A/n: I really enjoyed writng this chapter. I really wanted to focus on fluff, and thats what this chapter is mostly about. I do intend to have Dragon in the next chapter because as the reviewer Fluffymarshmallows stated, he's going to have thoughts on the current developement. Thanks for eveyone who's still reading this. I know its about a rare pair, but I think thats what makes it more of a challenge. Anyway, please enjoy!

Chapter 33: Sparring Partner

Before dawn, a crackling fire and the preparation of the morning meal helped to chase away the minor chill. The closer it got to the end of the year, the colder it became, but the cook did not need any extra layers of clothing yet. And besides, what were warm arms and hot, delicious food for if it were not to invigorate the body, and calm the soul? Certainly, her livelihood had so much to offer.

In between the cooking and the planning, were the moments of private delight in the imaginings and delusions her mind could think up. A lifetime of hard work and a better part of it spent in the castle kitchen, Pepper had to think of ways to chase away the homesickness, and romance and family were her favourite subjects. There were no thoughts of far off lands, or fantastical adventures in her little tales, but of potential meetings and goings-on in the castle; two servants stealing kisses in the lesser-known hallways; a wink from a knight by the corridor; a dance on the battlements by a stonemason and a chambermaid; an archer sending a love letter by using an arrow and aiming it near his beloved's window; a blacksmith pining for a lady of the court; two friends realizing they had always loved the other. Upon thinking about the subject of a certain knight and a blacksmith, a smile that had already been bright became brighter.

The troubles and disappointments of the day before must have been forgotten, for when her friends had arrived at dinner, they ate with such keen enjoyment, and conversed as though there had been no problem in the first place. Be that as it may, there was a marked difference, but Pepper could not place her finger on it. And for a while, she decided to focus on the cooking. In one pot was the porridge for the morning meal, and in the other was going to be a well-spiced soup, full of squash, root vegetables, and mutton. The cook stirred its contents as was her duty to do, but a question kept surfacing and had been at the forefront of her mind. "Rake?"

"Yes, Pepper?"

"Is it just me," She started, "or was something peculiar about last night?"

In their kingdom, peculiar things happened all the time, but when they varied from the usual particulars, they could be considered odd. All the same, his wife was always searching for signs, no matter how small. "Not that I could recall," He started, "but your stew was lovely. You always make my vegetables smell sweeter than when I pulled them fresh from the ground."

"Thank you, but I was not talking about dinner."

As he helped with chopping the vegetables, the gardener thought back to the events of the evening. Jester had retrieved his dinner late, and only after everyone else had left; making his excuses of entertaining the king. Smithy and Jane had enjoyed their dinner and were quite cheerful. Nothing strange about his friends being happy, but there was a moment when Pepper had stepped into the kitchen to retrieve more bread when they shared a warm glance, before returning to their food. Hmm, but could that be of any consequence?

"Pepper," He wondered, "had they mentioned anything to you?"

"No, but I have this feeling."

"A good feeling?"

"Yes." The cook nodded.

Smiling sweetly at his wife and handing her the chopped vegetables, he commented, "That sounds good then. They must have settled their difference."

"I suppose you are right," She acquiesced, "but they did appear to be very happy, were they not?"

"They were."

"Good. They deserve to be."

"But despite that, you are still concerned?"

Setting her spoon down, Pepper outstretched her hand and took his larger, work-worn hand in hers. "Yes! I know you do not want me to interfere. However, I cannot help but wonder how anyone could get anything done being as stubborn as those two are."

"Do you believe Jester may know something we do not?" He wondered.

"If he does, I cannot imagine how he will take it, but I hope like before he will wish for Jane's happiness."

Squeezing her petite, pale hand, he agreed, "I do too."

In a small bundle were a few articles of clothing, a pebble, and an old buckle. Smithy did not have many things, for they were either in his family home or worn and broken until they were beyond repair. But, of his few earthly possessions, there was Pig who was running on her wheel and the intangible, but visceral affection of the woman he loved. Yes, Smithy could finally say to himself that Jane loves him. How had he managed to be so fortunate?

