Ranger's Apprentice One Shots

This Is Not About You, I Promise... Sort Of

Dedicated to RangerDemigod28 who reminded me about my stories and that I love writing for you guys. 

And thanks to everyone who gave support to my GoFundMe! I have officially sent my manuscript to the editor, so pray that she likes my book! Also, please be sure to buy it when it comes out ;).

In the meantime, enjoy this piece!

"Once upon a time, there was a young princess."

"You're joking, right?" Maddie tossed hair out of her face.

Will and her sat close, huddling around a campfire. Rain drizzled down, soon to put the fire out, but in the meantime, the Rangers appreciated its warmth. Birds hid away in their nests high up and squirrels scampered past, grabbing one or two more acorns, preparing for the soon Winter. The moss and grass Will and Maddie sat on soaked their pants, uncomfortable leaking through. Both wore their cowls up, managing to keep their heads from the cold rain. It was altogether very uncomfortable, but now, Will tried to lighten the hard day. They had accomplished nothing, and their hunt for the bandits was getting nowhere. Tensions were running high, and Will decided it was time to lighten it. He had always had a knack for telling stories, and to a grumpy Maddie, told her he would, later that night. Stories were a treasure to him in the Ward, an escape from reality. They were the light in a dark tunnel. A log in a raging sea.

But as Maddie heard those first words, she grimaced, rolling her eyes. "Are you telling me a story about me? Because I know that story already, believe it or not."

Will smiled patiently. "No, I wasn't. This story is as old as time. Now, hush, and listen."

Maddie tossed her head back again, moodily, but quieted.

"Once upon a time, there was a young princess. She grew up in a palace made of gold, as shiny as the sun and as strong as rock.' Will's voice softened without meaning to, and the words became a lull. 'Visitors from across the realms visited, both to see the magnificent palace and the princess. Women groveled at her feet, singing praise for her actions, and men stammered before her, befuddled by her extreme beauty."

Maddie scorned quietly and muttered, "Of course."

Will ignored her, and continued. "The princess had no interest in these men, and certainly no time for the women. In the palace, she felt restricted, bound by the Court rules and tied by the restrictions of a Lady. Her brother constantly traveled across seas, journeying to lands unbeknownst to man and corners of the world that fish don't swim. It was rare that he'd bring back souvenirs, but when he did, they were the rarest items, like a flower crafted from silver, or a knife, created by ocean waves. He'd give them to his sister, only encouraging her desire to flee the palace.

"So, finally, once in the midst of the night, the princess stripped herself of her royal clothes and donned her brother's garb. In a haste, she ran to the docks, leading out to the inky depths of sea, and convinced the crew to accept her in."

Maddie snorted. "That was probably difficult."

Will smiled. "Difficult indeed. They took her in, but she was immediately challenged. The crewmates saw her as a skinny and weak boy. They called her women's nicknames and insulted her with, "having the hands of embroidery."

Maddie nodded. "Had I been locked up by Mum, I also would've still been stuck doing embroidery." She scoffed

"But, the princess stuck to her act. And within a day and a half, she proved herself.

"They had been out to sea, the waves blue as ever and the sky dotted with clouds. Wind was strong, huffing its noise and birds skimmed theaters below. Mermaids jumped and splashed, teasing the men aboard. But like all sailors, they were aware of the foolery and resisted.