Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own Ranger's Apprentice, Gilan, Jenny, Halt, Will, Lady Pauline, Baron Arald, or Master Chubb... However, I have owned a few firelies...
a/n: so my first ranger's apprentice fanfic. I adore Gilan. That pretty much sums it up. Enjoy!
The sunset filtered through the trees surrounding Castle Redmont. Baron Arold was pacing his study. Halt the ranger was busy talking to his fiance (and very soon to be wife) Lady Pauline in his cottage. Will was still riding in for the upcoming wedding and Gilan was flitting across the lawn towards the kitchens.
Mostly, when Gilan had approached the kitchens this way it meant that he was intending to steal something. Well, maybe this time he was too. But it wasn't food he was after this time.
Jenny labored alone in the far corner of the kitchen – the one closest to the door. She was attempting to come up with a new recipe – one that she hoped Master Chubb would use for the wedding reception.
Gilan grinned to himself as he watched the young woman in front of him taste whatever it was in her mixing bowl experimentally. He couldn't help but grin when he saw her. She just – had that affect on him. He reached forward and tugged lightly on a loose strand of hair.
She yelped almost quietly and whirled around. She blushed when she saw him. "Gilan." She said quietly, inclining her head to him in an informal curtsy. He bowed with a flourish. "What do I owe the honor of this visit."
"Oh so you are admitting now that I'm charming?" He asked and winked to accentuate his point.
"I never said that." She replied, a smile twitching on her lips. Ever since she had been first introduced to him a few days before, she didn't just think he was charming, she knew it. But she also argued fastidiously otherwise.
"But you thought it."
"No, actually, I was more thinking 'what does this mischievous brat want now?"
"My lady, your words! They wound me! They cut me so deeply."
"Oh shut up."
He laughed, his brown eyes sparkling merrily. "Now, my lady, word in the castle is that we are going to have to dance for the wedding."
"Is that so?" She replied, barely keeping the grin off of her face. Of course she already knew that – working in the kitchens meant that she heard every bit of gossip that circulated anywhere in the castle and grounds.
"Yes. Very so. And you know what else is very so?"
"Tell me."
He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "I've never danced before in my life."
She giggled. She couldn't help herself. "Well then..."
He flushed but smiled anyway. "Now... rumor has it that you are unquestionably the best dancer in the entire castle."
"Oh really? And who in the world told you that nonsense?"
"Nonsense?" he demanded, feigning a look of deep hurt. "Nonsense! Why none other than your former ward-mate, the great ranger Will Treaty!"
She smiled. "Well, the great ranger Will Treaty exagerates greatly." She paused, her blue eyes sparkling merrily. "However..." she continued, "I do dance rather well. And I teach even better."
"Brilliant!" He exclaimed, clapping his hands together. This sudden noise drew the immediate attention of Master Chubb, who, consequently, headed directly in their direction.
Jenny giggled girlishly and gave him a playful push towards the door. "You better run!"
Gilan grinned once more, winked, and then did just that...