In his wildest dreams, the blacksmith could never have imagined that Jane had always cared for him. All this time, after so many years, their wonderful friendship had transcended into mutual affection, but until Smithy could talk with the chamberlain, they would not be able to court as he would like. To be sure, that although they had made their affections known to each other, if the lady knight did not care to progress their relationship any further, he would have to hold tight to the reigns of his regard and serve her for as long as he remained the blacksmith of Kippernia Castle or take his leave, and never return. For now, at least he could relish this happiness for as long as it may last, no matter if he comes to regret it. And setting aside his small bundle, he headed towards the forge where he found a lady knight holding a short sword. "Good morrow Jethro." Came her cheerful greeting.

"Good morrow Jane."

"I hope you slept well."

The blacksmith had, although he was afraid to wake and to find it had all been a dream. Yet, seeing her here, smiling back at him gave Smithy an inordinate amount of pleasure. "It is a wonder that I slept at all. Yesterday was quite eventful was it not?"

"It was. Did your thoughts almost keep you awake too?" She wondered.

Scratching the back of his neck, he admitted, "Yes, but…well, I knew I would see you in the morning. Whether it was here, or out in the yard."

The tips of his ears coloured after his admission, and the blacksmith wanted to withdraw, but the sweet noise of her laughter drew his attention. "Did you?" She teased, "That is so sweet."

It was odd to see Jethro flustered, but it endeared him to her. Usually, he concealed what he was feeling, but Jane hoped that little by little, she would see other sides of him. Anyone looking upon them would not have suspected how far their affections ran, but both had a faint blush warm their cheeks at the recollection of the previous evening. Nonetheless, the lady knight stepped forward and attempted to carry on with her business. "Anyway, I have this short sword that could use sharpening."

"Is that all?" He inquired; the beginnings of a smile softening his features, "Is there not anything else I could do for you?"

Remembering her boldness the day before after he asked a similar question, and what had been the consequence succeeded in deepening her blush, and Smithy could not help but be amused. To have been denied such amusements and refrained from being around such loveliness had tampered with his well-being, but no more; he would try to be more honest. Whether it was to shoe her horse or to repair any damaged stone in her tower, Smithy was in high spirits and was willing to do any task that she would ask him. For her part, Jane wished she had found another excuse that would have allowed her to enjoy his company for a bit longer or for a way to dissipate this warmth in her cheeks. Nevertheless, she had matters to take care of. "If you would be so kind as to check the practise dummy, I would be grateful. Gunther is not here yet," And there was no telling whether he would be here at all if he had business elsewhere, "and I wanted to get a little practise in before breakfast."

Setting her short sword on his work table, he walked towards the dummy. In some places, it appeared torn, but otherwise, its base was sound; albeit for the moment. "While there are no major structural issues, I do not think you can use it until the cloth here is replaced. And this piece near the arm might need to be reinforced."

"Oh."

The lady knight always enjoyed her exercises, and on seeing her disappointment the blacksmith recalled an idea, though he was not sure if she would go along with it. "Is a sparring partner all you needed?"

"For now," She answered, "yes."

Here was an opportune time for Jane to get to know him better without drawing too much suspicion. The corners of his mouth lifted at his idea, and walking back towards the forge and grabbing the wooden practise swords, he suggested, "I can practise with you, Jane."

What was he about? Jane would be lying if she said that his idea did not delight her, but the lady knight could not have the blacksmith offering to allow himself to get hurt on her account. "Jethro," She softened, "I appreciate the offer, but I do not want to hurt you."

Not after everything she had done to him. Guilt followed as she recollected all those times she had snapped at him, or inquired for his assistance when she might have been able to do something herself; albeit with more effort. However, the blacksmith did not keep account of every hurt that had been done but ventured to fix what might have been damaged or broken. And sensing her reservations, Jethro reassured, "You would not hurt me unless I gave you a reason to."

