Ranger's Apprentice 100 Themes Challenge

by Caramel Cheescake

My response to the 100 Themes Challenge. I can't quite describe it, because it'll be all over the place, but hopefully, it'll make you smile. Or frown, depending on how I dealt with the theme. Rated T for mild cursing. Spoilers for books 7, 8 and 9.

14. Smile

14. Smile

"Daddy?"

Will looked down at his two year old daughter. "Yes Aurora?"

"What's wrong with Uncle Gil?"

Her father sighed. "He's...he's just...upset right now."

"How come?"

"Because Arabella passed away."

"Oh. What does passed away mean?"

"...go ask your Grandpa Halt."

"'Kay."

Gil stood at his son's cradle, trying hard not to cry. Not that it was doing much good, because some tears slid down his cheek and dripped inside the crib anyway. He was in to process of swallowing a sob when he heard Will behind him.

Unlike almost everybody else, Will didn't ask Gil if he was okay, and the tall Ranger silently thanked heaven for that.

"Did you name him?"

"Yeah," To his own surprise, Gil's voice was steady. "It's Benedick. Look Will, don't try to-"

"Do you remember," Will said, interrupting Gil's statement. "The first mission we went on together?"

Gil nodded. "You saved Arulen and Skandia."

Will waved his hand, dismissing this. "Remember those two guys that almost ambushed me and George? And how you dealt with them?"

The taller Ranger smiled and chuckled a bit. "Yes. What about them?"

Will smiled back. "Nothing really. I just wanted to see you smile."

Gil glared at him in mock anger. "How dare you? My son will avenge this, I swear it!"

"Of course he will Gil." Will replied, turning to exit the room, his personal duty done.

---

See? Told you that I'd write something about Benny's mother. She isn't Jenny, as you can see, but Jenny loves the kid, so she's like a mother figure to him.