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cherryblossomtease · 3 years

Text

Chapter 13

18 + only

warnings and summary - Masterlist

Dressed in the ridiculously high-cut low sided white one piece suit you find in the drawer and an oversized cream colored cashmere cardigan, you shove the sleeves up, slip into a pair of woven slides and leave the room feeling refreshed after a shower and venture down the long, somewhat dim hall, the doors to the other cabins that line the pass all shut.

You’re not below water but you feel the weight of the ship like being held safe in the arms of a protecter, shielding you from the wild seas outside.

You’d been in such a daze when you first arrived you really don’t remember the details, but now you see just how incredible his floating hide-out really is.

At the end of the hall is that common area, though there’s nothing common about it. The walls and floor are a beautiful teak, stained and sealed to a high gloss. The low, warm lighting and strip of windows that curve around the space give the room a luxe but cozy den-like feel, even with the massive tv. Look’s like the nightly Netflix binging can continue— when you’re not otherwise occupied of course.

You hear a sound from behind you and find Oeznik arraigning bottles in the wine fridge. With a smile you greet him. “Have you seen Helmut or Bucky?”

“Yes miss.I believe they are both on the upper deck. Take the stairs all the way up.” Your ears quickly adjust to his accent and you glance over at the backlit steps behind the tv wall. “Got it.”

He smiles nodding. “Enjoy.”

You just grin and quietly leave him to his work feeling the warm and fuzzies for the dear old man.

As you go to the steps, you catch a glimpse of the ocean slowly passing though you’re sure you moving a speed that will ensure your timely arrival. Turning back to the butler you frown. “Out of curiosity, Who’s the captain of this ship? I mean, there must be a crew?”

“Oh, the Baron has hired only the best.” He assures you “And only the most capable of-- keeping quiet” He answers knowing your meaning.

You nod and feel your shoulders lower as the tension between them eases now that you know there doesn’t seem to be any threat of betrayal, at least not for now.

Going up the steps you pass the empty second floor and take a quick peek. You’ll never complain about a luxury yacht, who would, but this is bordering on obscene—it’s fucking wonderful.

A pool lined by deck chairs at the far end, over looks the back end of the ship. The glass edge give views of the ocean below. At the front end, the dining area with it’s long table waits for many drunken night and dead center is a lounge area that you can already imagine dancing in. You shake your head knowing the night is far from over and continue up the next flight.

The wind whips at your skin now that you’re high above the water. You look out at all that blue and it hits you just how isolated you are which makes you feel very safe and very excited. There are no rules out here. None but his.

“No, slice it like this, that way when you bite it, you can eat the entire piece.”

Your ears perk at the sound of Zemo’s voice and his choice of words.

He’s talking to Bucky, you can tell by his tone. Patient, amused, adoring…

“I know how to cut an orange” Bucky snaps. You can practically hear him roll his eyes.

Helmut’s laugh is low, harder to hear but you know that soft rumble.

Coming up over the last step, you walk onto the deck taking the same path Helmut had early this afternoon and find them at the wet bar just under the shade of the overhang. They haven’t been around one another very long, just a couple of hours and most of that time Bucky was alone while you and Zemo reacquainted yourselves but they seem to have found their rhythm quickly.

You like watching them together, almost as much as you like the way they look at you.

Bucky’s holding his knife ready to cut again when he notices that you're here and looks up getting that goofy smile on his face like he does when you dress up to go out. This gets Zemo’s attention and the Baron looks over his shoulder finding you and instantly understands.

“She lives.” He teases and puts down the bottle opener he was set to use, but not the bottle of wine. He leaves Bucky to come to you and whatever flattered smile you might have had shifts when you notice how he looks.

Maybe he had this on earlier but you were so overcome by just seeing him that you hadn’t really noticed, now you do. Now you take the time to realize that you’ve never seen Zemo looking so causal. But even in a white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up twice (to be in good taste of course) and the buttons no more than a suggestion at this point with that necklace he always wears catching the light as he struts towards you, not to mention that single lock of hair in his eyes, he is still the man in the fur collared coat you knew before he was taken away— just the holiday version.

You let your gaze wander down to admire the cut of his cream colored chinos and those modern take on Italian leather boat shoes that are probably, no defiantly from Italy. He makes getting away look obscenely good.

The kiss you share is light; a press, a hold, his hand on your face, his thumb on your chin, his smile against your mouth. “Did you sleep well?” He asks.

“I did” You answer, eyes still closed.

“You look stunning” He says sort of taking you in without moving away.

“So do you.” You say feeling yourself flush.

“Would you like a drink? James and I are making sangria.” He announces stepping away and it takes you a second to collect yourself as you watch him saunter back.

Has he always been so intoxicating? Yes girl, isn’t that how you ended up on a fucking yacht… you hold in your self deprecating laugh and join them.

Back over at the bar, you watch as he checks in on Bucky who has been very diligently cutting fruit in a way that you’ve never seen him try to do anything in the year you’ve lived together. But the thing that really holds your attention is how Zemo lays his hand against small of Bucky’s back and stands very close, watching just over his shoulder for a second then smiles approval, his hand lingering even as he steps away.

Bucky tries not to, but he can’t resist and lifts his head watching Zemo leave to walk back under the overhang.

You’ve seen that look before, or rather you’ve felt it. That hunger for the Baron, that draw to him. When Zemo walks away you want to follow. You find yourself nearly hypnotized by his regal movements that can so quickly become a force of aggression that can bring you to your knees, only for it to feel like the sun itself on your face when he finally looks at you.

Poor man, you think sympathetically smiling at Bucky. He’s in for a world of trouble.

“Hey," You tap Bucky’s forearm, “How are you?” You ask quietly while you have a few seconds alone and notice that he’s stripped out of his leather jacket and all that black.

He must have changed while you were— occupied. He’s got on a dark blue t-shirt and clearly very expensive shorts with what must be a five inch inseam because they stop just below mid thigh and yet again you're thanking Zemo for his good taste. Bucky looks good enough to take a bite out of. And…is he barefoot? You lean your head around the bar but he gives you a funny look so you sit back up trying to play innocent. Whatever, you’re just happy to see him out of the utility gear, stomping around in boots— god love him— the man deserves to relax.

Bucky frowns a little. “I’m fine.”

“You sure?”

He looks confused.

“Don’t play dumb, you weren’t so confident before we hitched our ride out here” You say wondering just how big a change of heart he’s had since this morning.

Bucky glances over his shoulder to find Zemo looking through the wine glass collection along the shelving and smiles. “Yeah well, I guess I’m not so worried now.” He says, his eyes sparkling with something a little mischievous in them.

“Ha! Yeah well, I tried to tell you that once we got here everything would be just fine.” You say kindly.

“Come on, you can’t blame me for being worried.”

“No, of course not.” And you truly mean it. “Honestly James, I’m just happy you’re here. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

He seems touched but instead cocks his brow. “Sounds like you two were getting along just fine.”

You scoff seeing that Zemo is on his way back over. “Not fair, we needed that.” You whisper.

“I know,” Bucky teases with a wink just as Zemo sets the glasses on the counter.

“Looks good.” He says gripping Bucky’s shoulder rubbing hard and the way Bucky beams with pride you’re just happy you don’t have a mouthful of wine, the spit take would have been epic.

In minutes the drinks are mixed and the three glasses are raised in the air. “What do we drink to?” You ask.

Zemo looks between you both, settling on you first and reaches for your hand turned palm up on the counter and takes it, stroking your wrist. You sigh deep in your chest feeling yourself go as liquid as the ocean around you. “To love.” He says with confidence, smiling at you before letting go. Turning to Bucky, his hand now finding the other mans closed on the counter, he grips it tight. “And to possibility.” The look exchanged between them nearly shatters your heart it is so pure and so real.

“And the freedom to live it.” You add softly feeling that truth in your soul and both men look over at you raising their glasses.

The wine warms your belly, the taste so incredible you shut your eyes thankful for a good drink after such a batshit crazy day. Swallowing you look up at them and wonder now that the wine is flowing how long it will be before the inevitable happens.

After a few more glasses of the dangerously delicious sangria, you find yourself happily descending the levels of the yacht listening to Zemo rattle on about the specs and metrics of the luxury vessel until the three of you find yourselves enjoying a pleasant buzz on the pool deck.

You’re sauntering around, swaying to the music in your own head, smiling at them, teasing them. Bucky is amused but as usual slightly annoyed.“This is nuts you know that right” He says dragging his eyes from you to look back through towards the lounge and dining area.

There’s a sort of lazy energy down here with the indulgence on full display. Theres even a sauna just before the lounge.

Bucky looks at Zemo waiting for a reply.

He simply shrugs looking proud. “If we’re going to be here for a while I wanted to be comfortable.” He smiles and takes a drink. “Polinksy's just lucky this is all I took from him."

You stop messing around and look up at him feeling a wave of shock run through you “Polinsky? From the casino!”

“That’s the one.” Zemo says casually as he joins you at the edge of the pool. He stands, hand in his pocket looking content and a little smug.

“Holy shit… I can’t believe you took his yacht.” You say impressed looking away. “I can't believe he was rich enough to own one! But, first the casino and now this, won’t he come for you?”

“It turns out our friend had deep dealings in very dark markets but no. We have nothing to fear from him love.” He says and kisses your forehead. You sink down a little, always undone by his voice. “I can assure you there is no threat there and we have quite the safe house to show for it. And before you ask, no he did not deal in human trafficking.”

You smile, he knows you well too because you would have gone overboard before enjoying luxury paid for at the expense of another woman's suffering.

Bucky is watching, confused but resolved to not know everything about your past with each other. “Yeah well. Whoever this Polinksy is had great taste. I’ll say that for him”

“His wife actually.” Zemo says standing tall again, his hand warm on your back as he talks around you. “That idiot wanted to cover everything in gold” He rolls his eyes shaking his head. “She owned a gallery, it was a cover of course, but she did have an exceptional eye.”

Bucky nods and takes another drink.

“Oh look.” Zemo says suddenly pulling away from you. He leans over the edge of the pool a bit.”

“What?” Bucky frowns staring down into the water.

There is a playfulness in Zemo’s eyes that you spot easily enough because it is so rare, but Bucky is clueless and misses it, trying too hard to see what it is Zemo does. “There, look there. Don’t you see?” Zemo says pointing at the water. You press your lips together to keep from laughing. Is Bucky really falling for this? Knowing better, you take a large step back

“Hey, let me have a sip of your drink Bucky,” You offer grinning at Zemo.

Bucky hands it back to you without even looking.

For a solider really is oblivious sometimes.

With a wink for you, Zemo steps close and gives Bucky a single shove and you turn your head anticipating the splash as he goes over and into the water.

Your laughter rings out the moment you see his head pop up, his string of curses a mile long. Zemo’s half assed apologies are cute as he hands you his own drink and sheds his shirt and pants down to the black swim shorts so tight and high on his thighs that your voice suddenly catches in your throat at the sight. 'Damn' you smile watching as he dives in after Bucky. He comes up and they meet face to face in the water with a moment of lovely tension between them floating very close before they both beg you to join in, but you refuse and instead settle on the deck with your legs dangling over the edge and insist on staying put with your sangria and both of theirs as back up, promising them that you’re quite content to just watch —and what a show they put on.

What is it about swimming that turns men into boys?

No sooner are they in do they start to regress to childish antics, playing at fighting for no real reason other to antagonize one another.

When they get too rough you shout that they need to take a lap to cool off which only seems to ignite a fire in them both and they rush off in a mad dash attempting to out swim the other.

For your part you’ve never made a better suggestion as you get to sit and watch the way the sunlight sparkles across their wet, muscled backs and shoulders as they reach over and through the gentle waves they create, looking like a pair of Olympians with you as their goddess happy to simply sit and judge the form of their stroke— you laugh to yourself at your luck taking a long swallow of wine.

You manage to look away for a second and take in a very different view admiring how calm the ocean is this evening, but not for long as the sound of them coming back draws your attention. They race with youthful enthusiasm, showing off for you, and one another.

Hands grab the edge of the deck and soon a heated debate breaks out on either side of your legs as they fight over who won and you stifle a laugh knowing it was Bucky. “Don’t worry, you can beat him later” You tell Zemo, the double entendre not lost on him as you bend to kiss his dripping hair. He laughs a little at your awful humor and you’re certain you’ve never seen him so happy.

This world he’s brought you into is so removed from the real one, so perfect and serine that you know he’s done it to forget about the real one. He could have had you and Bucky meet him in a some dark hideout, some deep cave still gorgeous of course but he chose this because it feels most like something of his own creation and he does so love to be in control. Perhaps that’s what happens when one loses it so horribly…

“It’s nice to let him think he can win sometimes.” Zemo says and you shake the thoughts suddenly aware of his arm around your legs.

Bucky is smiling at the Baron’s words as he takes the glass from your hands and gulps down the rest.

“Hey!” You give his metal arm a smack.

“Thought you liked sharing” He teases licking his lips.

You roll your eyes but feel the need to glance at Zemo who is watching Bucky.

He’s being very patient but you can see how badly he wants him. You saw it the moment you landed. Having Bucky here is more than he thought he should hope for, but wanting him like this is agony. Bucky— with his arms up on pool side and water droplets sparkling as they trickle down the curve of his muscles, his dark hair slicked back, blue eyes fixed on Zemo and that small crooked smile taunting— is like the ripe, low hanging fruit of summer, ready to be plucked and tasted.

Still, knowing better than to push, Zemo lets go of you and calmly swims away, letting the water distract him. You look down at Bucky who turns, his eyes following the Baron.“Go on,” You urge gently. “Go to him.”

Bucky continues to observe in silence for a little longer. You’re surprised that he doesn’t seem confused or angry at your insistence. Instead he’s content to watch Helmut swim. It makes you smile, you’ve never seen Bucky this way, but then again you think back to the times you’ve caught him looking at you while you’re watching tv or out dancing and he thinks you aren’t paying attention. It’s very much like that, but softer.

Seeming determined, Bucky gives your leg a quick rub before pushing off the wall to join him.

They swim around one another for a moment meeting in the middle of the pool that must be no more than six feet deep as they stay afloat easily, but its hard for you to make out what they say at first. The mood is light though, the wine has Zemo feeling loose and Bucky is laughing, he even splashes Zemo once, but then you see a change come over them as the playfulness subsides.

As his smile eases, Bucky reaches and runs his thumb over Helmut’s brow to keep the water from his eyes. This subtle move causes the Baron to stop. He swims backwards just a bit and stands, his chest and shoulders out of the water now and Bucky follows him letting Zemo smooth his hand down along side Bucky’s face. Those hands that were aggressive in what must feel like a past life become soft and linger just a bit longer. Bucky doesn’t pull away from Zemo’s touch and you are so relieved to see it finally happening.

You’ve imagined this moment often. You’ve hoped for it, needed it, wanted it. You love them both in different ways, but to love them together— what could possibly be better than that? For a split second you imagine leather and safe words and quickly take another sip of wine looking away knowing that it can always get better.

Slicking his hair back from his face, Bucky smiles at the Baron with his sweet lips still wet from the water that trickles down his face as he stares at the older man and you can see that he’s thinking of the best way to say something, he’s so unsure but so ready for this. Helmut will guide him, you think with a smile.

“James,” Zemo says his name with such understanding and you hear him this time. “I’m going to stop playing games with you now.”

“What do you mean?” Bucky asks. He sinks into the water pushing back towards the deeper end but doesn’t go far.

Zemo just smiles sympathetically. He knows. Their flirtation, the bond made over sharing you, it’s all come down to this. This moment is the one that will change everything between them and Bucky is still fighting it, but not for much longer. “I think you’re still holding back for reasons that you don’t have to say right now,” He starts and comes towards him, until he is close again “Perhaps later when it’s dark you can tell me. But you don’t have to pretend. I know what it is you want because I want it too.” He says with a surprising amount of vulnerability and the perfect amount of warmth.

Bucky pushes a little closer, fighting against the water to stay near Zemo. You think he is in shock to hear the Baron say things like this. You also think you should leave but you can’t bring yourself to move. You’re also fairly certain they don’t remember you’re still here and if you distract them now it will ruin this moment.

“What do you think I want Zemo?” Bucky asks.

Zemo runs his hand over his face ridding it of water and takes Bucky by the shoulder, tilting his head as he looks into his eyes. “This.”

Both dominance and affection come into play as he grabs Bucky gently by the back of his head pulling the soldier into the softest kiss.

You try not to look, but the way they move— it’s like seeing two beautiful halves become whole. The strongest most masculine lines become soft and elegant; Helmut holding Bucky’s face so carefully, Bucky finally giving in. The tension melts into fluid movements until you think 'how could it have taken so long for something so natural to happen’. And then that slight shift takes hold. The caress becomes a clutch, the stroke becomes a grab. You see a flash of tongue as they flick and roll, fighting as the men had in the water.

But this isn’t a race to see who’s the fastest. You know who will win the battle.Bucky is breathing hard, and for the first time since you’ve known him you see a different side to him. It’s not easy to spot with the water moving their bodies, but as he holds onto Zemo, their foreheads touching now as their lips part for a moment, he seems smaller somehow, like he is holding onto Helmut because he is so eager to please him and ready to make the Baron happy and again you are shown your own feelings reflected back at you from the face of your friend.

Zemo kisses him lightly again but when he pulls away he tugs at Bucky’s lip just a little and the gasp that Bucky makes is so light you can’t hear it, but you feel it deep in your belly.

Fuck. You sigh through your nose and bite at your own bottom lip knowing exactly how it feels.

Keeping Bucky close, Zemo turns his head and opens his eyes on you.

It’s like being tossed into the high beams of a car on a dark road.

Zemo gives you a look that makes you put your glass down, slide out of your sweater and lower your head to him as you fall effortlessly into the roll you have missed so much. He motions for you come in the pool and this time you do not object.

You plunge in feet first and swim over with your head held above water, your eyes fixed on the men who wait. You reach them and feel his hand grab your arm, the look in his eyes speaking volumes. He doesn’t say a word, he doesn’t have to. He just plants a warm, wet kiss on your lips.

You grab onto him pulling yourself close, saddling onto his thigh as you hope to feel a fraction of what he just shared with Bucky. It’s different of course, but still there, after all this is something truly special —magical even.

When Helmut breaks the kiss Bucky takes his place and you feel that spark ignite between the two of you until he smiles against your lips well aware of what he’s just started.

You know the Baron is watching and as you turn your head just a little, you see him reach and touch Bucky’s face but his eyes have gone just a bit dark, the wheels of thought turning quickly in his mind. “Lets get out.” He says and takes a deep breath.

“I think it’s time James learns the rules.”

#zemo x reader #bucky barnes x you #winterbaron #winterbaron x you #zemo fanfic #now kiss #baron zemo #baron zemo fanfiction #helmut zemo #james barnes #james buchanan barnes #helmut zemo x reader #zemo smut #bucky barnes smut

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blankdblank · 3 years

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Brother Dearest Pt 43

First course into second were two meals that had you out of James’ arms, from the much anticipated dancing around your waist his arms remained fixed even to the point he almost drew you onto his lap to eat. For the third course it was the dessert course where before you could turn your head James was on his feet and up he helped you for the walk over to the table tray being rolled out with the larger cake for your table and the important guests with a couple more rolling trays coated in single serving round decorated mini cakes everyone else was going to get to be served next. Right behind you he strolled with hand on your waist and feet careful to not step on your dress up to the cake where behind your back he widened your smile with his arm that slid across your stomach to hold you to his chest. Cheers and pictures captured the slicing of the cake and the joint serving of bites off the designated forks and plates of cake that you both snacked on while the cakes were served out to everyone else.

Stolen glances to your parents between the next round of dancing had you pulling away as James took up the chance to join the men in a celebratory cigar break outside. While Eddie joined him, Vic and Dawn led the ladies over to your side in your break at the bar for a refill on your screwdriver. Norma with a hand on your arm to ease herself between the stools there smiled in accepting the pretzels and ginger ale the bartender brought out for her to help her shifting stomach after her last two nights. Dawn asked lowly in your lift of your screwdriver for a sip, “Having a good time?”

You nodded, “Just needed something to drink. I like this syrup, help get that champagne taste out of my mouth.”

Dawn smirked to Dot’s saying, “I think I might talk to Grubbs about getting me another of those cakes tomorrow. Down right addictive.”

You chuckled to yourself and caught sight of Princess Elizabeth’s future fiancé Philip who strolled over to the bar. With an air of a mood where the blonde was used to being able to snap his fingers and get what he wanted he gave his drink order and over the lot of you his eyes skimmed. “Fine way to become a Mrs.”

“Thank you,” you said with a grin unable to think of what else to say in his thanking lift of his glass when it was given to him.

“Bet you’ll be relieved to hand over things and settle down.”

“There would be a line of losers along with you for news on that bet.” You said turning his head to catch your grin that spread in the eye contact the bartender took as a sign to turn and count his bottles to not be seen chuckling.

“From what I see you may have had fun with the run you had heading your comics and-,”

His hand rose to lift his glass for a smug sip after his comment was through but you shut him down, “No one is taking my businesses or achievements away from me. This is a ring not a leash and I doubt a man with such a tiny perspective on what women are supposedly entitled to could understand the fact that my husband is not threatened by marrying a strong successful woman.” His lips parted, “Not every man wants to lock their wife away and take everything but a spatula away from her limiting her to wife maid and mother. And to be honest for a man who may be latching himself onto a future Queen perhaps you haven’t been properly warned to this rude awakening you are in for when she wears the crown not you, with more power that you have no say over.”

“I can’t imagine you know anything about my life or how my relationship with Lizzie will turn out.” He retorted in a growl borderline statement almost more for himself than you.

You smiled wider, “You give away a great deal more than you realize. And when it all comes down to it no matter what agreement you formulate pre crown it’s going to be shattered when the country and people bump you down the list of priorities. And if all it took was one comment to ruffle your feathers over drinks then boy are you in for a body slam when she’s Queen and your role changes to support her, to uphold her legacy and public image. What a lovely wife you’ll make keeping house while she rules a chunk of the world.”

That had him huff and turn to walk off to Princess Margaret’s side where he leaned in to mutter to her only making her laugh which angered him more. The bartender having seen that bent over to hide behind your back to laugh into his arm to muffle the noise through Norma’s asking, “And he’s going to be King?”

“Oh I highly doubt they will let that happen.” You muttered before another sip, “Doesn’t seem to be favorite with the ruling clan.”

The bartender said in his lift up to peer over your shoulder, “Nail on the head Bunny. Better hope for the Poor Princess they can break him down a bit before anything concrete is locked down.” The path of the Princess in question with empty glass in hand had him moving to ready a refill for her and muttered, “Ooh. Incoming.”

With a smile you nodded your head among the other ladies in Princess Elizabeth’s stroll over. Gracefully she settled the glass on the counter trading nods with the bartender then sort of sighed out in a mustering of courage to speak, “This is such a lovely day.”

“Yes it is. I hope your wedding day has such fine weather. Must be hard to find a clear day to pick I hear it rains fairly often.”

“Yes, though there are usually a few windows that are fairly good windows of weather. Early winter most often is quite beautiful. For myself I quite enjoy the notion of a winter wedding for myself and then we could go somewhere warm for the honeymoon. Philip is set to be stationed someplace warm.”

“Well I hope he knows how lucky he truly is to have won your heart.”

That split her grin a bit wider and she asked, “Where are you honeymooning?”

“There’s a smaller cabin on our land we’re going to for a few days. To sort of deflate and hike and fish and be circled by bears and a few moose that stroll by.”

“That sounds rather lovely.” She said and you giggled to yourself.

Dawn said, “It is, weddings, even our elopings can be rather stressful, nice to just be together in the silence. Especially after living in Brooklyn where it never seems to just be quiet.”

The Princess locked her eyes on yours asking, “Do you prefer the city?”

“I miss how easy it is to travel to the library or museums, always been my place to unwind and run off to ignore the world. It is amazing here though. I really love it, our first trip here when we first came back from the war there was so much to learn how the guys take care of the land. Teaching us about the animals and hunting and clearing some trees to prevent fires and such.”

“Oh yes,” she replied, “Balmoral Castle in Scotland is our refuge. We hunt and fish as well and go on ample hikes. The palace can be quite the fish bowl at times, so many people coming and going.”

“Sounds a lot like Brooklyn then,” you said with a grin luring hers wider in accepting her new drink.

“It must be fascinating though, attending school among your peers. I was taught from tutors.”

“Well if you ever want a list of books I’d recommend your dad has my number and address.”

“Thank you,” her eyes shifted to follow yours to her sister and mother who were both looking her way and she gave you a grin and excused herself to go and see what they were speaking about. In her step away Portia smiled and slipped over to join your group to see how you were doing with smiles at your break of eye contact for Norma’s grab of your hand to lay on her stretching baby’s feet. On the ease of your eyes back to Portia yours locked with the blue pair on the blue cloaked woman dancing with her date who gave you a kind smile while the glance lasted.

Warm under the sun James grinned in the first puff of his lit cigar mid chatter of the guys surrounding him. Eddie, not smoking sat sipping on his whiskey with a smile locked at the barely breaking smile on James’ face while his thumb spun the wedding band on his finger side to side with glee at finally being married. The conversation carried on while his head turned to glance inside with eyes narrowing a flinch at what he heard Philip saying to you. One of the soldiers said, “Piece of work that one.”

James looked back at the blonde’s stroll away saying, “No kidding. Lucky he brought an escort.”

Victor said, “Good thing he’s the side piece to the Princess.”

Another solder chuckled, “Not that he’s gonna take that well.”

The one next to him said, “Can’t even keep his eyes on his own date. Tried to slide up to my Kim till the girls glared him off. But I guess once you get up to a certain status who you chose to honor is a small list excluding your wife to be.”

They all smirked as the one beside him said, “Unlike the Baron here. High class Noble.”

James rolled his eyes, “Just words. Fish and hunt and mind the land like everyone else.”

Another said, “Not gonna lie, she’s earned that title. What is a Lady Baron?”

Victor chuckled, “Baroness.”

The soldier stated, “Yes, Baroness Bunny Pear Howlett, Corporal Medic and future Doctor. Not to mention her book,”

Soldier 4 asked, “Does that make her an author? If it’s just pictures?”

“It’d be photographer right?” Another asked.

James, “I would say photographer. She could do well in it if she wanted. Got a good eye.”

King George among them garnered greeting head nods and to the cigarette in his fingertips one of the soldiers brought out his lighter earning a thanks from the King, “Thank you, hope you don’t mind my joining the smoking circle.”

Victor, “Not at all, Your Majesty. More the merrier.”

Through another curiosity bubbling deep chested chortle of a try to cough the King gave out a puff of smoke from his first inhale and looked to Eddie, “You don’t smoke Eddie?”

