Halt and Gilan sat across from each other at the table, both with warm cups of coffee in their hands. With honey for Halt, but just black for Gilan.
"So what's the deal?" Gilan asked.
"I'd like to send Will to you for awhile." Halt said, "Just a few weeks."
"Why would you want to do that?" Gilan asked, surprised.
"Two reasons." Halt said, "One, John's having trouble with his apprentice. The kid thinks he's 'all this' and John can't figure out how to rid him of it. He's asked me to help straighten him out."
"Second?" Gilan asked.
"I having trouble keeping up with him." Halt admitted, "I don't quite have the stamina I used to, and he's been going full power all day long. He needs more hand to hand and dual knife defense experience, and I can't give him as much of a fight as he needs. He needs to be worn out to learn anything, and I can't wear him out without wearing myself out."
"I see." Gilan said, a slight smile coming onto his face. "You know Halt," Gilan continued,
"This is the first time you've admitted that you're getting old."
Halt sighed, "Well I might not have if my knees would stop reminding me."
"They've been bothering you?" Gilan asked.
"A little here and there." Halt said, "Mainly when I first get up in the morning."
"Huh." Gilan said.
"So, will you take him for awhile?" Halt asked.
"I'd be happy to wear him out for you." Gilan said, "When will you want him back?"
"Probably at the gathering, but I'm not sure." Halt said, "Depends on how long it takes to straighten Tommy out."
"When do you want me to pick him up?" Gilan asked.
"Don't bother," Halt said, "I'll send him over here tomorrow morning. John and Tommy will be here in the afternoon."
"Does he know he's going yet?" Gilan asked.
"No, because he wouldn't be if you hadn't agreed." Halt said, "You're the only one who I know won't mess him up. Treat him like he's your own apprentice."
"No problem." Gilan said, grinning a bit.
Reading Gilan's mind, Halt crossed his arms. "No." He said.
"Oh come on, please!?" Gilan said, "Compromise? How about just a few?"
"Does my answer matter?" Halt groaned.
"Not a bit." Gilan answered.
"Then at least try to tell the slightly less embarrassing stories." Halt sighed.
"Deal." Gilan decided, "As two apprentices of the legendary Halt, we'll have a wonderful time."
"I'm sure you will." Halt said, unable hide his smile entirely.
A/N: Alright, so there's the start off, I promise to have longer chapters later. Hope you like it, and please review!
