Ranger Apprentice One-Shots

It Changed in a Moment

Just a little short this time-taking a break from the more dramatic ideas that usually populate my brain. :D Enjoy!

He was one of her best friends. Smiling to herself, Cassandra thought of the day she had first met Horace, and how the chivalrous young knight had been so kind. So much had happened since they'd met, yet they'd remained fast friends, comforting each other through the rough times, she teaching him to falcon, him showing her a few points in sword fighting.. as Cassandra laid down the brush she thought how lucky she was to have such a friend like Horace.

 Will had been her best friend. But he was far away, and busy with Ranger duties that kept him from the castle even when he was in the area. She respected the decision he had made now, to remain a ranger; it had been hard on her at first, and she'd felt..deserted? But Horace had still been there, and helped her through.

  Gathering her things, the Princess hastened down the stairs and through the hallways, exiting the castle shadows and into the glowing light of the evening. A pair of horses were saddled and the tall knight's face brightened when he saw her appear. "Are you ready to ride, Cassandra?"

 "If you're ready to be defeated at racing once again, Horace," she teased him. The good natured smile on his face only widened, and he came around to help her onto her horse. Not that she needed any help, being a very experience horse rider, but Cassandra found herself strangely thrilled as he lifted her up and she settled herself a moment more than necessary until her heart was back to normal. What was wrong with her today?

 They walked their steeds out of the castle, and into the field before nudging them into a canter. The rushing wind in her hair banished all problems, and Cassandra let loose a very un-royal whoop. Alongside her, Horace smiled. His horse was keeping pace with hers, until Cassandra mischievously nudged her mare to a gallop, leaving the startled knight behind.

 They finished by the river, at the bluff just in time to watch the sun dip a final curtsy in a cascade of golds and reds. Cassandra caught her breath at the beauty of it; she never got over the splendor of a sunset at home. Home. It had always been the castle, for her. She had been terrified during the battle, and lost in the Vikings realm, thinking only of her beloved home and her dad who waited for her. But lately, it seemed no matter where she went she felt at home, as long as Horace was beside her....

 Looking out of the corner of her eye, she saw the young knight was as spellbound by the sunset  before him as she was, his handsome face so kind and honest. Horace had always been there for her, and always had her back. He was truthful, sometimes stubbornly and painfully by the book, but always for the right reason she had to admit. All this time, she had called him her friend. In one moment, it all changed. They had started the ride as friends, and now she knew, she loved him.

 Cassandra turned back to the sunset, Horace none the wiser that something had changed in the heart of the princess standing beside him. She would tell him though-someday.