Eddie shook his head, “No, besides, Dawn’s still got that sensitive smell thing going on since Marigold was born. Can’t even eat heavy handed pepper meals or she’s got to lay down.”

He nodded, “Ah,” and looked to Victor, “Norma, isn’t it? Your lovely wife,”

Victor nodded with a smile, “Yes.”

King George, “Her pregnancy is going well?”

Victor, “Yes, very well. She was worried about it but we’ve been hovering and keeping her calm.”

King George, “Worried about what?”

James said to Victor’s silent moment in search of words, “First time jitters mostly. Even Jaqi’s had a few come up in our talks about families when they came up. Her mom had nursing books around the apartment so she’s had plenty of information on what could go wrong. Norma’s caught some stories about hard labors too, but Doc’ll take good care of her and the baby.” He accented with a pat of his hand on Victor’s back calming his older brother who was reminded of that fact daily.

King George, “Oh yes, labor can be quite troubling for all involved. Even my girls were a bit of an ordeal for my lovely wife.” After another puff of smoke from him and James he added, “I do not doubt the both of your wives will pull well through their births as Eddie’s bride surely has.” His eyes wandered inside to his daughter chatting with the women and he asked, “Have you managed a greeting with my prospective son-in-law yet?”

James, “Not yet, Jaqi has.” He accented with a puff of smoke afterwards to the dissecting once over from the King.

“I take it he was not the most gentlemanly of guests from the drink?”

“One way to put it,” one of the soldiers said.

The King looked to your trio asking, “What is your opinion on him?”

James, “Would you mind my frank answer?”

King George, “I would greatly value your honest opinion.”

James curtly said, “Break him now.” That had the King’s brow rise and he said, “Some men admire strong women, others want one they can own. One day your baby girl is going to have to pick up a crown when she loses you, hopefully well down the line when she’s got some greys of her own. A move I know you know will be excruciating. And that little boy is not going to take it well when he realizes she rules the country and his every move will be to support her in that effort. When his legal rights as a husband over her are null and void. He will not take that well.”

Victor nodded and said, “We can only protect our daughters so much while we are here, the rest is all left to chance by who we let in the door once we’re gone.”

Eddie, “Princess Elizabeth is a sweet girl, a foot below how shy Jaqi was when she was little, and we just don’t want dead beat tethering himself to her where she can’t get out.”

King George nodded, “Thank you for your honesty. I will do my best on that front.”

Eddie joked, “If not we know a guy who’d eat him free of charge.” That had even the King chuckle. The conversation then dipped to the cabin and land which brought out a tangent on get aways in the wild.

“What a beautiful wedding,” the mystery woman said in her approach to Elliot’s side as you took a break to check how he was enjoying the ceremony near to the snack table while others were still dancing.

“Thank you,” you said and asked, “Have you known Bill long, Miss?”

“Asteria,” she replied and she said with the notice of your parents that came closer on the other side of the table to Loki’s move right up behind Elliot. Heimdall freshly back from a check at the BiFrost to shoo away some curious teenagers who were trying to sneak a peek at the long since used portal they had been learning about. “I do apologize for the farce, I simply acquainted myself with Bill not long after you had returned from the war and your pictures were first in the papers. Though we never met in the news clippings in theaters I could sense your familiar aura I had felt once in my youth off of one of your children.”

Elliot spoke, “And just what situation did that meeting pertain to?”

She grinned and replied, “Not a meeting, just a passing in awe. The aura is unmistakable and knowing this is your territory upon honor and that of my sisters I wished to welcome you back.”

“Sisters?” You asked and she drew in a breath to answer.

“We are the Amazons, beloved of Aphrodite who after freeing ourselves from the slavery Hercules enforced upon us to leave the world of Men and forge our own sanctuary of an island. Though not without a price, my sisters fashioned the strongest of our armor and I chose to remain behind to face the armies roused to bring us back and give my sisters a fighting chance.”

“Must be some armor.” You muttered and her smile spread again.

“Your child intervened and turned their focus away from myself and returned to their path again. Even Aphrodite had barely heard whispers of your children herself, and to have been saved by one I wished to thank you myself and share that I have been returning kind acts into this world to protect these people as your children have. I also wished to inform you that I am entirely at your service should you require me.”

To Elliot you looked and asked, “Are Amazons on the list of topics to cover later?”

His eyes narrowed in thought at Heimdall stated, “You are a child of Paradise Island,” which earned an agreeing nod, “Clay infants granted life by those known by the Greeks to be Gods.” He looked to you, “There is a mention in our records of an island you noted upon their birth. Fairly inconsequential for other races. Though notably reluctant to leave their shores.”

Asteria, “I chose to remain behind to repay the debt of my survival and to prevent others from following myself to the shores of Themyscira. Another younger naïve sister of mine seems to have chosen to live here as well after her arrival in this world during the First World War to battle with Ares. Perhaps when she comes to her senses and understands who is here keeping us safe now that the other Gods have abandoned this coil.”

“If people don’t know about yours then why not go back now?”

“I have accepted my mortality, to return now would defeat the purpose of my life here in the world of Men.”

“Mortality, how long do your people live?”

“I have been on this planet since before the days of the rise of Greece and its fall. There is life in my bones still for quite a while yet. I am quite in awe of all you have achieved in such short time so far.” She said and to your eyes scanning over her face she added, “Perhaps the eye of the storm is not the best location to view the progress the storm brings about.” Bill called out to her and she smiled saying, “I will not impose upon you further, when you need me I am certain you will know how to find me.”

She walked to join her date to begin dancing again with him at his request while Loki stated, “Surprisingly genuine that plea for allegiance.”

You asked Elliot, “What exactly am I supposed to do with that?”

Elliot replied, “Perhaps we might take her at her word. I will consult the others who remained behind to see who might have aided her. Should be a simple task there are only so many possible of our blood who could have been outside of our territories to have intervened with any armies as she had stated.”

Heimdall spoke, “Now that she has made her presence known to you I will keep her actions noted.”

“If she’s been here this long she may be harmless in the scheme of things. Even if she did sort of sneak in to say it.”

Elliot looked to your father as he said, “She will not harm you or your rule. Once we return to Hel we will speak to their Aphrodite.”

“So the Greek Gods are real?”

Elliot shrugged, “Not in so many words. Belief based beings who dwindled in power long ago. They are of very little trouble to us now.”

Loki drew your eye, “I do believe you should be dancing. This is your day.”

“I do believe you are right Prince Loki. Now, I have to go steal my husband from a King.” The Prince smirked on your turn away in saying to Elliot, “I will let you steal more of the sweets and pretend I didn’t see.”

Elliot chuckled and returned to eyeing the treat table he had hoped to fill another plate from before taking Edie up on her offer of a couple dances later after she had finished her own spare treats. The two having hit it off as friends bonding over sharing stories and their affection for you.

Outside however a simple stroll up to the group was made and a hand on James’ back had his grin double at the turn of his head and Victor chuckled taking hold of his cigar. Over your head James’ arm eased to rest around your back at the accepted tug away from his group for the adored chance to show you off around the dance floor again. Tenderly his lips pressed to your temple in a duck under the rim of your hat to hum, “I apologize for neglecting you my Darling.”

With a finger hold on the front fold in his jacket you replied in the doorway, “You can go back to your cigar after a couple dances.”

Once his eyes locked with yours in a backwards tilt of your head he smirked to rumble, “I’d never touch a cigar again if I get to keep you in my arms.” His words melting into your lips in a lean in to steal a loving kiss his fingers framed your chin and cheek to slip free and claim your hand to guide you in front of him to let you lead the way between couples onto the dance floor. The moment possible again his hands eased yours around his neck and palm to bring you as close to his chest as possible, with a loving smile locked in place and seeping wider the longer he could hold you. The dancing lingered until you paused again to rest and ended up settled on top of his lap back in his seat for a few more snacks and a top up on your drink. Though that ended when Eddie and Erik got their chance to claim their own dances.

Some more pictures came with the friendly goodbyes to the sun setting the Nobles were the first to head out for their flight back to their waiting home in Ottowa the Prime Minister’s group tagged along for the free ride. Truman’s group was next with scattered guests who had long drives readied to leave lined up with the acceptable end of the bouquet toss. One toss and the giddy Bride-to-be waved it around as the men lined up to light the way with sparklers for the path to your waiting car. Inside however to the settling of both your hats on your lap your eyes locked with your parents’ and they nodded to remind you of their agreement to meet you at the cabin.

Eddie and Victor mastered the clean up while Dawn and Norma went home in a Brock carload to the house to get some rest and put the babies to bed. The camera crew and photographers loaded up and gave word they would send copies of the ceremony and pictures once they could be copied and printed. The guests gladly were off sharing their favorite moments of the ceremony by the time you had reached the drive to the house. Already you had handed over the veil that Mama Brock had taken to keep it safe for the next Bride who would need it to Father Thomas’ stolen few private words of well wishes for the both of you on your way to the honeymoon.

“You were brilliant you know.” You said to James who stole a smiling look your way.

“I did very little past repeating the words and comments on what to do and where to go. You are the brilliant one all our guests wanted a break with you for chats. Master hostess.”

“Weddings aren’t truly a hostess situation. If it was I’d have thrown out that blonde nimrod of a future Prince.”

“Oh I heard him, if he hadn’t shut up when he did I’d have given Squishy a signal to eat him.”

“You heard?” you asked looking at him.

“Of course I heard. Told King George they should break him now. Before he can put some damage on Princess Elizabeth.” His hand moved from the shifter to your hand in an eye locking promise of, “I am never going to take what is yours from you. Whatever you build I will do all I can to legally hoard it until we can transfer it to your name fully.”

“We are going to have to head to the bank when we get back.”

“I’ll put my name on the accounts but I’ve talked to them the other day to ready the balance consent cards that I can fill out for you to keep for big purchases so stores don’t look at you sideways if you’re out with the girls without me.”

“You really trust me with that much cash? I might start buying things left and right. Leave us broke.” In a playful raised brow glance he made you giggle at your own teasing statement and he chuckled shifting his arm to draw you a bit closer to his side so he could kiss your temple. A bit sideways you shifted to keep your skirt from blocking the shifter and yourself against his side.

“Between the two of us we will have funds for centuries with how little we spend.”

“Guess we’ll fit the penny pinching Baron stereotype then.” He chuckled again to the smooth of your fingers across the back of his hand resting against your belly. After a brief pause you said, “I’m glad my parents could come.”

“So am I. I can see where you get your looks and that adorable hint of an Irish accent of yours.”

Softly you chuckled and asked, “Would you have wanted your parents there?”

“Oh no. Would have been nothing but complaints and questions as to why your dress wasn’t bouncier.”

“Bouncier?” You asked peering up at him.

“The hoop skirt frames were mandatory at the time. To not wear them about would set off a scandal.”

“I suppose the grey corset would have bothered her too?”

“Oh no. Colored outer corseted tops were quite fashionable for a time. Could have been taken as a gown from a relative. And hats were quite respectable as well.”

Through the dark while the conversation meandered the cabin came into view and once parked he lovingly helped you out and once his hat was added again he shrugged out of his jacket to the mild chill in the air and walked you to the door that he opened and showed you in through the dark. A fire was easily built to light the room and a few of the candles around the place. The knock on the door turned you and James gladly opened it to let your parents inside to start the conversation you greatly needed. Warm hugs however came first before the nestling into couches for ample questions on random things that you had ached to have parental input. Skipping the painful question as to how he had died and left you behind. The requested dance came to the start of a radio James had found in the coat closet and you split in pairs for each parent for a few tear stirring dances that brought your father to draw you into his chest for another tight hug.

“We should let you both enjoy the rest of the night.” That had you inch back in the hug enabling him in your peer up at him to cradle your cheeks with thumbs to settle ready to wipe away any tear that would dare fall to the twitch of your lower lip. “I love you so much, My Queen of the Cosmos. And I’m always here when you need me, no more barriers you are growing stronger by the day and I couldn’t be prouder to have been granted the honor of protecting you and claim to be yours.” To the lift of your hand to touch the necklace he said, “Keep it, when you need me press it in your fist and say my name, shout or a whisper I will answer. I’m right with you, always.” You nodded in the settle of his hands onto the tops of your shoulders. “I have to return with Sarah by midnight.”

“That some Cinderella clause for her trip here?” You asked post calming sniffle.

He smiled wider and answered, “No. There is a troubling herd of three headed goats who meander into our gardens if the house appears empty.”

That had you smile and nod then turn to see your mom’s hand lower from a kind pat on James’ cheek he smiled through. She turned at the end of her comments to him and hurried to claim her own tight hug you clenched your eyes through. “I love you my Precious Bunny. Don’t you worry about anyone else. I know my son has hurt you, but you need to let go of his words. I am so sorry I was too broken to stand up for you and give you a home to depend upon when I got ill.” She hugged you tighter to the drop of a tear down your cheek. “I know you were scared and he left you alone, I am so sorry I failed you. I hoped he would know you were a piece of me no matter what he felt about his father. I thought I raised him better than to abandon a child.”

“Is he in Hel too?” You asked in her pull back and they both shook their heads.

Your father replied, “No. We are unable to find his essence or Bucky’s in any of the various dimensions mortal souls descend too or we would have drug Steve here as well.”

James asked, “So, they’re not dead then?”

Your mother, “We aren’t certain.”

Your father, “There are beings or times an essence can become trapped or sent elsewhere, perhaps their ties to you had them taken. Some of our brothers are off in search of any whisper for where they might be.”

James, “Well when they find him I owe him a blow to the jaw.”

Your father chuckled and said in his move to the door he opened revealing the silvery blue and green mist outside the door they both passed through saying, “We will keep searching, do not let this trouble you. Enjoy your retreat.” Once past into the mist it faded into the night and James eased his arm around your back in the closing of the door.

Up around his neck when you turned into his chest your hands moved for the beginning of a seemingly endless kiss. Into the back of his hair your fingers stretched as an answer to his melt against you to the symphony of the crackle of flames, the forest around you and the whisper of the radio still fading in and out to the shift of show times.

The gentle blind tug on his jacket towards the bedroom granted you a free breath of air in his murmur, “I can hold you tonight, if you want.”

With a smile you said, “Either way I need out of this corset.”

His eyes dipped and lips parted, “Ah,” in the realization, “I apologize, completely slipped my mind. Come here Darling.” He said in a turn to guide you to the bedroom that he paused to light the fire from the candle he brought with him that he settled upon the mantle and turned back to you.

Around your back he moved and with a gentle press of his lips to your shoulder. His fingers eased down the laces on the corset to find the hidden knot he loosened to relax the tension in the garment that in a reach around your chest his fingers guided the hooks apart until he could set it aside and turn his focus to the laces down the back of your dress. In the lower of the gown to your feet he guided your hand to his shoulder for your step out so he could lift up and carry the gown he laid across the armchair along the wall he left the corset underneath to keep from snagging the sheer material with the broach.

Your hands on his back widened his smile and turned his head with his body to follow. Out of his sash he dipped and stood in a loving stare to your focus shifting to the vest buttons next. His jacket out in the living room would later be added to the pile but for now all he did was remove his cuff links he tucked into is vest pocket in his shrug out of it. A tug of his shirt from his waistband came in his eyes sink over your half shadowed self in a strapless slip and stockings ended in shoes he couldn’t wait to take off of you to rub your legs and feet in the beginning of a full body massage to relieve any sort of tension from the big day. And the moment he was shirtless you giggled in his arms that looped around you to lift you off the ground to carry you to bed. “Off your feet Darling.”

“Your shirt,” you giggled out watching it slide off the chair onto the floor.

“It will wash.” He said and settled you down on the cool comforter against the pillows. With a quick peck on your lips he drew back with hand smoothing over your hip to your thigh where he found the straps for your garter belt he undid. Sideways he twisted to unbuckle your heels he dropped behind him to the floor to grant him ease in removing each stocking that was followed by the garter belt you wiggled free he smiled in adding to the pile on the foot of the bed.

To the side he turned to ease off his boots that once on the ground he turned from to sit cross legged to cradle your foot saying, “You’ve had a long day. Just relax.” By the time he had gotten to the other foot you had removed the pins and braids from your hair to settle with the pendant on the nightstand to relax back against the pillows. Each smooth of his hand lulled you to where your eyes drooped and in the back rub with you upright seated with him behind you his smile spread at the melt of your body into his chest. Into the pillows he settled you so he could blow out the candles. To the sight of you he returned with your bags from the trunk of the car and his jacket he added with his shirt from the floor to the pile of clothes soon joined by his pants he changed out of and into his pajama pants. Right beside you under the covers he nestled in for a long night’s sleep.

Pt 44

#The Reception #Dancing #Time Apart With the Nobles #Protective King #Protect the Princess #Warnings Shots Fired #Prince Philip's a Dick #Smoking Circle #Bonding with the Princess #Meeting Asteria #Figurative Olive Branch from Amazons #Protective Loki and Heimdall #Stealing Husband #Meetup with Dead Parents #Who has Bucky and Steve #Out of the Corset #Off to Bed #James Howlett x Reader OC #Battle Bunny x Wolverine

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kurtty-drabbles · 4 years

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Lara Croft au (part 6)

N/A: Here we go. I think.

@dannybagpipesarecalling @djinmer4 @bamfoftheundead @muninandhugin

The smooth water on the river allows the boat to sail peacefully-the sounds of the local jungle. Cicadas are singing their song and all is still. And all is unsettling- a pair of doe eyes are looking at anything but the water and land on Kurt Wagner, the one grinning and having his secrets, and this makes her fear of boats decrease...a little. "Logan knows Dr. Moira?" Kitty asked Kurt- Logan is drinking beer and Doug is looking at the map- her tone was discreet (there´s no reason for being hostile) and was full of curiosity. Logan makes no secret of his immortality nor of the lapses in his memory.

"They didn´t date if you´re thinking that" Kurt replied amused and the elf is now sitting on the edge of the chair next to Kitty. "But, he did date her former assistant..." and winks at her. There´s a joke here but Kitty is not getting or maybe she´s not supposed to get it.

(Fair. His private life is not my concern)

"Ok, but how Logan meets Dr. Moira?" and now Kurt gives a sideway glance-for a minute and nothing more. It feels as if he´s evaluating her and Kitty didn´t show her expression. She´s fearless or at least, can put the act nicely- and finally, Kurt relents.

"He did meet her...in Genosha, Dr. Moira used to work for the medical department of Genosha...before she was expelled" and Kitty blinks at this revelation. "Logan help Dr. Moira to leave Genosha safely as well, Magneto has rules and is very selective to who broke the rules and who can face the consequences" Kurt utter the last part in a low tone.

"Look...if you´re upset for the last mission...Magneto doesn´t do anyone favors!" Kitty defends herself and hoping to sound convincing enough.

Kurt shurgs. "Still...you stole many artifacts on his name, got caught and Magneto protect you from the other world leaders who would love to lock you up or worse" Kurt looks away to admire the birds flying near them- still so silently. The cicadas have stopped singing a long time ago- and Kitty puts her hand on the table.

"Ok, maybe he does favor me for some reason...I don´t know why. He can be a jerk even to his kids...maybe I´d my job good...but then again, if that´s the case...you´re his favorite" Kitty confessed - so prideful to admit her errors but not enough to admit favoritism from the King of Genosha- and her hand touches his face-briefly, maybe, almost ghostly like- forcing his golden eyes to meet hers.

"We´re after those tiaras for him. We´re the same"

No judgment in his eyes nor on her own. "Maybe...but, have you consider those tiaras may be important for the country and we have no right to take it?"

Kitty looks away now- admiring the nothing of this view. The silence is suffocating sometimes- "Sometimes, but, a job is a job...and after all the trouble we went through...say no to Magneto seems as if we waste everyone´s time and money. You know?"

Kurt still doesn´t judge. "I suppose you´re right...and I can´t be a hypocrite now, can I?" and to change the subject Kurt makes the burning question he has for a while. "How do you make this braid?"

And Kitty is forever thankful for this change of topic- the corners of her mouth twisted into a lopsided smile for a small period- and Kitty tells how heer fashion sense is basically this nice braid that everyone loves to cope.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Doug puts his finger on his chin as his blue eyes are studying the map. The intensity is real. "Drop...you´re a terrible actor" Logan states opening the cabin with another beer in hands. "You´re curious to know why Moira is not well...working with Genosha?" and Doug has the decency to look embarrassed.

"If she doesn´t want to tell...I understand. I still remember how she was one of the best doctors in her field and hell, people still quote her words in the university of Genosha" Doug explains and Logan nods not showing to care for Universities or studies.

"Well, you suck as an actor...bub, but if you want to know why she was fired, to put nicely, come with me and don´t scream" Logan suggests and Doug can joke- nervously- that saying such line does feel like something bad will happen. _______________________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Moira Mactarget is a brilliant doctor. Well, legally she has her license revoked for the time being - courtesy of King Magneto and the health and science department of Genosha- yet, in her mind, Moira still feels like a doctor. "Oh, is almost 2 O´clock" and she takes a bucket full to the brim with meat and is going to the stern part of her boat.

"Logan, Doug. Hello!" her friendly smiles drop as Logan gesture with his head to the lake and back to the bucket. "Oh, you wanna see? Ok, is time for them to eat"

And Moira approaches slowly. "Do you know the funny thing about mythology?" the question is direct to Doug who shakes his head- either he doesn´t know the answer or can´t answer right now- "Is how myths are fictional until you make it true" and now Moira tossed the meat in the lake.

The meat was floating for a minute or two until a type of eel with 3 heads- if Doug counted right- emerged and starts devouring the meal. One of the heads resembles a bird-not sure what type, but, definitely looks like a bird-and the creature makes a loud sound. A growl and screech and go back to the bottom of the lake.

"Chimeras are a thing Zaorva and I have in common"

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Amanda called Mordo on her cellphone- a sad story along with a good acting props Dr. Rory to do her bidding in all meaning necessary and this includes calls to Germany- and the man, a Baron in his own right thanks to his mother´s machination and manipulations, answers in a good mood.

"Are you perhaps fishing for compliments to reach the barium minimum? Or you want your powers back? Amanda...you don´t order me. You always forget the hierarchy of our relationship!"

"Master, Dr. Rory will be useful and I´m reaching the temple first" Amanda hoped for some flattery. Nothing so far.

"Again, you just did your job...if you want your powers back or something else" the innuendo is not subtle. "brings me the tiaras or that lovely Kitty Pryde...other than that, stop calling me. I´m not your mother" there´s a cruel tone for this line and Amanda can only gulp and clench her jaw.

"I´ll work and do my part, Baron Mordo"

"Good!" and hangs up on her face. Amanda has a problem and she needs Dr. Rory to fix it. She must have stayed holding the telephone for some time because Dr. Rory appears behind her hugging and kissing her cheek.

"Your mother is alright?"

"She´s like usual. Completely lost without me...you must help me, my love"

"Anything for you, Amanda"

For your sake ... it is better to be true.

#Lara croft au #kitty pryde #kurt wagner #kurtty yet #always anti amanda #Chimera #WHy not?

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mypunkpansexualtwin · 6 years

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Associate Dossier Name: Archon Maya Acerbi, the Bold Aliases/Nicknames: Aces; Atserbee, Objector Archon Priestess; The Heretic Priestess; Archon Heretic; CutterCalypso Species: Human Gender: Female Height: 5'0 Weight: 215 lbs Age (pre-resurrection): 67 Class: Undefined (Her own skills seem derivative of all three established Guardian classes, and while she seems to have mastered the three known forms of Light [Solar, Void, Arc], most notable is her unique element, dubbed Aether.) Faction: House of Objectors (Note: City Factions have been quite keen on recruiting her to their respective causes. While she respects each group’s goals, her priority/loyalty is to her House.) Associates: Ghost “Sparks” Ateskriks, Objector Kell (husband) Oepiks Prime Shaun Acerbi (son) Gianna Acerbi (daughter) Gaetano Acerbi (son) Tevres (stepdaughter) Pheskor (stepdaughter) Iwelan (stepdaughter) Shawn Greyson (first husband, deceased) Cayde-6 Andal Brask (deceased) Ikora Rey Zavala Master Rahool Variks, House Judgement Scribe (MIA) UTDR

Notes: Born and raised in the Last City, Maya Acerbi was known for her ambition and drive from a young age. At 25 she entered a personal relationship with Cayde-6 and joined the Cryptarchy as a cryptolinguist specializing in breaking Fallen code. (Note: Rumors of her blackmailing and hacking her way to the position abound to this day. When questioned her only comment was “that really is an oversimplification.”) She became fast friends with many members of the Cryptarchy as well as a number of Guardians and even the Hunter Vanguard at the time, the late Andal Brask. Though her romantic relationship with Cayde-6 only lasted a year, they stayed good friends; he even agreed to be her best man at her wedding to Shawn Greyson, a jumpship mechanic in the Tower who shared Maya’s ambition, curiosity, drive, and wanderlust and even taught her what he knew as a mechanic. Her own skills as a cryptolinguist were unparalleled, making her indispensable to the Vanguard in maneuvers against the Fallen. However even experts are prone to mistakes, and a mistranslation of text led to a reconnaissance mission breaking out into a skirmish between four Guardian fireteams and a small army from the Fallen House of Devils. The horde of Fallen was slaughtered at the cost of eight Guardians’ permanent deaths. Maya blamed herself for the bloodbath and after a year and a loud confrontation with one of the surviving members of the mission, she and her husband disappeared from the City. (Note: Cayde-6 later confessed to helping the two “escape” the City as well as setting up supply caches for them [read: Maya] to find.)

By her own reports, she and Shawn lived in the wilds of what’s left of Ireland for several years before a Hive Seeder dropped “literally through the goddamn roof” of the cabin she and her husband had been living in. Shawn was killed by Thrall after accidentally leading a pack of Hive through a House of Devils patrol camp. Maya and Ateskriks, a Devil Baron at the time, were the only survivors of the attack. A grudging alliance was formed between the two long enough to recover from the attack and destroy the Hive Seeder. Maya was gravely injured in the process and Ateskriks made the choice to defect from the Devils in favor of allying himself with her permanently. After several weeks of recovery, Maya brought him to hers and Shawn’s old cargo ship and plotted a course for the warp drive they needed to get the ship off planet and get Ateskriks to the House of Exiles.

