A/n: Big shout to Fluffymarshmallows who's comments really keep me feeling eager as of late to continue this story. I do apologize that this chapter isn't the tooth rotting fluff you might've expected, but it's the beginning of the fluff. Future chapters will have lighter moments. Though, for now here's this. Hope you'll enjoy.

Chapter 18: Misunderstanding

Smithy had been watching her.

Jane had no idea as to how long, but he had watched as she made a fool of herself; fighting with the old practice dummy. What had he thought when he witnessed her brutish behavior? That it was childish, and that she should return to a diversion more befitting of a lady of the court, like needlework? No, because he was not like Gunther in that respect.

Why, from where he worked, he had a full view of her day to day activity; he knew her stances and form and was ready to sharpen her sword whenever it was needed or fix the buckle from her saddlebag. So, what difference was there now, after all these years? Well, she was the one who was different. His countenance and manner were as they had always been, but she had mistaken his kindness for something more heartfelt; his leniency was nothing more than his natural way. And now, things were as they are.

Having put away the practice sword in its rightful place, Jane took a furtive glance towards the empty forge and wondered where he could have gone. Rarely, could one view the forge and not see the sturdy, tall figure bent over with a hammer; disciplining and warping metal with a controlled fire. Yet, for a while, he had taken to eating alone in his quarters, and only spoke a handful of words to her when necessary; it had not been what she wished and they were not what they used to be, but neither said nor knew whose fault it had been. In truth, the she knight thought that she had taken one too many liberties and had upset him beyond what his patience could bear. Yet, had it been enough to equate to such a shift?

Were there no allowances to start over?

Nearby, Pig was sniffing around and squealed at the sight of the lady knight; interrupting her thoughts. It must have been the sow's dinner time, but Pigs owner was nowhere in sight. Whatever she chose, would have its consequence and there were a great many things Jane could do but walking away now did not seem like one of them. Step by step, she walked towards the invisible enemy which seemed to be the master of the forge but was really overcoming what she had feared; his disappointment.

Time had not lessened his feelings, though he was no expert of affection.

The sight of his two favorite friends together made him very warm in his soul, and Smithy wondered if perhaps he had over-complicated matters. It had been a while since he had found relief to his yearning; for the constant ache that plagued him whenever he saw her with her fellow knight or when she laughed at one of Jester's jokes; he had neither status nor the gift of a sharp tongue, but he would be loyal to her. Still, father never told him of the heartache and tribulation in the flesh and although this was not his way, he would choose to ignore all that he had been taught; his feet moved towards the danger instead of away, but he still did not speak. Pig squealed at him and with widened eyes, Jane rose from her crouched position; at full height, she did not stand as tall as he did, but nearly.

She smelled of smoke and the brightness of her eyes was a sight for sore eyes; their depths more complex than the queen's emeralds. They studied him, and she bit her lip in quiet contemplation; finding that he did not seem to dislike her as she originally thought. If eyes could speak, what would Smithy's say other than that of his surprise or of the sadness about him that she could not recall seeing before? The resentment she held had not been forgotten nor was it subdued, but a greater feeling had overtaken her; relief. "Smithy."

What he had wanted to say was that it was a surprise to see her, but that sounded quite foolish. Instead, all he could manage was to breathe out her name. "Jane"

There it was, the familiarity of his kindness that had persuaded her to be foolish. This time, however, she would get to the point. "I believe it is Pigs mealtime."

Nudging his leg with her snout, Pig wanted to make it known that she understood what that mouth sound meant, in turn, Smithy chuckled in that delightful way that had on more than one occasion caused the maidservants to swoon. "You are right Jane, I do believe it is."

The sow glanced towards the two humans and did not understand why there were so little mouth noises, but she did find that the strange mood between them was not as strong as it had been these last couple of months. Although hungry, Pig would sit here until her master could rest easy again.

"Shall I ask Rake if there is anything set aside for Pig?" Jane wondered.

"No need to trouble yourself. I can tend to that."

"Alright. Well, I should go. Pepper had assured me that she would keep a little soup warm for when I returned. Though, I had wanted to get a little sword practice in before bed."

She turned to leave but heard him say. "Thank you for keeping Pig company."

This was not how it would end. Now that they were talking, she had to rectify the situation. "No, at all," Came her earnest reply. "she is a joy to be around. You have raised her well."

With the beginnings of a smile, he confessed. "I rather like to think of the opposite. I have learned a great deal from observing her."

"Does that mean you have learned a great deal from observing me?"

Maggots, where had that come from? Jane had intended not to ask, but her mouth had other ideas. The blacksmith, in turn, scratched the back of his neck, a bit sheepish. "That is left to be determined."

"Right. Very well."

And again, Jane went to step away, though stopped; needing to know the answer to another burning question. "We are still friends, are we not?"

His admittance, although reluctant, was true. "If you believe we are not then the fault is mine. I have not bee-"

"No," Jane interrupted; quite sure that if she did not confess what she had believed then she would never get to say it. "it is I who should apologize. I believe there might have been a misunderstanding. You see, I thought you had been cross at me."

If only he had been; it would have made matters simpler. "If I had been, it had not been for long."

"Then, do you forgive me Smithy?"

"Of course Jane, that is if you can forgive me. However, I would care to ask a favor of you. It is alright if you would not care to."

"What is it?"

This was a start; to trust someone other than his animal friends or himself. Yet, he knew that only she was worth mentioning this to. "I am not sure if I had told you this," Or if he had told anyone other than the King. "but my name is not Smithy. It is Jethro."

"Jethro?"

It was a name he had not uttered since he had left his home almost ten years ago. "It was my father's name," he explained. "my grandfather's name, and my great grandfather's name. And it is mine. I do not mind being called Smithy, but I thought it only fair to tell you as a sign of trust."

As well as to have her know him more intimately. Though he kept that thought to himself. With a nod, she turned towards him with an unrestrained smile and replied. "Thank you Jethro for telling me. It is a champion name, and I shall try my utmost best to call you by your name from now on. Will….will I see you tomorrow at the morning meal?"

Placing a hand on her shoulder, Smithy felt a lightness he had not felt in a long time; as though a weight had been taken off his shoulders. Reassured by her kindness, they would start again. This much he could handle and to be near her as a good friend should be enough for now. "You will."

Oh, but that did not mean he might not be tempted. Glancing at the hand on her shoulder, Jane decided to be brave and to take him in a quick embrace; she had missed this camaraderie of theirs. She had missed her quiet, gentle friend. "Good night Jethro."

He could scarcely remember the last time someone had held him, but if his recollections had been correct then the last time had been from Jane as well. And if there were allowances left, he would have grasped her tight, and kissed her softly if she would have let him, but it would not be. Before he knew it, she had disappeared into the night but the warmth of her lingered as though it were all around him.