Ranger's Apprentice One Shots

Big Iron

Dedicated to SilverWolf071

See? I didn't forget! I was just... waiting to surprise you... for the holidays, of course! Happy holidays!!

The leaves flew from the trees, as if jumping free of the branch in delight. Orange, yellow, red hues, you name it. The ground was covered happily by the leaves, and with every footstep made a satisfying crunch. The air wasn't too cold, just the perfect blend of chilly, but warm enough to leave your house with long sleeves. The sun shone, contrasting the perfect blue sky. Squirrels chattered angrily as they fought and robins tweeted their call. Horses neighed with excitement — well, one of them did, at least.

"I know, you really want to go, don't you?" Will grinned at his barrel-chested horse.

Tug neighed in response. Of course, he seemed to say. You've been talking about this for weeks, so if it'll get you to shut up...

"Oh, Gorlog," Will exasperated, rolling his eyes. "You've been excited about it, too."

Only for the sake of your non-stop chatter.

"They have an area for horses." Will teased him.

Oh, I can't wait to be called 'pony', Tug snorted.

Will leaned down and patted his horse. "Tug, to them you'll be the size of a battlehorse!"

Tug snorted again, shaking his head. The reins shook as his head moved. Will rolled his eyes again but let his horse off. Shifting in the saddle, he gently pulled on the left rein, smiling as the grounds came into view.

He could hear lutes and mandolas (yes, he could tell the difference) strumming and drums banging. People cheered, banging to the beats, while a small square before the band served as a dance floor.

One of the posts saw Will approach and as he neared, he welcomed Will, offering him to step down. Nodding once, Will grunted as he dismounted. His foot got stuck in one of the stirrups at the dismount. As a result, he ended up stumbling off, only barely keeping his footing. The post stared rudely at Will, and in desperate hope to dispel that awkward scene, Will forced a laugh and shrugged as if to say, happens to everyone, right?

Yeah, great opening, Ranger Will, Tug whinnied a laugh.

Will shot a look at him, but held his tongue. He didn't need the post thinking he was insane as well as unsteady.

"I'm just going to head over to the shooting range," Will said. His voice got deeper without meaning to. The posts nodded and as soon as Will turned, Will slapped his forehead. "This could not get worse."

The event was like a small fair, really. Families were invited to spend the day shooting play bows, playing festival games, and singing to music. Shop stands for useless souvenirs and stands for food were set up every few feet, enticing the younger ones. Parents would drag them away before they broke, bought, or stole something.

Will was here for one thing: he was security. Lately, the crime rates had shot up, with roadside bandits, treason, and trouble from foreigners. It just happens every year. Will didn't know why.

With a loose grip on Tug's Lead reins, they steered through the cords of people. Will could've ridden, but to be honest, he needed a break from it. His back had ached from last night, and it felt good to stretch it while walking.

"Ah, Ranger Will!" Will looked to see a middle aged man approach. He was one of the townkeepers, he could tell, by the brown hat he wore.

"Hello, Townkeeper!" Will said, placing his hands on the pommel.