A/n: Considering how much drama there is in the world, it isn't easy for me to know that I'm about to give the characters some heartache, but ;w; the plot demands it. I'm getting there. Feel free to comment what you might like to happen, ;D or if you'd like a continuance of any events. 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 29: Speculation

A full night's sleep worked wonders on her tired, aching muscles. Be that as it may, this soreness would be sure to follow her throughout the day, but despite that, Jane still felt reluctant to rise from bed. Unlike her physical weariness, her emotions, thoughts, and liveliness had been taking all manner of twists and turns as of late. The day before, weeks, months, all that came before had maneuvered, changed, and became more pronounced. Happiness, anxieties, and misunderstandings had filled her days, that neither duty nor responsibilities could overtake and allow her to forget; that as far as it came to her friend, the blacksmith, she loved him.

As much as she wished it had not been so, it was; their lives and duties were intertwined in such a way that made it impossible for the other to ignore. One of consequence, the other of none, one lived in the service of the other, but unknown to the other, they both wished for the liberality to behave as they wished. For Jane, to rise would mean she would be forced to face the world, people, Jethro, her feelings for him, and everyone else who had deciphered what she did not want to see. It was felt in every glance she gave him or in every shared remark that a gradual transformation of her heart had taken way, but although she was not ashamed of her feelings, the weight of their consequence was burdensome. As a knight, would not her attachment serve as a distraction?

Her grandfather had been a knight, but his death had left a deep-seated scar upon her mother's soul; acting almost as a repellent towards Jane's profession. Would not that mean, if anything were to happen to her, that she would leave her friends and family behind? Jane had thought she had resolved her feelings in that respect and had accepted the consequence of her duty but considering her current circumstances, there were still uncertainties about her life and the possibility of brightness in its future. Until then, some wrongs had to be made right.

The lady knight did not shrink back in fear as other ladies might have been in want to do but instead resolved to deal with these issues head-on as they arose. Sadly, Jane had allowed refrain to hinder the fondness of friendship when instead, she should have borne and stopped the decided behavior that she disliked. If she had confronted Jester or Gunther of their unwanted attention, then she would not have to fear as she did when in her dear friend's company. She would be free to act as she chose and to care for whom she chose, but the trouble would not be hers alone; trouble would also be imparted to him.

In the illuminated paths where her affection existed, was his kind face. She thought of him in the forge and the warmth that surrounded his being. It sent her heart aflutter and instead of disregarding it, she allowed it to wash over her. She remembered when she saw him in the forest, and the thought of kissing him had come to mind; of their shared dances; of him finding her during a thunderstorm; of seeing him alongside her father when she had gotten stuck in one of Dragons chambers; of all those times she purposefully lingered because she wished to continue their conversation; of learning and calling him by his name; of his sadness when he almost lost Pig; of their shared embraces; of the wink that might have started this all; most of all, his reassurances and comfort. Sometimes there seemed to be freeness and openness about him, while at other times he would scarcely speak; as though two entities existed within the same person; it did not matter, because Jane accepted them both.

Oh, would she be able to get to know him? More than she ever supposed she would? A part of her knew this was possible, though, to get closer to him meant to risk losing him as well as to draw the contempt of her mother who wished to match Jane with a high-born man of good fortune. However, what good would a large fortune be if the man behind such grandeur was unworthy? To be sure, if he could not beat her in combat or refused to try, then he could not be a man she could respect.

Immediately this would disqualify several men in her acquaintance. And if she was honest with herself, she hoped it would not be too difficult for a certain man. Yes, she was willing to consider him, if he would consider her, but wishful thinking did no one any favors. Perhaps one day, or perhaps not. To care for him in silence could be enough, but if he came to care for someone else...

Later, when Jane did rise and dressed for the day, she decided to help Pepper in the kitchen. This delighted the cook; to have worthwhile company was always a joy. "Oh Jane," The cook started in her spirited voice, "I cannot believe you did all that chopping."

Stoking the fire, Jane commented, "Neither can my arms."

"And it was all because of a bet you say?"

"Sort of. I suppose it was my way of assisting Jethro with his duties."

This inflamed Peppers interest and a knowing smile made its way onto her pale, petite face. "How so Petal?"

