*I don't own jane and the Dragon or its characters

Despite the lovely reviews, I'm still not sure if the multiple story lines are working. I do however love to write about everyone since they all need their five minutes of fame. Another thing, I think some people don't change that much while others change a lot. I hope I do these characters some justice, and write them properly. This chapter is kind of about everyone else, but that's okay every now and again. Hope you like it!

As of Dec 1, 2020 this chapter was edited for clarity, to fix spelling and grammar, as well as other errors.

Chapter 9: Reflection and Preparation

For a company of ladies, the assortment of dishes would have to be classy and elegant, as well as sweet and decadent as was fitting of their class. Pepper had stayed up half the night, busy with cooking and preparations. If it were so simple, as cooked meats, gravies, and stews, the stress would not be so bad. However, deserts were delicate, as well as fickle, and stubborn. Once everything had been finished, she slept for a few hours before being woken up again for the morning mealtime service.

The worshipful eyes of her beloved husband traced her form, and a dry, calloused hand he lent in assistance. Even in half-sleep, she had the sense to admire the strength of his tanned arms and those hands which gripped hers so firmly, yet gently; they were all the more reason to love him. Every freckle, scar, and all of him, she loved it all. With care, he led her to sit at the empty table, where a platter of porridge, boiled eggs, and fresh juice sat, ready to be consumed. At the long wooden table, closest to the wall was Smithy, who took the liberty to chop up all the vegetables for the midday meal.

"You two did not have to do this. I could have managed."

Yet, inside she was all giddiness and joy. The gardener bent down on his knees, a blush was ever so present as he explained, "Pepper, every day I wonder how I was so fortunate to have you as my wife. This much is no trouble."

"Oh, Rake."

"I could only hope to deserve you."

Those pale hands, which had seen many a meal, burnt, scarred, and raw around the cuticles cupped his young, boyish-looking face. "Rake, you are the best thing that ever happened to me."

"Are you sure? You did seem enthusiastic about the new shipment of spices."

"Of course," She giggled. "have I ever lied to you?"

"Not that I can think of."

Looking back towards the blacksmith with a handful of chopped potatoes, she smiled. "You two are going to spoil me."

"Do not look at me, it was all your husband's idea."

"Oh Rake, you are sweeter than honey."

After washing the cut-up potatoes, Smithy felt his services were no longer required. Also, the cook and the gardener could be a little too affectionate if they were not kept in line. "I will just be going now."

Smithy left before the really affectionate talk could begin. They did not notice the blacksmith slip away, but only each other until the crackle of fire brought her attention to the soup the boys started for her. "Vegetable soup? I usually reserve that for dinner."

"I know, but the king looks a little under the weather. Feel free to add any meat you care to, though I think vegetables will suffice."

As thoughtful, as delightful, careful, doting, attentive, and sweet as ever; the cook was aglow with happiness. Pepper embraced her husband comfortably despite the heat the cooking brought. "Rake," She wondered. "will you ever stop spoiling me?"

"I do not know. Will I?"

Out of the tower came out the redhead of his affections. No doubt on her way to meet with the dressmaker, he figured, but only after a bath. Jester thought of how lovely the lady knight would be after a proper wash and with her copper tresses arranged in the current fashion. It did not take much to stir the fool's heart or to fuel his perverse daydreams. And his eyes followed her form until she disappeared around a corner.

Soon enough they would be together, laughing, eating, enjoying the perfect weather. No other man would be there, meaning he only had to share her with those close-minded females the Queen cared to cavort with. Soon, Jester would have her undivided attention. Soon, she would belong to him.

In the bathing chamber, another bath was waiting for her. Jane decided not to fuss and got on with it. This was for the greater good she told herself, and because it was for a most important task she would obey. Happily, the water was not scalding hot, but pleasantly warm, scented with herbs to refresh and cool. In her hair, she used the oils which had been set out for her use.

Later in the day, she would be expected to be courtly and civil. And while all the proper ladies thought of clothes and fashion, she would think of all the interesting ways to hide weapons upon her person. She frowned when she thought of how Jester would stare at her while he thought she was not looking. Even if she had a duty, Jane was not anyone's ornament. The ladies would find something to criticize her on as always, but she would have to behave because she respected the Queen.

Her mother would appreciate all the effort; that she was sure of. If not for the special plans, she would have been miles away, with Dragon and a mouth full of berries. After the bath, she combed her hair and asked a chambermaid to assist with the arranging of it then left to see the dressmaker. For a few weeks now, she had to attend weekly fittings for the gowns designed by the Queen for Jane to wear. Used to the formality, she attended, only when no one would notice her absence.

Dancing, of all things, was not what Gunther planned to do that morning. Lavinia had spotted him from a window and called him over. The Princess complained she was in need of amusement and ordered him to help with her dancing lesson. The teacher found this amusing and thought it was an excellent way to annoy his rival. Gunther cursed silently and began the most common line dancing.

"You are an excellent dancer, almost as good as Jester I dare say."