After integrating the drive, Maya agreed to drop Ateskriks at the given coordinates on Luna and they would part ways afterwards, but the two were instead captured by an Exile scavenging party who needed a non-Eliksni to “help” them recover the remains of an ancient Servitor, Oepiks Prime to repair and use to break away from the House of Exiles. After several weeks of cooperation and planning, she successfully helped them recover the Prime, although there wasn’t enough left of it for what the party had planned before another larger group from the House had caught wind of the attempted mutiny and drove them off of Earth’s moon. The group made their way to Venus on Maya’s ship under Ateskriks’ orders, determined to repair the destroyed Prime. After several months, the recruiting of another group of Fallen from the House of Winter as well as a handful of AWOL Guardians, and a great deal of desperation with Ether supplies getting low, Maya and the Fallen mechanics finally got Oepiks repaired and online. Ateskriks was immediately made the group’s new Kell with no objections. However, it wasn’t until a month after it was repaired that the Prime chose its Archon Priest; Maya. Between that and its first order being to steal a House of Winter ketch, many of the Fallen were ready to leave, but Maya convinced them to stay for what everyone believed to be a suicide mission. Between hers and Ateskriks’ leadership the mission was a rousing success and to seal any lingering doubts, Oepiks suggested and later oversaw their political marriage. (Note: Maya has made it clear that their marriage of roughly 40 years has not been strictly political in a very long time. She will answer any and all questions she’s asked, so ask at your own peril.)

In the decades that followed this defining mission, their House of Objectors grew in secret, from nearly all races in the solar system; human, Awoken, Exo, Eliksni, and Cabal were all welcome in their ranks as equals, which won Ateskriks, Maya, and Oepiks Prime the undying loyalty of their people and the virulent hatred of their enemies, with hefty bounties on the heads of the three of them and lesser bounties on all who called themselves Objector. (Note: How they managed to keep their House secret from the City for four decades remains a mystery.) The Fallen bounty hunter, Taniks the Scarred was most dogged in his pursuit for the bounties on them, having hunted them for nearly 20 years and at one point taken Maya’s right arm and kept the bones as a trophy. After the House of Wolves uprising, Maya challenged the bounty hunter one last time in the traditional ways of the Eliksni, with the agreement that the House of whoever lost wouldn’t attack the winner and all conflict between them would stop. She was killed, Taniks collected her helmet to later collect her bounty and upheld his end of the agreement. Ateskriks also followed the agreement to the letter, allowing Taniks and the House of Wolves to leave the Objector Ketch unharmed. After burying his wife, he informed Variks of Taniks movements and whereabouts, who in turn passed the information on to the UTDR strike team who would kill the bounty hunter a week later.

After their Archon’s death, Oepiks Prime refused to select a successor and the House of Objectors slid slowly into disarray. With the unification of the other Eliksni houses into the House of Dusk and the looming threat of the Red Legion making plans for Earth on the edge of the solar system, it was a miracle that saved them from utter ruin; Maya had been resurrected as a Guardian and an Objector ether resupply party found her. Even more miraculous, Oepix Prime had retained her memories and was able to restore them to her. Between over 50 years of combat experience and her new entirely unique Guardian powers, she all but singlehandedly snatched her House from the brink of destruction. (Note: Her own speculation is that they manifested because of her decades of exposure to Ether. She has already taught several Objector Guardians how to use specialized versions of this skill and is willing to share it with the City’s Guardians should they prove themselves capable.) Once she, Ateskriks, and Oepiks got their House in order, they turned their sights on the encroaching Cabal threat, but with the unified force of the House of Dusk hunting them, all they could manage were guerilla strikes on Cabal forces targeting civilians. (Note: While there is no concrete evidence of the House of Objectors running interference against the Red Legion, there were multiple reports of Cabal and Eliksni forces that would unexpectedly break off pursuit of civilian ships.) Maya and Ateskriks say that this was in preparation for the plan they all knew was inevitable; allying with the City to defend against the ever-growing forces that seek to claim or destroy the Traveler and its power.

While the Vanguard has agreed to a truce, an air of guarded caution, bordering on outright distrust, hangs over most of the exchanges between the City and the House of Objectors, even faced with the bleak odds of five massive armies against their comparatively humble two. Slow steps are being made; old trusts are being rebuilt and old wounds are healing. Hope for the future may still come provided the two groups can hold together against the incoming tide of darkness.

#my ocs #destiny #destiny 2 #maya acerbi #ateskriks #oepiks prime #my writing #I spent an UNGODLY amount of time on that coat tabard thinger and hated myself for it

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kanamizaki-rangers-apprentice · 6 years

Text

A Merry Holiday

It’s long, read it on AO3: A Merry Holiday by Kanamizaki

Baron Arald had the best idea, for selfish reason, but it was one that practically all had loved. Halt wasn't too thrilled, but of course his Apprentice was. So, might as well get into the spirit of this new holiday the Baron had thought of. Two days off? Food, gifts and festivities? It's quite a happy thing and so Baron Arald.

Word: 19,523 - Chapters: 1/1 - Language: English

Rating: Fun and Happy :D

Relationships: Horace Altman/Will Treaty

(Okay, I put it on here as well under read more thing.)

“Two days off!?” Will repeated excitedly, unsure whether he heard his mentor correctly. He did with a nod of confirmation from Halt.

“Yes, two days off.” Now Halt repeated, but more exasperated. “Baron Arold wants to announce a sort of new…” he paused, making circular gestures with his spoon, “Holiday.” he concluded.

Thrilled by this news, Will had forgotten all about his dinner, and filled with curiosity about this new “holiday” that was so big two give them two days off.

“What is it? Is there going to be a festival? Are we going to do anything together? No, more importantly, are you-”

“Whoa whoa whoa, Will,” Halt interrupted, “one question at a time.” Will smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry. So, what is the holiday?” He asked first before he asked anything else.

Halt groaned, remembering the joy-filled Baron excitedly sharing his new idea with his old friend. “Baron Arold planned for this to be a holiday of “Joy” and “Peace”. Two days because he was torn between celebrating with the whole village and spending quality family time with his wife.“

The older Ranger paused, finishing his last bit of dinner, washing it down with warm coffee. He took a peak over the rim of his mug to see that his apprentice was waiting patiently for Halt to continue. He sighed, deciding to continue.

"He also said, along with the joy part, that it was a time to "give”. Bring joy to some one by giving them something.“ Halt explain more, almost looking disgusted. He had to admit, it was a brilliant and pure idea for a holiday, but wow was it so… gushy too.

"Give?” Like a present?“ Will asked.

Halt shrugged, "A present, handmade or bought; dinner, your time, anything meaningful really.”

Will was smiling widely, thinking of all sorts of ideas he’d want to do. Probably just as excited as the Baron is. “What else?” He asked.

The grey bearded Ranger hummed, thinking. “Well, I know he’s going to go all out. Decorate the whole village in some disgustingly cheery way. Get everybody in the festive mood. Waste of time I say, but, I admire his charisma. The village is lucky to have a Baron as kind as Arold.”

“It sounds like fun!” Will said, finishing his dinner. It had gone slightly cold, but he didn’t care. He was excited for this new holiday to be in action. Then he remembered his last question he never got out. “Are you going to celebrate, Halt?”

Halt shrugged. “You have fun. I think I’ll stay in the comfort of our cabin.”

Will frowned. Halt never celebrated any sort of holiday, nor did he really seem to have fun. Then, Will was stricken by an idea.

He was going to some how give Halt joy.

—

The announcement and news about the new upcoming holiday was spread around faster than anything Will had ever seen before. The villagers were more excited than what the Baron could have ever hoped for. And soon, the whole town was decorated in all sorts of banners, colourful hangings, candles that had been dyed with reds, greens and blues; festive-like decorations hung at the windows of every building and handmade orbs were hanging everywhere from trees to buildings.

The town could not have looked more festive. Soon enough, the word of this new holiday would spread further and further to even Scandia! Will thought.

Ever so sneakily, Will would make his own decorations during his breaks and free times in between training, and would hang them around his and Halt’s cabin. Every time Halt would spot a new ornament hanging out side their door, from the edge of the roof or on the porch, he would let out a sigh, but was happy his Apprentice was having fun.

The following morning, Halt walked out to be greeted by two snowmen, one on each side of the wooden porch steps. Will looked sidelong at him with a huge grin on his face when his master froze mid step.

“Did you have to make them so happy!?” Halt complained, shaking his head. Will simply giggled, not bothering to answer.

Little did Halt know, he planned on making a lot more, making one of them angry in honor of Halt. He debated putting a Ranger cloak on one of them, but that would probably be the last straw for his mentor.

It was dawn now, the sunshine just peaking behind the mountains when the two rode off, doing some practice hunting and tracking. One part Will found difficult in this exercise was when Halt tested his ability in silent movement by sneaking behind an animal. Especially in the snow.

Fortunately yet unfortunately, he didn’t get the chance to test his ability today as they found a heavy set of tracks.

“What are those there?” Halt tested, pointing to the set of tracks that looked vaguely familiar to Will. It’s been a couple of years since he’d last seen them, but he remembered.

“Boar.” He answered with a small hint of uncertainty. Halt waited till he was one-hundred percent certain. Will took in more of the environment around them, seeing the side of a tree in splinters. “Boar.” Will said more determinedly now.

“Correct. Looks like this holiday is going to be a merry one indeed.” Halt mused, urging Abelard in the direction the tracks were headed, then stopped, gesturing Will forward. “Lead the way.”

After an hour of tracking, which Will had done well, they found the home of the boar. And to Will’s horror, there were at least three good-sized looking porks! He wondered if there were more to surprise them.

“Let’s give the good news to Baron Arold and Sir Rodney.”

Both Halt and Will had to restrain themselves from covering their ears as the Baron laughed gleefully. His volume showing his excitement.

“That’s wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Perfect for the holiday, Halt, perfect for the holidays! Gather the men and set out in an hour!”

“That was fast.” Will said after the Baron left the room to change into his armor. Halt snorted, walking out of the chamber and started towards the battle school.

“This holiday is getting to his head.”

Soon enough, Halt and Will were at the battle school, giving the good news to Sir Rodney. A minute later, the school was filled with hearty cheers, loud enough for the Rangers to recoil and actually cover their ears.

Because of how successful last time had been (well maybe to them but not for Will and Horace,) the same men, or at least those who were still there from a couple of years ago, will be going. Sir Rodney though, had to prepare more men for more protection. Which means Horace would be joining them.

The young knight, up and practicing, was ready to go, aside from the javelin, and decided to visit with the apprentice Ranger.

“Excited for the new holiday?” Will asked with a wide grin. He started hopping from foot to foot when he saw his best friend smile as wide as he was. Clearly excited as well.

“Oh yes. It’s all we talk about now. Sir Rodney allowed us to decorate the outside of our dorms. Quite nice actually.”

“And have you put up anything?” Will asked hoping Horace was just as thrilled as he was. Horace chuckled, almost embarrassed.

“A bunch of us decorated old daggers and hung them on porches, along with the dummy practices. They’re looking quite festive as well.” Will laughed, wishing he could see the tough battle school decorated to fit with both the program and holiday. “What about you? Can’t imagine Halt getting in the holiday spirit.”

“A little.” Halt snorted, cutting Will’s next sentence off.

“A little? That’s a big understatement. He has decorations hanging on every bit of crack and crevice he could find, all over the porch, and happy little snowmen greeting me every time I come and go!”

Horace’s eyes filled with tears, laughing as he was imagining a giddy Will surrounding his less enthusiastic mentor with festivities. During his day off, he had to visit the Rangers home. He was planning on visiting Will anyways to challenge him to a snowball fight.

Will huffed, a little embarrassed that Halt made him feel childish, but as he glared at his mentor, he saw a hint of a grin. A wicked one yes, but still a sort of smile.

“So have you guys done any more boar hunts since our last one together?” Will asked, changing the subject.

Horace took a moment to gather himself before answering with a shake of his head. “No. This is why it’s so exciting for us knights. It’s something different, gets our blood pumping and most importantly, it gives us food.”

“I don’t know if "exciting” is the word I’d use.” Will said, remembered how he was almost killed by the deranged animal years back.

"Don’t worry, Will,” Horace put a hand on his friend’s shoulder, “I’ll be ready this time.” They both chuckled, now able to laugh about the before-terrifying event that had started their close relationship with one another.

“We’ll see about that. I’ll be more prepared to save your life again.”

—

Because the memory of the last boar hunt was still in their heads, Horace, Halt, Baron Arold, Sir Rodney and Will were far prepared for the fourth and even fifth boar. And as Horace said, the young knight was prepared, spearing the boar perfectly through.

Will could not have imagined so many men looking happier than they did at this moment. After a few minutes of celebration, the men were piling out, heading back to the (butcher) to prep the animals.

The Baron had stayed last so he could chat with Halt, which was perfect for Will and Horace as Will wanted to ask his friend for advice.

“I don’t know what to do Horace.” The two talked clear out of ear shot. “I really want to do something for Halt, but I have absolutely no idea!”

Horace had an intake of air, biting his lip and shook his head. “Sorry pal, I can’t help you with that. You know Halt better than I do.”

Will sighed, shoulders slumping. “I feel like I actually don’t, now that I want to give him something.”

“Hmm,” Horace hummed, racking his brain for ideas. “Well you can’t give him you time, you guys already live together.” Will nodded, “Who does the cooking?” Horace asked, thinking about making a special dinner for Halt, but Will sighed again with a shake of his head.

“We both do. Sometimes he has me do it on my own. So making him dinner is a no.”

“Gifts. What does he even like? Coffee? Get him some special coffee?” Will shrugged, except thought about the suggestion.

“There really isn’t much a variety of coffee beans in Winsley. Plus, we have a big stock pile to last most of the winter.”

Horace patted his friend’s shoulder after another minute of thinking. “Sorry, Will. I just haven’t the faintest clue.” Will sighed in defeat.

“Me neither.”

“Hey,” Horace’s tone rose, “maybe the festival will have something.” He tried to reason.

“For Halt? I doubt that, but it’s better than nothing if I can’t think of anything.”

“We’ll search together.” Horace nudged Will, taking a step forward as he saw the last of the other knights leave. Will nodded, smiling.

“Thank you. See you in two days then?”

Horace smiled back, getting on Kicker, “See you in two days. And good luck!”

As Will waved to his friend, he received a nudge from Tug, the little pony pointed his nose to where Halt and Baron Arold had stood, noticing it was now just the Baron.

“Where’s he gone?” Will asked, and Tug shifted his weight from hoof to hoof, horse language for a shrug.

Don’t know, but he left with out you

Will groaned and got on Tug, nudging the horse to Baron Arold who was looking expectantly at the young apprentice.

Will’s mouth opened to ask for his mentor’s whereabouts, but the Baron knew what was about to come.

“He told me to tell you to go on home with out him.” He said. Will opened his mouth again to ask exactly where he’d gone and why with out him, but again, the Baron answered the unspoken question, “He has some important business to attend to.”

The apprentice suppressed a whine. Not in front of the Baron he told himself. Instead, he gave the Baron a forced smile. “Thank you, sir.” Will bowed his head and started leading Tug back home, towards Winsley.

“Anything troubling you, young Will?” Baron Arold asked, riding next to Will and Tug. Will glanced at him, wondering how he could tell such thing. But, he thought that because he sounded genuinely concern, the bigger man might be interested in hearing what he felt.

“Well,” Will started sheepishly, feeling a bit foolish for sharing his troubles with the Baron, “It’s about the new holiday.”

The Baron looked shock, worried that Will had a complaint of some sort. “Do you not like my new holiday!?”

Immediately, Will shook his head, waving his hands in defense. “N-No! I love the new holiday! Really! I-It’s just- ah,” he swallowed, thinking back to his problem at hand, “I don’t know if Halt does.” Will watched intently for a reaction, but was surprised to find the Baron smiling.

“It’s not his style, Will. He was the second person I told, right after my wife.” He chuckled, thinking about his next words, “He had to think hard on the idea, probably trying to connect to the more… human side of himself.” He glanced at Will, who didn’t get his little joke. He cleared his throat, trying not to be offended and continued. “Finally, he said it was a brilliant idea! ‘But I’m afraid I won’t be celebrating’ he said. It wasn’t for him.” At that, the Baron shook his head. He was bummed to hear that the Ranger didn’t have interest in partaking this holiday, but he knew what Halt was like.

The Baron gave a pity look to Will. This boy seemed almost the exact opposite of his mentor. He had hoped Will would lift Halt’s spirits, and he was delighted to hear from Halt how much Will was celebrating his holiday, even while the older Ranger wasn’t.

“I wanted to celebrate it with him.” The young apprentice confessed, his shoulder slumping. “I want to make him something, but…” he stopped, feeling like he shouldn’t be talking about his problems like this to the Baron. But the man gestured to go on. “But… I don’t know what… And I’m… afraid that if I do, he might not like it… and will throw it away or something.” He said, the last bit more quietly. He thought that the last part wouldn’t be true, but it was still in the back of his mind, feeling foolish as he’d mumbled it.

However, his head snapped to the Baron when he heard the man laughing.

“Did I say something funny?” Will’s cheeks burned in embarrassment.

Baron Arold waved him an apology. “No, no. Sorry m'boy.” He cleared his throat and composed himself. “Halt cares about you, Will.” He looked around, seeing if there was anyone that could possibly hear him, but they were so behind from every body else. No one could possibly listen to the secret he was about to share with Will. Still, he kept his voice low.

He was smiling ear to ear now. “Halt loves watching you be happy, Will. He’s far more content watching you be happy than celebrating a holiday. He has no interests in them. But watching you do is good enough for him. Less depressing and less lonely.”

Will stared at him the entire time, finding that Baron Arold was telling him the truth. He never knew. The young apprentice didn’t say anything. Too shocked by this new information.

“Don’t tell him I told you though.” The Baron shifted in his seat, dignitily, “He doesn’t like other people knowing he’s sentimental.”

Will smiled at that. The thought of Halt really caring for him seemed unbelievable yet he knew already he meant so much to his mentor.

“I really want to do something for him! He’s done so much for me, and I want to show my thanks some how!” The Baron hummed as he listened to what Will had told Horace before. Halt was a very difficult man indeed, and this was extremely important to the young Ranger.

Arold held his chin between his fingers tapping his thumb. Then, an idea came to his head as he felt the cold steel of his ring touching his skin. “How about a ring?”

Will sat up straight in his saddle, absolutely taken aback by the odd suggestion. “A ring?” He questioned. Maybe he misheard?

“Yes! A specially made one!”

“I.. can’t see Halt wearing a ring. It doesn’t seem very appropriate for a Ranger’s attire. It might shine and make us visible.”

Then, the Baron beckoned his horse closer to Tug, showing off one of his rings. He saw that none of the rings he wore shone in the sunlight. Then he pointed to one of them and pressed the jewel. Will flinched when a tiny, hidden blade appeared.

“Wow!” He awed, making the man smile gleefully.

“How bout it? I’ll have one of my men make the ring with your help in time for the holiday?”

“Are you sure? I don’t know if I have the money for a ring like that.” Will said shamefully. Again, something he felt odd talking to the Baron about, but again, the man waved him off.

“It’s no problem, no problem at all. I’ll be happy to have a hand in this special gift as well. I’ll tell Halt that I require you in the morning so you could make it.”

Will smiled brightly, excited for the holiday once again and nodded. “Thank you so much, sir!”

The Baron nodded, reflecting Will’s contagious action. He reached into his saddle pack and pulled out a piece of parchment and charcoal. Will watched as the man scribbled a short letter and signed it.

“Here,” he handed the paper to Will, “take this to the jewelr during this time you have off.”

Will nodded enthusiastically and carefully placed the piece of parchment in his cloak pocket. “I will. Thank you again!”

“My pleasure. Just spreading the holiday cheer!”

–

Will didn’t waste anytime heading to the castle. He and Baron Arold separated as soon as the man met with the boar hunt party at the front gates, waiting for their instructions. One boar will be going to the battle school, three will be for the village festival, and one will be distributed among him, his wife, master Chub and the Rangers as thanks.

He quickly stopped next to Horace, grinning widely.

“Did you think of something?” Horace asked expectantly and Will nodded enthusiastically.

“Baron Arold actually!” He was next to Horace now, keeping his voice low, but high pitched in excitement, “A ring!”

“A ring!?” Horace questioned, just as confused as he was which made the Ranger laugh.

“That’s what I said too. Except the Baron showed me his ring, the one with the big, blue jewel?” Horace nodded, knowing which ring that was. Then he lowered his voice, leaning closer to his friend, “well, that one has a hidden blade in it!” The knight’s eyes widen in astonishment.

“Really?”

Will nodded enthusiastically. “It looked really nice, I just hope Halt thinks so too.” Horace gave him a pitying smile.

“I’m sure he will. It’s both sentimental and useful. He’ll definitely like it, Will.”

He exhaled a bit of anxiety that began to form. “Thanks. I… Yeah. I think he maybe will?”

Horace chuckled and patted his shoulder. “He will. Show me the ring when it’s done?” Will nodded, smiling.

“Will do.” And he continued his way into the castle.

As the young Ranger made his way to his destination, he bumped into his old friend Jenny. She smiled brightly at him, immediately engulfing the smaller boy in a hug.

“Hello, Will!” She exclaimed happily. Will could tell that she had lost weight, and had just been working. She was splattered with all kinds of food related things, her hair slightly messy, and she looked exhausted but still filled with energy. And yet she still looked beautiful.

He smiled back, “Hello Jenny! It’s been so long!” She nodded.

“Right it has! Been living life in the kitchen, but it’s been brilliant. What’ve you been up to these days? Saving the fief again? Heard this time it was a country!” Will laughed, slightly embarrassed at the praise.

“I’d rather be facing that than Halt’s present, really.” He joked back.

Her eyes lit up. She has been filled with joy mirth since hearing about the new holiday. “A gift for the legendary Ranger Halt? What are you getting him?”

That just made the final gift decision heavier, wondering if maybe this was possibly a bad idea for Halt and that the Ranger might not like it! He knew that Baron Arald suggested it and Horace said it was a great idea, but he still couldn’t help but feel like it wasn’t an appropriate gift. Not special or good enough.

“Uh, the Baron suggested I make him a ring. One that holds a hidden blade inside.”

Jenny clapped her hands, “That’s perfect! I’m sure he’ll love it!” Will was sad that he couldn’t feel as confident as her.

“I hope so. I wish I had a back up gift to give him. A nice treat, but I don’t know what he likes besides coffee and regular dinner.”

“Oh!” She exclaimed excitedly, startling Will in the process. Being a Ranger seemed to have effected his lack of noise. He never realized how loud other people were until he was not with only Halt. “How about Tiramisu!?” She suggested.

“I’m sorry?” Will said.

“Tiramisu. It means ‘Cheer me up’ or 'Pick me up’. It’s a foreign dessert made with coffee, and I heard you Rangers love your coffee. It’s perfect and it’s simple to make, easily done and I can show you!”

Will stood straight in surprise, shaking his head. First the Baron and now Jenny? He felt absolutely hopeless that two people are helping him so much. “No! I can’t have you do that for me! I don’t want to trouble you!”

“It’s no problem at all! It’ll be fun even! Think of it as a Merry holiday present from me to you. And,” she cut off Will, who was about opening his mouth to decline the help once more, “in return, you can, perhaps share how much you two like my master piece to that Ranger friend of yours.”

“Gilan?” Will questioned, wondering why she would want such a simple thing as a gift. “Why?”

She blushed, smiling widely as she looked away for a second. “Spread the word.” Will grinned at that.

“Spread the word to just Gilan? Wait, when did you meet Gilan?”

Jenny gave a half hearted shrug. “He kept watch over Redmont while you and Halt were in Skandia.” She said tentatively, knowing that Will was taken by force along with the Princess Cassandra. She had no idea what had happened to them, but Skandians were ruthless.

Whatever happened, the time Halt spent here without his apprentice was awful. She feared she’d never see her childhood friend anymore. A few weeks after Halt was gone, she’d some how mistaken Gilan for Will, nearly crashing into him for a hug while he had been sitting outside on a sunny day.

He told her what he knew about Will and Halt, and how Horace had gone with as well. The two exchanged words of comfort, him more so to her and since then, she grew a liking to he tall Ranger.

“I see.” Will continued to grin. “Alright then, if that’s what you want, I’ll be thrilled to tell him.”

“Great! Meet me tomorrow morning? After you make Halt’s ring!?” She squeaked excitedly. Will nodded, meeting her enthusiasm.

“Thank you, Jenny! I owe you so much more!”

–

“The Baron asks for your services? What for?” Halt asked in bewilderment during dinner. Will swallowed nervously. Maybe he should have thought of a reason before telling Halt about his “summons” to the Baron because now, he’d found out that the Baron was unable to find Halt.

Will stalled just for a few more seconds, stirring his food around to get a nice size bite. “He… wanted to… test my knowledge. See how much work you’ve done on me.” He resisted the urge to cringe at his own awful excuse. Then added “I think.” For good measures.

Halt stared at him skeptically, trying to break through Will’s lie, that is if he was lying. “Funny,” Halt said, “he never told me such thing,” Halt pondered, 'racking his brain’ in search of a memory that did not exist.

“Well,” Will took a discrete deep breath, making sure not to stutter. “We talked this morning on how I was doing. After the whole Skandia… event, and he wanted to know what happened exactly. What we did and how much of what you taught me was at hand.”

Halt nodded, still not believing, but Will wasn’t one to lie to him… he’ll just interrogate Baron Arold later then. Those two must be planning something for the holiday, Halt guessed. And Halt will have to give a talk to the Baron for making his apprentice lie to his mentor.

The older Ranger shrugged, “Alright then, for how long? Don’t forget, you still have training to do. Especially with these next two days off.”

“I don’t know when, but I’ll make sure to be back before noon.” He paused, and then added, “I’ll tell the Baron, I’m sure he’ll understand.”

Halt nodded, “I’m sure he will.”

–

Will woke early morning, the sun still low behind the mountains and the winter air bit into his skin painfully. He huddled closer to Tug and rode to the Castle. Being a Ranger, Will was allowed to walk around the castle as he pleased.

He’d never been to the castle this early in the morning, and was surprised to see how many people were awake. Luckily, one of the early risers was of the man he had to meet.

The man looked up from his desk as Will entered the room after knocking.

“Ah, Ranger Will, do come in, come in.” The man said, gesturing to him. “I’m just finishing up the last bit of design, what do you think?”

Will stood behind him, looking over his shoulder at the amazing, detailed drawing. “Looks fantastic!” He said.

The man chuckled at his enthusiasm. “Let’s add a special design, shall we?”

“A design?” Will asked. The man nodded, lifting up his hand to show Will a ring. The ring was engraved with what looked to be mountains with snow caps. “Are you sure?” Will asked, and the man nodded an answer.

“I’m going to show you how, and you’ll be the one to make it.”

Will swallowed and nodded, thinking the perfect design.

–

The ring making took most the morning and almost to the afternoon. He was sweating as he rushed to the kitchens where Jenny worked. He arrived while she was finishing off some decoration with a cake.

