Author's Note: Sorry! Je m'excuse! Lo siento! Mianhamnida! OK that's the only ways I can say that I am so sorry. Life sucks when all you want to do is write and you have other obligations to fill like work and finishing school. I never meant it to take so long to update and I feel absolutely horrible. I love each and every one of you that have been so patient and that haven't given up on me. A big thank you to everyone reviewed and even private messaged me to make me feel guilty that I wasn't able to type. So this is me typing well into the night to finish this for you. It might take a while (I might have more time now because it is summer) but I promise to finish this story no matter what.

Disclaimer: JF owns everything, I own nothing, not even enough time in a day to type for you guys.

Chapter 15

Close

I didn't run far. They would never find me if that was the case. Luther once he was done with his performance will probably have a screaming match with Maverick about why he scared me off. My guess that it will take him a good thirty five minutes to find me, plus the hour it would take to finish the performance, so that meant I had plenty of time to get in some practice. I grabbed Astrum on my way out already knowing I would have time to be alone. I tied the front of my skirt in a knot before dismounting, not wanting to repeat earlier. My fingers eagerly found the bundle wrapped in my Ranger cloak. Carefully, I pulled out one stick and hooked my leg around it to return it to its true form. My world made sense now with my recurve bow in my hand. I could think of Luther without conflicting ideas, now if only I could have this in hand the next time I see him. Maybe I should just start hitting him on the head whenever he makes me feel like I'm weak. I laughed to myself hearing the Ranger back in my head.

I tried my best to warm up my cold muscles. Everything felt like it had aged years, they were all so stiff. I think I may have to take Luther's offer of training with the acrobats. Actually, I might get to wear pants if I do. Why I said no before I don't remember? Well I should at least wait until Gilan gets back to ask him. How long does it take to find a secret war base and get back? It has been, what, four days? Silas relax you have been doing fine on your own and that's exactly what he is going to say when he gets back. But I liked having him watching over me, especially when I'm not armed. Not to mention I'm kind of used to working with someone, and I think we make a pretty good team. You should get use to working on your own, that's how Rangers work after all. Especially if I want to prove that I am as capable as any man. Of course they would have an easier time with this mission because they wouldn't have to wear a corset and figure out how to shoot arrows with one on.

To not waste arrows, I picked three and hid them back in my bundled Ranger cloak. There would be less to clean up or cover up. The feeling of the curved wood in my hand that fit perfectly in my palm made me feel complete. I pulled my fingers lightly on the feathered end as I felt it lock into place. I chose my targets and within seconds my arrows had found their mark. I noticed the lag of time it took from being out of practice for what seemed like forever and that fact that I had to pick my arrows up one at a time from the stump beside me. I was only going to get minimal practice in today. Sighing I picked up the back of my skirt so it wouldn't trip me or snag on branches as I walked the long way to find my arrows.

My luck only lasted for three more practice rounds. Astrum's ears twitched to the right. The person trying to sneak up behind me was no Ranger that was for sure. There was only one other person who would try and find me. Quickly, I wound my leg around my bow unstringing it so it was just a useless stick and a disheartening sight to see. By the loud sounds of his feet breaking twigs I knew I was out of time. I had to choose one or the other. Either fix my dress to try and salvage what I had left of my ladylike impression or hide my bundled up Ranger cloak more efficiently. I could explain the weapons much better than I could explain why I was wearing pants under my dress. Smoothly I went over to Astrum's head and started stroking his nose as he made more noise as he recognised the person approaching us as I let the fabric of my skirt fall back into place. Goodbye freedom.

"Silas!" Luther called from behind me. "Thank god I found you."

I turned towards him, and just by the look on my face, the smile on his face fell. "What's wrong love?" He asked tenderly, but I backed away from his outstretched hand. I looked to the forest seeing which would be easiest to escape. No Silas you have to remember you're no longer the Ranger anymore. "Please don't run. I'm not going to hurt you." Luther pleaded softly. I looked at him and the sad look in his eyes made me believe him. He had stopped an arm's length away, not wanting to scare me off even.