"I thought making it into a game would lighten the load for him. Otherwise, he would have done it all by himself. I am sure of it."

It would have taken days; time that he could have better used elsewhere. How he would use his extra time the lady knight did not know. To the cook, this confession seemed to explain some peculiar but otherwise affectionate inclination that Jane did not appear nor aware that she was beginning to show. "How sweet." Pepper remarked, "But I do wonder, how did you manage to keep your composure when you were surrounded by all those muscles?"

"Pepper!"

"I am only jesting." The cook started with her mischief, "However, there is no shame in looking."

"Is that what everyone else was thinking? It is no wonder my head ached from the noise of all the cheering and screaming."

"How could they not? Some would consider it fortunate that you could observe such beauty from so close."

"Beauty?"

The lady knight could not be so unconscious to the charms of men, could she? Poor thing. "Now Jane," Came the playful scolding from the cook, "you cannot deny how handsome they are, can you?"

Every moment spent in recollection added to her discomfort. There were many comely, and sometimes beautiful men in their Kingdom, but only one person had caused or should she say drew her as moths toward a flame; its effect had been increasing over time. "No, but that was not… you know how I feel."

"I certainly do, Jane," Answered the cook; readying the ingredients for a stew. "but how does he feel about you?"

"How does who feel about me?"

"Smithy."

Jethro? Why would she mention him? Rather than filling the lady knight with rage or embarrassment, this saddened her. "Pepper, that is not funny."

"I never thought it was. I only assumed that since you were calling him by his name that you two might have been close to an understanding."

There was no understanding. Her feelings, which she was still learning to accept were all hers. If the fault could be found, it was that she had not reigned in her fancy, but sensibilities as these were not to be the subject of jest. This sort of speculation was one of several reasons the redhead did not share all her thoughts with the cook. "You misunderstand. He is only my friend, like Jester."

However, this confession did not convince the cook. In her friend's countenance, Pepper could see an excitable, sweetness of temper that was stubborn in its ability to protect the honor of one who would have otherwise gone unnoticed by another in Jane's station. The lady knight had her pick of men, but to fancy a kind soul as their friend Smithy; it was a miracle. "Whatever you say, Jane." And changing the subject to suit her friend, Pepper continued, "Oh, I hope the king will enjoy my new recipe. "

The cook had ideas and schemes, but they would be hopeless if Jane felt nothing for the blacksmith. However, Pepper was sure that she was affected by him which was enough to work with.

The Chamberlain was surprised when his daughter asked if she could spend the day with him, but he was pleased nonetheless. "Daughter," He started, "I hope I am not keeping you from your duties."

The lady knight cared for her father, and saw him about the castle often, though she did not spend as much time with him as he might have wished. As troublesome as some of his inquiries might be, Jane did enjoy his company. "No father, at least not until later. I am all yours for the morning, and part of the afternoon if you wish it."

"In that case, it is so good to see you. On what occasion do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

Unsure of how he would receive the information, the lady knight confessed, "I would suppose you owe Jethro."

"Jethro? Are you referring to Smithy?"

"Yes, father."

Confused, but not displeased, he wondered, "I see, but why do I owe him exactly?"

"You see," She confessed, "I had made a bet that whoever could chop the most wood could ask for a favor, but while I bested Gunther, Jethro bested me. His request was more of a suggestion that I make some time for you."

This pleased the older man. "Did he?"

Kicking a pebble that was found along their walk path, Jane answered, "Yes, and he told me you managed to finish everything on your list."

"Indeed, I had. He is an intelligent lad, is he not?"

"Yes, father."

So his daughter did think the blacksmith was bright-minded. "He does not talk much, does he?"

"Not so much in words," She explained; her countenance softening, "for his expressions tend to convey what he will not speak, but whatever he does say, he tries to make it count. At least, that is what I always understood."

"Now let me ask you, Jane, do you think he is talented?"

"Of course I do."

"I see, it is exactly as I thought. I had been thinking for some time if well… do you believe he would be against the idea of learning how to read and write?"

What was her father about?

"I am not sure. Why?"

