What to do when having a hangover 2

What to do when having a hangover 2 -A Ranger's Apprentice fanfic-

Halt sat back in his chair with a cup of coffee. He took a small sip and sighed. It’s been a month since Crowley and he had fully rebuilt the Ranger’s Corps. Finally, the last fief had it’s ranger and could he have a bit more rest.

Crowley had stationed him at Redmond fief, which he was completely content with. Not only because of the good baron and his kind wife or that he would never get bored. No, also because of the beautiful Lady Pauline that lives in the castle.

The corners of Halt’s mouth curl slightly upwards.

He first met her three months ago. Crowley introduced him to her. Crowley knew her from their childhood and they kept in touch since. They had asked her to help them with reforming the Corps.

Halt had instantly taken a liking to her.

She was kind and caring, but at the same time clever and cunning. Definitely his type.

He was shaken out of his thoughts by the creaking floorboards of his veranda. The door opened and Crowley came in. “Hullo.” he said with a grin. “Lovely weather, isn’t it?”

Halt’s right eyebrow rose. He didn’t know Crowley would come. “I didn’t know you were coming.” he said, his Hibernian accent still slightly audible.

Crowley sat in the chair opposite of Halt. “See it as a nice surprise. Can I also have some coffee?”

“Of course, the coffee beans are in the kitchen.” Halt said dryly.

Crowley sighed and stood up. After a few minutes he was back with also a steaming cup of coffee in between his hands.

“Why did you come here, actually? Is it something important?” Halt asked.

Crowley, again, sat in the chair opposite of Halt. “Well, Halt, I was wondering-“

“A bad habit.” Halt said without looking up.

“Yeah, yeah, I know, let me start different.” Crowley took a sip from his coffee. “Last month we’ve officially rebuilt the Corps.”

“Good observation.” Halt said.

“Don’t interrupt me. Okay, so we’ve rebuilt the Ranger Corps and are fully working now, but I think we’ve earned something extra. So don’t plan anything for tonight, because we’ll be having a real men’s night out.” Crowley almost ordered.

“And what is a real men’s night out exactly?” Halt asked after taking another sip of his coffee.

Crowley’s eyes widened. “You don’t know? Oh, of course, I forgot. You’re not from around here, right?”

Halt gave a grunt as response.

“Well, tonight, we’re going to the inn in Redmont and you’re going to have your first real Araluan pint.” Crowley said with a proud smile.

Halt looked inspecting at his friend while taking another sip. He was wondering if Crowley was in right mind.

-

“And, are your enjoying it?” Crowley asked with a grin.

“I’m not sure, what was this again?” Halt asked while pointing at the pint of beer in front of him. They were currently at the inn, sitting at one of the tables. Crowley was already beginning his second pint. Halt hadn’t even touched his one yet.

“Halt, how many times do I have to say it? It’s Ale, and good Ale too!.” Crowley took a big gulp from his mug.

Halt grunted. He’d never drunk beer before. When he was younger, he used to sometimes drink a glass of watered wine with his family. But that was only on a special occasion.