"That's not what Maverick said." I snapped at him. He found out my reason for acting this way. Maverick was going to hear it from Luther later; Maverick of course doesn't like being told what to do.

"What did he say?" Luther asked the anger towards the leader was clearly visible towards the surface.

"He found out my secret and told me to join him or he was going to send me to be burnt at the stake."

"He ne... he won't do that I promise you. If he wants to get to you he will have to go through me." I noticed his little slip, a little of Luther's true nature showing perhaps? He was still was a mystery in my mission. He took another step forwards, offering his protection. For some reason my body shied away as if it knew that Luther couldn't be trusted and that I should stay away from him. In his eyes I knew he wanted to do something but was almost scared that I would leave. Would it be because Maverick would have his head if I left or was it because he would miss me if I left?

"He said that you had something called a Silver tongue, how do I know you haven't been using it on me this whole time? What if you just lured me here because you wanted to use me?" Luther did something unexpected. If I could've reacted, I would've ended up tripping on my dress. Faster than I could blink, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me against him. Strong arms wrapped around me and I knew I would have to struggle to unpin my arms from my sides. My head had no choice but to rest against his shoulder. I could feel his heart beating against my cheek making mine speed up to catch up to his.

"I could never use you in that way." The velvety voice made my heart flutter as I realised how close he had to be to whisper that quietly. Warm air tickled the side of my face as he bent down slightly to bring himself even closer to me. "Betraying my own heart isn't something I could ever do." He was making sure that I couldn't run away until I heard his reason to stay. His words were enough to make me want to stay and hear more. He rested his chin on the top of my head and gentle removed one on his hands finding a new spot between the strands of my hair. It was oddly soothing as he gently trailed his fingers in my hair. "I warned Maverick not to tell you until you felt like you belonged here. You're not the only one with a secret needing to hide, truth is you really do belong here with us and would never harm you as we are the same. Maverick saved my life from the stake and all he truly wants is for no one else with magic to suffer like he has. This is the one place that we have found that we don't have to hide or be frightened. Give it a chance and you might even learn how to hide it better or control it."

"How do I know you're not just trying to persuade me with your magic silver- tongue?" I managed to pull away from him a bit using my free arm to push his waist so I could take a step backwards. He smiled light-heartedly at the strand of hair that fell through his fingertips.

"If I could even use it on you then you would've said yes to coming with me the first time we met." I figured he had explained enough for me to ponder a while then come back to camp. I doubt I would get to practice with my bow but there still were other skills I could re-teach this body how to do it in a dress. I gave him a half smile telling him that I believed him but still was worried about it. Hopefully it gave him enough reassurance that I wouldn't try running again.

Any more time spent in his arms and he might start having an effect on me. I liked having a clear head on my shoulders from my practice as a Ranger. The longer I can keep it the better it will be until Gilan gets back. I looked down at the ground, trying to get out of his gaze that seemed to be permanently fixed on me. His hand released its hold from around my waist. Finally I could breathe as the tightness in my chest started to disappear. Now more than ever I wish I had my cloak so I could just disappear from his sight. Shrinking away only did so much but I could sense that the sad look on his face that I knew all too well, would appear. That face always made me uneasy, so much that I hated seeing it especially when he only made that face because of me.

"Maybe we should head ba..." I took a step back. Of course this would happen. My heel stepped on the hem of my skirt and I could already feel myself falling backwards, stupid skirts. I guess I had gotten used to wearing pants too much over the last hour. Except I never hit the ground. Luther must've anticipated it and caught me. He held me up by pressing me against him. One hand holding me in the small of my back, the other wrapped around my fingers which he held tight to his chest. The space between us seemed even closer than before. Our noses were mere inches apart. We were so close I could hardly breathe because the tightness in my chest was worse than ever before. I made the mistake to looking into his dark brown eyes. There was something in his eyes as he looked down at me, an emotion that I couldn't understand but they locked me in place. What could be going on in his mind to make his eyes look like that? He dropped his eyes slightly. I took my chance to breathe and slipped away from his grasps. He let go of my hand last, just letting me step away and like before I could sense that he was disheartened.