The reason being that she needed a sparring partner, and he was a willing participant. "If you are not too busy."

"I am not."

"And how could you be so sure I will not hurt you?" Jane wondered; placing her hand upon her hip, "I have been known to cause some ugly bruises."

"That would require you to land a strike," He teased, "but I do not doubt your ability."

Raising a brow, she grabbed the offered sword. "Is that right?"

"Certainly. A sword in the capable hands of a Knight is not to be reckoned with, but in your nimble hands, I am sure it will make things interesting."

"Well, if you are that confident, but just know that I do not plan on holding back."

Considering all the games of bandy ball that they have played in the past, he was confident in her ability to be competitive, but he was not without his competitive spirit. With a nod of acknowledgement, he answered, "I know."

Jane took a hanging right stance, while the blacksmith took a back left stance. The lady knight's eyebrows rose at his stance, but after the count of three, she advanced to strike him, but without hesitation, Jethro knocked her sword out of her grip. "How did you…"

Not even breaking a sweat, he answered with calmness, "There is still so much you do not know about me, Jane."

Like handling a sword? The lady knight could see that, but this was surprising. How was it that a gentle giant like him had come to learn about swordsmanship? Working with weapons would allow him to be familiar with them, but had this skill been learned by witnessing the Knights spar day after day? Jane could not be for certain, but she could imagine that if Jethro had been wearing a knight's tunic or had been without his leather apron, he would have blended in with the other knights.

Be that as it may, Jane picked up her sword, and took a close left stance. "A lucky first try, but let us try this again shall we?"

Taking a back-right stance, he acquiesced, "If that is what you wish."

Again, after the count of three, Jane advanced, ready to knock the sword out of his hand, but Smithy evaded and blocked the strike that was aimed towards his head. "Do not hesitate Jane."

Struggling against his sword, she groaned, "I am not."

Advancing, succeeding in pushing her back, he reminded her, "Yes you are. Remember that I am your opponent."

The lady knight did not think she was holding back, but a small part of her must have been. This was not her enemy, or someone she could readily be upset at, but her dear friend. "But Jethro…"

Continuing to advance, he suggested, "Do not let your emotions cloud your judgement. Stick to your strengths."

Her strengths? There was no getting past the fact that Jethro was much stronger than she was and larger than Gunther who she was used to fighting. Goading him would not work, and his features portrayed nothing, but his clear eyes shone bright with pride, excitement, and dare she say playfulness? Yes, he was enjoying himself but despite that, he knew she could do it, and his confidence in her abilities bolstered her. And all of a sudden an idea came to mind.

Jane retreated, Jethro advanced, and she struck him on the leg, managing to avoid his counterattack. Because he faltered, perhaps due to some pain, it left him open for her to knock the sword out of his grip. And although he knew he might have a bruise where Jane had struck him, Smithy was not disappointed. "Do you yield?" Jane inquired.

The blacksmith had yielded to her for as long as he could remember and did not mind doing so again. And with a nod, he acquiesced. "I do."

"Good," She sighed, "because as interesting as this is, I do not enjoy the thought of hurting you. However, I believe I had, and I am sorry."

"It is alright Jane. Sparring is not without its risks."

"Certainly," She agreed, "but I am still trying to process what happened."

"What happened is that all your training has paid off. Well done Jane, you got me good."

"Thank you, but Jethro, how are you able to handle a sword so well? Where did you find the time?"

Was this the time to explain the odd particulars of his family? Perhaps not. "Well…"

Yet, their observer made himself known, and commented, "I, too, am curious about that."

Both lamented that they had let their guard down. Who knows how long Sir Theodore observed their exchange, but it was a relief that at least it was not romantic in the slightest. Turning towards her mentor's voice, Jane greeted him, "Good morrow Sir."

"Good morrow to you Jane, and you blacksmith."

