A/n: So far, I have revised chapters 1 through 9 of this fic for clarity, to fix spelling and grammar, as well as other errors. After posting this chapter, I'll go back and revise the rest as well as work on the next chapter that I'm so excited about. I would like to thank Fluffymarshmallows for comments that encourage me to post faster and for all who are still following this story. I have started to rewatch the series again to get a proper feel for the dialogue and I do plan to include Dragon in a later chapter. Also, I can't tell you guys how much fun it is to write about Pepper. Imagine what she could accomplish if she had the time. Anyway, please enjoy!

Chapter 20: Pepper's Plan

It had taken a better part of the morning, but once settled in her mind, there was no plan on changing it and Pepper voiced as much. "We should have a ball!"

"A ball?" Echoed her husband. "What is the occasion?"

"To celebrate the return of our friend. Of course," she added with a twirl of her spoon. "we must keep it a secret, but would it not be grand? Good food, friends, and dancing. This will be perfect!"

Oh no. His wife always meant well, but her timing could be questionable at best. "But Pepper, what if they will not care for it?"

"And why would they not? Everyone loves a party. I can bake a cake, and you can pick out lovely vegetables for a stew. We can get Jester to play us a song, and dance the night away."

As dim as it could be in the kitchen, the stars in his wife's eyes were by no means lessened. She rocked on the balls of her feet; excited about the opportunity to rejoice and celebrate. It was amusing and endearing in its own right and as long as she was happy, the gardener would acquiesce. "Oh, I suppose you are right."

"Of course I am right. And," she softened; her petite pale face crowned by the light of the fire. "I cannot thank you enough for your support. I do not want to get it wrong like last time."

"I do not believe you were so wrong in your assumptions seeing as Gunther did come to have feelings for Jane, but what about Jester?"

That is right, the fool had been in love with Jane for as long as most of them could remember. However, nothing had come of it. That as well as a few other observations. "He has had half a lifetime to make his feelings known. If she has not responded by now, it probably is not meant to be. You see, I am not sure how to put it. At times," Pepper confessed; knowing Rake would keep it to himself. "there is something displeasing about his eyes."

The gardener would neither agree nor disagree but nodded in acknowledgement. Rake could not deny that from time to time the fool appeared uncomfortable but it could have been the natural possessiveness men had for their beloved ones.

"Should we invite Gunther as well, to give him a fair chance?"

She pouted at that. "Not if he is only going to be a nuisance. Yet," she brightened. "he might be the spice we need to balance out this soup. And I suppose he deserves to be among friends as well. Does that sound good?"

"It sounds perfect just like pear pepper pudding."

When the plan was later explained to Jane, she thought it was a champion idea, but only because Pepper kept silent about her intention to invite her fellow knight. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

The cook was sure she could manage most of the preparations, but Jane would have an easier time asking favors of the fool than she would. "If you could convince Jester to play a few songs that would be nice," But on second thought, they did not need him around to have a good time. "but Petal if you say you will come then I could not be happier."

"Of course I will come. And," She added. "if I cannot convince Jester to help, I could bring out my old harp. I am not sure if I remember how to play it completely, but mother always used to remark how pretty it sounded."

"Interesting. I wonder if I can also get Rake to play on his little dried gourd. It has the most peculiar sound when you shake it."

It only took a well-placed look to cause them to laugh uncontrollably; it felt good to laugh again. Life in the castle seemed to return to the way it should be, and when Jane sobered, she commented. "This ball is starting to sound more like a celebration for music rather than a reunion."

"I thought so too, but I think it will be just the thing we need to brighten our spirits before winter gets here. And you know how Rake gets when he cannot talk to his vegetables."

Jane thought back to one especially long winter where the gardener waited for sun up every day until he spotted the first sprouts pop out from beneath the melting snow. It had been amusing at first, but Pepper had worried a bit."Hopefully, the season will be short. Anyway, if you need help with any of the cooking, I am sure I can take some time to chop or peel vegetables."

Coming up behind them, Smithy chuckled. "And I can hammer a piece of metal and pretend it is a drum."

"Smithy," gasped the cook. "what are you doing here?"

"I had gotten a little hungry and heard something about music. I do not have much of an ear for it, but I do know a good beat when I hear it."

"Like your hammering song?" Teased Jane.

"Something like that."

The cook sensed a warm familiarity between the two and was further reassured that her plan would move things along. "If you must know what is going on, I thought we could have a ball in the garden. You were not supposed to find out so soon," She explained with slight annoyance. "but now that you do, would you like to help set it up?"

"It would be my pleasure. Though, instead of it being in my honor, why not dedicate the occasion to our friendship. I rather it included everyone and it would allow us all to have an equal share."