Maybe I'm getting better with these emotions. Having to portray them might end up killing me, but I think Gilan will be proud to know that I am close to figuring Luther out. I made sure not to trip this time as I walked back towards Astrum. I only had enough time to bundle my weapons inside my Ranger cloak before Luther had stopped my practice. I'm never going to become a Ranger at this point. I might actually have to get married to someone. No one could even come close to Beck's standards. Besides there isn't anyone that I could even considering marrying, let alone like. Well Luther isn't terrible and he is quite handsome, but then there is Gilan. Stop Silas! How could you possibly even think about something like that? Luther is the enemy and Gilan; we've already discussed why we can't. I hit myself in the forehead trying to come back to my senses. What is wrong with me? Maybe Maverick can teach me how to protect myself from Luther's charm more effectively.

"What's that?" Luther asked and I almost jumped. He placed a hand on mine stopping me from closing it and putting it away. My hands shook strangely when our fingers met making it impossible to hide it from him. My head cleared when he managed to take my cloak and my weapons from my hands. Only this dress was stopping him from a death sentence. He laid it out on the ground and opened the bundle. Two worthless sticks and two quivers of arrows made his eyes go wide.

It took me a second to remember the cover story Gilan and I created. "Those are the only thing left I have from my father." Luther nodded and carefully wrapped it back together. He handed my possessions back to me. I turned from his eyes that were more bothersome now than ever before. If only I had the magical ability to read minds, then this would be a lot easier.

Luther and I walked slowly back through the forest. It made me smile when I noticed how Luther went as far away as possible from Astrum. I wonder if something happened between the two of them or did he see the murderous look in his eye that I note on every occasion. "Secretly, I think he wanted a son. He even tried to teach me how to use them behind my mother's back. I was actually getting pretty good before he died." I embellished. Luther was strangely quiet. Come to think about it I doubt he has ever been this quiet for this long. He looked at me and smiled. His eyes told me too many emotions for me to count or even name. I thought it was girls that had the problem with emotions and men were simple. Why is this so confusing for me? Oh right, I was raised by an almost heartless Ranger. I wasn't allowed emotions.

I almost choked on it, still bad coffee was better than none. "Um, do you have anything to sweeten it?" I hesitantly asked Claudia who stood with a kettle in one hand and her other hand on her hip disapprovingly. Luther said he had to do something and asked Claudia to keep me company. In other words she was to make sure I didn't run away again.

"Sorry dear, sugar is running low. We can't afford your expensive tastes."

"How about some honey?" I asked shyly. This woman intimidated me more than Mrs. Padavick the first day she strapped me in a corset.

"My Luther has found himself a princess." She said then turned on her heel and left. I couldn't figure out her tone. One sentence she would be sweet, the next cynical. Was she a part of Maverick's cult, or just another hired hand? I guess that will be my next task, figuring out how many of them are going to fight.

I looked around the camp. Slowly the coloured costumes started disappearing. Ordinary people, winding down from a hard day's work replaced them. They chatted amongst themselves and paid no attention to the girl sitting alone. Familiarity had become my Ranger's cloak, my tool to blend in. I was starting to become old news them, minus a few of the girls who shot me rude glances every time they passed. What did I do to them to deserve that? That was the mystery. At least now I can wander around camp without having to strain my ears to hear their suddenly hushed conversations whenever I walk by. No new information from them except mindless gossip, yesterday I think it was about a girl named Leah.