"I must confess, I see a lot of myself in him. I did not know how to read or write either in my youth, but I was noticed and was later taught by the Royal Librarian. It is too late now, but if your mother and I had produced a male heir, I would have liked him to be just like Smithy."

Oh, so that was it. They had never spoken much on the subject, but this warmed her heart. It was lovely that father thought so much of her friend and how the feelings of mutual respect were there. Though to teach Jethro to read? It might not bode well with mother. No matter, her father had a plan, she was sure of it. "Would you like me to inquire if he would care to?"

"No, I will be sure to do so, but pray tell, what else does he do other than acting as the current blacksmith and stable hand?"

"I believe that is something you should ask him. I do not know for certain, because his talents and abilities seem to be varied. He is good at carving and does woodwork." And with amusement, she confessed, "He cannot sing, but he can dance; he does not know mathematics, but he is precise. Most animals except Dragon yield to him, and although he is so tall and strong, he is gentle. There truly is no one like him."

"You respect him, do you not?"

"I do father, very much."

There was a softness in her eyes that betrayed more than she would ever confess, and although surprising, it was not unpleasant; he expected this day would come. Milton was satisfied with the results of his inquisition for the moment and spent the rest of their time together talking of other subjects and playing a couple of rounds of chess. It was not so much that he liked chess itself, it was more because Jane does; it allowed him to spend time with her sitting at one of the great tables in the throne room in front of a roaring fire.

"Had you found the proof you were searching for?" Inquired the aged knight.

"Not yet." Answered the Chamberlain. "The lad is as you had described him, but whether he is infatuated with my daughter is left to be determined."

"Infatuation implies a shallow sort of affection does it not?"

"As it might well be."

"Perhaps," Commented the aged knight, "but I would not count on it."

"How can you be so certain?"

"Over all these years, I have dealt with all manner of personalities and dispositions, and believe I can decipher one's character well. From what I have observed, I know the blacksmith to be agreeable, decisive, and loyal."

"Yes, I dare say he is."

"He is talented, but while deserving, refuses excessive praise. That is almost unheard of."

"I agree. Humble to be sure," The Chamberlain confessed, "but praise may not be his objective."

"Objective? If this were a battle strategy, I dare say that term would be suitable, but I do not believe there is any calculation to his actions. He is strong of moral character and does not dally about or get into drunken stupors as is common with many young men. For these reasons, it is not unreasonable to see why he has his fair share of admirers among the female servants, but although he assists them, he does not encourage their fancifulness. You must have heard of yesterday's whereabouts."

Milton had heard a little of what had transpired, but although he had also heard of the other past unsubstantiated rumors, he did not know for certain about the social side of the blacksmith. "I definitely could hear them, as I am sure half the kingdom must have. It could be that the lad is too preoccupied with his duties to bother with young ladies, but I did not hear much about the bet. Had you?"

"Ah yes, it appeared as though it was a competition of stamina between the young knights, but it is not surprising that the blacksmith had bested them. His strategy, if there had been one, had not been speed or strength but in choice of sharpening his tool at regular intervals. This may be of little conciliation, but I did notice an increase of these intervals as Jane's hatchet began to dull. Why," Added the aged knight, "he replaced her tool with his own as he took notice of her exhaustion. Makes you wonder why he had not insisted on her quitting altogether."

That statement Milton was sure had been said to gauge or to draw out what he thought the true reasoning must have been. And it had its desired effect. "I suppose the lad had no intention of competing in the first place. He had a duty to perform, for I had seen him checking the storeroom and about his forge a few days ago. The competition did not alter this fact, and no matter the outcome, he would have to complete his duty to chop firewood. Yet, if he handed her his sharpened hatchet, she would have had the right tool for the right job; easing the difficulty. Meaning, he did not mind the consequence of her request, whatever it might have been; he did not mind losing to her. Rather, this would encourage her success."

"Precisely. The competition itself might not have been the most exciting, but it was fascinating. Your daughter is to be commended for her vigor, and ability to focus under such… how should I say? Stimulation?"

This did not amuse the Chamberlain. "Whatever could you mean?"

"From the excessive noise to the distractions from those around her, her hands did not falter, except when she began to tire. However, as we had just discussed, was remedied by the blacksmith by a simple action as handing her his tool. At least, temporarily."

