get it, but why did you not say anything? You could have said something."

As though it were common knowledge, he yawned as though the subject were beginning to bore him. "Cause I knew you liked him, but I did not do what I did the last time, since you got all puffy and angry because I persuaded…"

"Threatened." She corrected.

"Fine," He acquiesced, "I threatened Gunther because everyone said you liked him. However, there is no need to persuade Smithy because he liked you all the time."

The lady knight knew that now, but had Dragon known and refrained from telling her as well? No matter, there was a greater inquiry on her mind. "But what makes Jethro any different? You did not always care to have Jester around, and you thought of turning Gunther into charcoal on many occasions."

"Leather legs is an interesting short life. Talks to the animals more often than any other short life I have come across, does not know how to cut his hair, and do not get me started on how he would sigh if you and jingle boy were seen together. Cannot decide whether to call him safe or boring."

The lady knight was aware of the talking to animals part, but the criticism about his hair? It was not as though the blacksmith had the luxury to allow his hair to grow to a certain length without it becoming a fire hazard. Yet, his sighing was something she could remedy. First, there was Jethro's reputation to defend. "He is not boring. I will have you know that he was my sparring partner this morning, and had bested me in the first round."

"Yeah, I did see that."

"Surprising is he not? Look, I intend to get to know him better, and I hope you will try to get along with him because I love him. This romance stuff is new to me, but I would like to make him happy. Do you understand?"

In a rare moment of seriousness, Dragon confessed, "Yes Jane, I believe I do. Never thought the day would come, but I am glad that there is a man that treats you right, as a short life ought to treat a lady, even if it is pony boy."

"Does that mean you approve of him?" She brightened.

Nuzzling her with his snout, he nodded, "Yes, but I hope he knows what he is getting himself into."

"I believe he does." And caressing his snout, Jane mentioned, "We are supposed to have a chat later, but he told me you could join us if you would like."

Pleased by this, Dragon admitted, "I knew I liked him, but would I not get in the way of all your smoke swapping if I am there?"

"Dragon, there is a time and place for that sort of thing, but how about it? Care to join?"

"Nah, I will leave you two to yourselves. Besides, you two will probably be making cow's eyes at each other the whole time, and the only cow's eyes I enjoy are my cow's eyes."

The blacksmith finished his duties, cleaned himself up, then went to search for the Chamberlain. Smithy figured that it would be best to give a good impression before entering into a serious conversation. And during this part of the day, Jane's father would be waiting for Jane to return. The older man turned towards the sound of footsteps and was pleased to find it was the blacksmith. "Good day Smithy."

Stopping beside the older man, the blacksmith greeted him, "Good day to you, sir."

Noticing that the blacksmith was without his leather apron, gloves, wearing a clean tunic, and was freshly bathed, it led to a certain suspicion. Careful as not to allow the concern to readily show in his features, the older man wondered, "And what do I owe for the pleasure of this visit? Is there anything I can do for you?"

"For the moment," Smithy started, "I wondered if you would not mind the company."

Milton thought he knew what this was about. By no means was the lad's company unpleasant, rather it was welcomed most of the time. However, it did not mean the chamberlain was prepared for the subject which might arise. Nonetheless, he looked out the window, and answered, "If you do not mind an old man's worry."

"I do not mind at all sir."

They stood in companionable silence, gazing out, and enjoying the cool, crisp breezes that blew by. Soon enough the land would be covered in a blanket of snow, and the long, cold season would commence. And yet, the changing season was not what was in the forefront of the older man's mind. To be sure, the longer they stood there, the more thoughts came as to how Smithy would broach the subject; whatever it may be. And in an attempt to be helpful, Jane's father inquired, "Do you have all you need for your trip?"

"I believe so." Was the blacksmith's calm reply, "It is only a half day's journey, and I do not have much to bring with me."

"It will be strange not seeing you behind your anvil. What will you be doing back home?"

"Repair what is broken, care for the animals, make sure there is enough firewood, and provide my mother some company during those lonely months."

Perhaps he had been mistaken. The lad tended to be forthright, so why now be any different? Milton had inquiries and needed answers. They were alone, and the knights were out either patrolling or dining; the timing was as good as could get. "There is a matter I have been meaning to discuss with you Smithy."