Gunther wondered how he got himself in this predicament, but he did seem to have bad luck as of late. "Is talking a rule while dancing?"

"No, but these sort of dances take a while, and it does seem better to talk than to think about how much you despise the person across the room or the number of couples."

With a roll of the eyes, he tried to think of something which would be appropriate enough to mention. "Your majesty, as stimulating as your company can be," he coughed, "why choose me when you have a perfectly capable fool over there to dance with?"

"That is easy, I think you are in need of a friend."

At this Gunther stopped dancing. "I have friends."

"I do not mean your horse, Sir Gunther. Oh, you can be so droll sometimes. I meant someone you can talk to, to cheer you up when you are sad, someone to be cross at."

"Believe me, Princess, there are many I am cross with."

One of them being the princess, but he dare not mention it. She searched his face, looking for something she could use, but she was not as good at this as Jane was. No matter, she had her methods. "Then, you can be cross with me."

Nevermind, she said it for him. "Trust me, I already am."

"Good, then we are almost friends."

They began their dance, this time doing a folk dance, but Gunther was not so familiar with its steps. "Watch your steps, Sir Gunther," Commented Jester. "you would not want to crush any toes."

"I know how to dance well enough without anyone telling me otherwise."

From his stool, Jester saw what he needed to know. Lavinia, bright-eyed, and expressive took on attractive qualities he recognized came from his lady Knight. If he played his cards right, then perhaps she would do all that work for him. Busy with their play, Jester found that for once he was grateful Gunther revealed this weakness in the princess, and how she revealed a weakness in him. In time, this could be an interesting development.

The Princess near the border of adulthood started to show signs of womanhood, her hair long and a sandy blonde, her eyes large with innocence, her lips just like her mother's; she was going to be a great beauty. Perhaps she would never be the most beautiful since she had her father's ears and skin, but she had enough of her mother's characteristics, so she was going to be fine. The trouble with being fourteen is that your eyes do not listen as they should, or your heart does not stay quiet. Near Gunther, she felt a sense of adventure and excitement, as well as a delight in making him smile or laugh. To wish more, it would be forbidden, but she could still delight in their innocent entertainment. "I like dancing, so, so much. Do you like dancing?"

To this, Gunther softened. "For my little majesty, it is always a pleasure."

There he went again, being all handsome and honorable. "If only you could be a gentleman all the time Gunther," though it would be best if he was not, "then it would make things easier."

Jester could not keep quiet at this, for his rival was gaining approval. "If you were to look for the meaning of gentle, I am sure his face would not be there, but he is a man, I think."

Gunther remembered a similar joke he had told in the past, but at least that was funny. Or at least he thought it was. "Watch your mouth fool."

If it were not for the presence of her little majesty, Jester would have said a dozen cleverer things, which might or might not be appropriate in proper company. Mistaking their malice for competition, she took them by the arms and cheered. "See? You two must be friends, for you are cross at him. If you hated him, then you would not care."

Gunther pulled away. "For your information Princess, I am a gentleman all the time."

She crossed her arms. "No, you are not, because if you were you would have complimented me on my dress or my beautiful hair."

As a child, he would not have cared, but as a young woman, it was a little awkward. What could be said that did not lead to consequence?

"Your dress is…. Purple?"

"Now you are just saying that because I pointed it out."

"I said that because you wanted me to."

With crossed arms, she pouted. "You are not that sincere are you?"

This made him think of all his past interactions with his fellow Knight. If he were a different man, with a different family and circumstance, he could have been the kind of guy that could express himself more honestly. What Lavinia said, he could agree to. "No, I am not."

"It is never too late. For now, I accept your compliment, because it was adequate. However, think of something better to say next time."

For him, were there second chances? If he was given one, would he take it?

"I will be sure to do that."

"Come now, we must finish this one dance then you are excused."

Perhaps, he could find a friend in her little majesty, but only if it stayed one-sided.

After a while, the dressmaker was fed up with the girls fidgeting, but it could not be helped; standing for two hours, as still as one could be would bother anyone. The dressmaker was a full-figured woman, who dressed well, yet humbly, smelled of cloves and Cinnamon, and was more often than not, patient. In her hand's simple fabrics were transformed into articles of clothing. Working for the queen had expanded her business clientele, and such tasks as this one were necessary. However, it did not mean she had to enjoy unwanted comments, only to bear them. "I believe the sleeve should be a little longer." commented the lady in waiting.

For the last hour, comments of where to lengthen, where to shorten, and to take in had been frequent. It had taken a few years, but Jane had realized that if she allowed her mother to talk and express her opinion without interruption, then she was more satisfied, even if things did not always turn out the way she liked it. "To the ankle now, we must be modest."

While Jane stood there, trying not to think of herself as a pincushion, she thought of the advantages of such a gown. With the large sleeves, she could hide a dagger or two, perhaps a knife could be strapped to her thigh. Jane smiled at this, for her mother did not know of the possible advantages. Of course, young ladies who thought of weapons were considered barbaric, so these thoughts remained exclusively her own. The thought of how it would shock her mother made it an even more pleasant thought.

