Rangers Apprentice

• [5] A Rangers Apprentice. Huh.

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"What?" I whisper shout at Halt as we ride home.

"What do you mean 'what'?" He asks.

"I mean what?! You haven't had an apprentice since Gilan and I'm supposed to be your apprentice this year." I explain.

"Yes. You are my apprentice this year. As well as Will. You know his back story, Y/n. Plus, with his climbing ability and his potential in all Ranger subjects added on to your already ability and knowledge, you two would be the dream team. And also, you're the first female Ranger. I am training you and Will. That's final." He finishes. I nod slowly, chewing the inside of me cheek.  The rest of the ride home was silent.

           ➶

"Morning, sunshine." Came the voice of Halt, shaking me slightly. Once again, I groan in reply. "Will will be here in about 60 minutes. You need to clean up. You two are sharing a room. I have a bed ready for him, so all you need to do is clean half of it so he can put his things there, Okay?"

I roll over and face him, "Okay," I reply. When he leaves, I get changed and start cleaning. Quickly, I pick up discarded clothing from the floor, clean my nightstand, move my desk (where Wills bed will be) out into the lounge room and then make my bed. During that time, Halt put in Wills bed and set a trunk down at the end. I sigh contently, looking at the good job.

A knock on the door startled me.
"Come in!" Halt said.

I went to the main room to greet the boy.  The cottage was small, but surprisingly neat and tidy, making it have the illusion of lots of space. The main room is the combined living room and dining area, with a small kitchen at the one end, separated from the main area by a pine bench. There are comfortable chairs ranged around a fire, a well-scrubbed wooden table and pots and pans that gleam from much polishing. There is even, thanks to me, a vase of brightly coloured wildflowers on the marble shelf and the early morning sun streamed cheerfully through a large window. Two other rooms led off the main room. Halt sat in one of the chairs, his booted feet resting on the table.
"At least you're on time," he spoke gruffly. "Have you eaten yet?"

"Yes, sir," Will answered. He looked confused and shocked. I held back a snort at the formality of the name. Halt stood. I could see Will looking him up and down.
I cough, feeling awkward in the silence. Obviously it didn't do anything but draw Wills attention to me. He is now looking my way. I shift uncomfortably under his gaze, his eyes trailing up my figure, his head slightly tilted as it lander at my face.

"Finished staring?" Halt said protectively. Will jumped nervously,

"Yes, sir! Sorry, sir!" He stuttered. In reply, Halt grunted and pointed to one of the rooms. My room.

"That'll be your room. You're sharing with Y/n. Put your things in there." Halt then turned away and went into the kitchen. I could see blush rising and settling on the poor boys face. I nod my head in the direction of the room.

"Come on." I breathe out. Hesitantly, he walked behind me into the bedroom. It was small, comfortable looking. A small bed lay along side both walls, there is a wardrobe for clothes and a rough table with a washing basin and jug on it. And on each nightstand, there lay a vase with the beautiful wildflowers.
"This is my bed, and that's yours." I sit down on my clean white sheets, my smallness leaving my feet to dangle off the edge of the bed. I kick my feet absentmindedly, "You can put your clothing and other things in your trunk or in the wardrobe. Or on your bed. It doesn't really matter, just come out when you're done." I shrug and leave.

I sit by the fire in one of the chairs that surround it, day dreaming for the next minute until Will coughs awkwardly. I turn my face in his direction, catch his gaze, then turn my face back in the direction of the fire. Grim Face, Grim Face, No Emotion, No Emotion, I chant to myself silently. Being the only girl Ranger - or soon to be Ranger - comes with difficulties. And I don't know Will, I don't know if he will treat me with respect or if he will act like I'm a worthless girl, only good for cooking and sewing. But I do know he respects Halt. So, maybe if I'm like Halt, I will earn the respect. When he realised none of us paid attention to him, he coughed again.