"Here." Someone shoved a small jar in front of my face. Claudia had found some honey and was tapping her foot waiting for me to take it. I did and took the spoon from inside and plopped it into my coffee. She sat down on the log next to me. However I didn't have the faintest idea if I should be worried or not. "You must be really something." She said in her softer voice. I didn't let my guard go completely.

"What do you mean?" I asked sipping my coffee gingerly. Actually it wasn't bad with honey. Gilan must be having an effect on me. I wouldn't have thought of this unless it was for him.

"In the years that I have known Luther I have never seen him smile like that." But the real question was how many years have they been planning this.

"But Luther smiles all the time." I hardly think that's special.

"Because of you, you silly girl." She looked at me like I was crazy. Her expression softened and she gently squeezed my wrist. "I'll wait for him to tell you if you haven't figured it out yet." Figured what out? That woman is a strange one. I sipped more of my coffee; actually the honey does give it a better taste. I wonder what it would taste like with real coffee. She stood up once again but before taking five steps she spun sharply on her heel with her scary face back on. "Don't even think about breaking his heart after finding you after all these years. I won't be as understanding."

That was even less comprehensible than the last one. What did that mean? How am I supposed to be a Ranger if I can't even figure out what this woman is trying to tell me? I mean Luther hasn't been looking for me for years. I drained the last of my coffee and set the cup down by Claudia's big boiling pot. Luther may have told her to watch me but it was only too easy to slip away. What was so important that he couldn't have me by his side, something top secret perhaps? No one was around so I touched my fingers to the ground. Luther was becoming more and more familiar to me. It still took a few moments to find him. He wasn't in his tent. Strangely he was at the edge of the camp. What are you up to? Time to find out.

Feeling more like myself, I stuck to the shadows. It was all I could do without a cloak on but it worked well enough. I was there within a minute but there were no more shadows to cover me. I stepped out into the sun and walked towards the group of men trying to make the smile on my face look natural. They were working on something but it didn't look like much. At least it didn't look like a part of the whole take over the kingdom scheme. Someone covered my eyes. I grabbed the hands and pulled them off my face but the man was smart and held tightly to my hands spinning me around instead. It was Luther.

"It's not ready yet." He said trying to hide his excitement. "I told Claudia to keep an eye on you."

"She was making me uncomfortable." I told him truthfully. I tried looking over my shoulder to see what he was up to but he caught me. His hand gently cupped my cheek and turned it to meet his eyes. My heart seemed to speed up as I was once again trapped in his eyes.

"But I should've known already that you were hard to keep." He had the same look in his eyes that he had before. I knew that if I didn't pull away soon that I would be trapped again. Forcing myself to blink I looked down. He squeezed my hand tighter, meaning that he wasn't going to let it go this time. "I don't want to ruin the surprise so how about I introduce you to our acrobats?"

Luther didn't even come to say goodnight. That's strange even for him. Whatever he's working on must be really important. I wonder what must've change for him to change his pattern. This must be the reason why Becks never made me do the same thing the same way twice. Patterns make it harder to expect the unexpected. I'm going to have to restart my training because of this mission. I ducked into my tent, stretching my arms up as I went inside. A few exercises before bed, could help. Alright maybe more than a few, being out of condition is just making me feel lazy. Thanks a lot Luther.

Hiking up my skirt I sat on my bed. Difficultly, I yanked off my boots and tossed them to the opposite side of the tent. For some reason I keep trying the fancy boots hoping that they will eventually become less painful. Why I keep trying I can't remember. Next I pulled my knives out from their holster that was strapped to my leg. "Ouch." I accidently hit the scab on my leg with the knife. If it didn't start bleeding again it should be healing in no time as long as I don't keep hitting it.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh nothing it's just from where Halt shot me."

I almost screamed. Luckily I was fast enough to cover my mouth in time so only a muffled one came out. I jumped up and turned on the voice that had come from beside me. How could I be so reckless and not notice someone next to me? Well if they were going to attack me they shouldn't have waited because now I was armed. The person sat up slowly. I sighed and relaxed out of my defensive knives stance when I recognised the Ranger cloak. No wonder I wasn't able to see him.

