Oh! Forgive me! :( I'm so sorry, I really had no time in writing this, but since I'm back in school, I'm finding more time to write (for some strange apparent reason lol)

Well, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everyone who reviewed, I'm truly grateful and I love you all :3

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Jane and the Dragon, it belongs to Martin Baynton.

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Red Snow

Chapter 4: Abyss

"So you mean to say that you were tossing and turning all night from anxiety and excitement that you could not fall asleep" recalled Jester, "And when you did get some rest you managed to oversleep and begin the day with in a rush, right Jane?"

"Exactly," replied a panting, discouraged Jane.

The wind hastily rushed past them yet the entrance of the Throne Room seemed so distant. Although, when Jane and Jester ultimately reached them they abruptly halted when they encountered the disapproving eyes of Sir Theodore, Sir Ivon and Gunther who were waiting impatiently by the great wooden doors.

"Go on ahead," Jane whispered to Jester, "Tell everyone that I am here."

"Alright Jane," replied Jester, giving Jane a worried glance and a disappeared through the doorway after giving the knights a respectful nod in their direction.

Once the doors of the Throne Room trembled when they shut Sir Theodore sternly spoke, severing the silence that encased them, "Tardiness is not a virtue, Jane."

The resonance of his harsh voice made Jane grasp the gravity of her actions, but the tinged discontent brought her shame.

"My deepest apologizes, Sir," Jane spoke promptly with a murmur and an abashed lowered head. "There is no excuse for my foolishness."

"What is wrong with ye lass?" bellowed Sir Ivon, startling Jane, "Your about to miss the most important ceremony in a Knight's life." He then added furiously, "I do not even then you should be knighted, not with this demonstration of irresponsibility."

Jane's eyes widened with horror as she fearfully looked up, her heart descending.

There was a pause, russet leaves were dancing effortlessly with the wind around the foursome while Sir Theodore was considering Sir Ivon's words. After much deliberation he elicited a decision.

"I am afraid Sir Ivon is right, Jane," Sir Theodore gravely spoke, he then stared at his pupil with piercing eyes filled with disappointment and uttered, "I believe you are not ready to take on the challenges of knighthood."

Time itself seemed to freeze as Jane witnessed her dreams shatter before her eyes, all her efforts and will of making her dream into reality crumbled in a moment and faded to black. Jane was plummeting into a void of pitch shadowy darkness, which engulfed and consumed her thoughts, mind, and heart as she let the words seep deep into her soul. Words that echoed and pulsated in her mind again and again, with each passing reverberation the words grew louder and more piercing; eating away and ravaging her until Jane was drowning in a sea of utter hopeless despair which had choked and smothered her heavy collapsed heart.

Suddenly, Jane felt a warm reassuring hand upon her shoulder which snapped her out of the dark cold abyss and into the welcoming radiance of the sun on the front steps of the Throne Room.

"You are welcomed to stay and watch the ceremony if you wished to, Jane," spoke Sir Theodore gently.

Jane immediately sensed the three men's eyes upon her; she desperately tried to calm herself by breathing deeply. With her head bowed, Jane spoke slowly and with great care so as to not convey her emotions within her words.

"Thank you very much for the offer… Sir Theodore… but I am afraid… I must graciously… decline."

Jane managed to summon enough strength to gradually lift her head and was instantly surprised by Gunther's shocked expression at the current situation. Jane had not seen such astonishment written on his face since childhood. Once Gunther realized her gaze was fixed on him his eyes and visage was swiftly drained of emotion and were locked into the deep familiar stoic sternness so quickly that Jane wondered if she saw surprise at all.

"Very well, Jane," Sir Theodore softly spoke as he removed his comforting hand from Jane's shoulder.

"By your leave, gentlemen," Jane concluded with a bow, then hastily turned around and strode away from the immense wooden brown doors of the Throne Room with a greatly sunken heart and a gravely troubled mind.

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Poor Jane.

Well, I said both Gunther and Jane will be knighted but I didn't say when.

*wink* (For the drama I guess).

Please, don't forget to review :D