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

A/n: Because I've been so into the story game, I've kind of neglected this story. I know I've could of done better on this chapter, but I think the next one will be even better. Shout out to lareepqg, who left a great comment. Didn't think this fic would amount to anything, but I love these characters, and I'll do my best to write them well.

As of Dec 4, 2020 this chapter was edited for clarity, to fix spelling and grammar, as well as other errors.

Chapter 11: The Queen Approves

The wind whispered to her and she breathed in its life-giving properties; secrets melding, and ideas birthed behind verdant eyes. Tree branches touched her arms, lending their silent strength, and Jane swore she almost heard them speak. The lightness of heart, as well as the gaiety of good company, refreshed her beyond belief. A changing of worlds would soon occur, and soon she would be in royal company. Soon, everything will just be, and it would not be so difficult.

In a few more hours, when everyone was back to their homes and comfortable rooms, the queen would have the right and privacy to kindly explain the events of the day to her patient husband. At the moment, despite how cumbersome it was to wear a courtly smile, the fair majesty would remain silent, and her cheeks still until there was genuine feeling to change them. When Jane emerged from wherever she had come from, there was a vigor the Queen could not recall seeing. Confidence and grace could be seen in the straightness of Jane's back, and was that a blush dusted in her cheeks? Yes, and a genuine smile, not the courtly one she usually wore.

The brightness of Jane's eyes were as though morning had confessed its adoration to her. The queen nodded her silent approval, impressed by this change. It was an improvement from the calm, yet unfeeling maiden. She would be sure to voice her compliments later, but for the moment, her majesty would nod as though she cared for the talk about men and their inadequacies.

Jester happened to turn his head, and looked upon his lady Knight emerging from in-between the trees, and dropped all his juggling balls. There was a vibrancy about her that he could not recall seeing earlier. With her head held high, and eyes set aflame with determination, he found himself stunned to silence; his breath caught in his throat. The freckles about her skin danced before his eyes, and he could name every one if he tried; stringing together constellations and patterns; already writing ballads upon the lute strings of his heart.

Before, Jester thought he knew what love could be, but those fluctuations were nothing compared to now. The man with bells on his hat and magic in his shoes skipped forward and prostrated himself. Jane smiled with honeycomb sweetness, and the palpitations he usually associated with nervousness made him more conscious of himself. He was all arms and legs, and in this act of worship, he would have nothing else to worry about except for his heart. "What a pity," he kissed her hand, "for a face so pretty to look upon thee."

"Jester, this is not the time. What will the others think?"

Why should he care for what the others thought? All he could see before him was his Jane; the intoxicating enigma of a girl. "Sibylline creature, I tell you this, a beat, a kiss," the other hand he placed upon his chest. "my heart I wear upon sleeves."

Nearby, the maidens oozed jealousy. Not much could be heard, but it all seemed enviable enough. Indeed, the tanned fool was beautiful, even if thin and lean, but tall, every bit graceful, and elegant. Why waste his attention on an inattentive individual as lowly as her when she was very plain and tall, and skin dark and freckled? Oh, they knew nothing of his gypsy heart, or his charming ways, but only of what they saw; a pretense.

There was no mistake in his gesture, no matter how flamboyant he tended to be. The look which almost stole her many years ago, it was there, with as much manly yearning as could have been expected from someone like Gunther, or… well not Smithy. It was flattering anyone could think so highly of her, but not in the sense of fueling feminine pride. There was no conquest to be had, and she was not about to weaken her grip on her stand on the matter. Yet, when it came to friends, she hated to see them hurt, and would avoid poisoning her speech with meanness.

Jester was a performer, an actor, and an artist; it was amazing how the fool could just say whatever he pleased and made it sound charming or winsome. In the past, she wanted to feel as special as he made her want to believe. However, when she had watched how those words were used on many a fine woman, for their amusement and pleasure, it disgusted her. It was his occupation to entertain, but there seemed to be an awful lot of deception in acting. However, that was not the case at the moment.

Yet, she would not be swayed, for he flitted through emotions, and it was nothing more than a game. But out of sentiment for their friendship, Jane withdrew her hand, and with a softened smile nodded for him to continue. "In truth," his voice softened, coated in a buttery richness. "you are pure as a dove, the fairness of your heart incomparable to your beauty. Will you not fly for me?"

"Fine words indeed, though I am sure my heart contains its fair amount of shadows. And if I were a dove, then it would be a speckled one. I fly, only as I choose to."

"Can you not accept a fool's compliment?"

"I accept a friend's compliment with appropriate humility if I am deserving of it."

