A/n: I finished this old work, and I dedicate it to biscuitweevil, whose reviews are too generous for a writer like me.

As of February 12, 2021 I revised this chapter for flow, spelling, and clarity.


Chapter 1: The Meeting

The pile of polished shields that sat at their feet made them both groan in annoyance. "Does he expect us to put away all these shields?" Gunther inquired.

"Let me think Gunther, yes. Who else do you think is going to do it?"

There was a castle full of servants that could have handled this; albeit unworthy of the task. He had hoped for a pleasanter duty, or a sparring session, but to do all this work was what he hoped to avoid; more work. "I thought we were supposed to be training for combat. So why are we cleaning?"

"It is out of kindness for our friends that we do this, as well as out of duty. If we cannot follow orders," She reminded him, "then how can we be trusted not to rebel?"

"Someone should tell your hair that."

It was just like him to take a cheap shot, but other than a glowering stare, she continued, "Beef brain, how about you climb the ladder and I will hand you the shields for you to hang up? Can you handle that?"

Grabbing the ladder, he set it up and sighed, already feeling regret well over him. "Let's just get this over with."

It seemed like it would never end, this back and forth banter. All attempts at peace or semblance of it failed the moment he opened his mouth; her way of aggravating people was conducive to failure in that respect. Yet, it was only the week before, under the moonlight, while they had guard duty together that it seemed there was a spirit of friendliness; it gave him hope when he usually had known. And now, as always he had taken one step forward and ten steps back. Nonetheless, it was their way.

Handing him one shield after another, the lady knight was eager to change the awkward atmosphere that had been around them lately, which was especially apparent if they were alone. For some reason, there was more hurt behind his comments and remarks as of late. It could have been attributed to age, for he turned sixteen not that long ago, and his age started to show even before then. There was no reason to worry, but concern for a fellow knight could not be helped, for their ties were stronger than kin. Taking a deep breath, she inquired, "How was your week Gunther?"

"Why do you care?"

If they had not known each other for so long, then perhaps his words would have hurt more, but she knew him, it was his troubled way. "I care enough to ask." She admitted.

"As far as I know, you are looking for me to say something wrong, then laugh when it proves to be so. I am not falling for it."

Her frustration once again was building in her chest, and it could not be helped what her fiery tongue would say. "I have an obligation to be civil to you once in a while Gunther, no matter how rude you are."

"Civil? Go on and continue to tell yourself that, but you, frog rider, have been anything but civil."

A bite for a bite, a stab for a stab, she would not relent. "You are my partner in battle from time to time, as well as my comrade and I should know about the state of your well-being, even if you contribute only what is needed."

"For your information, I worked all week. Not all of us have time to fly here and there on dragons. However, my week is not over yet since I have plans for this week's end."

"Plans? I suppose it is business with your father as usual."

As unpleasant as being around his father could be, he almost wished the oncoming event was anything but what had been implied. "I am supposed to meet someone who I will hopefully get along with."

"It is a courtship arrangement?"

"Perhaps," He shrugged, "I am old enough."

It was to be expected since his family was wealthy, even with their reputation; money could cover a multitude of sins in the eye of the world and its corrupt governments. However, Jane had not expected Gunther to think of getting married all of a sudden. "Well, I guess you are hoping this person fits your standards."

"Who knows." He chuckled bitterly, "I tried to inquire further, but all I was told was that I would really, really get along with this person. Whatever that is supposed to mean."

She wanted to be sincere, to wish him well in his future endeavors, but somewhere, she could not be honest. The thought of Gunther with a wife was irritating, but not disgusting which shocked her. Even if they argued, annoyed, and teased each other, they were friends; at least she almost thought him like a friend; it was something he proved to be over the years, at times when she least expected it. Above all else, Jane hoped that he would prove himself to be above marriage, at least to the wrong kind of girl. And although reluctant, Jane commented, "I hope everything goes well for you."

He was grateful that at that moment he was facing the armory wall for his inward parts twisted, and ached because of the longing and yearning he had repressed over all these years. Oh, he wanted to yell at her indifference and tell her he did not care for whoever was waiting to meet him. There was nothing he wanted more than for her to notice his feelings. Yet, there he was, arguing, putting up a fight, because he did not know how to convey his feelings properly; it was how he was conditioned. "Yes, well it is not everyday one can find romance."

