Disclaimer: I don't own R/A but I do this {as people say awesome but I don't think so, story {Halt has died 3 years ago because of a fever, that's why Will is in Redmont, not Sea cliff or another fief. Enjoy! :^D}

When I woke up in the morning, Alyss wasn't at my side. I liked how she slept next to me like her body was made to go right there and I always felt better, even if I thought I couldn't get happier, when she was in my arms. Well, with those thoughts pushed aside, I swung my feet out of my bed and went to my dark brown, almost to the point that it's black, dresser. I got out my normal brown, winter wool clothes. I opened up a few drawers lower and got out my comfortable winter edition cloak. I groggily open up the door and walk the hall. I hear voices quietly chatting, like they were catching up with each other's lives. I walk in and cough to get attention. Alyss, and surprisingly, Horace turn around.

Alyss, as always, exclaims, "Good morning Will!" and plants a kiss on my lips. Ah, nothing better than one of Alyss' kisses.

Horace then speaks, "Hey Will, long time, no see. You still like climbing trees for the hell of it?"…Odd question.

"Only to impress or scare Alyss," I mused. Alyss glared at me, and I chuckled. Horace looking left out, sighed. I figured I should ask why he is here.

"Why are you here? Not that I mind or anything, 'cause I don't, but it seems rather odd", I asked. He seemed to be a bit uneasy as I asked, so I'm guessing it wasn't just to visit.

After what seemed like a lifetime, he finally responded, "We have found some new tracks that have even Crowley completely, and utterly baffled." I looked at him confused, but then I remember near the cabin, I found humongous bird tracks that look mixed with some boar's, but not too sure. Some ranger I turned out to be.

I started asking, "Is it the Bird Boar thingy? I found some of those outside the cabin about 3 clicks out. Did Crowl--" Horace interrupted me here.

"Crowley already has about 8 hunting parties, not mentioning all of the Lords, Barons, and Battle masters out for the hunt. There has been 7 fiefs with these strange creatures in them already. You should get about 7 hunters, and 7 knights as a hunting party. I believe Baron Arald and Sir Rodney are about to start one, so you should consult them and lead it. I'm already in the King's, so sadly I can't come with you." Holy Mother of God. Horace NEVER speaks that much at one time.

So Alyss, as confused as me, asked, "Horace, when in the name of Gorlag did you start speaking that much?"

Horace countered with, "Alyss, when in hell have you used the name, 'Gorlag' at all?" I answered for her.

"Ever since I came back from Skandia, shaking off the effects of that bloody drug."

Horace just winced, grimaced, then shrugged. He then said "Well, I should be getting back to Grande Araluen. Evanlyn doesn't want me away for much time now that I got a midget on the way" He winked at us and Alyss gasped and said congratulations. Horace then turned to go out of the room.

I grabbed his shoulder to stop him and said "How far in? If more than a month, then why didn't you send us a letter?"

He looked down sheepishly and replied with little dignity, "6 months, and I just got too overwhelmed to send a letter to tell you that she was pregnant. Sorry. I also thought that word would spread like a wildfire, but I guess she wanted it to be a secret. Humph."

Horace left us and I gave her a good kiss. One of those that lasted forever and you never want to end because it feels and tastes SO good. When she finally pulled back for air, I pouted. I know, a ranger pouting when his kiss with his beautiful fiancé ends for a stupid thing like breathing. She chuckled and pulled me onto the couch, so she was on top, straddling me. Damn, this felt SO good. When we were done making out, knowing we couldn't go farther because of today's busy schedule, she reluctantly got off. She said quite seductively, "Tonight you will be in the ride of your life, but for now, come help me with Klatix".

I nodded and followed her out the door. We saddled Klatix and Tug in silence. I grimaced at his scar along the left side of his jaw. This happened when we were attacked by a couple traitorous rangers and one brought his saxe along his jaw. Shaking those thoughts aside, I kissed Alyss on the cheek and said goodbye, then rode off to the Baron's office, while she went into town to get some of the supplies needed at the cabin. When I rode down the trail, almost to the castle, the sight shocked me to the other side of the moon. There, was the Hawk/Boar creature was walking towards me. This is going to be loads of fun.

{Sorry about the cliffy but I spent all afternoon messing around outside and I need to get some sleep. 10:11 P.M. as of now on May 7th… thank for your guys' reviews}