A slight furrow of the blacksmith's brows told the chamberlain he was correct in assuming that there was something amiss. "Of course sir. What would you care to discuss?"

"If there are no grounds for my questioning, I give you the liberty to say so, but are you infatuated with my daughter?"

Concern was etched in the deep lines about the chamberlain's mouth and eyes, and the blacksmith had no reason to conceal the truth. Allowing his features to be softened by his affection, he answered with sincerity, "No sir, I am in love with her."

Was it as Sir Theodore claimed? It was so. And as though he could not believe what he heard, Milton wondered, "You love her? As she is?"

Colouring at the frankness, Smithy admitted, "Yes sir, for almost as long as I had served in this castle. I understand if this news is distressing to you but rest assured, that I will not take any further action if it is what you wish."

Sensing the surprise of the older man, Smithy turned towards him, and added, "By no means would I dare make an enemy of someone I would like to someday have the privilege of calling a friend."

Silence followed, and the blacksmith allowed the chamberlain to have time to reflect on the matter. It could not be easy having to think about what may become of one's only daughter, but Smithy knew he would treat her right; that they would care for each other for as long as they both shall live. For a while, all that was heard was the wind, and the sounds one hears in the expanse of the place. Eventually, the silence was broken by Milton's gentle inquiry. "Is she aware of your affections?"

"Yes sir."

"And has accepted them?"

With the briefest of smiles, the blacksmith nodded, "Yes sir."

Although a little less troubled, Milton still had his reservations. "I never would have suspected. You gave no indication of it."

"That is because no one was supposed to know of it, for I never intended to tell her."

Milton could surmise his low birth and station had something to do with it, but if there was one thing he continued to learn, it was that surprises came from the most unlikely of places. "Then how did Jane come to know of it?"

"There had been a misunderstanding," The blacksmith explained; his features twisted in pain, "and Jane asked me a question which I answered. It all led to a discussion, and we were forthright with each other."

"I assume it puts a lot of matters into perspective."

"It did."

"I assume Jane felt guilty for asking you to dance."

Speaking with candor and tenderness that was rare from the blacksmith, he confessed, "Yes, but I am glad she was able to rely on me. Nothing brings me greater joy than to be useful to her."

Little by little, the pieces were coming together. Jane respected the blacksmith, Smithy respected the lady knight; he assisted her in preventing embarrassment; tried to ensure her victory by providing a sharpened tool; they had been friends; they trusted, and relied on each other; her strong will paired well with his forbearance; he would be in her service but work along with her ambition. The chamberlain should have realized it sooner but had not wanted to lose his daughter to anyone unworthy, but it was as Sir Theodore stated; the lad was of strong morals and honourable. Milton only needed to know one more thing. "And you are aware of the disadvantages and consequences that come of her being a knight and all it entails?"

"We both are sir."

With a nod to himself, Milton stated with conviction, "If Jane has accepted your feelings, then I have no reason to object."

Considering the chamberlain's words, the blacksmith wondered, "Then may I court your daughter sir?"

"Considering that my daughter is decisive in her decisions, and may never approve of anyone else, then yes, but if she objects I stand behind her decision."

The glow of happiness and the brightening of spirit that took place in the blacksmith was grand in the respect that this was the most energetic and eager of manner that the chamberlain had ever seen him. "Of course sir. I would not have it any other way."

Feeling as though a weight had been taken off his shoulders, and that there was a rightness to it all, the chamberlain mentioned, "You are a good lad Smithy."

"Not at all sir, you are the good one. You have shown me kindness and respect when I did not deserve it."

Gracing the blacksmith with his rare gladness, Milton admitted, "No my boy, I cannot think of anyone who deserves more."

From there they discussed the subject of the blacksmith being taught to read and write and finding that Smithy had learned to read somewhat from Jester and would not mind improving these skills over the fortnight before his departure and sometime after his return. And waiting for Jane to arrive, and later watching as she dismounted Dragon, the two men nodded to one another. "It is nice to see her come home safely, aye Smithy?"

"I could not agree more sir."