Jane hated the thought of her meeting with the man her mother had chosen for her to meet this week's end. Be that as it may, she had to get that over with. "I suppose so."


The lady knight assumed it could be anyone, whether it was a minor nobleman, a merchant, even an old man; anyone who would improve the Turnkey standing and connections. However, the surprise was mutual when she noticed they were stopping before a familiar home. "Why have we stopped?" Jane and her mother gasped.

"It is better if you two see for yourself." Motioned the Chamberlain.

"Come along now, Jane." Instructed Adeline, "We should not keep them waiting."

Jane hoped it was a business transaction and not the…

"I am pleased to see you are both doing well. Come in," Greeted the merchant, "the boy is waiting."

Bat bladders, her meeting was with… Gunther?! When she entered the room, in unison they cried, "You?!"

It was true. There stood her fellow knight squire, dressed in his fine tunic, and for her part, she was dressed in the plainest of gowns; both wondering if this was a jest. For his part, Gunther could not have been more pleased, while the lady knight felt the opposite. And after the initial greetings and inquiries were made, the squires waited until the adults were in the other room. "Did you know?" Gunther inquired.

"If I knew," She whispered back with harshness, "you know I would not have been here."

It hurt him more than it should. He knew his feelings were one-sided, and it was not like he wanted to feel the way he did, but he could not help himself. Was it not natural that if you spent a lot of time with someone, that some sort of feelings would manifest? If not for her, he would not have been motivated to become the strong warrior that he had come to become thus far. Sensing her discomfort, he whispered, "Bat bladders Jane, you always have a way of giving me trouble, but never mind that. This is more our parent's fault anyway."

"What are we going to do?"

Listening to see if the adults were still talking, he proceeded, "Pretend you are having a good time, then once that coast is clear, sneak away through the back door. You can use the excuse of having to use the privy."

"Not a bad idea," She complimented, "but why do you want to help me?"

"Because I would not have it this way, Jane. I would never force you to do whatever this is."

Her opinion of him improved a little, and soon enough she decided, "Why not have a go at it?"

"Have you gone mad? I thought you wanted out of this?"

"Look, why not have dinner, and allow them to believe what they will? We can try to be civil, or at least let the adults think so, but when they least expect it, we should show them how well we really get along. I am sure you have enough dung jokes to help lighten the mood."

Gunther recognized that familiar upturn of her lips and the spirit of competition that set her eyes aflame. It was that look that fed his feverish delusions. Why, it was that bewitching, silent intelligence of hers that drew him away from the darkest places and back into the light where he risked being burned. It persuaded him to chance a step towards her, and she looked up at him as though daring to challenge him to a duel; it was no wonder he had fun teasing her. With a smirk of his own, Jane took it as an agreement, and they quietly discussed their strategy.


During dinner, they talked of swords, the best uses for dung, and how many wrinkles they could count on Sir Theodore's face. The adults were appalled by their childish behavior, thinking perhaps they were still too young to think of such things as wives, husbands, and babies. More than once, Jane had to bite back her laughter, and despite the circumstances in which said dinner was under, she was enjoying his company. Gunther knew the dinner would not end in an engagement, but he was happy that the memory of said dinner would encourage him not to give up; more than once he had caught that warm glance of hers. To be sure, he would not have minded if they could always carry on in this playful way; as long as she continued to look at him with those vibrant, emerald eyes, and that she did not hate him.

The Chamberlain studied his daughter and saw her amusement shine through their conversation, and witnessed the attentiveness that her fellow knight squire exhibited. Milton, although having doubts about this meeting was delighted that he knew the truth. Oh yes, he could see it, and it fed his private amusement, but out of love for his daughter, he listened as his wife told him her thoughts on the matter. With such thoughts, the two agreed it was not yet the proper time, and that giving them a few more years would improve the relationship.


The next day, while they were trailing behind Sir Theodore, Gunther smiled. "Good show Jane, you fooled them."

"Thank you, Gunther. Without your help, I am almost sure I was going to have to marry you."

Another stab to his fragile ego, but he would bear through it, even if it meant he had to prove how strong he was. With coolness, he sighed, "I am sure the thought is unpleasant."

At one time, she thought it was, but his comradeship had improved her opinion of him. It might not be the worst thing in the world, but she still did not like the idea of it. "No, but then again, I am not ready to get married. Perhaps in a few years," She teased, "though I would not count on it."

Yet, he would, for she did not completely dislike him, so there was hope for him yet.