Once the measurements were done, Jane left to sadly put on a different gown. The queen and her ladies were all to wear blue. And because of the color of her hair, she wore a head covering which acted as a disguise, giving her the appearance of a meek woman. The shade of blue matched Jesters exactly, and she was sure they would blend in nicely.

Outside, it was cool, pleasant, and bright. No doubt it was set to be a pleasant afternoon. The food packed for the outing were the rare treats which were only available four times a year. And among the ladies, she would have to sit properly and be expected to take part in frivolous discussions. No doubt, Jester will be asked to tell them the most romantic, but shallow love stories for them to cry over; in her mind's eye she could see it; Jester glancing over at her to gauge her reaction; it would not be champion.

Yet, her duty, as challenging as it would be, was a privilege. It was with this reasoning that she slipped into her gown with its embroidered neck, arms, and hem; it made her nearly unrecognizable; ending at the ankle, and it was not the worst thing in the world she concluded. And like always, Gunther will have nothing to say, Jester and the females will be all compliments, and she would be all eye rolls. With sarcasm, a dagger, and cleverness on her side, she left her tower. However, Jane decided this was not a day to pass by the forge but to take the long way instead.

At the midday meal fish and roasted vegetables were served upon a humble platter. Everyone but the two most lively of them were missing. Strange thought Smithy, he had not seen Jane or Jester all morning. For Jane it was normal, but Jester? He would eat as much as he could get.

So, without the jokes of the fool or lively expressions of the she knight, the cook and the gardener talked of endearments and vegetables till they settled for just endearments. It was not long before they ate their fill and went back to work. Though, it was Smithy's turn to help Pepper to clean up that afternoon. In a large bucket, he sat down to wash the dishes, thinking of the many tasks he would have to do once the time came.

He saw his reflection in the water and wondered if the face he saw was what others saw. To be sure, it was not that important, but he wondered if she would find him pleasing to look at. Although he did not mind what he looked like most of the time, Smithy thought he must have looked somewhat appealing if ladies bothered to stare at him, but those ladies were not Jane; the usual ways of attraction did not seem to apply to her. Along with this thought, he asked in as casual a manner as he could muster about Jane's whereabouts. It was then that the cook informed him about the outing, and he left the kitchen as soon as he could.

A royal picnic; that was where she would be. With her previous lady in waiting training, the blacksmith was sure she would do a champion job. However, Jane was not the type who was ready to deceive. Her charm stemmed from her natural goodness, along with empathy and compassion. Though, what use would that be among the kind who used their wiles to gain favor in the court?

In the safety of his forge, he worked and focused on the job at hand instead of his problems or that of others. It was set to be a fine day until he spotted them together; Jane and Jester leaving for the Queen's picnic. As disciplined as he was, the blacksmith still felt, and the feeling was mostly the problem. It bothered him, but he trusted Jane, so he tried to not focus on it.

When, however, Jester took up Jane's arm in his, he moved away from the forge, to another task. Yet, it was later that afternoon that Smithy thought to see Theodore and ask if he could have the rest of the afternoon off. Sir Theodore, despite his advanced age, was still as sharp as ever. And when he saw him, a glance over was all he needed. "Trouble, concerning a girl?"

If he had not been paying attention, this would have taken him aback and Smithy wondered if there was cause for concern. Oh, the aged knight was no fool and possibly watched when no one was looking; he would be sure to tread with caution. If Theodore had seen them together in the stables or saw them on the battlements, then he would know the truth. Still, it was best not to get too excited. "Trouble befalls everyone, Sir."

"Very well then. What may I do for you blacksmith?"

In no uncertain terms, he answered. "I wish to take leave for the day."

"Any particular reason?"

Many reasons, though most he did not care to mention. "I fare better with a little rest. Very soon, there will be little time to loiter with all the preparations."

With the briefest of smiles, the aged knight nodded. "Your request I will grant, but only on one condition."

The fresh air did both of them well. The wood, with its birds flying and singing about, insects which mostly kept to themselves, and the family of trees as old as time itself; nothing could disturb their peace. Pig sniffed around as was her habit, and dug up truffles which Smithy collected in a sack for Pepper. He found Sir Theodore's request for truffles an easy one and pretty soon they would have more than enough to satisfy not only a knight's appetite but perhaps the kings as well.

It had been too long since they have had a chance to leisure. It was foreign, but not unwelcome and when he found a spot that seemed suitable for rest, he picked up a piece of wood and began to carve it. Sometimes, even at rest, a man had to keep himself busy. At first, he thought to carve out a miniature pig, but then he found he had cut away too much until he was left with an unusable piece. When he was tired of carving, he laid on his back, staring at the clouds which moved at their own pace.

The rustling of trees soothed his troubled, and weary soul. Why, if he were to close his eyes, then he would surely fall asleep. It was strange not to have the weight of his uniform; the lightness of the tunic Sir Theodore had given him allowed him to enjoy the weather more thoroughly. And with the warmth of the sun, as well as with the coolness of the shade, he did eventually fall asleep.