This is just a fluffy one-shot, and it took me seven months to perfect! Inspired by a portion of The Lost Stories (#11), I give you my first Fanfic. Please read and review, but don't feel obligated just because. And constructive criticism is more than welcome...just be nice about it :)
Disclaimer: No worries, I do not own the world of Ranger's Apprentice, nor any of John Flanagan's wonderful characters.
A whistle, high and rising, reached the ears of the black and white Border Collie that lay sleeping in the sunshine. Immediately she went from softly snoring to wide-awake, trotting up to meet the young man waiting for her in the center of the clearing.
Will Treaty knelt to one knee, watching her with a satisfied smile. Ebony had come a long way from the scamp of a puppy she had been. Still, he worried too fiercely to take her on a serious mission just yet. Even now, Ebony is looking at him none too patiently, with her black and white patterned head tilted so that her eyes-one icy blue and the other a coffee brown-give her the slightly manic look that Will is so incredibly fond of.
"I'm waiting…," her gaze seemed to say. "What did you call me over for? Hunting? tracking? Hunting?" Her tail gave a joyous wag of anticipation.
"Sorry to disturb your cat nap, but…" Will brandished a softly bristled object she knew only too well, smiling indulgently.
She gave him a dirty look and a doggie snort. "You lazy human! You got me up for that? Couldn't you have walked just a few more paces?"
"Now, what would be the fun in that?"
"If fun is what you're looking for, I know of a nicely concealed skunk den a short walk from here." Mischief danced in her eyes.
"Ugh!" He groaned. "Do you really think washing the smell from your fur would be fun for me?"
"No more for you than for me. I'm not cat enough to lick you like a little kitten. And you're definitely not cute enough."
Will just laughed wryly and ruffled her ears. He would never have the last word, would he?
"Oo. That's nice! A little lower."
He obliged then set to work, laughing again as her tail began thumping a steady beat against his boot, apparently forgetting to be indignant.
They spent a few happy moments like that, no diplomatic duties to tend to, no Redmont worries, and no 'fate of the nation' hanging on their heads. Just a normal boy and his dog bonding in the sunshine. Ebony gazes happily about, content beyond words (although real words were always beyond her) until her eyes are suddenly captivated by something very strange. Curiosity bites and her eyes follow the object hypnotically as it drifts slowly down, almost within her reach. Her jaws part in hungry anticipation, and Will just goes on brushing cluelessly. SNAP! Her jaws close around it with quick finality.
Will could only stare in utter disbelief. "...Eb? Did you just eat your own fur?"
The warmth of accomplishment floods through her and an involuntary shiver runs down her spine. She smiles a doggie grin, eyes already searching the sky for another present.
Thanks everybody who read, and a special thanks to my reviewers! Though, few in number, that makes me treasure you all the more! :))
flaminglake: That's great! Dogs deserve all the attention they get. Thanks for the compliment and for being my first reviewer! If you ever read this short again and you feel bored, feel free to tell me what you think on the revisions I've made. :)
FarmersDaughter: LOL! Alyss is lucky. Poor Ebs. But I don't think she's too broken-hearted :)
Somesaythat: Noted! :) My dog, obviously, ate his own fur like freaking cotton candy :) but never the furniture (outdoor dog) Funny how things like that are endearing. Nice to hear from u!
To EmeraldNeko, thanks! Major confidence booster!