The kitchen counters were covered with all sorts of festive dinners and deserts. Master Chub was ordering his apprentice’s and staff around until he spotted the cloaked figure in the door.

“Ranger Will. Happy Holiday.” He greeted gruffly. “Your not here to steal any of my desserts are you?”

Will brought up his hand in defense “N-no sir!” He panicked, still slightly scared of the big man and his ladle. But then Master Chub started laughing.

“I’m joking, Will, I’m joking! Jenny’s told me everything.” Will let out a sigh of relief, smiling gratefully. “She’s just finishing up with a cake for the festival, and I say, a tiramisu for Halt,” he nodded, closing his eyes in savory sort of way, “brilliant. He’ll love it.”

“I hope so! It was Jenny’s idea.”

Master Chub chuckled, nodding. “Yes, yes. She’s a good'n. Filled with brilliant ideas, she is.”

“She is,” Will agreed. “Thank you for letting me borrow her for one of Halt’s presents.”

“One of them? What is the other? What is the famous Ranger Will giving to the even more famous Ranger Halt?”

At that moment, Will wanted to stress eat. He did have to admit that the ring he’d made turned out really well… But will Halt like it? Will he think it ridiculous? He thought it was a brilliant idea, but now, the Apprentice feels awfully foolish. But he showed the Chef Master anyways, pushing out the little blade, then pushing it back in so he could observe the designs.

“Oh, that’s a gorgeous little thing, that is. He’ll love it I’m sure. Brilliant and useful thing.”

Will could only nod. He wish he could feel the same way.

“Is that the ring, Will?” Jenny exclaimed, taking the piece of jewelry from her mentor, observing the well etched patterns engraved smoothly into it. “It’s beautiful!”

“Thanks.” Will smiled. Jenny’s opinion seemed to relax him more than Master Chub’s. “Shall we get started? I don’t want to keep taking your valuable time.”

Jenny nodded, giving Will back the ring. “Right this way!”

–

Little by little, Will followed each and every step carefully, surprise that he was capable of making a treat and was far more simple than he thought. It was also a surprise that it contained alcohol. He’d seen Halt use very little in cooking, but other than that, Rangers don’t consume alcohol much, so Jenny went easy on that ingredient.

Another thing that he found out was that tiramisu required no baking (besides the biscuit part, but Jenny already had that taken care of), but quite the opposite in fact. “This is perfect you see,” Jenny explained as she placed and sealed a metal lid over the dessert, “you have to chill it for a day. At least five hours, no more than two days. So, if you’re going to give this to Halt on the Merry Holiday, then bury it deep in the snow, that way, it could chill and also not be found by animals. And it should be done by the time you want to present him with your gift!”

Will was grinning widely, proud of his achievements. Jenny had told him he’d done well, which was huge. “Thank you so much, Jenny! I owe you so much!”

She winked at him, “Just remember to tell Gilan.” Will laughed and nodded.

“I will.”

They said their goodbyes for now, seeing each other the following day for the festival and Will left the kitchens, arms holding onto the dish protectively. On his way to the exit, he luckily ran into Baron Arold.

“Ah, young Will,” The bigger man grinned, “Did you meet with the jeweler?” He asked.

Nodding, Will carefully pulled out the specially made ring, nervous. The Baron tentatively took it in his fingers, observing the special design and tiny hidden blade. His smile widen.

“Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, Will. You did a magnificent job.” He gave it back.

“You think Halt will really like it?” Will asked fearfully. He was still having doubts in the back of his mind even though four people had already said otherwise. He had a feeling that a fifth person wouldn’t make a difference.

Baron Arold nodded, smiling widely. “I really think he will. Oh, and speaking of Halt, uh,” before he could continue, Will’s expression dropped, his face visibly losing color. It was after noon, and Will just knew that his master and the Baron had seen each other just moments ago.

“He asked me about our uh, session?” Will nodded reluctantly, “Well, I don’t think he believed me, pretty sure, but I told him you did well. He asked several questions, driving me crazy, you Rangers.” The Baron sighed, “I’m sorry Will, I did my best, but,” he continued quickly before the young boy could start panicking, “I told him you and I were planning a holiday surprise. He wasn’t happy, especially getting you out of Ranger practice, but it’s the truth. So…” he placed a hand on Will’s shoulder, “good luck.”

Will sighed deeply. The treat suddenly feeling very heavy. “Thank you, sir. Did he go home yet?” Baron Arold shook his head.

“Got some paper work, but he should be done soon, I believe.”

Will nodded, and his foot shifted towards the exit, wanting to hide Halt’s gift before he could get home. Will tried to give Baron Arold a smile, not fully reaching his eyes. “Thank you again, sir.”

“By the way, before you go,” The Baron added, gesturing at the tin, “what’s in that?”

Will looked down at it as if he needed to make sure what he was talking about, “it’s a coffee flavored dessert for Halt, called Tiramisu.”

Instead of a grin, he gave Will a weary but fond smile. That didn’t boost his confidence so much. “He’ll love that. But, let’s hope you make it through today.” He joked.

But of course the apprentice Ranger couldn’t take it as a joke at all.

–

As quickly and carefully as he could, Will rode back to his and Halt’s cabin, concealing the metal container discretely, but not suspiciously by his cloak.

And as soon as he and Tug arrived, seeing that Abelard and Halt were not back, Will ran behind the little cottage and started digging. After a few minutes, he placed the tiramisu inside the hole and proceeded to cover it with snow. And for further precaution, he added more snow.

“Will you keep watch over this for me?” Will asked Tug, who was watching him curiously. The horse snorted.

What do you want me to do with a pile of snow?

Will scowled. “It’s not the snow, it’s what’s buried in it! Just, don’t let anybody or anything get to it, please. Especially Halt. Don’t let him get near!”

The little horse seemed to roll his eyes. Alright. I’ll guard it with my life.

“Thanks.” He got up, dusted off the snow that had seeped into his trousers and unslung his bow from Tug’s saddle. “I better start practicing before Halt comes back. Who knows what he’ll do to me for ditching practice for a silly holiday.” He moaned, not really feeling the holiday spirit anymore.

Tug bumped his head on Will’s arm, ‘Buck up, Will. It can’t be anythin’ too bad.’

The rider scoffed, “Easy for you to say. You’re just a horse!”

Said horse shook his mane. ‘A very well disciplined one. Maybe Halt would punish me too. No apples for a week. He hardly gives me any at all!’

Will decided to ignore him now, focusing on the targets hidden far into the trees and started his shooting practice.

It wasn’t long until Halt got home, hearing Tug whinny a greeting to the two. Will finished the last of his arrows before nervously greeting Halt.

“Hello, Halt.” He smiled, walking sheepishly to his mentor. As usual though, he was stoned face with a grim demeanor. So as usual, Will couldn’t tell what mood Halt was feeling.

But his tone was normal he noticed.

“Afternoon, Will.” He said as he loosened Abelard’s saddle. He looked up at the sun for a moment. Will waited fearfully, it was almost two hours past noon, past the time Will had promised to be back. But to Will’s surprise, but not necessarily relief, Halt decided to take off Abelard’s saddle. Seemingly coming to a conclusion of some sort.

But he still said nothing.

“What are we doing today?” The apprentice asked nervously. Halt glanced at him for a second before going back to caring for his horse.

“Hmm, lets give you some practice documents. Like the ones I’ve been doin’.”

“Alright.” Will nodded and went to retrieve his arrows, but then stopped when he saw Halt looking towards where he’d hidden his present.

For a moment, Will thought that some how, Halt had spotted Will’s gift for him. Turns out that it was just Tug he was looking at.

“What on earth is your horse doing?” Halt asked in bewilderment.

Will stared at his horse with utter disbelief. He had never seen someone look more suspicious in his life.

Tug was purposefully glancing at Halt for half a second every now and then, then turning the other away as if he was trying to look innocent. He kicked the snow, spun around once or twice, and nodded an over-the-top happy greeting to Halt.

“Giving me a hard time.” Answered Will.

–

They had lunch and then started on the documents. In truth, they were official documents and statements, but Halt still used them as lessons. It was a good idea really, since they were happening right now and were real. Plus, it helped Halt finish his work much faster in the company of his apprentice. That, and Will was capable enough to do some of the work for him.

They had a fire going, coffee made and Will was more than happy to focus on these paper work. Both to which Halt was glad for but suspicious. Like most Rangers, Will liked being outdoors. He disliked paper work and his geography lessons were suffocation to him but today of all days, he was giving it his all.

After they had thankfully finished everything, it was time for dinner. Halt packed away their work while Will cooked. Halt noticed that every few minutes, his Apprentice’s hands would touch his jerkin pocket. He decided not to question it.

During dinner, Halt decided to ask “Looking forward ta tomorrow?” Realizing that his apprentice was feeling a bit off today. Yesterday, he would have went off excitedly about his plans with his old ward mates, but now, he’s been quiet.

Will nodded, staring at his meal, then he remembered suddenly to respect his master and look at him while he spoke, giving him a weak smile, “Yeah. Might be fun.” He said.

Halt raised an eyebrow at that. “Might? Are you feeling alright?”

“What do you mean?” He asked.

“I mean, yesterday you were throwin’ a party for this new holiday, and now you’re saying 'it might be fun’ .”

Will shamefully pulled his gaze away, staring at his meal. He opened mouth to respond but he was at a lost for words. This worried Halt.

“Will,” he said tentatively, making his apprentice look up at him. “Is anything wrong?”

Will looked back down at his dinner, getting ready to reply that yeah… something is wrong, but… he didn’t really know what now that he thought about it.

Halt wasn’t going to find out his gift buried in the snow, so no worries there. He was more anxious about Halt’s opinion. That’s what he was worried about.

He took a glance at Halt, seeing the concern expression on his mentor’s face.

Then he thought to himself: this is absolutely silly! This was important to Will which probably meant it was important to Halt. And Halt would definitely appreciate his gifts. Every one was right, he’ll like them. He shouldn’t be so glum.

His heart thumped happily when he recalled Baron Arold’s words. “Halt loves watching you be happy, Will. He’s far more content watching you be happy than celebrating a holiday… But watching you do is good enough for him.”

Will, finally saw the light. Saw reason, and smiled.

“Something was wrong,” He began, grinning happily now, “but I think it’ll be alright. I was worried about something, but, I don’t think I should have. It means so much to me, that I want it to be perfect.”

Halt furrowed his brows, trying to understand what his apprentice was saying when there wasn’t any context he could find. “Is it about the Holiday?” He asked. Will nodded. “But you can’t tell me anything?” His Apprentice thought for a moment before nodding again uncertainly. “Well, if there is… some thing troubling you or you need help,” Halt tapped his spoon against his bowl, feeling a bit awkward, “You can come to me.” And he left it at that, going back to his dinner.

Will smiled and nodded, feeling so much better. “Thanks, Halt.”

The man grunted and finished the last of his food. He got up, leaving the dishes on the table “Now, I have a very important affair to deal with, I’ll leave you alone with the dishes.” Then, he made way to his room, Will presumed the 'important affair’ was sleep.

–

In the morning, Will and Halt cooked up breakfast, then went out side to check their horses. For a moment, Will had a mini heart attack when Tug wasn’t in the stables. Then he heard a light whiney from a little farther off.

“Tug!” Will went to meet him, Halt looking curiously at the two. “When I had said to guard it with your life, I didn’t mean to take it seriously.” The young apprentice hissed in an exasperated tone, low enough so that Halt wouldn’t hear.

'You gave me an order and I followed. Doesn’t that deserve some kind of reward?’

Will growled. He hated the fact that Tug was doing what he was technically told, but the horse should have known that he was only being half sarcastic.

“Fine, I’ll give you some treats. For now, let’s get you brushed up and fed.”

Tug nodded his head in large motions. 'I like the sound of that’

Will grunted grumpily, again letting his horse have the last word and met with Halt to stand next to him. His mentor looked sidelong at him curiously.

“So,” he began filled with sneaking suspicion, “why was your horse standing on that pile of snow?”

Will swallowed, chuckling nervously as he brushed down Tug. “Because I told him to.”

“Now why would you do a silly thing like that?”

Will thought about what his answer should be, and he had to have the truth in there. If he didn’t, Halt might actually find out for himself while his apprentice was out at the festival. He wasn’t really sure the older Ranger would do that, but Will had to think of the possibility that he would.

“It’s.. part of the surprise,” he glanced at his master, giving him a sheepish smile, “so, don’t look at it. You can’t see it until tonight!”

Halt’s eyebrows shot up in shock surprise. His apprentice was hiding something that was, what he could only guess, for him? In the snow?

“All… right then.” Halt said with uncertainty. “When will you and your friends be meeting?” He asked, changing the subject.

Will was glad for the subject change and answered “At nine. The festival won’t be set until ten, so we’ll be catching up before then.”

Halt grunted in response as Will talked about the games he’d hoped to play and how he wanted to start a snowball fight with Horace, though as childish as he felt telling Halt, the older Ranger seemed content listening to his apprentice talk.

“What about you, Halt? What will you do today?” Will looked at him curiously and with a touch of concern. His mentor shrugged.

He needed to look over the statements he’d received from Crowley from the mail-boy this morning, but he didn’t feel like he should tell Will that he’ll be doing work of some kind during this holiday. Knowing him, he’d either feel guilty or press Halt to take the day off. The statements weren’t a big deal, but it was still work. It’s not like the other Rangers knew about the holiday. For the moment, this was a Wensley thing.

“I’m going to relax with a nice cup of coffee and a good book.”

“That sounds rubbish!” Will said before he could stop himself,

'Oh that was nice of you to say’ Tug had said, receiving a slap on the side from Will, which let him know that he both heard him and disapprove of his statement. Very unnecessary Will thought. And as Halt was turning slowly to look at him, Will added on,

“For a holiday! I mean..”

'Nice save.’ Will gave his horse another hard pat.

Still, Halt stared at him incredulously, waiting until his Apprentice had coward just enough before speaking, “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Will,” he went back to brushing Abelard while constantly making glaring eye contact, “but I’m not what you might call, a social butterfly. That’s more your turf”

Will hummed in response. “Alright then.” He wish he could continue, but he didn’t know what else to say. Will wanted to make this a holiday something meaningful for his mentor, besides giving him his gifts. But what? Is there anything else he could do?

Halt watched Will, noticing the young Ranger has been brushing the same spot on Tug’s side way longer than necessary, seemingly lost in thought. He was finished with Abelard, and the two made eye contact when his horse noticed his gaze.

I dare you to throw snow at him. The eyes seem to say, taking a short glance at the snow and back into Halt’s eyes. The grey bearded Ranger shot another glance at his apprentice then back, pursing his lips.

Silently, Halt scooped up a large amount of snow in his hand and balled it nicely. He and Abelard made contact, then with a twitch of his head, the horse seemed to have signal Halt to do it.

And he did. Hitting his Apprentice right in the face. The two horses whinnied a laugh as they saw Will stumble backwards in utter surprise from both being hit, and feeling the cold suddenly strike his face.

Wide-eyed and absolutely appalled, Will looked up to see the only person who could have done such a thing. And yet, he couldn’t believe it. “Did you just throw a snowball at me!?” His voice cracked with its pitch higher than usual. His master shrugged.

“No, it was Abelard.” He answered sarcastically. The horse shot him an accusing look, but Halt just raised a challenging eyebrow in response.

Will stood there, still registering what his mentor just did. Then he started grinning, quickly scooping up snow in each hand.

He didn’t even try to ball them up as Halt began to move more behind Abelard. He tossed the snow immediately, and sent it raining on both Abelard and Halt.

The older Ranger snorted, brushing off the snow that had gotten on his cowel. He couldn’t believe what he was about to get into.

He began to scoop more snow into his hands, balling three before Will came around their horses with two in his hands.

Halt dodged the first one, and sent one flying as well. Fast in their reflexes, they both dodged. Halt now moved away from Abelard, which the horse appreciated, and threw his third snowball. It was light enough to explode before it even got to Will, making it shower at his Apprentice.

Will laughed, and tried to make a similar ball, successfully returning the favor.

Much to Will’s absolute delight, this war continued for a half hour! He and Halt had a snowball fight for half an hour! It was a surprisingly hard thing to do; hit each other with a firm snowball, as they both had quick reflexes. But that’s what made them more determine to keep going until they were able to get a hit.

It was all about surprises.

Will had splashed a big dust of snow just enough to blind his mentor for half a second, enough for him to hit his chest.

Halt had gotten him with a shameful move- tossing up one snowball in the air, heading above and towards Will’s direction, and his apprentice had actually eyed it long enough for him to chuck his second snowball at his chest.

Will couldn’t believe he fell for that. But he still laughed.

During their last five minutes or so, they decided to stop trying so hard to dodge, and more just throw; the snow slowly seeping more and more into the clothing.

They were about to head inside for a change of dry warm clothes when Will had stopped Halt just before the veranda, tugging him back by his arm.

“Build a snowman with me!” He exclaimed with jubilant smile. Halt paused for a moment, considering, but he couldn’t say no to Will, especially not with that yearning look in his eyes.

“Alright.”

And that simple agreement, Halt definitely noticed, had Will exploding with delight as much has he tried to hide it. The boy jumped in the snow, landing on his knees and immediately began forming the ball of snow that would be the base of the body.

Halt joined him on the opposite side, kneeling down with ease. And quietly, they patted more and more snow on the once little ball, and once it was big enough, Will started the roll. Halt watched as his Apprentice roll and roll the form into the largest ball he’d ever seen.

“How big are you making this snowman!?” Halt questioned when Will was finally having trouble with the weight.

“As big… as I can… get it!” Will grunted in between pushes. Halt sighed, shaking his head.

You said you were going to help him Abelard reminded him. Halt knew that, but he did not sign up for this. Still, he sighed, and joined Will in pushing the massive ball until it came up to Halt’s chest.

“I think that’s big enough.” Halt said, once that had circled back to the front, stopping at the corner of their cabin. “Anymore and we won’t have any more snow for the rest of the body.”

Grinning, the young Ranger started on the second part. This one was of course much smaller than the last, but was still quite big. A few minutes later, the two Rangers hauled it together on top of the base. The two snow boulders stacked up together added up to just barely taller than Halt. Though Halt wasn’t the tallest man, just shorter than average, but as for snowmen goes, it’s extremely big.

Will stood, looking a bit up at where the last piece would be placed. His pockets were filled with decorating objects he’d found along the way and he was wondering whether he should form the face now or after.

“C'mon,” called Halt. He kneeled to one knee in the snow, using his other foot for balance, “I’ll boost ya up so you can reach the head.”

Will smiled broadly. He and Halt were close, but never have they really spend such a moment like this before. Having a snowball war, building a massive snow man and now Halt lifting him up on his shoulders just so he could finish it. It all made his heart fill up with warm fondness towards his mentor.

Luckily for the both of them, they had great balance while Halt stood erect with Will balanced on his shoulders. The older Ranger then handed Will the final piece of the body, watching his apprentice now as he placed it on top. Will then dug in his pockets for two nice sized rocks for the eyes. Then one for the nose, then a bunch more for a slight frown. Will laughed, looking down at Halt to see if his mentor was still watching.

The Ranger wore an almost similar expression with also the inclusion of a raised brow. He sniggered and added his final addition, placing one curved twig over one eye and a straighter one close to the other. Nearly matching Halt’s signature expression.

Will looked down again and met with Halt’s unamused eyes.

“Ha ha, very hilarious.” Halt said in a tone that expressed no hint that he found it hilarious. Will giggled, adding a sharp oval shaped rock on the chest of the snow man. “Is that supposed to be my Oak Leaf?” He questioned, almost sounding offended.

Will could only nod. His chest was filled with all sorts of happy emotions and laughter. He heard his mentor sigh, along with a shake of his head. Still, his lips were forming a half smile.

Then, Will felt himself falling. He yelped as he was tipped back and was relieved to find a thick layer of snow underneath him to break his fall. He let out a sigh of relief and laughter at the same time. He didn’t question Halt for dropping him like that. He was pretty certain as to why Halt had done so and was also sure that his apprentice would come out unscathed from the fall. Will relaxed where he laid until…

Wait… What was that? Will sat up quickly with a sudden realization as to where it came from and gasp in delight, smiling bigger than ever before. And he had been smiling hugely all day.

Halt… was laughing! It was more of a bunch of small chuckles, but it was still a form of laughter! “Alright, let’s go inside now. I’m freezing and you must be soaking by now. Can’t have you getting sick.” Will nodded, taking Halt’s hand that had been offered to him.

– ☃️

After they had gotten dressed in dry clothes, the two had a cup or two of hot coffee that warmed their insides pleasantly all the while enjoying a bit more of each other’s company until Will left to meet his old ward mates.

His excitement seem to radiate off his body as he and Tug trotted down towards their meeting place, a little ways from the main festivals where people were still setting up. And from a distance, he saw Horace standing under their gathering tree, just finishing a snowman.

“Stay here, boy.” Will ordered Tug, grinning widely, “I’m going to sneak up on him so stay quiet.”

'Drop a heap of that snow on him’ Tug nodded, his eyes and nose seemingly pointing to the tree. His rider smiled even wider.

“Good idea.”

And as quietly as he could in the snow, Will threaded carefully towards his best friend. Using and remembering all that he was taught, and the Ranger Apprentice felt as if he was being tested in his capabilities to do so now in the snow.

Will had to keep himself from quickening his breathing or moving abruptly due to his excitement when he, so far, was just barely even a meter away from his friend! Especially when his mighty warrior friend was humming a song! He’d never heard Horace hum so contently before! This day is just full of new and fun things!

This was definitely the perfect opportunity to climb the tree, making the littlest noise. He didn’t need to get high. Just high enough for him to reach the first branch that held the heap of snow that hung right above Horace. Upon looking down, Will saw the perfect angle. The branch was just to the left of him, meaning all he had to do was sweep the snow off the branch and on his friend.

And so he did.

Horace gasped upon feeling the sudden chills of snow enter his jacket. “Wha- W-Will!” The knight looked up in the tree, “You- You blasted Ranger!” Yelled Horace. Though he was cursing Will’s name, the knight still grinned. It felt almost like old times as Will sat high enough in the tree where Horace couldn’t reach. But the young knight settled that problem with the head of his snowman, throwing it with great strength right at Will, knocking the Ranger out of the tree. Once again, Will was relieved to land in a thick blanket of snow.

The two boys laughed. Well that settled that. They were both even, so Horace laid himself down besides Will. “So,” he began after catching his breath, “Did you make the ring?”

The apprentice boys sat up when Will dug through his tunic pocket, taking out the ring he had made for Halt and handed it to his friend. “Whoa! Did you do these designs?” Horace asked.

“Not this one,” Will pointed to the finest marking on the ring, “but the rest, yeah. Does it look alright, you think?” He asked, feeling the familiar ball of anxiety creep into his stomach once more.

“It looks amazing, Will. Halt’s going to be impressed for sure.” Curious, Horace slid the ring on his fingers, trying to find one that fit. After settling it, he twisted it around until he gave up. “Before I accidentally cut off my finger, where’s the blade? How do you get it out?”

Will scooted closer and held Horace’s hand in his, holding out the finger with the ring. He twisted it until he saw one of the smaller markings that looked just slightly different from the rest. Making sure that mark was on the inside part of Horace’s hand, he moved the knight’s thumb against it and let him press down, releasing the tiny blade with a jump.

“This is really cool, Will. I’m positive Halt will love something like this.” Horace said, making Will smile. He sighed in relief.

“I sure hope so. If not, I have a backup gift. Some coffee cake. What Ranger wouldn’t like that!?”

Horace snorted. “When in doubt, bring the coffee out.” The young knight grinned at his proud saying, “The Ranger motto!”

Will laughed. He had to admit, that was actually, pretty brilliant. He took the ring back, placing it safely into his pocket and fished another item out. “I uh, I got something for you as well.” Will’s cheeks started feeling warm. It was already cold outside, so the embarrassed blush hopefully went by unnoticed.

Taken aback, Horace straighten up, eyes wide. “Really? For me?” Will nodded, before saying,

“Close your eyes.”

Horace obeyed, holding his breath for a moment. After a second, the knight grew suspicion that this was possibly a joke. A prank. And now he was suddenly weary of any movement that involved the sounds of snow being scooped. But instead, Will was standing on his knees, getting closer until he could wrap something around his neck, resting the item on his chest after a couple of seconds.

“You can open now.” Will’s voice was soft. It was filled with both anxiety and excitement at the same time.

His eyes immediately darted to where a charm laid resting on his chest. He picked it up, giving it a good look before breaking into a huge smile, then a fond laugh.

“Will,” he sighed, completely heart struck, “This is… I…” he laughed breathlessly again, “I love it.”

The young Ranger sighed in relief. “I’m glad.” Seeing Horace smile over the necklace he’d given him made his heart soar. He hoped Halt’s reaction would give him a similar feeling. “I didn’t make it, but when I saw it, I just had to get it.”

Horace gave him a warm smile, “It reminded you of us, didn’t it? How our friendship started?”

Will nodded, staring again at the boar charm necklace Horace still held up to view.

—-

It wasn’t long until the others showed up. Reliable Jenny once again heartily served her companions an amazing lunch, and when Will showed her the ring once again, she squealed in delight, throwing all kinds of praise as if she was seeing it for the first time.

George had recited a poem about it, and Alyss, thank Gorlog for her, had only said:

“He’ll cherish it.”

And finally, he believed it. After what happened this morning, he couldn’t imagine Halt tossing it aside saying how ridiculous it was. Will couldn’t wait to get back home now.

The day flew by with all sorts of activities and games. There were booths selling all sorts of items and foods, including the boar meat, which Will and Horace were delighted to see. Of course none of them ate the festival’s food when they were filled with Jenny’s five star meals. Though of course Horace couldn’t help himself with some sort of sweet treat.

It was more than what Will could hope for.

Near the end of their evening, Horace dragged Will to one particular booth. The young Ranger eyed his friend curiously when he noticed it was an archer’s booth. Something far from Horace’s area.

Next thing to register was the releasing grip of his arm guard, realizing it was Horace who was taking it off, then putting another one on. The knight grinned.

“Well?” He asked, enthusiasm clear in his voice. Will couldn’t help but smile back.

“Well, first you put it on incorrectly,” he said lightly, adjusting it until it embraced his arm comfortably. Then he inspected it, wondering why Horace put it on him. His smile widened.

It managed to fit his thumb and pointer finger perfectly, not only that, but the design etched into the leather was the most bizarre… ironic thing! “Second… it’s perfect.”

Horace paid the man while Will continue to admire the Celtic boar design of his new arm guard.

–

The group left, leaving Will and Horace behind, because Horace just had to see the snowman the two Rangers made after hearing the unbelievable tale. But also, he wanted to spend more time with Will. His time together with the young Ranger had been so wonderful, he didn’t want to separate. Not yet.

