An Unstable Relationship

Chapter Three

Gilan rose from his wooden seat.

"Well, it's all settled then." He happily said.

"Perhaps." Alyss remarked thoughtfully, standing as well. Will ushered the other ranger to the door.

"Ah, you want me gone so soon?" Gilan questioned the couple. "I'm sure I could stay for a few more hours. It would be no trouble on my part." He grinned hopefully.

Alyss giggled gently at him.

"I wish you could, Gilan. But, don't you have Commandant duties to fulfill?" She asked.

"Don't remind me." He grumbled as he made his way out of the cabin. Will and Alyss watched as the ranger retrieved Blaze and swung into her saddle.

"So long, Lady Alyss. So long, Will Treaty!" Gilan called as he trotted away. Another fleeting smile was brought to Will's lips.
"When are we leaving, Will?" Alyss asked, wanting to be prepared.

"Well," her husband thought aloud. "I would prefer we headed out tonight, but I suppose that we need to arrange some things first."

"Like what?" Alyss wondered curiously. Will glanced at her, his eyes smiled and he pushed a piece of Alyss' golden hair out of her face.

"Well, you don't have a horse, now do you?" Will commented, almost playful. She ran her hands through her blonde tresses, pursing her elegant lips.

"I could always borrow one from Redmont. Baron Arald would be happy to loan me a horse, I am sure."

"No, no, no, that won't do." Will said rather decidedly. "The castle nags would be too heavy and slow to keep up with the ranger horses, we are going to be battling a ranger, you realize."

"Alright then, what do you suggest?" Alyss asked, running out of ideas.

"Hey," Will told her. "I've got an idea." And she watched as a grin spread across his face.

"C'mon!" Will said excitedly. Alyss hurried along after him. The young ranger tore around the cabin, moving towards the stable. He greeted Tug with an apple, and began to tack up the pony.

"Where are you going?" Said Alyss, finally catching up to Will.
"No, dear, it's 'where are we going'?" He returned. Alyss rolled her eyes, breaking out of her formal, diplomatic self for a single moment.

"Excuse me, where are we going then?"

"To solve our argument." Will chirped cryptically. He did the last strap on Tug's bridle, and hoisted himself into the saddle.

"Now you, M'lady." Will tried chivalrously, holding out his hand for her to take.

"Are you sure?" Alyss asked cautiously.

"But, of course, you don't have a horse anyway. And, besides, you're lightweight. Tug will be insulted if you doubt his strength."
Alyss considered the statement and decided that she would rather not risk insulting the little horse's honor. She took Will's firm hand, and he swung her deftly aboard behind him.

Alyss wrapped her arms around the ranger's waist as he urged Tug forward. She was a skillful rider, and riding double proved not to be difficult for her. She clung to Will as they set off on the road beside the cabin. They rode longer than Alyss had expected, using many trails she had not even known existed. Overgrown tree branches hung low across their path often, and bushes crowded their foot space.