A/n: Janther week is over but I got to write for two of the prompts. If anyone wants to read them, they are posted. For other people's entries, check out the Jantherweek tumblr page. Having got over my insomnia issues, I'm finally back to work on this fic. Though due to still feeling a bit unwell, I had to cut the chapter in half to make it easier for editing, but the next chapter should be up soon. My oc Mary shows up again in this chapter; she is a chambermaid who has mad feels for Smithy ;w; As always, I would like to thank Fluffymarshmallows and awes0mesaucer for comments that encourage me to post faster and for all who are still following this story. Please enjoy!

Chapter 27: Opportunities

To study the habits of the servants who scuttled about the castle was trying, but it was not impossible; one simply had to know where to look. Unlike beasts, who lived and died by instinct, people were odd, curious, but otherwise predictable creatures. They could have hidden motivations that affected their everyday dealings, and this also made them desperate; all the better to persuade. And having discovered the secret of a certain maiden months ago, he was ready to exploit it.

He only had to inquire the men about the castle of a fair maiden of about 16, and he was led to the chamber near the southern end of the castle. With a start, the chambermaid shielded her eyes as the door opened and the light invaded the room. For a moment, she wondered if the lady in waiting had come to inquire about her gown; it needed mending and Lady Adeline was far too busy with the royal children to deal with it herself. However, the person who stepped in was the handsome, royal Jester. "Good day Sir."

The fool studied the young maiden before him; a comely, little thing with hair not quite red or brown, but was becoming when it was illuminated by the afternoon light. Submissive to be sure, or so she portrayed, and shy, for she could scarcely meet his eyes, but although they shone with a clear depth like the calm sea, they did not move him; at least not with the violence of passion he carried for another. "Good day Mary." He started, "I hope I have not disturbed you."

"No sir."

"Good. So you will not mind if I keep you company."

The sound of his bells echoed in the small room, and she wondered what was the purpose of this visit. "Why would you do that Sir? There is nothing to see."

"To the discerning eye, there is always something to be seen. I see you, that barrel and the spider there in that corner. I am sure I can make a joke out of it somehow, but the real reason I am here is to see you."

"Did the lady in waiting send you to fetch me?"

"No, that is not it. You see," He explained, "I believe we are similar. Did you know that?"

The young maiden stirred the contents in a barrel that contained the Knight's dirty clothing. She was too lowly to clean the royal laundry, but she took pride in whatever duty she was assigned. There were not many who would disturb her, like her friends who changed the bedding and those who swept about the castle but to have the privilege of speaking to the royal entertainment enlightened her to the fact that perhaps she might have prospects. "No Sir," She answered softly, "I do not know. I am not clever and do not have the talent to say pretty words. As you can see, I am fit to be a laundress, not a lady. In what way are we similar?"

"You misunderstand, fair maiden." Jester answered with honeyed words, "I mean to say we are both unlucky."

The chambermaid did her utmost best not to portray her discomfort. However, she could not understand how one could find joy in being unlucky. "Forgive me, but I do not believe in luck Sir. It is only in the Lord that I place my trust."

Yes, that is right, she did fancy herself pious; he had seen her often pray in the adjoining building meant for religious services, despite its state of disrepair, but although he did not worship the Christian God, he was knowledgeable of various ways and practices of it. "Then, if I am correct in my assumptions," For what else could he build upon but rumors and whatnot, "you believe that if you are good, you will be rewarded with what your heart desires, and be able to marry that prince of yours. Too bad he favors the company of horses."

Her hand stilled. "Sir?"

"No need to be nervous, it is my job to test the patience of all in my path, with familiarity and silly dances, but by no means do I dare spoil the dreams of a lady fair."

Dreams? Is that what her thoughts would ever aspire to be? She did not know much, but of what she was curious about, she would investigate; her family thought it meddlesome, but she thought it more polite to come upon the truth herself than to inquire for listening ears to hear. It might have been why she was a favorite of Sir Theodore; he was always searching her out to question and have her retell of current events and Mary always enjoyed his company. As to her thoughts of being referred to as fair, it was nothing new; from birth, her parents had been told she would be a beauty, but it had never done her much good. Why, it only succeeded in drawing unwanted attention, when all she wanted was honest work, and if there was room, and if God willing, the love of a good man. "There is nothing to spoil Sir."

"Come now," Chuckled the fool, "I believe I touched on a sensitive topic."

Oh, had she been that obvious? True, every so often, she would find a little time in between her duties to admire the blacksmith, but Mary had not supposed anyone would come to know of it. Gathering her courage, she continued her activity, but addressed him coolly, "If there is anything I can do for you sir, please inform me, but if not, then I fear you must go. For it might be your duty to entertain, but I did not realize you entertain yourself at the expense of others sensibilities."

Fascinating. Was this her real character, that when provoked, had something of a likeness to his beloved? To be sure, it improved his initial opinion of her. With a laugh, he replied, "So it is true. How sweet, but that is the particular talent of maidens; to shield the tenderness of feeling as though it were a fault rather than a virtue. Well," He explained, "it is not what you can do for me, but what I may do for you. I can create an opportunity for you to meet with him, you know."