If only he could take her into his arms and kiss away the insecurities. It did not matter who thought little of him, he knew his skill could be used anywhere. Of course, Jester could never tell her, but to protect the ones he loved, there was nothing he would not do. Nothing. Plastering his usual winning smile, he laughed. "So my lady," He winked, knowing full well to keep her identity hidden. "I daresay the forest has refreshed your spirits."

This she could agree to. "How could it not?"

A strong breeze threatened to blow away her head covering, and she held it as it passed. The perfume of earth and greenery sent chills through her. It was as though it were calling out to her, trying to summon her back, needing her as much as she needed everything natural and familiar. In her mind's eye, Jane could see him… that is to say her friend, the gentle giant, his voice laced with drowsiness, peering up at her as though she were a wood nymph. What were her intentions when she followed after Pig?

It did not matter, because she had good intentions, and she would not allow anyone else to say otherwise. "Can you not smell that," Jane breathed; her troubles flying away like dandelion fluff. "the gift of the forest, the scent of forever?"

Jester could not help but marvel at the brightness of her mossy eyes. Why drowning her in compliments would achieve nothing except but her disdain. Still, what had inspired this great change? Regretfully it was not him. "I see, and does my cat jingle when I sneeze? What has come over you?"

She could not tell him. If they were to be on their best behavior, Jane thought it best not to tell him of her meeting with Smithy, and risk upsetting him. "Nothing."

It was not nothing. The lightness of her words, the brightness of her eyes, the twitch of a finger on her left hand; she was lying. Who was it? he wondered. Perhaps a romantic rendezvous with her fellow knight, a handsome woodcutter, or a sleeping prince who fell in love with her at first sight. Soon, none of it would matter. "You must have had time to think things over. Did you find what it was you were looking for?"

"I would prefer not to discuss my privy habits. However, I cannot get over how lovely it is today. Just look at that sun Jester."

Brilliantly she changed the subject, though it did not upset him. The sun stood before him, burning him, blinding even his thoughts. The ladies nearby were plain, excluding her majesty, and were beckoning him. Their eyes like daggers were pointed at Jane, excluding lady Silvia, and it was tragic they were so possessive. "Unless," his voice lowered. "you were trying to get away from the others."

"That would be rude," she winked. "but I am determined to fulfill my duty, and be courtly and sweet. From now on there will be no more pretense. They will all see Jester, what I am made of, as well as the years of mothers training put to good use."

His fair beanstalk turned away, ready to join with the others. Turn around he thought, do not ignore me. If he were to share her again, then at least he would say his piece. "Wait a moment my lady."

In her ear, words, the like he knew she could not ignore were spoken. The light blush returned with a vengeance, but it was nonetheless becoming. Whatever those few whispered words were, he gave no clue of it, and off he skipped, then began his routine of acrobatics. The she knight dusted off her skirts and took her place near the queen soon after. Whatever was all that about? Thought the Queen.

No doubt, the fool was worshipful of the lady Knight, but it continued to be a source of confusion to the other ladies. To the fool, Jane returned refreshed, almost brand new. Evermore lovely, ever dearer, Jester loved her more than he had any other year. Perhaps it was finally springtime in his heart.

It was no use, he could not go back to sleep. He laid there, thinking, which in itself was a dangerous thing to do. Smithy tried to think of his duties and what would have to be done, of the repairs which needed the most attention, and of her. Somehow his thoughts always came back to her in one way or another. Whether it was the weather, or a scent, even the birds, the sun, everything led back to her.

Shaded by the trees, he could only imagine how she had found him. Yes, Jane had mentioned she had seen Pig but was she actively seeking him out? His eyes went to his animal companion. Was it Pig's intervention? No, it could not be.

Sure, all animals carried a level of intelligence, but to play matchmaker was absurd, was it not? Was it so outrageous? Perhaps, but then again, she had surprised him before. "Pig," he called her in that sweetness of voice which she could not ignore. "are you trying to pair me with Jane?"

Her squeal of excitement was her answer. The blacksmith sat up then; a year's worth of sigh escaping his lips. Oh dear, Pig thought, she had done it again. Why was it so difficult? She had upset her master.

"I appreciate what you are trying to do Pig, it is not appropriate."

Her dark eyes met those of her master, and it felt as though she too could understand his feelings; he was pained. "I cannot… I cannot be hers. Please understand."

She had always understood. Yet, why did he do this to himself? It was only natural that a male would seek a mate, and he was a perfectly healthy human. If he cared to enter into a lovesick state, then it would most definitely not occur when she was around. Of course, Pig would keep trying, even if it would temporarily displease him.

She squealed and watched as he laid back down on his side, with his back facing her; listening to the year's worth of sigh.