"Hmm, yes."

"I am not surprised at your concern about your daughter's acquaintances, but be assured that Smithy's good reputation recommends him. I am keeping an eye on him, but from what I gather, I see no real fault in him other than having difficulty trusting those around him. I suppose circumstance played a part in that respect."

Ruminating for a while on this information as well as to what he had observed thus far, Milton came to wonder how this affected the aged knight. "Sir knight, had there been a reason for you telling me all this? If there is regard as you say there might be, what good will it do me? It would mean nothing if my daughter did not care for him."

"You are a man in search of answers. The information I had provided you with, you may do with it as you may. However, peace of mind cannot be bought," Sir Theodore explained, "but rather gained, and does not any father wonder what would become of their unwed daughters?"

This caused Milton to sigh. "I do wonder at times if my family line might end with Jane. Although I do worry about her, she has managed to accomplish so much on her own. I am not sure what else is left to teach her. Either way, her safety, and happiness are at the forefront of my concern, but so is the future. I do apologize if this all sounds wearisome."

"Not at all." Reassured the aged knight. "True, Jane is unconventional, but you have been as well. Look how well you turned out."

"Praise indeed."

"Nevertheless, I do believe she will surprise us."

"Indeed she shall." Agreed Milton.

"And in time all will reveal itself. No doubt, a skilled knight can protect oneself."

"That she does, and will continue to do so. My alarm may be unwarranted, but I am no fool."

"True, you most certainly are not."

"I think I know what you are up to. Please, Sir Knight, you may do and say as you will, but I will get to the bottom of this."

Allowing a knowing chuckle to escape him, Sir Theodore nodded. "No doubt you will and do be sure to keep me informed. I may have a respect for the blacksmith, but that does not exclude him from blame if trouble appears."

"The thing is, I fear trouble is already here."

The blacksmith had managed to flatten the section of the horseshoe that would eventually become a handle and shaped the section that he would later sharpen to a blade. Thanks to Jane and Gunther, he had finished the most labor-intensive part of his duties, and had some spare time to do this; especially since the lady knight was busy and would not find out what he was up to before he could surprise her with it. To be sure, part of him did not think this could work, considering what he had to work with, but it pleased him that such an idea appeared to be succeeding. However, would she like it? Smithy hoped she would.

The knife in question was not very decorative, but for his first try, this was good. It was late in the afternoon by the time he had finished sharpening the blade, but after he wrapped the handle with a piece of scrap leather, he held the finished product in his hand; it was strange. Not only did he manage to make it well-balanced, but as he tested its ability to carve wood, cut fruit, and cloth, it worked as well as any knife perhaps better. All that was left now was to find an opportunity to give it to her.

While he was thinking this, a feminine voice demanded his attention. "Sir blacksmith?"

Setting aside the knife, he turned towards the owner of the voice. "Good day Mary. What may I do for you?"

The chambermaid never thought she would be able to stand before him like this, but due to the fool's influence, he had created an opportunity. Oh, how did Smithy manage to look so handsome despite all the dust and smoke? She could scarcely remember what the jester wanted her to do, but gathering her courage, she wondered, "Could you assist me in taking down a tapestry? I was asked to clean it," Which was true, "but had a difficult time in bringing it down. I would not ask you sir if I could do it, but I… "

"Do you mean the tapestry in the Throne room?"

"Yes. I am to clean the one that illustrates the account of the Wilderness Years."

With a nod, he agreed, "Once I take it down, I can help you clean it as well if you like. That way you can hurry off to bed straight away and get proper rest."

"I would appreciate that sir."

The chambermaid's shyness reminded him of a mare he had come across once; a pretty, young thing, but by no means ready to be on its own yet. To be sure, this young girl perhaps had no brothers to teach her that she should be cautious even to unassuming men like himself. No matter, he would tread carefully, and assist her; albeit to keep her safe from some of the other men whose eyes lingered over her form much longer than what was appropriate. And with a brief, brotherly smile, he said, "Feel free to lead the way."

Unbeknownst to the blacksmith, the fool was prepared to soon play his part, but first, he had to play the role of a good friend; hoping to later become more.