"That is an excellent idea. Now, if you two will excuse me, I got some cooking to do. I think tomorrow night will be good. Does that work for you two?"

"It does for me. What about you Jethro?"

There was a list of tasks that he wanted to get done before the royal family bunkered down for the winter, but he was sure he had enough time to do both. "If I finish my smaller tasks by this evening, then I can move a few things around after I tend to the horses tomorrow."

"Wonderful. See you two around dinner time."

Seeing as they were heading in the same direction, Smithy and Jane decided to walk together and chatted over a few things. When the topic of the harp came up, he wondered. "I did not know you were a musician."

"Well, I am by no means as talented as Jester, but I did learn a song or two when I was younger. Mother thought it would distract me from watching the Knights sword practice, but I got it in my head that if I trained my hands to be nimble, that someday I would be able to wield a sword better."

The imagery of a young Jane daydreaming of swords and battle sweat while plucking away at a harp seemed both disheartening and amusing, but it must have occurred before he was in the king's service and it made him all the more eager to witness it. "And did it help?"

"I am not sure, but I do think it helped to strengthen my hands."

"All the better to fight with."

"Exactly."

It was wonderful to be able to speak freely as they used to, but he had to wonder if he was paying too much rapt attention to her or why she bothered talking to him at all. Jane made it easy to be around her with her quiet brilliance, enthusiasm, and views on life; it is no wonder half the kingdom was not in love with her. At the same time, the she knight had to wonder why it had taken so long for them to become better friends; if it had not been for the misunderstanding, she might not have come to appreciate his hidden qualities. Yet, it did not matter because from now on she had no intention of allowing anything to get between their friendship. With a sigh, he mentioned. "I hate to cut the conversation short Jane, but I have to replace a few candles around the castle today."

"Could you use any help? I have a little time before sentry duty."

"Thank you, but I can manage."

"Alright. I guess I will see you later."

"If I do not get caught up in tasks, you will."

There was no attempt made to hide her displeasure. "Please try not to make yourself scarce. It has been wonderful to have you around again."

It had? True, everyone except for Jester had mentioned as much, but he had never been of much consequence. Smithy figured that he had never contributed much in terms of conversation and company, but the she knight was not one to exaggerate; that or she noticed what he tried to hide. It made him feel a bit foolish to keep trying to calm his heart whenever she was near, but what else should he do?

After hearing such a confession, he knew he had to get away. "I will try."

"I mean it. Even if I have to drag you out, I swear I will not let you disappear again."

Allowing himself to chuckle, he was unaware of how his fair hair and good mood was distracting and dazzling. Why it was charming to the point that even her well-trained composure was beginning to fade, and she had to shield her face with her hair so that he would not notice the warmth in her cheeks. "With a threat like that," She heard him tease, "who needs enemies? I guess that leaves little room for argument then. Until later."

When he was out of sight of Jane, he released a breath he had not realized he had been holding. Perhaps this ball was not the best idea, but he could not convince himself to change his mind. Certainly, a good time with friends could not hurt anyone. Could it?

It was during one of his walks about the castle that the aged knight found the blacksmith in the throne room, stepping down from his ladder. "Good day to you blacksmith. I assume all is well."

"Yes Sir, but how did yo-"

"Word travels fast in this castle."

Scratching the back of his neck, Smithy sighed. "Right."

"I have not heard of any dispute, so I thought it safe to assume you had made peace."

"Yes sir, I have."

"And is the rumor of an informal ball true?"

"Yes sir."

"Ah, that is interesting. Now," Theodore inquired; careful to watch the lad's expressions. "let me ask you this, are you prepared for the challenge? I hear Sir Gunther is a fine dancer and the jester is well trained in the arts. What skill can you bring to the table?"

This the blacksmith did find amusing. "I did not realize that an informal gathering had so many requirements."

"Under the usual circumstances there would not be, but you are competing for the affections of a maiden and you need something that will allow you to stand out against the competition."

"Sir, permission to speak freely."

"Go on."

"I hate to disagree with you, but I am not competing with anyone. It does not seem right."

"Explain then, what are you doing?"

"I am trying to be a good friend." He confessed; his brow furrowed in thought. "I have seen the consequences of forcing what is not there and well, I have more experience with horses than with girls Sir."

Melancholy loomed behind those vibrant blue eyes; a conscious, underlying wit that had been repressed by choice, station, and circumstance. Smithy showed a tendency to put others before himself, which was not bad in itself, but if encouraged, the blacksmith might be capable of great things; that and achieve a lot more in life. "It takes many qualities in addition to humility to admit such. Yet, perhaps your skills lie where you least expect it. As you were."

And with that, the aged Knight left; sure that his well-placed commentary would yield good results.