"Sir," Jane started, "allow me to explain."

Holding up his palm to quiet her, the aged knight commenced, "I am not here to scold you, Jane. From what I see, there is no Gunther in sight, and so Smithy here offered his assistance. As is his duty, he knows his way around a blade. At any rate, I would care to know how Smithy knows swordsmanship if he has never been trained." And turning towards the blacksmith, Sir Theodore inquired with a knowing glint in his eyes, "Care to explain?"

With keen interest, Jane remained so that she may receive the answers she sought as well. As she suspected, there was much to learn about him. Scratching the back of his neck, the blacksmith confessed, "It is true that I received no formal training. However, my father and uncle taught me how to defend myself if anything were to happen on the farm. As you know, animal theft is not uncommon, and… well, partially due to my father's fancifulness, I had learned how to fight with long swords, but I never had much need for it. Until now."

The lady knight's eyes widened at this information. If Jethro was skilled enough, he could have trained to become a knight, and improved his station, but he chose to withhold that information. Had the kingdom of Kippernium been at war, Jane might have felt differently, but the blacksmith must have had his reasons. And perhaps Sir Theodore might have thought that too.

"Fascinating." The aged knight commented, "Quite unexpected."

"Forgive me for my impertinence, Sir." Came the blacksmith's apology. "I was only trying to be of assistance."

"As I observed. Well, I suppose it is almost time for the morning meal. As you were."

And Sir Theodore turned to leave, but stated, "Blacksmith, I will be requiring your assistance after you finish your meal."

"Of course Sir."

After the morning meal, Jane walked with the blacksmith part of the way. "Do you believe you are in trouble?"

"No. I believe it is as he says, and that he needs my assistance."

Jane knew her mentor was not unkind, but he did not allow foolishness to carry on until it caused an issue either. "I just hope it does not turn into a lecture about class differences and duty, but he did seem impressed as was I."

"Thank you, but there is no need to exaggerate Jane. I simply mimicked what I have seen you and Gunther do for years, except that I take no pleasure in name-calling."

"But you made mention of your father and that he trained you."

"I did," He confessed, "but what I did not mention was that my father had wanted to become a knight. I cannot explain it all at the moment, for I do not have the time, but my father tried to live that dream through me by training me in combat."

"Oh, I did not know."

"It is not a fact that I have shared with many. However, as I mentioned earlier, I did not have much need for that training. I am sure you must have many questions, but I cannot answer them all now. Sorry."

"It is alright, we can speak of it later, but regardless, I do not exaggerate in my awe at your abilities. You are a talented man, but I hope you will not be punished for it."

Stopping at the archway, he reassured, "There is nothing to worry about Jane. I have spoken with Sir Theodore on multiple occasions, and it is always cordial and civil. It will be fine."

That was good, she thought. "Alright, but Jethro?"

"Yes?"

His straightforward gaze and manner of talking still made it feel as though not much had changed, and that must have been why she felt sheepish about what she was about to ask. "Will I see you later?"

What was he to do, and how had he managed to remain calm when she gazed back at him with such sweetness and warmth as she did? All he could think about was enveloping her in an embrace, and kissing her until they both forgot where they ought to be. In spite of his thoughts, he did manage to answer; pleased with her display of earnestness, "Of course. And after the evening meal, we can have a chat. Dragon is free to come along as well, but it would mean there would be a few things we still could not discuss. Whichever suits your preference is fine."

Touching his shoulder, she smiled up at him, "Thank you."

Glancing down at her hand, he allowed his affection to colour his voice, and softened, "I am sure Dragon looks forward to seeing you as I always do. Good luck on your patrol today."

Well, the blacksmith definitely was not as indifferent as he betrayed; much to the lady knights private entertainment. And touched by his kind words, she winked, "See you later."

His heart felt light as he watched her go, but as Smithy continued towards the knight's quarters, he wondered if Sir Theodore intended to discuss not punishments, but of more delicate matters instead.