"I do not understand."

"What is there to understand? He is lonely and does not have much time to court, and I dare say he is doomed to a lonely existence; as cold and long-standing as metal. However, I am sure if he had time to get to know you," He winked, "he would be persuaded to regard you in a favorable light."

"Why would you do this? I thought he… that is to say…" She could not say it. However, Mary had acknowledged and seen the blacksmiths leniency, although slight, and his care as well as friendly regard for the lady knight. And if the jester made a supposition of her regard, then what about that of Jane? The lady whose clothes she had to wash, and who she allowed to persuade the man she cared for.

Pleased that his words had the desired effect, Jester continued. "As his friend, it pains me to see him suffer, and if I may help him, then I will be removed from this guilt. To see him happy in love, why it would delight all my friends."

It was not wrong to wish one to be happy, but could she change what marked feelings were already conscious? For Smithy, she would try. "And what must I do?"

This was getting better and better. "Do as I say, and I guarantee he will not be able to ignore you. When the time is opportune, I will come for you, and give you further instruction."

"What can I do in return? This seems almost too good to be true."

"You are already doing me a favor, so no payment is required." If Jester could have paid for someone to rid him of the problem, he would have done so. Turning on his heel, his bells jingled; his expression half-hidden in the shadows. "My friend's happiness is my reward."

There were few people the blacksmith could say he envied, but if there was something or rather someone he envied, it would be Jane; not for station or birth, but of the gift of a father. In some respects, the chamberlain was odd, but not in such a way that was altogether displeasing; his countenance being honorable and diligent invited contempt from those who readily deceived. And it was upon further reflection that Smithy drew the conclusion that he could have benefited from the guidance of such a man had he been removed to the castle sooner, but not much could be gained in this regret. In silence, he had watched as others had interactions with their fathers, and had seen the secret familiarities that enriched whatever relationships which had been formed since infancy; for better or for worse, there was much to be learned from it. Along with these thoughts, Smithy was reminded that while he might no longer have a father, there were father-like figures he could almost hope to rely upon; that is if he allowed himself to depend on them if the opportunity was given.

On the topic of opportunity, the blacksmith continued to wonder if this occasion had been used as an excuse to converse and investigate, because the inspections as well as how the guidance on to complete the stall repairs could have been done without his assistance as it had been for years. And the gift for the lady in waiting that he carried was not heavy, but it was large, and yet, Smithy was sure Jane's father could have carried it. Why anybody could have been a sufficient companion, but still, he was the one chosen. The awareness of this, along with the existing knowledge of the Chamberlain's nonsense attitude reassured the blacksmith that his company had been sought and the future opportunities to meet together were desired; giving him an inordinate amount of satisfaction.

This satisfaction lasted for quite some time and because of the quick, determined pace of the Chamberlain, they soon arrived at the castle. Milton had wondered if the lad would wait with him, for he did wish to become better acquainted, but all that had been said was along the lines of knowing how capable Jane was, and that if on the rare occasion it got late, and she did not return, that he would gladly go and search for her if need be. And without much else to say, Smithy took his leave of him and walked towards his forge. The blacksmith had too wished to become better acquainted, but believing he would portray more than he ought to, and reveal his secret regard for the lady knight, he decided it would be best to continue on his way and passed the forge in favor of the stables; planning on refreshing the stall that housed Jane's horse.

The afternoon had been peaceful and patrol had gone well. Other than having to settle a debate between a set of two drunken older men, not much had hindered Jane's return to the castle. The crisp air refreshed her, and clouded skies calming as her horse walked with its steady gait. It was days like this that made her grateful that she was not living through a time of war, allowing her the freedom to enjoy the beauty of the landscape.

There should have been nothing to ail her. Yet, something had been bothering her. Today, Jethro had accompanied her father to the market. In itself, there was no issue with it, but why had her father asked the blacksmith to assist him? Gunther would have been better suited considering how well versed he was in the ways of business, and she could have helped if it had been only for the sake of carrying things.

However, if her father thought that Jethro was far better company than the raven-haired knight, then she would have to agree; the blacksmith was generous when it came to sparing his free time and was sincere in his dealings. Oh, but what if that had not been the reason, and that her father was worried over rumors? Had he somehow heard twisted truths from loose lips? Word did travel fast about the castle, and if that was the case, then the blacksmith might have become the victim of rumors due to her foolishness. She could imagine it now; the hurt, and reproach he would receive, and how he would not express whose fault it was and take it upon himself.

In his way, he could be stubborn, but he was also protective, and it warmed her heart knowing that he would always be there for his friends, but not if it meant he could lose his job. No, she could not allow that to happen; the fault was hers alone, and she would have to settle matters. Even if her current thoughts were being driven by her anxieties, it was enough to encourage her mare to gallop. At the speed she was going, it did not take long to arrive at the castle gates. And once granted permission to enter upon the castle grounds by the sentry, she felt calmer, but only slightly.