–

Abelard let out a low grumble, signaling someone was coming. Someone they knew though, judging by two familiar voices the horse heard from a distant.

Halt, looking around his little cabin, knowing it was Will, and cleared the paper work and map he was working on from the table. He didn’t want his apprentice to know he’d been working during this “relaxing” holiday.

He then he stood on the veranda, awaiting for Will and what he could only be Horace’s heavy-hoofed horse.

Then a gasp from the small boy. As expected.

“He’s huge!” Horace laughed.

“He added our cloak!” Will exclaimed, beating Horace’s arm out of excitement due to seeing his Ranger cloak wrapped around the snowman with the hood perched up. It made Will’s chest tighten with happiness and his cheeks hurt horribly from smiling. But he couldn’t stop. He was just too happy, it was painful. “I love it, Halt!”

He received an amused snort in response.

“When you two are done gawking at that awful snow Ranger impersonator, come on in. I have dinner and coffee cooking.”

Horace perked up at the word “dinner”

“Is it alright for me to stay for dinner?” the young knight asked politely.

“Please do,” Halt responded, almost hinting a vague begging-like tone. “The amount of boar meat he sent our way, Baron Arold thinks we have stomachs the size of you big knights!”

Horace huffed at that comment, but he couldn’t argue. It was a well-known fact that he ate more than the average man. Plus, he was getting a delicious dinner with his best friend and his second almost-mentor.

Halt wasn’t lying when he said Baron Arold sent the two Ranger’s a large amount of meat. There was no way these two could eat all of it, and even after the three had their fill, there was still enough to feed the three of them again the next two days.

Horace had insisted he’d help Will with the dishes, giving him the opportunity to talk quietly to his friend.

“When are you going to give it to him?” He bent lower to whisper in Will’s ear. His friend bit his lip nervously, handing him a dish to dry.

“I don’t know. But I may need your help.” Horace cocked his head in a questioning manner, “I don’t know if I could do this alone, Horace. Could you stay, please?” The small Ranger asked shyly.

Horace smiled. Will was nervous.

Will could run towards danger in a snap of a finger. Will could lead an army of archers. Will could save Halt, Baron Arold, and Battle Master Sir Rodney from a Kalkara!

But Will could not give Halt a gift? It was endearing in a way that Horace couldn’t help but smile fondly at him.

“Of course. I’ve got your back.” And to brighten up his friend’s mood, he gave Will a hearty hip bump. Just as he wanted, Will stumbled, growled, and bumped him back. Horace expected as much and stood firm. He laughed when Will stuck out his tongue childishly.

While the two young boys cleaned, made a mess with the water by splashing one another, and cleaned again, Halt finished his Ranger report he needed to send to Crowley. It didn’t take more than five minutes as he was just about finished when Will and Horace showed up, but he decided to write a second paper. This time a letter to his old friend.

Snowball fight with Will. Snowman building with Will. Putting the cloak on the snowman for Will. And now he was writing a letter to his old best friend. He glared down at the parchment.

“This holiday is making me sentimental.” He grumbled to himself.

Half way through his letter, he noticed hurried footsteps heading towards the door and looked up to see Horace and Will already outside the door, without proper winter wear! Halt was about to call out to them, order the two boys to put on something warm. He cannot have Will sick and he does not want to be blamed if Horace caught a cold either!

“We’ll be right back!” Will shouted, beating Halt first, then the door shut.

He sighed. And waited twenty seconds. Then wrote ‘I swear, Crowley, if Will gets sick, I’m sending him to you. He’s outside, no boots, no coat and out in the snow with Horace. Then he paused. Still no Will or Horace, but a lot of laughing and shouting could be heard outside.

Then Halt’s lip twitched into an amused smirk, ‘I can hear you right now, creeping in the back of my mind: “Why don’t you get up and take care of it?” Do you really expect me to do such maternal thing?’ He paused again, rereading what he just wrote. He couldn’t believe himself.

‘I’m already changing as is! I’m writing a friendly hello like some lonely old codger, telling you about this holiday. Perhaps Duncan would find this holiday fun. I know you’re going crazy at the thought of it now. –‘

Before he could complete his letter, the door opened to a gleeful looking Will (who was also holding a silver tin?), and a freezing looking Horace.

By the look of things, Will had definitely done something to make Horace colder than he should be, and yet, the knight didn’t make a go for the fire.

Halt watched, not wanting to interrupt things, as Will placed the covered platter on the table, and as soon as his hands were empty, Horace’s hands dove up and into Will’s shirt. His apprentice shouted, laughing all the same.

Halt on the other hand didn’t know what to think, but smirked down back at his letter.

“This is payback, Will!” Horace shouted over Will’s protests. His skin must be cold as ice, and there was no escape from his strong arms as he wrapped them around Will’s torso from underneath his tunic.

“Halt! Save me!”

Halt raised an eyebrow in response, “No.” He then looked back down, giving his letter his full attention rather than to Will. Horace laughed and continued to touch Will with as much of his cold skin as he could. Arms wrapped around his friend, his face buried in the side of Will’s neck. The smaller boy had no chance.

Halt knew Will was trained well enough to get out of something like this, but he was trained to fight against enemies, not friends. So there was no getting out of Horace’s bear hug without hurting his friend.

‘If Will gets sick, one: I’m blaming Horace. Two: You’re still taking care of him.’

He decided to take a break and investigate now.

“So,” he started, walking up to the two kids. One quick glance at the two, and Halt could read everything. But he decided to have mercy (he really is getting sentimental) and ask a different question in mind. “Is this what you’ve been hidin’ in that pile of snow?”

Will nodded, swallowed and looked up at Horace. Horace nodded and released him as if they hadn’t been fighting playfully. Halt cocked an eyebrow questioningly, but waited for his apprentice. Suddenly, Will looked nervous.

“They’re for you… It’s for you! Well, I mean,” Will stumbled nervously on his words before reaching into his tunic pocket, “I’ve made this for you too.” His apprentice held something in his fist, and reached out for Halt’s hand.

Well this isn’t what Halt had expected at all, and just stood there, dumbfounded until he saw movement from behind Will.

It was Horace signaling Halt to get a move on before Will has a nervous breakdown. The knight was right.

The older Ranger held out his hand. For a second, Will didn’t move until Horace settled his hands in his friend’s shoulders for support. Swallowing again, Will held Halt’s hand, selected a finger and then slid something on that chosen finger.

A gift, Halt may have expected that. Will being nervous about giving Halt his gift, that could be predictable, knowing Halt. But the gift being a ring was very, very surprising.

“I made it for you. Yesterday morning.” Will said timidly.

Halt didn’t really see much appeal for jewelry except for his oak leaf. That meant something to him. To all Rangers. But immediately, Halt found that he was already growing an attachment to this ring as he examined the arrows engraved into the piece.

“Well?” Horace asked impatiently. He was all smiles though. Halt could tell that somehow, somehow this oblivious knight could read his expression, and could feel Will’s anxiety. Horace was trying to get Halt to physically or at least verbally react.

But, he didn’t exactly know how to.

“You made this?” Halt asked instead. Will nodded, fiddling with his armguard that he was still wearing, which Halt found odd, but didn’t focus on why right now. “This was why you were late yesterday?” Will nodded again, but spoke this time.

“That, and this.” He tapped the container, paused and decided to reveal what was under the lid. Again, surprising Halt. “Jenny taught me how to make it. It’s a dessert made with coffee. I thought you might like it. In case you didn’t like the ring, that is. And we can both enjoy it together.”

A beat. Then Halt smiled. A sudden burst of affection finally broke the dam that had always kept him passive. Kept him in check, as if he never wanted anyone to know how human he was. As if showing more than a pat on the shoulders and a gruff ‘good job’ would make him soft, weak or even vulnerable. He usually didn’t like to feel that way.

Horace, who was standing a meter away now, beamed when he saw Halt’s arms twitched uncertainly. He knew what Halt’s body wanted to do. He flapped his hands multiple times, gesturing for Halt to hug Will.

Halt rolled his eyes, cheeks feeling slightly warm in embarrassment, but he did it. He wrapped his arms around his apprentice and finally said “I love it, Will.”

Like he was in a dream, Will couldn’t move. Too stunned by Halt’s actions. But when he felt his mentor’s arms loosen, Will snapped out of his daze and wrapped his arms quickly around Halt before the opportunity passed.

“I’m glad.” Will said, his voice muffled from Halt’s tunic.

Ten seconds passed, Halt tried to pry Will off. No avail. Another ten passed, Horace moved to the table chair, grinning, head resting in his hand. Halt tried again, Will tighten. As much as he actually loved this strange feeling of affection, Halt wanted things to move along. Halt wanted to give his gift to Will now. And Halt also wanted Horace to stop smirking up at him from where he sat as if they were entertainers!

“Will,” Halt said softly yet with a bit of a bite to his tone, “I would like to try that dessert now.” Will looked up at him, grinning. “My, I never thought I’d hear those words come out of my mouth.” His apprentice laughed, gave him one last squeeze as if he’d never see his teacher again and finally released him from his hold.

“Why don’t I ever get hugs like that?” Horace complained. “Instead I get a pile of snow dropped on my head, and a freezing hand up my spine!”

Will giggled, “Well all you gotta do is ask.” He said innocently, pulling out a chair for Halt and sat himself down next to his mentor.

“That’s all?” Horace tested.

“Yup!” Will smiled, seemingly pressing Horace gently forward to actually ask him.

“Maybe, I will then.” Horace shrugged. Halt snorted, starting to cut the dessert into pieces.

“That’s a lot of trust you’re putting in to Will. Into a Ranger.”

Will sniggered. “We’ll have to see.” He smirked up to Horace, his eyes looking odd. Daring perhaps. Halt didn’t want to jump to any conclusions, but he hasn’t seen that look on his apprentice before. But whatever it was though, it looks like he was having fun.

“I think I’ll take my chances. I can give revenge if he tries something again.” He stuck out his tongue, mocking Will’s earlier childish action. Then remembered something as Halt passed him a slice of the tiramisu. “Will, show him the thing! In the ring!”

“Oh right!” Will made a grab to Halt’s hand, but stop himself before he could rudely take it. “May I?” Will asked.

Halt raised a brow, placing his hand in Will’s. “Sure.” He said uncertainly and watched Will fiddle with his new ring carefully. Then grabbed Halt’s thumb against the ring.

“Press this arrow tip here. The one that looks a bit different!” He was giddy now, both Horace and Will were. He examined the arrows and noticed that one arrow tip was just slightly different from the others. Barely noticeable. Halt was very impressed, and even more so when he pressed into the ring, causing him to jump slightly from the sudden appearance of the hidden blade.

“That’s really impressive!” He said in absolute astonishment. “I loved it before, but now I have no doubt that it’ll come in handy.” Will nodded, smiling.

“Yay! I’m so glad, but I didn’t do the blade part. That was far too advance. I had loads of help from the jeweler and he let me do the engraving!” Will exclaimed excitedly, “It was also the Baron’s idea. To make you a bladed ring. He was very helpful as well. Except fot the- well – you know, covering for me and all.” He now smiled sheepishly at Halt. His mentor raised an eyebrow at him as if he was daring Will to ‘keep going. Try to get yourself out of this hole you’re digging yourself into’. He did. “But it was all for you, Halt!” Horace snorted, completely entertained. “Happy Holiday?”

Halt shook his head, almost grinning. It was a holiday after all. His apprentice didn’t deserve to suffer any longer than this. “Happy holiday.” Will received his slice of the pastry, but didn’t dig in, and surprisingly, neither did Horace. They were both waiting for Halt to have the first bite. “Will you two stop staring at me?”

They did, but didn’t stop taking glances. Halt sighed and stared at the treat in front of him. Yes he did like sweets, but he didn’t like how unhealthy it made him feel. He didn’t like how often he was in the mood for a sweet treat, so instead, he filled that void with coffee. Easily obtainable and nobody could judge or tease him personally. Coffee obsession was basically a Ranger trait.

He finally took a bite, and knew within a few seconds, he was obsessed. A coffee cake will be the death to all Rangers. He glanced at Will, waiting to see if his theory would be correct.

“This is amazing!” Will moaned, melting away from the world.

“This is good!” Horace commented, taking another bite soon after his first.

Halt decided to stay silent, and savor each and every bite like Will. It was so, so good, he thought.

After dessert, Horace and Will decided to spend the rest of the night outside, building snowmen and other things (is that supposed to be a bear?). Halt gave permission for Horace to spend the night, much to the boys’ delight.

Will showed Halt his new arm guard Horace had gotten him at the festival, incidentally, matching Horace’s pendant Will had gotten him before then. He had to admit, the matching was cute and so innocent.

He decided to leave Will’s gift for the morning.

He finishes the letter to Crowley, sealed both document report and letter, setting it on a side table near the door. He stood there, staring at the papers. Something was off.

Quickly he realized how quiet it was. Horace and Will were not laughing nor talking, the fire had gone out. There weren’t even noises being made in the snow.

Quietly, he peered out the window, heart thumping. He shouldn’t be worried. Horace and Will were capable of taking care of themselves, plus their ranger horses would have sounded if someone were near. His eyes scanned the surrounding.

… He let out a breath. Geez. They were laying in the snow. Quite near one another, he did not fail to notice. Will was laying on one of Horace’s outstretched arms, looking as if he wanted to roll over and curl up into Horace’s body.

And Horace, bless him, was staring at his apprentice with heart eyes and a warm smile. Neither of them wanted to move, but were trembling from the cold. Halt sighed. At least he knew his apprentice was in good hands. Then he opened the door.

“Time for bed!” He called out to them, causing the boys to practically jump out of their skins. He sniggered to himself. Boys. Halt rolled his eyes.

---

By the time Horace and Will made it inside, Will ran into his room, Horace following right behind automatically. And without closing the door or even a care (probably because he was freezing and desperate to get out of his clothes), Will started undressing out of his cold, damp clothes immediately… And that’s when Horace realized: He didn’t have anything. He didn’t know what he was going to do. He had not intended on spending a night here.

He watched uncomfortably, yet not able to help himself, as Will pulled on a shirt, pulled off his trousers before realizing what he was going to do in front of his knight friend. “Uh.” His turned shyly away from Horace, covering himself with his drenched trousers. He was still shivering from the freezing cold, that he wanted to get his wet clothes off him immediately without thinking about Horace watching him do so. “Could you… turn around?”

Horace jumped, blushing when he realized he was staring. “Y-yeah! Sorry.” And he turned around, looking intensely into the darkness of the living area. The fire was only embers now, and Halt had already retired in his own room, bidding them a good night.

“Alright. Hmm…” Will started, walking up to Horace as the knight turned back around stiffly. He was trembling by now. A second later, Will was stretching out a shirt against his chest. “Yeeeah… That’s not going to fit.” He giggled, smiling guiltily. Horace laughed.

“Did you really think your shirt would fit me?”

Will laughed with a shrug. “I mean… I guess not! I don’t know! It was worth a shot! I had one shirt that was slightly too big!”

“’Slightly’ is the key word.” Horace chattered, now hugging his body, “I’m like, ten times bigger than you!” Will rolled his eyes at his friend’s exaggeration.

“Halt!” Will called out, “Can Horace borrow some of your clothes!?”

Horace was about to slap his hand over Will’s mouth, but surprisingly, he received a reply.

“Just because I’m one size bigger than you, doesn’t mean my clothes will fit Horace!” Halt yelled back. Horace wondered if they communicated like this often across the cabin.

Horace snorted at the response. “What made you think his clothes would fit me?”

Will shrugged, “His nightwear looks a bit big on him, but I guess even still they wouldn’t fit you comfortably. But there’s no way you’re sleeping in my bed with those on! They’re wet and filthy! Just sleep in your pants. I don’t care.” Will shrugged, not noticing the blush on Horace’s face.

Well that solved one, maybe two problems. He didn’t really think he was sharing a bed with Will, and since he doesn’t have any clothes, well, Will seemed alright and comfortable enough with seeing—sleeping with Horace in just his underwear!

He was standing there uncertainly as Will started making his way under the covers, snuggling comfortably against a pillow. “Come on! Take off those clothes already before you catch ill.”

The knight finally snapped out of it, “B-But it’s a bloody igloo in here! I’m freezing and you expect me to sleep in just my underwear?”

Will sniggered, embracing his pillow. Embracing his warmth. “Well with your thick skin and my cozy pajamas, it’ll be nice and warm under the covers. Besides,” Will huffed, “it’s a lot colder if you just stand there in your wet shirt and breechers.”

After a shiver, Horace grumbled, pulled down his trousers abruptly and sat down on the bed in embarrassment before taking off his shirt.

He has dressed and showered around all of his battle-school dorm-mates all the time before, but for some odd reason (he had suspicions as to why though), Will made him shy about his body. Just shy in general during soft moments like these.

He was stalling for a moment. Sitting there. That is until Will wrapped his arms and blanket around Horace, bringing him down into the bed.

“You’re freezing. We need to fix that quickly.” And kept his arms around the bigger boy.

Horace was unmoving. Shivering still maybe, but he was stiff! Will was practically on top of him, using his own body heat to warm Horace. After a while, Will broke the silence.

“You heat up quickly.” Then he paused before speaking again. Horace could definitely hear the smile in his voice this time. “Someone should invent a heating blanket.”

Horace smiled at this welcoming, odd conversation topic. He was about to agree wholeheartedly, but then thought about it.

“How on earth would someone do that? Set the blanket on fire!?”

They chuckled, Horace feeling Will shrug. “It’ll heat them up quickly!”

Horace scoffed. “By all means, invent it.”

“Yeah right. Halt would kill me before the blanket would.”

The two laughed. After a bit of comfortable silence, Horace had almost forgotten the fact that his best friend was cuddling with him until Will snuggled closer with a hum of content. “I think I have my own heating blanket right here.”

Although he is loving this moment right here, right now, he couldn’t help himself. He was about to ruin the moment. “But that’s not how blankets work.” He said, wrapping his arms around Will.

“Hm?” Will questioned, going slightly stiff from receiving a hug back. Horace almost wanted to back out, to shy away because this brief moment was… very intimate, he feels. But then he remembered why he’d done it.

“Your lying on your ‘heating blanket’,” Horace said in a playful, yet almost quivering tone. Then, suddenly, he rolled himself and Will, changing their positions now. “The blanket it supposed to be on top of you.” He finished with a grin.

Will let out a quiet whimper of surprise, but soon, it turned into a laugh. “You’re crushing me!”

Horace laughed as well, putting more body weight on Will for two more seconds. Then decided to relieve him from his suffering, laying back down on his back, smiling. Happy. He let out a content sigh. His chest felt tight as he held in his emotions beyond his control.

“What are you thinking about?” Will asked softly, propped up on his elbow with a curious look on his face. Horace couldn’t help but think about how cute that look was. And how cute Will looked when he smiled. He didn’t know how to contain these feelings as he was the one who is making Will smile at this very moment.

“I’m happy.” Horace simply said, making Will smile even wider. Tentatively, Will laid himself on Horace’s shoulder, inching his body closer to his. Horace turned to face Will, bringing the Ranger closer to his body in acceptance.

“Me too.” Will replied in a shy whisper.

“I’m glad.” They laid in comfortable silence, but Horace still had something on his mind. “It’s bizarre-“

“What is?” Will asked in mild alarm. Again, Horace couldn’t help himself as he tightens his hold on Will as if he was trying to tell him ‘don’t worry, I really like where you are’

“It’s bizarre,” he continued softly, “how much we’ve changed. How much, uh, I changed, I guess.” Now that Horace had thought about it, and this came to thought very often, all those years of hating each other was because of him. He was the one who bullied Will. He had forgotten that he had used to hate Will for… for what? Will had always been kind and sweet, but it was Horace who had provoked him into hating him. And he couldn’t blame him! He would have hated him too! He still does. He hated who he was back then, and he was quite ashamed of it. Will could have easily said good riddance to him, but he was kindhearted and saved Horace from the rampaging boar. He’d saved the person who’d made most of his life up to that point a living Hell. Will had forgiven and forgotten his old self.

And he’ll always love him for that.

“Horace,” Will interrupted the young knight’s thoughts, coming to realize how tight his hold on Will had become. He apologized. Will shook his head with a warm smile. “It’s alright. I like you now, and that’s all that matters. Everything is in the past.” Will paused to hold Horace’s cheeks in his hands, gently forcing his friend to look at him. “So, stop it with that guilty look.” He smiled. So kind, so warm, and so accepting, Horace would be a fool not to love him.

He was speechless. His feelings were becoming so overwhelming that he had to take a deep breath before pressing his forehead against Will’s. He can’t ruin everything with his deep feelings, but he could show his friend just how much he loved him in an appreciation sort of way.

“Thank you.”

The following morning, Will woke, oddly warm. For a minute or two, he just laid there, relaxing and taking advantage of this comfortable, unfamiliar warmth. His heart leaped when he remembered that it was Horace he was lying with. Last night came back to his memory. He smiled and held himself closer to his bigger friend.

“Morning.” Horace mumbled fondly. Will’s smile grew.

“Good morning.”

He felt Horace chuckle. “Great morning.” The knight casually mentioned, sliding his hand up and down Will’s back, every once in a while his fingers running through his hair. The Ranger hummed in content.

“Great morning indeed.”

This continued for several more minutes. Every few minutes they would shift around, shying closer and closer, until Will was lying on top of Horace, his head buried in the knight’s shoulder.

“Hungry?” Will asked, after wondering to himself what time it was. He was also surprise that Halt hadn’t woken them up. Maybe that was part of the holiday: sleeping in.

“Always.” Will could hear the grin in his answer. He was reluctant to get up though.

“Couple more minutes.” Will snuggled into Horace for emphasis as to why he wanted to stay longer. If he minded, Horace didn’t show it what so ever. He suspected though, Horace was enjoying this as much as he was.

“Alright. It’s now or never.” Will groaned, and shoved himself off of Horace and out of bed.

“Oi! It’s cold! Horace yelled, pulling back the covers. Then the realization hit him. “I still don’t have clothes.” Will nodded, pursing his lips. “It was so cold, I forgot to put them out to dry.”

Will was about to do just that, when he noticed there were no clothes where Horace had taken them off just before bed. The young Ranger stepped out of the bedroom, peering outside and into the living room. It was quiet and peaceful. The fire was lit and in front of it laid Horace’s clothes on some chairs. Next to his room, the door was opened, he peered inside. Halt was not there. He was not in the kitchen, nor anywhere else in the cabin, Will finally noticed.

Taking this moment, Will walked into Halt’s room and started rummaging through his mentor’s wardrobe. He shouldn’t be surprised when Halt’s clothes were slightly bigger than he was, but definitely not big enough for Horace to wear.

“Hmm.” Will wondered before walking back into his room. Horace was still lying in bed, curled in the blanket. “Comfortable?” Will asked, caving into the temptation that is warmth and Horace.

“I am now.” Horace answered when Will joined him back in bed. Both of their hearts were beating hard in their chests. And Will was happy he could hear Horace’s heart beating just like his.

“Can this be a usual thing between us?” Will asked, pressing his ear to his friend’s heart. There was a shudder from Horace as Will slid his hand across Horace’s stomach and chest, causing Will to giggle.

“Definitely.”

They were quiet for a moment, enjoying Will’s transition from cold to warm. Horace helping by running his hands over Will’s arms, waist and back. Then, with minds of their own, Horace’s hands wanted to roam Will’s skin. As Will was doing to him. They immediately went for his back. They moved in one, slow movement taking in every bump and scratch of Will’s scars.

And to their horror, Will let out a whimper.

Embarrassed, Will slapped his hand over his mouth, while Horace pulled his hands back out from under his friend’s shirt. Both apologizing profusely.

“No, Will, you don’t have to be sorry! I-I shouldn’t have touched your back. My curiosity got the better of me, and for that, I am so sorry.”

Horace felt guilty, Will realized. He couldn’t allow that. Especially when his scars could not be seen by him since they were on his back. And for that reason almost exactly, is why he’s so scared. He didn’t know how ugly it made him.

But without saying a word, Will sat up and lifted his shirt from the back, giving Horace a full view of his scars he’d received during his slave time in Skandia.

Even though he knew Horace wouldn’t judge him harshly or find them disgusting, Will couldn’t help feeling a bit anxious. His senses perked up as he sat quietly, waiting for anything from Horace. He felt the knight sit up, and he felt the presence of his hand hovering over his back, afraid to touch again.

“It’s alright.” Will whispered. Then he felt a feather-light touch.

The knight’s silence wasn’t doing him any good, but Will was entranced by the way Horace traced every scar, trying to picture what a mess it must be back there.

“Is it that bad?” Will practically made it about a whisper. The tone in itself made Horace feel guilty for being unable to think of something to say.

“No! It’s just- I’m speechless.” Horace started, running his hand from Will’s shoulder to his hip, etching out just one of the many scars. “Sorry isn’t enough. Sorry can’t fix what they did to you, and-” The young knight took a deep breath, steadying himself by resting his forehead on Will’s shoulder. “I hate to imagine all they must have done to you there.”

Will smiled sadly, his hand stroking Horace’s hair. “It’s alright now though. It was in the past. It may have scarred me in more ways than one, but I’m alright now. It’s over.” The last two were muttered, as if he was trying to remind himself rather than telling Horace.

They were quiet. But his breathing and beating heart felt deafening in his ears. But what awoke him from this dreaded state was the kiss Will received on his back, right on one of the slashes he had gotten when he had accidentally splashed a load of ice water on one of the Skandians. He remembered that one. It hurt horribly, and hindered the strength on his right arm.

Will turned to meet Horace’s blue eyes, and his head felt light. It was practically hypnotizing, being unable to look away, but instead, draw closer. His body moved ever so slowly on its own, but Will didn’t mind. Especially when his and Horace’s lips met together lightly.

He didn’t understand why pressing his lips against Horace’s felt breathtaking, but it was. And he loved it. He loved the weird, tight feeling he got in his chest and the tingling feeling that spread throughout his body.

They then pulled away after a few seconds. Speechless, red-cheeked and warm inside. And even after a minute, they were still unable to say anything. Then Will’s body shivered, realizing his shirt was still off, only being warmed by one of Horace’s hands. He shivered again when Horace removed his hand to pull Will’s shirt back on.

“So-” They both said at the same time, feeling shy. Horace nodded his head for Will to go on.

“Um… Breakfast?” Will asked meekly, making Horace chuckle.

“Sure.”

Without saying another word, Will strode to his wardrobe, took out his cloak and draped it over Horace’s shoulders. “That’ll do for now.” Will said.

Upon arriving in the kitchen, Will noticed a note from Halt that was hidden underneath their coffee pot stating he was out and will be back before the afternoon.

