Araluen

Music

They talked for nearly an hour more, discussing logistics and other factors that both influenced Will's announcement, and the outcomes of a moving of feifs for six or more weeks. It would be a difficult thing to pull off, and the stakes were high. But she was confident in her abilities, and even if she wasn't, Will, Cassandra, and Horace were. And she could definitely trust their judgement. The trio had done unbelievable things in the past, and were extremely careful in trusting others with their lives. If they did, she definitely could too. 

After some more time, she had to leave again to supervise some more training of the apprentices. They were a bright group, but they could always learn a little more, practice a little more, before the big exams. Rangers would accept nothing less than excellence.

The day was long, and by evening she was exhausted. Gilan arrived soon after she finished with the apprentices, and so they celebrated with a late night filled with some music, and a juggling performance from Maddie. Will played his lute, with Gilan next to him, each enjoying the company of the other. Crowley had joined the circle, as well as Maddie and some of her new friends. A girl, Saadha, who'd been an apprentice the same time as Tahlia sat with them as well, she had been the first person from the desert to join them, and spoke common tongue with them all. Everyone in the Ranger Corps knew common tongue, sign language, and would often individually study a language as well. Tahlia had chosen Skandian, but both Will and Gilan learnt Saadhas home tongue, and could converse with her in it. 

Plenty of lands still refused to be inclusive. From not accepting disabilities to not even accepting gender, it could be very difficult for anyone not following the old expectations. Luckily Will and Gilan were safe, Saadha had equal opportunities, and others in Araluen were free to wear what they like, and do whatever made them comfortable. This didn't apply to murderers and theives, much to their dissapointment. They could wear what they wanted, in prison. 

"Tahlia?" Saadha repeated herself, clearly having asked a question.

"Oh sorry, what was that?" She really needed to pay more attention in group settings. Luckily Saadha only laughed and was happy to ask her question again. Tahlia slid smoothly back into the conversation, enjoying time with her close friends.

Rangers were naturally very disciplined, and firmly believed in getting eight hours of sleep when they could. However in case of a Rangers Meet, they were allowed to relax a little, and spend time with each other, with the knowledge of other Ranger's taking turns to watch. And so they stayed up, talking and laughing, making memories. These times were the ones that held them still after hours of waiting, that kept their arrows straight, and their mind sharp. The Ranger life was a hard and lonely one, and everyone needed a firm foundation to build theirs on. 

Tahlia tucked herself between Maddie and Crowley, Saadha on his other side. Will and Gilan stayed together, the lines between them blurred. Other Rangers joined them occasionally, in twos or threes, adding their voices and instruments to the music, or joining in a discussion. Truly one of the best times to be alive.

It was early morning when they slept, waking a few hours later for another long but happy day.

Do you all think I should do shorter, more frequent chapters, or publish once a week with much longer ones? Thanks for reading so far!!