A/n: The line "for the love of Caradoc," was inspired by a similar line found in the fic Sleepless by 2-shadows. It is a Jane x Jester fic and I encourage anyone who wants to read a fic with creative writing and different kind of storyline to check it out. Also if you want to see Smithy wink, check the episode Tests and Jests at the timestamp of 16:21 to 16:24. 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, and comment if there's something you'd like to see. Who knows, it might make it in ;3


Chapter 24: A Man To Man Chat

Jane examined the crevices and imperfections in the stones which made up her tower and its walls; it did calm her a little, but the temporary distraction was not enough to quell what ailed her. Throughout the night, the lady knight had tossed and turned; her mind swirling with thoughts of her quiet, comely friend and how disturbed she had been when she realized how she would not have minded if she could have remained in his sure, but gentle embrace. It had seemed unreal, as though Jane had watched this happen to someone else, but she could recall every bit of it and how natural it had been; that is where she was troubled. Yet, there had been something about him that drew her; a difference which made him pleasanter to be around; one that could last as such gentle admiration does.

What could account for this drastic change in feelings? Had there been something to Pepper's words? No, it could not be true. She did not…for the love of Caradoc she could not...ARGH! How did she allow this to happen? Why did this happen?

She had been under a lot of stress lately. The only improvement that had seemed to be had been her reconciliation with Smi…no, with Jethro. How odd to call him by his name; as though she had been introduced and welcomed into his private, little world. Something made her want to talk to him, to discover his thoughts. Who was the secret person that existed beneath the ash and dust, under layers of leather, who was strong enough to discipline metal, but gentle enough to soothe great beasts? Well, he was a man she had known for half her life but did not know him intimately, not completely.

However, when had he differentiated himself as a man in her eyes? For years, her appreciation had been nurtured from what she had witnessed of him; that much she knew. With a good view of the forge from the practice yard, she daily caught glimpses of those sparks which flew off the metal he had quickly removed from the fire, and shaped according to his will. How did he manage not to get burned? Unless he did but was great at hiding it. And in remembering this, Jane added giving him a pot of healing balm to her mental list; albeit not in the view of her friends, or it might feed their misconceptions.

On further examination of her life, Jane became more conscious of youthful recollections of him, and of those moments she held dear, one of them had been the quick wink he had given her on the day of her damsel in distress test; it was his private way of saying good luck then, but these days that expression seems to carry multiple meanings. Or how could she forget the day he had assisted her when Dragon had a loose tooth, and crafted a crown large enough for him upon asking; going as far as pushing a wheelbarrow up to his mountain, to place it upon his head. Another time, he was able to diagnose the ailment which had befallen Dragon, and had informed her on how to treat him; her lovable green newt might not be around without his help. And although, it was known that he was proficient with animals, what had initially impressed her was how inventive he was; when he had made those dragon wings for the princess, it warmed Jane's heart to see how happy her little majesty had been on receiving them, and it was ingrained in the lady knights head how generous, and considerate he was. Even her father on occasion had mentioned how bright and resourceful the blacksmith was when she had been trapped in Dragons caves; she should talk with her father about that.

Perhaps these thoughts stemmed from her gratitude. Jane had been grateful to have found an ally in him as of late, and she also did assist in moving heavy things and had been tired. That is right, that must have been it; her exhaustion had messed with her mind. Yet, if that truly had been the case, she should have been infatuated with either Gunther or Jester by now, although their personality quirks had dissuaded her otherwise. Oh, this was a new territory for her.

Exhilarating to be sure, though this was another challenge that she had not wanted to face yet. And covering her face with a pillow, she groaned in frustration


Although tired, all were eager for the morning meal. Gunther had not shown up, though it was a general supposition that if he was not around, then he was tending to business matters elsewhere. Pepper and Rake were dreadfully tired, but their weak smiles reassured everyone that they were fine. Jester had chosen to remark on everyone's enthusiasm when there was little to none, but all seemed to be going well enough. And while the blacksmith and lady knight did not exchange many words, they did smile upon another before carrying on different conversations; conscious that a drastic change in their behavior might alert their friends to feeling more than they could show, and carried on as though nothing were the matter.

After the morning meal, everyone had gone about their way to continue their duties, though when the fool found the blacksmith and was sure they were alone, he cleared his throat. "Smithy," He began, "I think we need a chat. A man to man chat."

Pig tilted her head, though continued walking on her wheel which kept the fire hot. The blacksmith for his part felt a light sense of dread; for disagreements with old friends were never easy things to overcome. Setting his hammer down, the blacksmith wondered. "I assume this is about last night?"

The fool's fists clenched, "Aha, so you admit it."

The blacksmith was no reader of minds, and there was no telling of the feelings which lingered inside the fool's heart; of those senses which could not be touched. Yet, it was no great mystery as to why the fool was distressed. Everyone knew of his long-sufferance, though with the fool's inaction, nothing had changed between him and the lady knight. Yes, Smithy was empathetic to his situation. However, that did not give him allowances to find consequences where there should have been none. With calmness, the blacksmith explained, "There is nothing to admit."

"You danced with her." The fool accused.

"As you saw."

"Since when have you taken notice of a woman? You," Jester spat, "who spends his days as a eunuch guarding a harem of horses."

Wrinkling his nose, Smithy repeated it more to himself than to Jester. "A harem of horses?"

"You know how I feel about her, so why have you betrayed me in this manner?"

"Jester," he sighed. "it was a dance among friends. I am sure if you asked Jane she would tell you the same."

"Why, so you two could make a jest out of me? The last time I checked, that was my job."

"I am sorry about the misunderstanding, really I am, but there is nothing we can do about it now."

"Fine, if that is how you are going to be, then in no uncertain terms, I will tell you this, I want you to bog off, and leave her alone."

It was at this point that the blacksmith felt an edge of annoyance. "How do you suppose I do that? I am in the service of the King and his Knights and must obey if given an order. If it is help that you need so that you may find an opportunity to convey your feelings to her, then I will do so, but I made a promise."

"And that would be?"

Remembering Jane's face as she frowned in displeasure, swearing to drag him out of wherever he might hide and Smithy could not help but feel his mood brightening at the mental imagery of her attempting to pull him away from his activity, despite how busy he might be just to make sure he did not seclude himself. Her stubbornness, no matter how troublesome, did have a way of drawing him to her, although it should have done otherwise. And making sure that his face did not betray his secret amusement, he returned to his calm indifference. "To not make myself scarce again. I cannot... I will not go back on that promise I made as a friend."

"As a friend you say? And that is all?"

"That is all."

"Very well then."

Studying his old friend, the fool who always carried an air of confidence as far as speaking and jesting were concerned, and how he sagged into himself when he felt his place as someone special in the lady knight's eyes be threatened; it was disheartening. "Jester, I cannot promise that I will always be agreeable, but please, let us not quarrel. After all, you are my best friend."

"True," Jester answered with coldness. "but as Aesop once said, 'Betray a friend, and you will often find you have ruined yourself', and you will pay Smithy," He emphasized. "if you use me ill."

Watching as the fool trudged away, the blacksmith did feel a sense of foreboding, but continued with his activity; knowing one way or another, he would have to make amends somehow.