“Oh,” Will turned around to smile at Horace, blushing when his friend was already staring at him. Horace glanced away, but decided against it, looking back at Will. “Uh, Halt’s bringing you some clothes since yours is wet.”

“That’s sweet of him.” Horace said, “This holiday is getting to him, I bet.” he practically sang.

Will giggled and prepared some ingredients and some leftovers to make a brilliant breakfast. He couldn’t help but think how domestic and warm he feels with Horace next to him as the two prepared their morning meal.

“I wonder,” Will started softly, as Horace started to mix their batter for pancakes while he cleaned the dirty dishes they’d used so far, “If maybe it’s possible to live with each other… someday?”

Will only took a half a second glance at his friend, afraid to bring things back to something they haven’t talked about but should. His heart leapt when he saw Horace smiling.

“I’d like that.”

“So… Things are alright… Between us?” Will asked hesitantly, but hopefully.

“Better than alright, I’d say.” Will could only nod, afraid that his voice would embarrassingly crack or simply be gone. “Though, I wish I had clothes. That would make things less embarrassing for me.” They both laughed.

After catching his breath, Will took one look at Horace. Then decided, why not: “I don’t know, I’m liking the view.” His cheeks burned as he purposely scanned Horace’s figure. His entire body felt warm from the incredibly bold word choice he made. But,

Horace blushed! Will could see Horace practically glowing red from the courageous and unexpected flirting he’d just received from his best friend. He couldn’t stand it. Horace hid his face in his hands.

Will giggled. Taking another bold step and leaned up on his tip-toes for a teasing kiss on the cheek.

“Ahhh! Willll!” Horace groaned (or was it a laugh? He couldn’t tell. Maybe both). But Will giggled all the same, going back to baking. After receiving a kiss on the cheek from his bigger friend, he and Horace finished making breakfast; enough for the three of them (Will could tell Halt didn’t have breakfast).

Food was set up on the table. Unused dishes were cleaned, and an extra plate was set up for Halt for when he finally came back. And then they ate in comfortable silence, taking shy glances every few seconds.

After their hunger had settled, Horace asked, “What do we do?” in a solemn tone of voice. Will knew exactly what he meant. His mind has been nothing but calm since their kiss. Heck, since last night when Horace had joined him in bed.

His emotions were set to maximum glee, that he hadn’t had the ability to think about how they’re going to continue this “relationship”.

“I guess...,” Will started uncertainly, his mind going fast to no where. He realized only now that he had no idea how these sorts of things works. Relationships? He doesn’t have any clues on how to settle into a relationship. He’s a Ranger! And Rangers live busy lives, and all the Rangers he knew were not in a relationship. Especially with a knight!

Oh… And never in his life has he seen two men in a relationship. This is troublesome indeed. He needed to talk to Halt. He wanted his advice and his wisdom on this topic… Would Halt.. hate him? For liking another man? Would he be kicked out of the Ranger Corps?

“Will?” Horace called tentatively. Will snapped out of his panic when Horace gingerly placed a hand in his, giving Will a supportive and reassuring squeeze. Will couldn’t help but smile and stare at their joining hands.

The Ranger intertwined their fingers, his heart beating beautifully in his chest, and he hoped that he and Horace could continue doing this. “I have to tell Halt.”

–

It wasn’t long until Halt came back home. Will was outside taking care of Tug and Kicker, since Horace could not go outside due to lack of warm clothing. For that reason, Horace offered to take care of their dishes, keeping the fire warm, and any thing else that needed tending inside (which wasn’t much since Halt and Will kept the cabin cleaned on a daily basis).

Meanwhile, Will’s heart was pounding as the sounds of Abelard’s hoofs coming closer and closer, meaning Halt was coming closer and closer. Will prepared himself for this moment, but no matter what, he was not ready. He had no idea what to say or how to approach his mentor at all. Should Horace be with him too? Or if Halt disapproves severely, would he storm after his best friend? No. No matter what, Will won’t let that happen. Even if he’d be going against Halt and basically his life.

This shook Will immensely. He couldn’t do that. He loved Halt. He loved being a Ranger and Horace a knight. But he also loved being with Horace and discovering these new, warm feelings for his best friend.

But come on! He has to be thinking silly, right? Halt would never do anything so harsh, right?

“Will?”

Said boy jumped, now coming to a realization that his breathing was quickening and his eyes were stinging with tears, threatening to pour out his worried thoughts.

Quickly though, Will walked around Kicker, hiding his face behind the bigger horse in order to wipe his eyes swiftly before greeting Halt with a (probably forceful-looking) smile. “Welcome back, Halt.” The apprentice greeted, giving the horse one last brush down. Halt studied Will’s face, then with a decisive sigh, he slid off of Abelard.

“I suppose we should talk.”

Will said nothing. He didn’t know what to say. But due to respect for his master, Will eventually replied with a slightly shaky “Okay.”

Did Halt already some how know that there is something going on between him and Horace? They’d only kissed once, and that was this morning! He himself didn’t know that he had strong feelings for the knight until that very moment. But, maybe though, Halt could sense it before even Will could, and that wouldn’t surprise the apprentice at all.

“It’s alright, Will.” Halt said, giving his apprentice a reassuring run of the fingers through his brown hair. “There’s nothing to be worried about.” Well, there goes a bit of weight from Will’s shoulders, though he still couldn’t say anything more. Not even make eye contact, but Halt understood. He always understands, Will knew.

“Give these to Horace,” Halt continued, handing Will a bundle of clothing he had promised to bring back. “We’ll talk in the cabin once I’m done with Abelard. Both you and Horace.”

Will gulped, but nodded all the same. Giving Kicker and Tug a last rub on the nose, Will hurried inside.

–

Fully dressed comfortably, a cup of coffee in hand, and Will by his side, Horace’s leg bounced anxiously, waiting for the inevitable that is to come. After a minute of that, Will took ahold of Horace’s hand, leaning his body against his.

“I-Is this okay?” Will asked nervously. Whether it was from the upcoming talk with Halt or validation with Horace, the knight didn’t know. But all that he knew was that yes, what he is doing right now is very acceptable.

Horace scooted himself closer in comfort. “Yes. Yeah. Always okay.”

They stayed that way, hearts pounding painfully... quiet settling the open room, until Will heard Halt’s light footsteps coming on the veranda and to the front door. Uncertain whether Halt actually was aware of their “relationship” they didn’t know, so they pushed away from each other, taking casual sips from their warm coffee mugs.

Looking at the two boys on the couch, a foot apart from each other and acting all innocent, Halt snorted in amusement. He said nothing though as he himself grabbed the cup of coffee they had kindly provided for him, after placing down two separate bags on the table.

“. . .”

“Halt! This silence is killing me!” Will blurted out after watching his mentor sipped away at his hot beverage contently.

“I’m quite enjoying it actually. It’s not everyday I get such a long, peaceful silence from my apprentice.” Halt said with an appeasing sigh, and for dramatic emphasis, the older Ranger kicked up his feet on the table.. Will groaned, eying the items inches from Halt’s feet, but even his curiosity wasn’t distracting him from his thoughts!

“. . .”

Just as soon as Halt took one more sip, thinking it was about time to stop torturing his apprentice and his knight, Will, impatient, surprised both him and Horace with a sudden exclamation.

“Horace and I kissed!”

Halt and Horace nearly choked on their drinks at the sudden confession.

“Will!” Horace shouted, red in the face.

“I’m sorry! I couldn’t stand it anymore! It was eating me up inside, and I- I couldn’t keep it in anymore!” Will then made desperate eye contact with Halt, “Please Halt, I can’t hide something like this from you… Are you angry?” Will asked, his voice nearly shaking at the thought of being torn away from everything. Horace, his relationship with Halt who was basically a father to him; and his Ranger life. He didn’t want any of that to be taken away.

Halt chuckled, shaking his head. His heart swelled with affection towards his apprentice. Is he really going to have this kind of talk with both Will and Horace?

“It’s okay, Will. I’m not angry.” Halt began, scratching his head awkwardly. “You boys are happy, and that’s all that matters to me.” The older Ranger paused for the two, giving them time to exhale a breath they must have been holding. He smiled as they gave each other a relieving smile.

Then he had to break their soaring spirits for some real talk unfortunately.

“But,” He continued, looking at them sternly, he could see their shoulders visibly sag in almost defeat, “I have to talk to you about how… dangerous your relationship is.”

“You mean, because we’re both men?” Horace questioned.

Nodding, Halt said, “That’s exactly the reason.”

“But,” Will paused, he needed to know why Halt was so accepting. Not that the older Ranger was a disapproving person, but this is still so weird to him. “Why are you okay with.. this?” Will gestured vaguely between himself and Horace.

“Will, all I want is for you to be safe and happy. And I know Horace,” Halt gave Horace a grateful glance, “is most suited for that. I’ve seen everything I needed to see last night and this morning.” Halt sighed, smiling slightly. “Plus,” he now looked away, his voice becoming a slight bit quieter. Perhaps a bit mumble-y too. “You can’t help who you develop feelings for.”

That sure peeked Will’s interest.

“You liked someone!?” Will exclaimed excitedly, hoping for a possible background story of some sort on Halt’s life.

But Halt shook his head. “Nope. It’s in the past. Not gonna say.” He immediately shut Will down. The boy grumbled, dropping the subject and leaned against Horace in immediate defeat.

“Before we get a move on to a new topic. There is one more thing I need to explain to you boys.” Making sure Halt got their attention first, he continued. “Safety.”

Horace’s cheeks shaded a bit redder with a gulp, while Will cocked his head. “Safety?” Will asked. Halt snorted, knowing what Horace was thinking. Yeah, no. He was not giving them that talk. He wouldn’t be sure if he could do that at all.

“Yes. I know you boys just started, but you cannot and should not show any signs of affection in public. There are far too many risks. And unfortunately, it’s dangerous not only to you two specifically, but to your ranks as well. A kings Ranger involving himself with a king’s Knight. I’m sure there are people who would accept it like your friends and Crowley, and even King Duncan himself, but keep it in the down low. Understand?”

They both nodded. Understanding one-hundred percent. Besides, they were still shy with each other, they had just started. They had no idea what they are yet, and the two still needed to converse. There was a lot of things to discuss, and honestly, Will was actually a bit excited to see where this will be going. Especially now that Halt, the only other person that matters most to him, approves of his and Horace’s relationship.

–

Will exhaled another deep breath he has been holding, flopping down on his bed in emotional exhaustion.

He could not believe all that has happened today, and it’s still early morning! He and Horace kissed. Will smiled, he still couldn’t believe that. He and Horace were probably in a relationship. Will rolled over on to his stomach, he could not believe that! And Halt accepted their relationship! Will let out an exasperated laugh. He just could not believe it all.

Although Halt had accepted their relationship, Will was quite nervous as to what he was talking to Horace about in private. What was being said that he couldn’t know about? He knew it shouldn’t make him nervous, but it was. Maybe it was a surprise? Halt had told him to get ready to go out for the day, and he wasn’t told where.

“Can I come out now?” Will shouted, knocking on his bedroom door.

No response was heard, but Will didn’t want to disobey Halt, so he continued to wallow in worry.

–

After a few more minutes of being left in his room, Will was finally allowed out, only to be kicked out of the cabin by Halt! He wanted to protest and ask so many questions regarding the word “Why”. What was Halt panning? But his attention was soon drawn to Horace who was sitting atop of Kicker.

“Are you leaving?” Will asked, sadden by the thought after everything that has happened, but the feeling was gone when Horace had chuckled.

“Yes, but you are coming with me.”

“I am? Where?”

“That’s a surprise.” Horace grinned while Kicker moved away from Tug for Will to climb on to.

“Right now?” Will asked, still not moving. This had Horace rolling his eyes, but with a laugh.

“Of course right now, I’m not sitting on my horse for show.”

“And Halt knows where you’re taking me?”

“Will, you are a Ranger, you’re supposed to be observant. What is with these questions?” Horace let out an exaggerated sigh, “How does Halt deal with you?”

The small ranger huffed at that. “Not nice.” He grumbled, finally giving in. “Do you know where we’re going, boy?” He asked Tug as he hopped on his already saddled horse.

‘I know more than you’ Will heard Tug say.

“Not fair.” The boy grumbled again.

- -

The rout Horace took them was one Will has not been on before. They were going up a mountain in a way Will has not done very often: by horse and on a man-made trail. As much as he loved the beauty nature makes on its own, Will couldn’t help but admire and marvel how tranquil the trail was beneath arches of leafless trees. Autumn much look beautiful, Will thought.

It took them nearly a half hour more to arrive in a secluded area. Trees were everywhere, and even if the trees were mostly bare, it was difficult to see an opening. The area was surrounded by not only the trees, but boulders, and a half circle made by the mountain itself. A pond sat at the foot of the giant hill, frozen and quiet it sat under an overhang, which kept it snow free.

The snow free area was exactly where Horace was heading, getting off Kicker.

“Will finally noticed his friend when he was tapped on the thigh, “I would say you’re going to catch flies like that, but luckily, they’re out of season.” Horace teased

“Excuse me for finding this beautiful!” Will pouted. Horace smiled, happy that he had found this area a little while ago, and now he was able to share this with Will during a special time.

Horace lifted his arms up, cheeks pink (whether it was from the cold or shyness, Will couldn’t tell) and coming closer to Will’s side.

“What are you doing?” Will asked. This question made Horace growl.

“I.. I want to help you off your horse.” He stated embarrassingly. Talking about doing something and just doing the thing felt completely different. Saying it out loud just makes things embarrassing.

“But I can get off myself, Horace… Are you okay?”

Not a second later, Tug took matters into his own hands (or hooves if we’re being technical,) knowing Horace’s intentions. The horse turned and tipped his body to the side, causing his rider to slide off and land into the knight’s arms.

“Thank you, Tug. At least one of you guys are not oblivious to romantic gestures.” Horace huffed, setting Will to the ground. The catch wasn’t how he planned, but Will was sometimes so dense to these things, there had to be improvisation. “Will,” Horace sighed, “I thought Halt told me you were into romance? How come it’s already tiring to… romance you?”

“I didn’t know what you were- Hey! That was a secret!” Will blushed. Fine! He likes books! And he likes romance books! Fight him!

“Well, if Halt hadn’t told me your little secret, which we should share more, now that we’re together, you wouldn’t be on this date.”

Will grumbled in defeat.

The date was as romantic as it could be with two stumbling boys who were new at this whole ‘dating’ thing. Will, as mentioned, has only read a few books which were mostly mystery in his defense! (but that didn’t stop him from being invested with the romance), had let himself be in his new partner’s care. He had already goofed up the first romantic thing Horace was trying for, so he didn’t want to ruin this date.

Horace had received advice from Halt on how to ‘woo’ his apprentice. The usual gestures and manners were a given, and Halt of course ended it with “Be yourself, he already loves you.” but, he had given him one thing:

Will loves cuddling. Will was a huggy person, and that was what Horace was doing now. Hugging Will from behind, the smaller boy was snuggled comfortably in his lap talking.

Finally, Will knew why he was stuffed in his room. Horace had told him as a last minute gift to him from Halt was to help the knight with this date and of course share the secret Will wanted to keep to himself.

“It was to keep Halt’s gift a secret… mostly” Horace ended, getting up to grab something partially hidden under a blanket of some sort. He revealed it to be Will’s mandola.

“My mandola?” Will questioned, seeing how that was not the gift.

He found it abandoned and unused during the ship ride home from Skandia. Erak had seen Will try to play it alone, and in a corner of the ship. That thing was a stolen item, and as an apology gift for kidnapping him and making his life a living Hell, the Skandian gave Will the instrument to him.

But because the Skandians had no interest in the instrument (or at least the ones on the ship), the mandola was left untuned. Halt couldn’t stand for that, and Will didn’t like it either, but plucking the strings felt… soothing. His mind would go completely blank aside from the noise and feel of the strings as they were being individually plucked.

“Here,” Horace placed it in his lap, then, seeing how Will was still giving him a questioning look, the knight pulled out a thin paper book. “This is from Halt.”

Will took a minute to scan the pages, realizing it was a book for learning how to play the mandola (which made him happy, because Halt always call it a lute). He saw a drawing of a note, and instantly tried to play it.

The instrument is tuned!

They spent hours there, Horace had Will comfortably in his arms while the Ranger continued to learn simple folk songs, memorizing notes and every now and then when he couldn’t get a piece right, he’d lean his back against Horace’s chest in temporary defeat.

Between breaks here and there, there may or may not have been kisses passed between. And as more time passes, the braver and more comfortable they became with each other, the more passionate each kiss became.

The temperature fluctuated every time, giving the two boys to want and need to become impossibly closer to each other.

They had been there all day, only getting up a few times to stretch and do some combat training, but other than that, things were simple, uneventful, repetitive. But neither of them were bored of such lazy things. The time they spent together, they were not bored with the other, but only desired for this moment to last forever.

Sunset was soon approaching, approximately three hours of daylight left, and it was both exciting yet saddening. This was their last day together until it was back to work. Will was grateful for the time he got with Horace, but he was now feeling sullen over the fact that he didn’t know when he will be able to see Horace again.

Horace would still be coming over for dinner, as they still had a ton of left overs thanks to the Baron, but even still, Will was dreading the departure of his best friend and now boyfriend.

As soon as they arrived home, arrows now protruding from the snowmen’s chest that made the boys laugh, Will ran up to Halt and immediately engulfed his mentor into a tight bear hug.

“You’re the best, Halt! Thank you!” Will said his voice was muffled due to his face being stuffed in Halt’s shirt.

Halt accepted the hug, his heart feeling the lovable mood his apprentice was radiating.

The amazing things the Baron’s ridiculous holiday idea did. Will’s happiness, Halt’s heart softening (he was sure Arold was going to love that), and a Ranger’s apprentice getting together with a King’s knight. Yeah, Baron Arold is going to be thrilled, and Halt was sure this holiday is going to be marked, saved and an annual thing.

#My Writing #Ranger's Apprentice #I've been so busy with work that I can't draw Horace or Crowley for the holidays

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dameahalin · 4 years

Text

The Blackguards of Deepwatch III

Sir Caenarfon Corwen and Dame Paynifier Ahalin strode through the stinking mud of the war camp. Settled into the hillside, the banners of several houses and the Silver Hand seem to cling together in a desperate and defiant hodge podge of lively color. In the rising ground to the southeast was Tyr’s Hand, and to the north in all directions an impossible enemy, death itself, a plague creeping ever closer. The tall, black knights marched surely towards the section of the camp hung with the matching black and orange banners of the household they represented. Their tabards and armors wore the dull grime and dirt of a patrol done.

As the dark pair made their way to the checkpoint at the perimeter of their section of the camp it was clear things were abustle with energy. Sir Caenarfon, with his own boundless energy, never abided idleness in others, but today’s chores looked to be done with a hurried purpose. Arms and armor being counted, repaired and sorted. Field rations, medical supplies, and camp tools packed. It all had the look of a force about to take its leave and march elsewhere. Caenarfon and Paynifier shared a look, eyebrows cocked questioningly to one another. Before they could even reach the checkpoint, the sentries were hailing them.

“Sir Corwen, Dame Ahalin!” The sentry called, saluting the knightly pair with energy, “A messenger came through not two glasses ago. Captain Lanshire wants to meet with you at the command tent, immediately.”

“Aye, did he say what news, Corlen?” Caenarfon’s blue eyes lit with curiosity as he queried the sentry.

“Nay, just has us preping to march, Sir.”

“Thank you, private,” was Caenarfon’s reply, an approving smile briefly flashed to the sentries before he and Paynifier wordlessly broke into a jog towards the large tent in the center of the camp, bedecked with black and orange banners depicting the setting sun over the water.

Ducking into the flap of the tent, Caenarfon and Paynifier were greeted by the grim face of Captain Guillaume Lanshire, and his squire Bastien Marchand. Captain Guillaume was a knight of some age, probably greater than Caenarfon’s own fifty years. His tan face a maze of scars and wrinkles, and squinted eyes of a hard to tell what color, which probably was hazel. The lined face was as a map of the history of war. Like Caenarfon he grew greyed sideburns and mutton chops, but his were cropped short and looked more like the properly kept hair of a warrior. His squire, Bastien, came from some household that was not fortunate enough to send their spare spare to be fostered elsewhere, no doubt.

“There’s our crusading paladins. We went looking for you two over an hour glass ago. Where in the Black Morass were you?” The greeting had familiarity with its sardonic bite. Sir Guillaume had been assigned to serve Caenarfon with the family’s troops years ago in the first conflict with the orcs in the far south. He never gave much explanation for how he’d ended up the right hand of the Baron’s most hated knight, but said he’d once taken Caenarfon’s side in an argument.

“Ho, Will, what is going on?” Caenarfon replied with his own question, his and Paynifier’s attention immediately focusing upon the young man sitting in one of the folding stools in the tent. Wrapped in a blanket, he seemed to be shaking, barely keeping a grip upon a mug of mulled wine in his hands. He was gaunt, skin with a dull grey cast, and his dull eyes bore a haunted expression.

“This messenger came through from Deepwatch. He told me much of the news. Scourge have been sighted near there.” Guillaume gestured to the young man, who set down his drink with his shaky hand, and slowly rose and offered Caenarfon an unsteady bow and sealed messenger tube.

“I’m so sorry, Milord. I came as fast as I could… I thought… I thought the others would have gotten here first.” The wavering voice of the messenger seemed on edge of breaking down.

Caenarfon accepted the scroll with a gentle expression, his out of control mustaches easily dissolving his face into that of a friendly mongrel dog instead of a dire knight. The message tube was sealed with the signet of Baron Vonthros of Deepwatch. A miserable, rocky chunk of land far off on the northwest coast of Tirisfal. He attempted to correct the youth’s address, “Sir. Just, Sir, lad. I’m a Knight of the Silver Hand.” The young man simply looked more confused and Caenarfon inquired, “Your name, lad?”

“Gilles Pierre, Milord, Sir,” was the messenger's shaky reply. He seemed to waver slightly standing before Caenarfon.

“Are you injured, Gilles?” Asked Caenarfon with concern, and pulling his hand from his gauntlet, he held it out before the youth’s clammy brow, “May I?” he asked. The young man looked at Caenarfon with wide, frightened eyes. Clearly not understanding the reason for the question, but being afraid to decline the dark knight’s request, he just nodded.

“Light’s strength and life be upon you, and heal you from your long journey,” intoned Caenarfon in a priest-like blessing. Light extended from his hand and at its touch the messenger's ashen color improved, and he stood steadier. The youth gaped, not expecting such a touch from one of the Baron’s Blackguards.

Caenarfon’s attention had already turned to the message he held, evidently confident in his healing of the lad. He made a vague wave of his hand to encourage Gilles to be seated again as he read. His bright blue eyes scanned the scroll alertly, and tall and lean Paynifier unabashedly attempted to read the letter over Caenarfon’s shoulder. While he read, he briskly inquired of the messenger, “You said there were other messengers sent from Deepwatch?”

“Aye, Milord.”

“Sir.”

“Um, aye, Milord Sir. One when the woodsman first said there was trouble. Then three of us all with copies of that you got after the tidesage got lost.”

“Seems the other messengers were to take the more direct northern routes,” Captain Guillaume remarked.

Caenarfon raised a bushy eyebrow to Gilles, who sat, looking more hale and healthy, but not any more comfortable for his situation. “Is this so, lad?” He queried for confirmation.

“Aye, I was told to go straight south, then follow the road to Southshore. Went up Chillwind pass, but folks said to avoid Andorhal. It looked real bad. So I went along the lake. Was no trouble, plenty of boats left behind. I just rowed across and got back on the road east of the river ‘till Corin’s Crossin’. That was bad, too.” Gilles’ eyes grew wider and he seemed to shrink and shiver more into his seat as he gazed at Caenarfon. “I came as fast east as I could, Milord, Sir. I really did… the others never came?” His voice wavered.

“I am sorry, lad, they did not make it. You did well to come all this way with this dire news. It was valiantly done. Go now, Squire Bastien will see that you get some warm food and a place to rest. I thank you for your service.” Caenarfon praised and dismissed Gilles with a kindly expression. The worried messenger rose, and bowed deeply, perhaps looking somewhat relieved the bad news he had carried so far was taken so well, though his eyes had the watery look of barely contained tears. The squire escorted the lad out.

Dame Paynifier looked after the messenger with pity, but as soon as he and the squire were gone from the tent, her expression turned to fury. She turned to the two elder knights and spoke with a voice that barely contained her exasperated fire, “What is the Scourge doing out there? There is nothing of value for them! For anyone in that waste of rocks and woods.”

“Indeed Sister, all action of late has seemed to point to the east here.” Caenarfon considered, a hand absently twisting his mustache.

“Nothing left out here, except trees, trolls and elves,” grumbled Guillaume.

“Don’t the elves claim that they cannot be turned by the Scourge? Something about magic and their connection to their soul?” Pondered Paynifier, a skeptical eyebrow raised.

“So they might like to think, hard to say, elves are so full of shit.” Guillaume answered with a roll of his eyes.

Caenarfon remained quiet in thought, as both Paynifier and Guillaume looked to him with interest. He then spoke, “Trees, trolls and elves; the east may be a more valuable prize with all its ancient civilizations, magics and artifacts than our humble fishing community.” He shook his head and continued on with his typical energy to his two comrades, “The point of why is moot for now, it does not matter why the Scourge is threatening Deepwatch, only that they are.” He offered the scroll with the letter to Guillaume, who read it with a terse expression.

“It is as the boy said, it was the woodsman who saw them in the forest near one of the cabins. Thought they may have gotten some drifters squatting out there.” Guillaume commented as he read.

“Zombies in a haunted wood sounds like the typical campfire nonsense the woodsfolk would come up with. Has anyone else confirmed these undead sightings? Folks could just be making up stories after hearing about Stratholme and the King.” Remarked Paynifier skeptically. After Guillaume was finished with his reading, he handed the message to her, so that she could read it properly.

“It also seems Brother Ovar, that tidesage our Lord Baron always took issue with may also have been claimed victim.” Noted Caenarfon as the scroll passed hands and the contents digested. “They got in another row about Ovar’s false weather predictions and My Lord Baron told him to ‘walk to Gilneas and take the next ship back to Stormsong.’ They sent the woodsmen to look for the tidesage after the ghouls in the woods were reported, but never found sign of him on the south road.”

“The messenger didn’t mention seeing anything of him, either.” Commented Guillaume, “Wouldn’t he have gone the same way? Regardless, as I’m sure you two have gathered, I have instructed the men to prepare to pack up and march.”

“Aye, Captain, thank you. We’ll leave as soon as…”

“Wait.” Dame Paynifier’s dark eyes narrowed and her voice was fierce, “You aren’t actually thinking of going?”

