Smithy

It was already dark when Jane and Dragon returned.

"I hope the cook is still awake." Said Dragon

"I hope so too." Jane kissed his brow "Thanks again Dragon." Good night."

She hurriedly walked to the kitchen. It was dark inside but she heard some snapping noises. The hearth was out but she could see the outline of a person kneeling in front of it.

"Pepper?" Jane inquired

"Oof!"

Whoever it was banged their head against the lip.

"By my hammer, Jane, make some noise when you walk. You startled me."

"Oh Smithy, are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Wait just a moment, Jane."

She heard a few more snaps and then a fire burst to life in the hearth. The fire spread a warm glow across the room, revealing a blackened, soot covered smithy.

"What were you doing? Fighting an ash monster?" Jane laughed.

Smithy laughed too. "Fortunately no, I was sweeping the chimney earlier and by the time I had finished, the sun had already set. I was trying to light a fire when you snuck up behind me."

"It's not my fault I'm light footed. Where's Pepper?"

"I believe she and Rake are taking a stroll around the garden."

"Oh…" She sighed "Then I shouldn't bother them."

She sat down beside where he knelt. Together, they enjoyed the fire in silence. Smithy finally asked "Is something bothering you Jane?"

Jane looked at him, then back to the fire "Is it so obvious?" a small smile on her lips.

He nodded. For so many years he had known her. Watching her and growing with her. The faces she made and the emotions that hid in them. He knew her very well from loving her from afar.

"I'm alright, Smithy. I just need to clear my head."

As she finished speaking, her stomach noisily growled. Her cheeks reddened and Smithy laughed. "And fill your belly, I see."

He stood up and went to raid the pantry. When Smithy came back, his spoils included; two rolls of honeyed raisin bread, a small brick of goats cheese and, Jane's favorite, two red ripe apples.

"Champion! You're gold Smithy" Praised Jane.

The two enjoyed each other's company as they ate.

"It's late, I should get be getting to bed now." Jane said after she was finished.

He nodded "The whole castle must be asleep by now."

Smithy and Jane threw their apple cores in the hearth and walked each other to the court yard.

"Good night, Smithy." She said as she kept walking toward her room.

"Umm, Jane?"

She stopped and turned "Yes?"

Smithy normally would have never done this but something about tonight made him feel bold.

"Tomorrow is my rest day. Perhaps you and I could go riding?" He asked hopefully.

Jane was slightly surprised. She was always the one doing the inviting when it came to the reserved black smith. He felt a bit nervous but when she said yes, the biggest smile spread across his face.