Ranger Apprentice One-Shots

Much Ado About George

Sorry for the long delay in between! I've had this on my mind, but just had so much trouble getting it out. Hopefully the next will be smoother! :)

Will perched uncomfortably on the edge of the high backed chair and sighed. "So, what is it that is so desperately important about George that interrupts the time I get to spend with you, Alyss; skulking in a quiet office room isn't exactly what I had had in mind, when you asked for a favor."

 The elegant lady in front of the ranger merely raised an eyebrow. "Believe me, I'm not enjoying the interruption anymore than you are. But this is serious enough that I feel I need to talk to someone to get a outside opinion." 

 Sunlight from the window above, fell on her golden hair, creating an almost halo effect. In her diplomat gown of simple white, she looked almost frail and delicate-he knew better. No one was better equipped or more capable to handle the many complicated affairs of state than this damsel. She had a keen sense of judgement, and noticed things as well. Which was why he took her statement that there was "something very wrong about George" so seriously.

 "Well, if we must then, let us talk about George." He had to admit, his curiosity was peaked-and Alyss knew it. Their fellow playmate from the orphanage was a prestigious scribe, and well looked up to in his profession. If there was something wrong with the punctual, scholarly man, it was worth looking into.

 "It's just this. George has been working night and day, on some treaties that needed polishing, for the renewal of a important contract with a certain hot-head kingdom. It takes great diplomacy and everyone has been occupied for weeks on it. And then, suddenly," Alyss broke off and gave an unladylike snort. "George has become attatched to a lady from the Ryek court, and ..."

 "George, in love?" Will's grin split his tanned face and he threw back his head and laughed. 

"Don't. It isn't funny. Will, this is the Ryek court! And we know hardly anything about her!"

He sobered in an instant, wiping the grin away. "You're right. It isn't funny; so what part of the court is she?"

 Alyss rolled her eyes, and sighed. "To make matters worse, she is a scribe for them. They hit it off quickly at the dinner, and it has all gone off from there..I can't get the man to concentrate for two minutes, and right when I need his help the most! You need to look into this, Will."

 The Ranger looked thoughtful a moment. "Are you sure it needs to be? So far, I just hear that he's distracted. What else is there?"

 Frowning, Alyss shook her head. "I can't tell you exactly, but something is very wrong. I know it, and that's why I'm asking you to look into it-casually. She already hates me."

"As if anyone could," Will smiled. "But alright." He held up his hands in surrender as she shot him a pointed look. "I'll look into it."

 And Will did. With Ranger thoroughness, he watched George and this strange scribe from the court; watched and nearly died of boredom.

 Stifling a yawn from his corner in the library, Will idly flipped a page as he watched the couple across the room going over documents together. He had to admit, she was very pretty; in a slightly exotic way. Which didn't make much sense for George though. The man barely looked up from his paperwork long enough for Cupid to draw his bow. What had made him notice her? He had met plenty of other female scribes in the kingdom, so it wasn't their occupation in common.

 All this sitting and skulking was starting to wear on the Ranger, and Will decided a more direct approach was needed, if he was to learn anything more. Shelving the book, he rose and strode over to where the couple was, as if he were looking for a particular volume.