“You are not thinking of not, Sister?” Came Caenarfon’s quick reply, sounding honestly curious.

“It is hopeless, there is no way we could possibly reach Deepwatch in time, assuming the Scourge were plotting to take it when this was written. We’d have to march the men around the south way, that the messenger came, or we’d be heading our own army of ghouls before we got there.” Paynifier continued her argument to ask the two older knights, “If we did somehow make it in time to engage the Scourge, what possible good could a cohort of foot, two paladins, and a knight and his squire do against a full on Scourge attack?”

“Quite a bit of good, I’d say, if any company could make a decent dent, it would be ours. We’ve been practicing. The men can handle this.” Guillaume blustered in response with pride. He and Caenarfon had been schooling their footmen with the monster hunting tools and techniques from the islands. Bedecked with silver, wards, and explosive fire, they had proven some success against the endless tides of undead.

“All the more reason we can’t leave the Alliance and Silver Hand here. We have to stick together and hold this plague in the north. Splitting up willy nilly on our own ventures will only weaken the whole. Isn’t that right, Caen?” Paynifier looked to Caenarfon for some desperate confirmation, but instead saw only a placid frown on the mustachioed face. The dark dame’s argument then took on a bitter note, as she asserted, “Our Lord Baron sent us away. Let us stay where we are needed, instead of defending him from his follies and politics with the tidesages. Deepwatch is not unguarded. The rest of the Knights of the Blackguard are there.”

“The Alliance is dead, your precious holy knighthood is dead, our barony is all we have left, and you would leave it for dead!” Objected Guillaume with fury that outmatched the dark woman’s own. “Listen, you ungrateful bastard, some of us have families there we wish to defend.”

The stinging truth stabbed at Paynifier, and her dark glare bore into the older knight as she snapped back bitterly, “Fine, the we can all be dead in the edge of nowhere together, and let this plague continue to seep south.”

“Never struck me as a coward, Ahalin,” returned Guillaume with a sneer to his jab, apparently not done poking at the paladin.

Before anything more could be said, Caenarfon held up his hands, and broke in with a calm and firm voice, “Brother, Sister, please. There is no sense arguing, it is decided for us. Our Lord Baron Vonthros orders our return, so we shall, and so we must. Our Baron knows our company stands as the best defense against the undead he can hope for. I am sorry to leave, to abandon our comrades, work and research here, but we are now called to put theory and training to the test.”

Captain Guillaume looked smug, and Dame Paynifier fumed. In her quiet, her expression turned more pensive, though what murder was being considered behind her dark brown eyes was a mystery. Guillaume looked eager to depart from the tent as he turned to Caenarfon, “I’ll see that the preparations to break camp and march are fully underway, Sir.”

“Wait,” said Paynifier, more calmly than she had spoken before, “Caen, if we are going back to defend Deepwatch, you and I should take the north way and ride ahead.”

Caenarfon cocked his head at her with a bushy eyebrow rising, and questioned, “You think it wise now to split us from the main body, Sister?”

“No, but it is the only way anyone might possibly get there in time. Good our men may be, but distance and time guard the Scourge in this action. You and I on horse going the shortest distance and unburdened by the cohort and its train can reach Deepwatch in a fraction of the time.” Paynifier laid out her solution to the problem that plagued the entire would be defense of their barony. Sir Caenarfon stood quietly, considering Paynifier.

“That’s crazy. Two paladins ride straight through the heart of the plaguelands. Can you even?” The Captain looked from Caenarfon to Paynifier as he questioned them.

Paynifier took a deep breath, and regarded Sir Guillaume with barely concealed annoyance. It was thus far the blessing and curse the paladins of the Silver Hand had suffered. While other humans around them would fall ill to the incurable, impossible, plague of undeath, the paladins remained hale, in health, and unable to do anything to halt the horrible fate of the afflicted around them. It was hard to say, following their spat, if Guillaume’s question was an honest one, or another shot at her lack of virtue. She replied grimly to Guillaume, “I am a knight of the Silver Hand. I will endure.”

Caenarfon nodded with energy and approval, “We will indeed. We have been patrolling the plaguelands together since Stratholme.” The elder paladin chewed on his oversized mustache and then decided, “I don’t like it, splitting from the rest of the force and leaving you without paladin support, Will, but Sister Paynifier is right. The call for help may already be too late. She and I can join with the defense or if nothing else, scout the situation, and meet back up with you and the cohort.”

“Aye, I’d prefer you paladins with us, but you’ll both go faster through the north on horse than even our fastest march through the relative safety of the south. Provided no surprises.” Guillaume looked to Caenarfon and Paynifier with concern, “There are things out there bigger than two paladins.”

“We’ll be careful.” Remarked Paynifier, a bit of a cocky smirk made it through the grim expression she wore.

Caenarfon nodded, and then offered a warm expression and forged on in his priestly, enthusiastic manner, “Light grant us all a safe trip. Let’s pack it up. Sister Paynifier and I can leave ahead of you all at first light.”

“Hah, I’ll have us ready to go at dawn,'' boasted Captain Guillaume. “We’ll give you two a damned race.”

With that the group split with all haste to prepare.

#paladins #Scourge #knights #undead #plaguelands #Lordaeron

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kanamizakifanfiction · 7 years

