A teenage boy stood, wearing the best out of his only three brown, simple outfits. His mouth was open in a state of surprise as he gazed around him at the empty clearing. There, far on the edge, stood a small cabin, that was his destination.

He hesitated. What kind of insanity was he about to meet, that didn't put up Christmas decorations?

As he waited, an arrow ripped its way through the air, as softly as a whisper but as sharp as a razor, and embedded itself in a tree to the left of the boy, who had ducked instantly. His head turned, seeking out the source of the assault, his hand falling to his small hunting bow at his waist that he had fashioned out of a springy willow.

He raised his inadequate weapon towards the source, as his keen, blue eyes found an odd pattern in the tree branch.

A man, around the age of twenty-five, stepped away from the tree with a small smile, nodding at the teen as if to reward him for his quick reaction.

"Welcome. I assume you've decided to try for an apprenticeship as a Ranger?" The young man asked, his dark hair falling into his eyes.

The boy nodded, and Will grinned, clapping the boy on the shoulder, a little harder than he had intended. He pretended not to notice his new apprentice's wince.

"Well, boy, come on in."

Will led the teen into the cottage. While small, it was extremely well-kempt, each surface shining with cleanliness, the fireplace and barrel well-stocked, and everything put away neatly.

"So, ready to do some cleaning?" the young man asked the teen, who shrugged.

"It all looks pretty clean to me, sir."

Will laughed at the polite addition on the end of the boy's sentence. He admired the teenager's nerve, to respond as he did, and respected that.

"Well, then," he continued, "How about some Christmas decorations?"

The boy blinked for a second.

"Baubles in the cupboard. Stockings in the wardrobe. Trees in the forest. Axe by the stable door. Holly in the bushes. Candle-holders outside in a box. Anything else?" When the boy didn't respond, Will grinned, and shooed the teenager outside to start the list of chores.

About two hours into the teen's work, another four presences appeared at the house. The boy gasped- it was the infamous Ranger Halt, and Ranger Gilan, plus their two horses.

The boy shied away from the party as they entered the cabin, remaining outside.

"Coffee's in the kitchen. Mince pie?" Will offered, not even turning around as his two friends entered the house.

"Yes, please," Gilan said, while Halt just helped himself, and the three of them sat at the table.

"So," Gilan began, "Is that short guy out there your new apprentice?"

Will nodded, and Halt snorted.

"Guess that's why your house is so clean."

"Actually, he hasn't cleaned my house yet. He's putting up Christmas decorations," Will said cheerfully, sipping at his hot coffee.

Halt choked on his coffee momentarily, giving both of his old apprentices a chance to simultaneously hit him on the back. He glared at them.

"There's no need to-" The eldest man broke off as the three heard a loud, irritated whinny from outside of the cabin.

Each raced out to the stables, to stare at Will's new apprentice chasing Tug around the stables, holding out a pair of fake reindeer antlers in an attempt to force the poor Ranger horse to wear them.

Gilan snorted, while Halt just patted Will on the back. Will put his head into his hands.

"Welcome to my life, merry Christmas." His old mentor said, sounding more cheerful than he had all day.