Text

For Vodling

A Merry Holiday "Two days off!?" Will repeated excitedly, unsure whether he heard his mentor correctly. He did with a nod of confirmation from Halt. "Yes, two days off." Now Halt repeated, but more exasperated. "Baron Arold wants to announce a sort of new..." he paused, making circular gestures with his spoon, "Holiday." he concluded. Thrilled by this news, Will had forgotten all about his dinner, and filled with curiosity about this new "holiday" that was so big two give them two days off. "What is it? Is there going to be a festival? Are we going to do anything together? No, more importantly, are you-" "Whoa whoa whoa, Will," Halt interrupted, "one question at a time." Will smiled sheepishly. "Sorry. So, what is the holiday?" He asked first before he asked anything else. Halt groaned, remembering the joy-filled Baron excitedly sharing his new idea with his old friend. "Baron Arold planned for this to be a holiday of "Joy" and "Peace". Two days because he was torn between celebrating with the whole village and spending quality family time with his wife." The older Ranger paused, finishing his last bit of dinner, washing it down with warm coffee. He took a peak over the rim of his mug to see that his apprentice was waiting patiently for Halt to continue. He sighed, deciding to continue. "He also said, along with the joy part, that it was a time to "give". Bring joy to some one by giving them something." Halt explain more, almost looking disgusted. He had to admit, it was a brilliant and pure idea for a holiday, but wow was it so... gushy too. "Give?" Like a present?" Will asked. Halt shrugged, "A present, handmade or bought; dinner, your time, anything meaningful really." Will was smiling widely, thinking of all sorts of ideas he'd want to do. Probably just as excited as the Baron is. "What else?" He asked. The grey bearded Ranger hummed, thinking. "Well, I know he's going to go all out. Decorate the whole village in some disgustingly cheery way. Get everybody in the festive mood. Waste of time I say, but, I admire his charisma. The village is lucky to have a Baron as kind as Arold." "It sounds like fun!" Will said, finishing his dinner. It had gone slightly cold, but he didn't care. He was excited for this new holiday to be in action. Then he remembered his last question he never got out. "Are you going to celebrate, Halt?" Halt shrugged. "You have fun. I think I'll stay in the comfort of our cabin." Will frowned. Halt never celebrated any sort of holiday, nor did he really seem to have fun. Then, Will was stricken by an idea. He was going to some how give Halt joy. --- The announcement and news about the new upcoming holiday was spread around faster than anything Will had ever seen before. The villagers were more excited than what the Baron could have ever hoped for. And soon, the whole town was decorated in all sorts of banners, colourful hangings, candles that had been dyed with reds, greens and blues; festive-like decorations hung at the windows of every building and handmade orbs were hanging everywhere from trees to buildings. The town could not have looked more festive. Soon enough, the word of this new holiday would spread further and further to even Scandia! Will thought. Ever so sneakily, Will would make his own decorations during his breaks and free times in between training, and would hang them around his and Halt's cabin. Every time Halt would spot a new ornament hanging out side their door, from the edge of the roof or on the porch, he would let out a sigh, but was happy his Apprentice was having fun. The following morning, Halt walked out to be greeted by two snowmen, one on each side of the wooden porch steps. Will looked sidelong at him with a huge grin on his face when his master froze mid step. "Did you have to make them so happy!?" Halt complained, shaking his head. Will simply giggled, not bothering to answer. Little did Halt know, he planned on making a lot more, making one of them angry in honor of Halt. He debated putting a Ranger cloak on one of them, but that would probably be the last straw for his mentor. It was dawn now, the sunshine just peaking behind the mountains when the two rode off, doing some practice hunting and tracking. One part Will found difficult in this exercise was when Halt tested his ability in silent movement by sneaking behind an animal. Especially in the snow. Fortunately yet unfortunately, he didn't get the chance to test his ability today as they found a heavy set of tracks. "What are those there?" Halt tested, pointing to the set of tracks that looked vaguely familiar to Will. It's been a couple of years since he'd last seen them, but he remembered. "Boar." He answered with a small hint of uncertainty. Halt waited till he was one-hundred percent certain. Will took in more of the environment around them, seeing the side of a tree in splinters. "Boar." Will said more determinedly now. "Correct. Looks like this holiday is going to be a merry one indeed." Halt mused, urging Abelard in the direction the tracks were headed, then stopped, gesturing Will forward. "Lead the way." After an hour of tracking, which Will had done well, they found the home of the boar. And to Will's horror, there were at least three good-sized looking porks! He wondered if there were more to surprise them. "Let's give the good news to Baron Arold and Sir Rodney." Both Halt and Will had to restrain themselves from covering their ears as the Baron laughed gleefully. His volume showing his excitement. "That's wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Perfect for the holiday, Halt, perfect for the holidays! Gather the men and set out in an hour!" "That was fast." Will said after the Baron left the room to change into his armor. Halt snorted, walking out of the chamber and started towards the battle school. "This holiday is getting to his head." Soon enough, Halt and Will were at the battle school, giving the good news to Sir Rodney. A minute later, the school was filled with hearty cheers, loud enough for the Rangers to recoil and actually cover their ears. Because of how successful last time had been (well maybe to them but not for Will and Horace,) the same men, or at least those who were still there from a couple of years ago, will be going. Sir Rodney though, had to prepare more men for more protection. Which means Horace would be joining them. The young knight, up and practicing, was ready to go, aside from the javelin, and decided to visit with the apprentice Ranger. "Excited for the new holiday?" Will asked with a wide grin. He started hopping from foot to foot when he saw his best friend smile as wide as he was. Clearly excited as well. "Oh yes. It's all we talk about now. Sir Rodney allowed us to decorate the outside of our dorms. Quite nice actually." "And have you put up anything?" Will asked hoping Horace was just as thrilled as he was. Horace chuckled, almost embarrassed. "A bunch of us decorated old daggers and hung them on porches, along with the dummy practices. They're looking quite festive as well." Will laughed, wishing he could see the tough battle school decorated to fit with both the program and holiday. "What about you? Can't imagine Halt getting in the holiday spirit." "A little." Halt snorted, cutting Will's next sentence off. "A little? That's a big understatement. He has decorations hanging on every bit of crack and crevice he could find, all over the porch, and happy little snowmen greeting me every time I come and go!" Horace's eyes filled with tears, laughing as he was imagining a giddy Will surrounding his less enthusiastic mentor with festivities. During his day off, he had to visit the Rangers home. He was planning on visiting Will anyways to challenge him to a snowball fight. Will huffed, a little embarrassed that Halt made him feel childish, but as he glared at his mentor, he saw a hint of a grin. A wicked one yes, but still a sort of smile. "So have you guys done any more boar hunts since our last one together?" Will asked, changing the subject. Horace took a moment to gather himself before answering with a shake of his head. "No. This is why it's so exciting for us knights. It's something different, gets our blood pumping and most importantly, it gives us food." "I don't know if "exciting" is the word I'd use." Will said, remembered how he was almost killed by the deranged animal years back. "Don't worry, Will," Horace put a hand on his friend's shoulder, "I'll be ready this time." They both chuckled, now able to laugh about the before-terrifying event that had started their close relationship with one another. "We'll see about that. I'll be more prepared to save your life again." --- Because the memory of the last boar hunt was still in their heads, Horace, Halt, Baron Arold, Sir Rodney and Will were far prepared for the fourth and even fifth boar. And as Horace said, the young knight was prepared, spearing the boar perfectly through. Will could not have imagined so many men looking happier than they did at this moment. After a few minutes of celebration, the men were piling out, heading back to the (butcher) to prep the animals. The Baron had stayed last so he could chat with Halt, which was perfect for Will and Horace as Will wanted to ask his friend for advice. "I don't know what to do Horace." The two talked clear out of ear shot. "I really want to do something for Halt, but I have absolutely no idea!" Horace had an intake of air, biting his lip and shook his head. "Sorry pal, I can't help you with that. You know Halt better than I do." Will sighed, shoulders slumping. "I feel like I actually don't, now that I want to give him something." "Hmm," Horace hummed, racking his brain for ideas. "Well you can't give him you time, you guys already live together." Will nodded, "Who does the cooking?" Horace asked, thinking about making a special dinner for Halt, but Will sighed again with a shake of his head. "We both do. Sometimes he has me do it on my own. So making him dinner is a no." "Gifts. What does he even like? Coffee? Get him some special coffee?" Will shrugged, except thought about the suggestion. "There really isn't much a variety of coffee beans in Winsley. Plus, we have a big stock pile to last most of the winter." Horace patted his friend's shoulder after another minute of thinking. "Sorry, Will. I just haven't the faintest clue." Will sighed in defeat. "Me neither." "Hey," Horace's tone rose, "maybe the festival will have something." He tried to reason. "For Halt? I doubt that, but it's better than nothing if I can't think of anything." "We'll search together." Horace nudged Will, taking a step forward as he saw the last of the other knights leave. Will nodded, smiling. "Thank you. See you in two days then?" Horace smiled back, getting on Kicker, "See you in two days. And good luck!" As Will waved to his friend, he received a nudge from Tug, the little pony pointed his nose to where Halt and Baron Arold had stood, noticing it was now just the Baron. "Where's he gone?" Will asked, and Tug shifted his weight from hoof to hoof, horse language for a shrug. Don't know, but he left with out you Will groaned and got on Tug, nudging the horse to Baron Arold who was looking expectedly at the young apprentice. Will's mouth opened to ask for his mentor's whereabouts, but the Baron knew what was about to come. "He told me to tell you to go on home with out him." He said. Will opened his mouth again to ask exactly where he'd gone and why with out him, but again, the Baron answered the unspoken question, "He has some important business to attend to." The apprentice suppressed a whine. Not in front of the Baron he told himself. Instead, he gave the Baron a forced smile. "Thank you, sir." Will bowed his head and started leading Tug back home, towards (Winsley). "Anything troubling you, young Will?" Baron Arold asked, riding next to Will and Tug. Will glanced at him, wondering how he could tell such thing. But, he thought that because he sounded genuinely concern, the bigger man might be interested in hearing what he felt. "Well," Will started sheepishly, feeling a bit foolish for sharing his troubles with the Baron, "It's about the new holiday." The Baron looked shock, worried that Will had a complaint of some sort. "Do you not like my new holiday!?" Immediately, Will shook his head, waving his hands in defense. "N-No! I love the new holiday! Really! I-It's just- ah," he swallowed, thinking back to his problem at hand, "I don't know if Halt does." Will watched intently for a reaction, but was surprised to find the Baron smiling. "It's not his style, Will. He was the second person I told, right after my wife." He chuckled, thinking about his next words, "He had to think hard on the idea, probably trying to connect to the more... human side of himself." He glanced at Will, who didn't get his little joke. He cleared his throat, trying not to be offended and continued. "Finally, he said it was a brilliant idea! 'But I'm afraid I won't be celebrating' he said. It wasn't for him." At that, the Baron shook his head. He was bummed to hear that the Ranger didn't have interest in partaking this holiday, but he knew what Halt was like. The Baron gave a pity look to Will. This boy seemed almost the exact opposite of his mentor. He had hoped Will would lift Halt's spirits, and he was delighted to hear from Halt how much Will was celebrating his holiday, even while the older Ranger wasn't. "I wanted to celebrate it with him." The young apprentice confessed, his shoulder slumping. "I want to make him something, but..." he stopped, feeling like he shouldn't be talking about his problems like this to the Baron. But the man gestured to go on. "But... I don't know what... And I'm... afraid that if I do, he might not like it... and will throw it away or something." He said, the last bit more quietly. He thought that the last part wouldn't be true, but it was still in the back of his mind, feeling foolish as he'd mumbled it. However, his head snapped to the Baron when he heard the man laughing. "Did I say something funny?" Will's cheeks burned in embarrassment. Baron Arold waved him an apology. "No, no. Sorry m'boy." He cleared his throat and composed himself. "Halt cares about you, Will." He looked around, seeing if there was anyone that could possibly hear him, but they were so behind from every body else. No one could possibly listen to the secret he was about to share with Will. Still, he kept his voice low. He was smiling ear to ear now. "Halt loves watching you be happy, Will. He's far more content watching you be happy than celebrating a holiday. He has no interests in them. But watching you do is good enough for him. Less depressing and less lonely." Will stared at him the entire time, finding that Baron Arold was telling him the truth. He never knew. The young apprentice didn't say anything. Too shocked by this new information. "Don't tell him I told you though." The Baron shifted in his seat, dignitily, "He doesn't like other people knowing he's sentimental." Will smiled at that. The thought of Halt really caring for him seemed unbelievable yet he knew already he meant so much to his mentor. "I really want to do something for him! He's done so much for me, and I want to show my thanks some how!" The Baron hummed as he listened to what Will had told Horace before. Halt was a very difficult man indeed, and this was extremely important to the young Ranger. Arold held his chin between his fingers tapping his thumb. Then, an idea came to his head as he felt the cold steel of his ring touching his skin. "How about a ring?" Will sat up straight in his saddle, absolutely taken aback by the odd suggestion. "A ring?" He questioned. Maybe he misheard? "Yes! A specially made one!" "I.. can't see Halt wearing a ring. It doesn't seem very appropriate for a Ranger's attire. It might shine and make us visible." Then, the Baron beckoned his horse closer to Tug, showing off one of his rings. He saw that none of the rings he wore shone in the sunlight. Then he pointed to one of them and pressed the jewel. Will flinched when a tiny, hidden blade appeared. "Wow!" He awed, making the man smile gleefully. "How bout it? I'll have one of my men make the ring with your help in time for the holiday?" "Are you sure? I don't know if I have the money for a ring like that." Will said shamefully. Again, something he felt odd talking to the Baron about, but again, the man waved him off. "It's no problem, no problem at all. I'll be happy to have a hand in this special gift as well. I'll tell Halt that I require you in the morning so you could make it." Will smiled brightly, excited for the holiday once again and nodded. "Thank you so much, sir!" The Baron nodded, reflecting Will's contagious action. He reached into his saddle pack and pulled out a piece of parchment and charcoal. Will watched as the man scribbled a short letter and signed it. "Here," he handed the paper to Will, "take this to the (jewelry maker) during this time you have off." Will nodded enthusiastically and carefully placed the piece of parchment in his cloak pocket. "I will. Thank you again!" "My pleasure. Just spreading the holiday cheer!" -- Will didn't waste anytime heading to the castle. He and Baron Arold separated as soon as the man met with the boar hunt party at the front gates, waiting for their instructions. One boar will be going to the battle school, three will be for the village festival, and one will be distributed among him, his wife, master Chub and the Rangers as thanks. He quickly stopped next to Horace, grinning widely. "Did you think of something?" Horace asked expectedly and Will nodded enthusiastically. "Baron Arold actually!" He was next to Horace now, keeping his voice low, but high pitched in excitement, "A ring!" "A ring!?" Horace questioned, just as confused as he was which made the Ranger laugh. "That's what I said too. Except the Baron showed me his ring, the one with the big, blue jewel?" Horace nodded, knowing which ring that was. Then he lowered his voice, leaning closer to his friend, "well, that one has a hidden blade in it!" The knight's eyes widen in astonishment. "Really?" Will nodded enthusiastically. "It looked really nice, I just hope Halt thinks so too." Horace gave him a pitying smile. "I'm sure he will. It's both sentimental and useful. He'll definitely like it, Will." He exhaled a bit of anxiety that began to form. "Thanks. I... Yeah. I think he maybe will?" Horace chuckled and patted his shoulder. "He will. Show me the ring when it's done?" Will nodded, smiling. "Will do." And he continued his way into the castle. As young Ranger made his way to his destination, he bumped into his old friend Jenny. She smiled brightly at him, immediately engulfing the smaller boy in a hug. "Hello, Will!" She exclaimed happily. Will could tell that she had lost weight, and had just been working. She was splattered with all kinds of food related things, her hair slightly messy, and she looked exhausted but still filled with energy. And yet she still looked beautiful. He smiled back, "Hello Jenny! It's been so long!" She nodded. "Right it has! Been living life in the kitchen, but it's been brilliant. What've you been up to these days? Saving the fief again? Heard this time it was a country!" Will laughed, slightly embarrassed at the praise. "I'd rather be facing that than Halt's present, really." He joked back. Her eyes lit up. She has been filled with joy mirth since hearing about the new holiday. "A gift for the legendary Ranger Halt? What are you getting him?" That just made the final gift decision heavier, wondering if maybe this was possibly a bad idea for Halt and that the Ranger might not like it! He knew that Baron Arald suggested it and Horace said it was a great idea, but he still couldn't help but feel like it wasn't an appropriate gift. Not special or good enough. "Uh, the Baron suggested I make him a ring. One that holds a hidden blade inside." Jenny clapped her hands, "That's perfect! I'm sure he'll love it!" Will was sad that he couldn't feel as confident as her. "I hope so. I wish I had a back up gift to give him. A nice treat, but I don't know what he likes besides coffee and regular dinner." "Oh!" She exclaimed excitedly, startling Will in the process. Being a Ranger seemed to have effected his lack of noise. He never realized how loud other people were until he was not with only Halt. "How about Tiramisu!?" She suggested. "I'm sorry?" Will said. "Tiramisu. It means 'Cheer me up' or 'Pick me up'. It's a foreign dessert made with coffee, and I heard you Rangers love your coffee. It's perfect and it's simple to make, easily done and I can show you!" Will stood straight in surprise, shaking his head. First the Baron and now Jenny? He felt absolutely hopeless that two people are helping him so much. "No! I can't have you do that for me! I don't want to trouble you!" "It's no problem at all! It'll be fun even! Think of it as a Merry holiday present from me to you. And," she cut off Will, who was about opening his mouth to decline the help once more, "in return, you can, perhaps share how much you two like my master piece to that Ranger friend of yours." "Gilan?" Will questioned, wondering why she would want such a simple thing as a gift. "Why?" She blushed, smiling widely as she looked away for a second. "Spread the word." Will grinned at that. "Spread the word to just Gilan? Wait, when did you meet Gilan?" Jenny gave a half hearted shrug. "He kept watch over Redmont while you and Halt were in Skandia." She said tentatively, knowing that Will was taken by force along with the Princess Cassandra. She had no idea what had happened to them, but Skandians were ruthless. Whatever happened, the time Halt spent here without his apprentice was awful. She feared she'd never see her childhood friend anymore. A few weeks after Halt was gone, she'd some how mistaken Gilan for Will, nearly crashing into him for a hug. He told her what he knew about Will and Halt, and how Horace had gone with as well. The two exchanged words of comfort, him more so to her and since then, she grew a liking to he tall Ranger. "I see." Will continued to grin. "Alright then, if that's what you want, I'll be thrilled to tell him." "Great! Meet me tomorrow morning? After you make Halt's ring!?" She squeaked excitedly. Will nodded, meeting her enthusiasm. "Thank you, Jenny! I owe you so much more!" -- "The Baron asks for your services? What for?" Halt asked in bewilderment during dinner. Will swallowed nervously. Maybe he should have thought of a reason before telling Halt about his "summons" to the Baron because now, he'd found out that the Baron was unable to find Halt. Will stalled just for a few more seconds, stirring his food around to get a nice size bite. "He... wanted to... test my knowledge. See how much work you've done on me." He resisted the urge to cringe at his own awful excuse. Then added "I think." For good measures. Halt stared at him skeptically, trying to break through Will's lie, that is if he was lying. "Funny," Halt said, "he never told me such thing," Halt pondered, 'racking his brain' in search of a memory that did not exist. "Well," Will took a discrete deep breath, making sure not to stutter. "We talked this morning on how I was doing. After the whole Skandia... event, and he wanted to know what happened exactly. What we did and how much of what you taught me was at hand." Halt nodded, still not believing, but Will wasn't one to lie to him... he'll just interrogate Baron Arold later then. Those two must be planning something for the holiday, Halt guessed. And Halt will have to give a talk to the Baron for making his apprentice lie to his mentor. The older Ranger shrugged, "Alright then, for how long? Don't forget, you still have training to do. Especially with these next two days off." "I don't know when, but I'll make sure to be back before noon." He paused, and then added, "I'll tell the Baron, I'm sure he'll understand." Halt nodded, "I'm sure he will." -- Will woke early morning, the sun still low behind the mountains and the winter air bit into his skin painfully. He huddled closer to Tug and rode to the Castle. Being a Ranger, Will was allowed to walk around the castle as he pleased. He'd never been to the castle this early in the morning, and was surprised to see how many people were awake. Luckily, one of the early risers was of the man he had to meet. The man looked up from his desk as Will entered the room after knocking. "Ah, Ranger Will, do come in, come in." The man said, gesturing to him. "I'm just finishing up the last bit of design, what do you think?" Will stood behind him, looking over his shoulder at the amazing, detailed drawing. "Looks fantastic!" He said. The man chuckled at his enthusiasm. "Let's add a special design, shall we?" "A design?" Will asked. The man nodded, lifting up his hand to show Will a ring. The ring was engraved with what looked to be mountains with snow caps. "Are you sure?" Will asked, and the man nodded an answer. "I'm going to show you how, and you'll be the one to make it." Will swallowed and nodded, thinking the perfect design. -- The ring making took most the morning and almost to the afternoon. He was sweating as he rushed to the kitchens where Jenny worked. He arrived while she was finishing off some decoration with a cake. The kitchen counters were covered with all sorts of festive dinners and deserts. Master Chub was ordering his apprentice's and staff around until he spotted the cloaked figure in the door. "Ranger Will. Happy Holiday." He greeted gruffly. "Your not here to steal any of my desserts are you?" Will brought up his hand in defense "N-no sir!" He panicked, still slightly scared of the big man and his ladle. But then Master Chub started laughing. "I'm joking, Will, I'm joking! Jenny's told me everything." Will let out a sigh of relief, smiling gratefully. "She's just finishing up with a cake for the festival, and I say, a tiramisu for Halt," he nodded, closing his eyes in savory sort of way, "brilliant. He'll love it." "I hope so! It was Jenny's idea." Master Chub chuckled, nodding. "Yes, yes. She's a good'n. Filled with brilliant ideas, she is." "She is," Will agreed. "Thank you for letting me borrow her for one of Halt's presents." "One of them? What is the other? What is the famous Ranger Will giving to the even more famous Ranger Halt?" At that moment, Will wanted to stress eat. He did have to admit that the ring he'd made turned out really well... But will Halt like it? Will he think it ridiculous? He thought it was a brilliant idea, but now, the Apprentice feels awfully foolish. But he showed the Chef Master anyways, pushing out the little blade, then pushing it back in so he could observe the designs. "Oh, that's a gorgeous little thing, that is. He'll love it I'm sure. Brilliant and useful thing." Will could only nod. He wish he could feel the same way. "Is that the ring, Will?" Jenny exclaimed, taking the piece of jewelry from her mentor, observing the well etched patterns engraved smoothly into it. "It's beautiful!" "Thanks." Will smiled. Jenny's opinion seemed to relax him more than Master Chub's. "Shall we get started? I don't want to keep taking your valuable time." Jenny nodded, giving Will back the ring. "Right this way!" -- Little by little, Will followed each and every step carefully, surprise that he was capable of making a treat and was far more simple than he thought. It was also a surprise that it contained alcohol. He'd seen Halt use very little in cooking, but other than that, Rangers don't consume alcohol much, so Jenny went easy on that ingredient. Another thing that he found out was that tiramisu required no baking (besides the biscuit part, but Jenny already had that taken care of), but quite the opposite in fact. "This is perfect you see," Jenny explained as she placed and sealed a metal lid over the dessert, "you have to chill it for a day. At least five hours, no more than two days. So, if you're going to give this to Halt on the Merry Holiday, then bury it deep in the snow, that way, it could chill and also not be found by animals. And it should be done by the time you want to present him with your gift!" Will was grinning widely, proud of his achievements. Jenny had told him he'd done well, which was huge. "Thank you so much, Jenny! I owe you so much!" She winked at him, "Just remember to tell Gilan." Will laughed and nodded. "I will." They said their goodbyes for now, seeing each other the following day for the festival and Will left the kitchens, arms holding onto the dish protectively. On his way to the exit, he luckily ran into Baron Arold. "Ah, young Will," The bigger man grinned, "Did you meet with the jeweler?" He asked. Nodding, Will carefully pulled out the specially made ring, nervous. The Baron tentatively took it in his fingers, observing the special design and tiny hidden blade. His smile widen. "Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, Will. You did a magnificent job." He gave it back. "You think Halt will really like it?" Will asked fearfully. He was still having doubts in the back of his mind even though four people had already said otherwise. He had a feeling that a fifth person wouldn't make a difference. Baron Arold nodded, smiling widely. "I really think he will. Oh, and speaking of Halt, uh," before he could continue, Will's expression dropped, his face visibly losing color. It was after noon, and Will just knew that his master and the Baron had seen each other just moments ago. "He asked me about our uh, session?" Will nodded reluctantly, "Well, I don't think he believed me, pretty sure, but I told him you did well. He asked several questions, driving me crazy, you Rangers." The Baron sighed, "I'm sorry Will, I did my best, but," he continued quickly before the young boy could start panicking, "I told him you and I were planning a holiday surprise. He wasn't happy, especially getting you out of Ranger practice, but it's the truth. So..." he placed a hand on Will's shoulder, "good luck." Will sighed deeply. The treat suddenly feeling very heavy. "Thank you, sir. Did he go home yet?" Baron Arold shook his head. "Got some paper work, but he should be done soon, I believe." Will nodded, and his foot shifted towards the exit, wanting to hide Halt's gift before he could get home. Will tried to give Baron Arold a smile, not fully reaching his eyes. "Thank you again, sir." "By the way, before you go," The Baron added, gesturing at the tin, "what's in that?" Will looked down at it as if he needed to make sure what he was talking about, "it's a coffee flavored dessert for Halt, called Tiramisu." Instead of a grin, he gave Will a weary but fond smile. That didn't boost his confidence so much. "He'll love that. But, let's hope you make it through today." He joked. But of course the apprentice Ranger couldn't take it as a joke at all. -- As quickly and carefully as he could, Will rode back to his and Halt's cabin, concealing the metal container discretely, but not suspiciously by his cloak. And as soon as he and Tug arrived, seeing that Abelard and Halt were not back, Will ran behind the little cottage and started digging. After a few minutes, he placed the tiramisu inside the hole and proceeded to cover it with snow. And for further precaution, he added more snow. "Will you keep watch over this for me?" Will asked Tug, who was watching him curiously. The horse snorted. What do you want me to do with a pile of snow? Will scowled. "It's not the snow, it's what's buried in it! Just, don't let anybody or anything get to it, please. Especially Halt. Don't let him get near!" The little horse seemed to roll his eyes. Alright. I'll guard it with my life. "Thanks." He got up, dusted off the snow that had seeped into his trousers and unslung his bow from Tug's saddle. "I better start practicing before Halt comes back. Who knows what he'll do to me for ditching practice for a silly holiday." He moaned, not really feeling the holiday spirit anymore. Tug bumped his head on Will's arm, Buck up, Will. It can't be anythin too bad. The rider scoffed, "Easy for you to say. You're just a horse!" Said horse shook his mane. A very well disciplined one. Maybe Halt would punish me too. No apples for a week. He hardly gives me any at all! Will decided to ignore him now, focusing on the targets hidden far into the trees and started his shooting practice. It wasn't long until Halt got home, hearing Tug whinny a greeting to the two. Will finished the last of his arrows before nervously greeting Halt. "Hello, Halt." He smiled, walking sheepishly to his mentor. As usual though, he was stoned face with a grim demeanor. So as usual, Will couldn't tell what mood Halt was feeling. But his tone was normal he noticed. "Afternoon, Will." He said as he loosened Abelard's saddle. He looked up at the sun for a moment. Will waited fearfully, it was almost two hours past noon, past the time Will had promised to be back. But to Will's surprise, but not necessarily relief, Halt decided to take off Abelard's saddle. Seemingly coming to a conclusion of some sort. But he still said nothing. "What are we doing today?" The apprentice asked nervously. Halt glanced at him for a second before going back to caring for his horse. "Hmm, lets give you some practice documents. Like the ones I've been doin'." "Alright." Will nodded and went to retrieve his arrows, but then stopped when he saw Halt looking towards where he'd hidden his present. For a moment, Will thought that some how, Halt had spotted Will's gift for him. Turns out that it was just Tug he was looking at. "What on earth is your horse doing?" Halt asked in bewilderment. Will stared at his horse with utter disbelief. He had never seen someone look more suspicious in his life. Tug was purposefully glancing at Halt for half a second every now and then, then turning the other away as if he was trying to look innocent. He kicked the snow, spun around once or twice, and nodded an over-the-top happy greeting to Halt. "Giving me a hard time." Answered Will. -- They had lunch and then started on the documents. In truth, they were official documents and statements, but Halt still used them as lessons. It was a good idea really, since they were happening right now and were real. Plus, it helped Halt finish his work much faster in the company of his apprentice. That, and Will was capable enough to do some of the work for him. They had a fire going, coffee made and Will was more than happy to focus on these paper work. Both to which Halt was glad for but suspicious. Like most Rangers, Will liked being outdoors. He disliked paper work and his geography lessons were suffocation to him but today of all days, he was giving it his all. After they had thankfully finished everything, it was time for dinner. Halt packed away their work while Will cooked. Halt noticed that every few minutes, his Apprentice's hands would touch his jerkin pocket. He decided not to question it. During dinner, Halt decided to ask "Looking forward ta tomorrow?" Realizing that his apprentice was feeling a bit off today. Yesterday, he would have went off excitedly about his plans with his old ward mates, but now, he's been quiet. Will nodded, staring at his meal, then he remembered suddenly to respect his master and look at him while he spoke, giving him a weak smile, "Yeah. Might be fun." He said. Halt raised an eyebrow at that. "Might? Are you feeling alright?" "What do you mean?" He asked. "I mean, yesterday you were throwin' a party for this new holiday, and now you're saying 'it might be fun' ." Will shamefully pulled his gaze away, staring at his meal. He opened mouth to respond but he was at a lost for words. This worried Halt. "Will," he said tentatively, making his apprentice look up at him. "Is anything wrong?" Will looked back down at his dinner, getting ready to reply that yeah... something is wrong, but... he didn't really know what now that he thought about it. Halt wasn't going to find out his gift buried in the snow, so no worries there. He was more anxious about Halt's opinion. That's what he was worried about. He took a glance at Halt, seeing the concern expression on his mentor's face. Then he thought to himself: this is absolutely silly! This was important to Will which probably meant it was important to Halt. And Halt would definitely appreciate his gifts. Every one was right, he'll like them. He shouldn't be so glum. His heart thumped happily when he recalled Baron Arold's words. "Halt loves watching you be happy, Will. He's far more content watching you be happy than celebrating a holiday... But watching you do is good enough for him." Will, finally saw the light. Saw reason, and smiled. "Something was wrong," He began, grinning happily now, "but I think it'll be alright. I was worried about something, but, I don't think I should have. It means so much to me, that I want it to be perfect." Halt furrowed his brows, trying to understand what his apprentice was saying when there wasn't any context he could find. "Is it about the Holiday?" He asked. Will nodded. "But you can't tell me anything?" His Apprentice thought for a moment before nodding again uncertainly. "Well, if there is... some thing troubling you or you need help," Halt tapped his spoon against his bowl, feeling a bit awkward, "You can come to me." And he left it at that, going back to his dinner. Will smiled and nodded, feeling so much better. "Thanks, Halt." The man grunted and finished the last of his food. He got up, leaving the dishes on the table "Now, I have a very important affair to deal with, I'll leave you alone with the dishes." Then, he made way to his room, Will presumed the 'important affair' was sleep. -- In the morning, Will and Halt cooked up breakfast, then went out side to check their horses. For a moment, Will had a mini heart attack when Tug wasn't in the stables. Then he heard a light whiney from a little farther off. "Tug!" Will went to meet him, Halt looking curiously at the two. "When I had said to guard it with your life, I didn't mean to take it seriously." The young apprentice hissed in an exasperated tone, low enough so that Halt wouldn't hear. 'You gave me an order and I followed. Doesn't that deserve some kind of reward?' Will growled. He hated the fact that Tug was doing what he was technically told, but the horse should have known that he was only being half sarcastic. "Fine, I'll give you some treats. For now, let's get you brushed up and fed." Tug nodded his head in large motions. 'I like the sound of that' Will grunted grumpily, again letting his horse have the last word and met with Halt to stand next to him. His mentor looked sidelong at him curiously. "So," he began filled with sneaking suspicion, "why was your horse standing on that pile of snow?" Will swallowed, chuckling nervously as he brushed down Tug. "Because I told him to." "Now why would you do a silly thing like that?" Will thought about what his answer should be, and he had to have the truth in there. If he didn't, Halt might actually find out for himself while his apprentice was out at the festival. He wasn't really sure the older Ranger would do that, but Will had to think of the possibility that he would. "It's.. part of the surprise," he glanced at his master, giving him a sheepish smile, "so, don't look at it. You can't see it until tonight!" Halt's eyebrows shot up in shock surprise. His apprentice was hiding something that was, what he could only guess, for him? In the snow? "All... right then." Halt said with uncertainty. "When will you and your friends be meeting?" He asked, changing the subject. Will was glad for the subject change and answered "At nine. The festival won't be set until ten, so we'll be catching up before then." Halt grunted in response as Will talked about the games he'd hoped to play and how he wanted to start a snowball fight with Horace, though as childish as he felt telling Halt, the older Ranger seemed content listening to his apprentice talk. "What about you, Halt? What will you do today?" Will looked at him curiously and with a touch of concern. His mentor shrugged. He needed to look over the statements he'd received from Crowley from the mail-boy this morning, but he didn't feel like he should tell Will that he'll be doing work of some kind during this holiday. Knowing him, he'd either feel guilty or press Halt to take the day off. The statements weren't a big deal, but it was still work. It's not like the other Rangers knew about the holiday. For the moment, this was a Wensley thing. "I'm going to relax with a nice cup of coffee and a good book." "That sounds rubbish!" Will said before he could stop himself, 'Oh that was nice of you to say' Tug had said, receiving a slap on the side from Will, which let him know that he both heard him and disapprove of his statement. Very unnecessary Will thought. And as Halt was turning slowly to look at him, Will added on, "For a holiday! I mean.." 'Nice save.' Will gave his horse another hard pat. Still, Halt stared at him incredulously, waiting until his Apprentice had coward just enough before speaking, "I don't know if you've noticed, Will," he went back to brushing Abelard while constantly making glaring eye contact, "but I'm not what you might call, a social butterfly. That's more your turf" Will hummed in response. "Alright then." He wish he could continue, but he didn't know what else to say. Will wanted to make this a holiday something meaningful for his mentor, besides giving him his gifts. But what? Is there anything else he could do? Halt watched Will, noticing the young Ranger has been brushing the same spot on Tug's side way longer than necessary, seemingly lost in thought. He was finished with Abelard, and the two made eye contact when his horse noticed his gaze. I dare you to throw snow at him. The eyes seem to say, taking a short glance at the snow and back into Halt's eyes. The grey bearded Ranger shot another glance at his apprentice then back, pursing his lips. Silently, Halt scooped up a large amount of snow in his hand and balled it nicely. He and Abelard made contact, then with a twitch of his head, the horse seemed to have signal Halt to do it. And he did. Hitting his Apprentice right in the face. The two horses whinnied a laugh as they saw Will stumble backwards in utter surprise from both being hit, and feeling the cold suddenly strike his face. Wide-eyed and absolutely appalled, Will looked up to see the only person who could have done such a thing. And yet, he couldn't believe it. "Did you just throw a snowball at me!?" His voice cracked with its pitch higher than usual. His master shrugged. "No, it was Abelard." He answered sarcastically. The horse shot him an accusing look, but Halt just raised a challenging eyebrow in response. Will stood there, still registering what his mentor just did. Then he started grinning, quickly scooping up snow in each hand. He didn't even try to ball them up as Halt began to move more behind Abelard. He tossed the snow immediately, and sent it raining on both Abelard and Halt. The older Ranger snorted, brushing off the snow that had gotten on his cowel. He couldn't believe what he was about to get into. He began to scoop more snow into his hands, balling three before Will came around their horses with two in his hands. Halt dodged the first one, and sent one flying as well. Fast in their reflexes, they both dodged. Halt now moved away from Abelard, which the horse appreciated, and threw his third snowball. It was light enough to explode before it even got to Will, making it shower at his Apprentice. Will laughed, and tried to make a similar ball, successfully returning the favor. Much to Will's absolute delight, this war continued for a half hour! He and Halt had a snowball fight for half an hour! It was a surprisingly hard thing to do; hit each other with a firm snowball, as they both had quick reflexes. But that's what made them more determine to keep going until they were able to get a hit. It was all about surprises. Will had splashed a big dust of snow just enough to blind his mentor for half a second, enough for him to hit his chest. Halt had gotten him with a shameful move- tossing up one snowball in the air, heading above and towards Will's direction, and his apprentice had actually eyed it long enough for him to chuck his second snowball at his chest. Will couldn't believe he fell for that. But he still laughed. During their last five minutes or so, they decided to stop trying so hard to dodge, and more just throw; the snow slowly seeping more and more into the clothing. They were about to head inside for a change of dry warm clothes when Will had stopped Halt just before the veranda, tugging him back by his arm. "Build a snowman with me!" He exclaimed with jubilant smile. Halt paused for a moment, considering, but he couldn't say no to Will, especially not with that yearning look in his eyes. "Alright." And that simple agreement, Halt definitely noticed, had Will exploding with delight as much has he tried to hide it. The boy jumped in the snow, landing on his knees and immediately began forming the ball of snow that would be the base of the body. Halt joined him on the opposite side, kneeling down with ease. And quietly, they patted more and more snow on the once little ball, and once it was big enough, Will started the roll. Halt watched as his Apprentice roll and roll the form into the largest ball he'd ever seen. "How big are you making this snowman!?" Halt questioned when Will was finally having trouble with the weight. "As big... as I can... get it!" Will grunted in between pushes. Halt sighed, shaking his head. You said you were going to help him Abelard reminded him. Halt knew that, but he did not sign up for this. Still, he sighed, and joined Will in pushing the massive ball until it came up to Halt's chest. "I think that's big enough." Halt said, once that had circled back to the front, stopping at the corner of their cabin. "Anymore and we won't have any more snow for the rest of the body." Grinning, the young Ranger started on the second part. This one was of course much smaller than the last, but was still quite big. A few minutes later, the two Rangers hauled it together on top of the base. The two snow boulders stacked up together added up to just barely taller than Halt. Though Halt wasn't the tallest man, just shorter than average, but as for snowmen goes, it's extremely big. Will stood, looking a bit up at where the last piece would be placed. His pockets were filled with decorating objects he'd found along the way and he was wondering whether he should form the face now or after. "C'mon," called Halt. He kneeled to one knee in the snow, using his other foot for balance, "I'll boost ya up so you can reach the head." Will smiled broadly. He and Halt were close, but never have they really spend such a moment like this before. Having a snowball war, building a massive snow man and now Halt lifting him up on his shoulders just so he could finish it. It all made his heart fill up with warm fondness towards his mentor. Luckily for the both of them, they had great balance while Halt stood erect with Will balanced on his shoulders. The older Ranger then handed Will the final piece of the body, watching his apprentice now as he placed it on top. Will then dug in his pockets for two nice sized rocks for the eyes. Then one for the nose, then a bunch more for a slight frown. Will laughed, looking down at Halt to see if his mentor was still watching. The Ranger wore an almost similar expression with also the inclusion of a raised brow. He sniggered and added his final addition, placing one curved twig over one eye and a straighter one close to the other. Nearly matching Halt's signature expression. Will looked down again and met with Halt's unamused eyes. "Ha ha, very hilarious." Halt said in a tone that expressed no hint that he found it hilarious. Will giggled, adding a sharp oval shaped rock on the chest of the snow man. "Is that supposed to be my Oak Leaf?" He questioned, almost sounding offended. Will could only nod. His chest was filled with all sorts of happy emotions and laughter. He heard his mentor sigh, along with a shake of his head. Still, his lips were forming a half smile. Then, Will felt himself falling. He yelped as he was tipped back and was relieved to find a thick layer of snow underneath him to break his fall. He let out a sigh of relief and laughter at the same time. He didn't question Halt for dropping him like that. He was pretty certain as to why Halt had done so and was also sure that his apprentice would come out unscathed from the fall. Will relaxed where he laid until... Wait... What was that? Will sat up quickly with a sudden realization as to where it came from and gasp in delight, smiling bigger than ever before. And he had been smiling hugely all day. Halt... was laughing! It was more of a bunch of small chuckles, but it was still a form of laughter! "Alright, let's go inside now. I'm freezing and you must be soaking by now. Can't have you getting sick." Will nodded, taking Halt's hand that had been offered to him. -- ☃️ After they had gotten dressed in dry clothes, the two had a cup or two of hot coffee that warmed their insides pleasantly all the while enjoying a bit more of each other's company until Will left to meet his old ward mates. His excitement seem to radiate off his body as he and Tug trotted down towards their meeting place, a little ways from the main festivals where people were still setting up. And from a distance, he saw Horace standing under their gathering tree, just finishing a snowman. "Stay here, boy." Will ordered Tug, grinning widely, "I'm going to sneak up on him so stay quiet." 'Drop a heap of that snow on him' Tug nodded, his eyes and nose seemingly pointing to the tree. His rider smiled even wider. "Good idea." And as quietly as he could in the snow, Will threaded carefully towards his best friend. Using and remembering all that he was taught, and the Ranger Apprentice felt as if he was being tested in his capabilities to do so now in the snow. Will had to keep himself from quickening his breathing or moving abruptly due to his excitement when he, so far, was just barely even a meter away from his friend! Especially when his mighty warrior friend was humming a song! He'd never heard Horace hum so contently before! This day is just full of new and fun things! This was definitely the perfect opportunity to climb the tree, making the littlest noise. He didn't need to get high. Just high enough for him to reach the first branch that held the heap of snow that hung right above Horace. Upon looking down, Will saw the perfect angle. The branch was just to the left of him, meaning all he had to do was sweep the snow off the branch and on his friend. And so he did. Horace gasped upon feeling the sudden chills of snow enter his jacket. "Wha- W-Will!" The knight looked up in the tree, "You- You blasted Ranger!" Yelled Horace. Though he was cursing Will's name, the knight still grinned. It felt almost like old times as Will sat high enough in the tree where Horace couldn't reach. But the young knight settled that problem with the head of his snowman, throwing it with great strength right at Will, knocking the Ranger out of the tree. Once again, Will was relieved to land in a thick blanket of snow. The two boys laughed. Well that settled that. They were both even, so Horace laid himself down besides Will. "So," he began after catching his breath, "Did you make the ring?" The apprentice boys sat up when Will dug through his tunic pocket, taking out the ring he had made for Halt and handed it to his friend. "Whoa! Did you do these designs?" Horace asked. "Not this one," Will pointed to the finest marking on the ring, "but the rest, yeah. Does it look alright, you think?" He asked, feeling the familiar ball of anxiety creep into his stomach once more. "It looks amazing, Will. Halt's going to be impressed for sure." Curious, Horace slid the ring on his fingers, trying to find one the fit. After settling it, he twisted it around until he gave up. "Before I accidentally cut off my finger, where's the blade? How do you get it out?" Will scooted closer and held Horace's hand in his, holding out the finger with the ring. He twisted it until he saw one of the smaller markings that looked just slightly different from the rest. Making sure that mark was on the inside part of Horace's hand, he moved the knight's thumb against it and let him press down, releasing the tiny blade with a jump. "This is really cool, Will. I'm positive Halt will love something like this." Horace said, making Will smile. He sighed in relief. "I sure hope so. If not, I have a back up gift. Some coffee cake. What Ranger wouldn't like that!?" Horace snorted. "When in doubt, bring out the coffee." The young knight grinned at his proud saying, "The Ranger motto!" Will laughed. He had to admit, that was actually pretty brilliant. He took the ring back, placing it safely into his pocket and fished another item out. "I uh, I got something for you as well." Will's cheeks started feeling warm. It was already cold outside, so the embarrassed blush was hopefully unnoticeable. Taken aback, Horace straighten up, eyes wide. "Really? For me?" Will nodded, before saying, "Close your eyes." Horace obeyed, holding his breath for a moment. After a second, the knight grew suspicion that this was just a joke. A prank and he was suddenly weary of any movement that involved the sounds of snow being scooped. But instead, Will was standing on his knees, getting closer until he could lower something over and passed his head, resting the item on his chest. "You can open now." Will's voice was soft. It was filled with both anxiety and excitement at the same time. His eyes immediately darted to where a charm laid resting on his chest. He picked it up, giving it a good look before breaking into a huge smile, then a fond laugh. "Will," he sighed, completely heart struck, "This is... I..." he laughed breathlessly again, "I love it." The young Ranger sighed in relief. "I'm glad." Seeing Horace smile over the necklace he'd given him made his heart soar. He hoped Halt's reaction would give him a similar feeling. "I didn't make it, but when I saw it, I just had to get it." Horace gave him a warm smile, "It reminded you of us, didn't it? How our friendship started?" Will nodded, staring again at the boar charm necklace Horace still held up to view. ---- It wasn't long until the others showed up. Reliable Jenny once again heartily served her companions an amazing lunch, and when Will showed her the ring once again, she squealed in delight, throwing all kinds of praise as if she was seeing it for the first time. George had recited a poem about it, and Alyss, thank Gorlog for her, had only said: "He'll cherish it." And finally, he believed it. After what happened this morning, he couldn't imagine Halt tossing it aside saying how ridiculous it was. Will couldn't wait to get back home now. The day flew by with all sorts of activities and games. There were booths selling all sorts of items and foods, including the boar meat, which Will and Horace were delighted to see. Of course none of them ate the festival's food when they were filled with Jenny's five star meals. Though of course Horace couldn't help himself with some sort of sweet treat. It was more than what Will could hope for. And more. Near the end of their evening, Horace dragged Will to one particular booth. The young Ranger eyed his friend curiously when he noticed it was an archer's booth. Something far from Horace's area. Next thing to register was the releasing grip of his arm guard, realizing it was Horace who was taking it off, then putting another one on. The knight grinned. "Well?" He asked, enthusiasm clear in his voice. Will couldn't help but smile back. "Well, first you put it on incorrectly," he said, adjusting it until it embraced his arm comfortably. Then he inspected it, wondering why Horace put it on him. His smile widen. It managed to fit his thumb and pointer finger perfectly, not only that, but the design etched into the leather was the most bizarre... ironic thing! "Second... it's perfect." Horace paid the man while Will continue to admire the Celtic boar design of his new arm guard. -- The group left, leaving Will and Horace behind, because Horace just had to see the snowman the two Rangers made after hearing the unbelievable tale. -- Abelard let out a low grumble, signaling someone was coming. Someone they knew though, judging by two familiar voices the horse heard from a distant. Halt, looking around his little cabin, knowing it was Will, and cleared the paper work and map he was working on from the table. He didn't want his apprentice to know he'd been working during this "relaxing" holiday. Then he stood on the veranda, awaiting for Will and what he could only be Horace's heavy-hoofed horse. Then a gasp from the small boy. As expected. "He's huge!" Horace laughed. "He added our cloak!" Will exclaimed, beating Horace's arm out of excitement due to seeing his Ranger cloak wrapped around the snowman with the hood perched up. It made Will's chest tighten with happiness and his cheeks hurt horribly from smiling. But he couldn't stop. He was just too happy it was painful. "I love it, Halt!" He received an amused snort in response. "When you two are done gawking at that awful snow Ranger impersonator, come on in. I have dinner and coffee waiting." Horace perked up at the word "dinner". "Is it alright for me to stay for dinner?" the young knight asked politely. "Please do," Halt responded, almost hinting a vague of begging into his tone. "The amount of boar meat he sent our way, Baron Arold thinks we have stomachs the size of you big knights!" Horace huffed at that comment, but he couldn't argue. It was a well known fact that he ate more than the average man. Plus, he was getting a delicious dinner with his best friend and his second almost-mentor. - [ ] Will Horace be there for the gift exchange? If so, will Horace receive a gift from Halt? Also, what was Halt giving Will if not perhaps a Mandela? Maybe?

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