"Halt shot you?" Gilan asked and I could see a small smile forming under his Ranger hood.

"Long story but really it was more of a graze because he missed." I said trying to sound cool and collect.

"Wow that's two things I never thought a Ranger could do."

"Two?"

"Yes, a Ranger missing and another Ranger letting her guard down." Gilan said playfully. He was teasing me again. I'd prefer if he just punished me like Becks would if I made a mistake, why does he have to tease me.

"I didn't... I mean it was because..." Gilan laughed at my attempts to cover up. Maybe I was just too comfortable with him now. Ugh! This is so frustrating! I am losing it, it's now official. But what's worse is that Luther is having some weird affect on me and Gilan isn't that helpful of telling me what I should do! I looked over at Gilan and my eyes went wide. He actually took my blanket and lay down with it. "What are you doing?" I said trying not to raise my voice too much.

"I'm tired." He said with a yawn.

"Isn't there a whole forest out there?"

"You expect me to sleep on the ground after riding nonstop?"

"Then where am I supposed to sleep?"

"There's lots of room to share." He said with a yawn.

"No!" I said a bit too loudly. The heat in my cheeks started to rise up thinking about his idea. "What if Luther comes in?" I moved closer to the bed so I wouldn't be tempted to yell again.

"He won't." Luther wouldn't be able to spot the Ranger if I didn't. Plus he has never come into my tent, the things about being a gentleman that maybe Gilan should take notes on. "I can't believe that you are trying to kick me out even when I have important information." He yawned once more and rolled onto his side. I blinked in anticipation. I waited patiently in silence; he was testing me of course. Why else would he retain information from me? It was him that even said that I had less patience than Halt. I'm not really sure what that means but it must be some indication that making me wait may have repercussions. I gave up. Withholding information that could be useful on my mission is a terrible idea Gilan. It must be something vital or he wouldn't have burdened himself to ride nonstop just to get back to me. What other reason would he do that?

I kneeled on the pillows next to him and gingerly touched him on the shoulder. "Gilan?" I asked quietly hoping that he wouldn't stay quiet because I failed the patience test. He didn't move. "Gilan?" I asked a little louder even daring to push him with a whole hand, still nothing. I leaned over him. Carefully, I moved the cowl of his hood back ever so slightly. I can't believe it he's sleeping! How could he fall asleep like that? I touched his shoulder again pulling him towards me so it would be easier to talk to him. "Gil..." With a smooth motion he pulled me towards him. I crashed down on top of him. I tried to get up but he was faster. He locked me into place with his strong arms. My arms were pinned under me so I tried pushing up, but he just pushed me back down again. I wouldn't be able to move even if I wanted to, not against the strength of a Ranger. I could hear his heart beat as my cheek was lying against his chest. I felt like I lost all the strength in my body as I listened to the loud thumping of his heart. The tightness in my chest was worse than it had been all day. My hands even went numb. I managed to move my head to look up at him. His eyes were still closed, but I could see the dark purple circles under his eyes. "Gilan?" I managed to croak out. Why was I unable to speak?

"Hmm." Was the only sound he made, but it sounded like he was awake enough to answer my next question.

"Umm, is this one of your ways to get Luther out of my head?" I changed my mind as I figured out what this was really for.

"Why, is it working?" For some reason it made me fluster. He knows how I hate not being in control. I can't even move to get into a more comfortable position.

"No! You're suffocating me." Try this and wear a corset at the same time.

"Are you having any homicidal thoughts at the moment?" He asked with a laugh

"If I had my hands free then I would..."

"Shhh" He hushed me. He trailed his fingers from the top of my head, closing my eye and down my cheek then placed it back on my head. I couldn't talk. I barely could think. I tried my best one last time to slither out from his tight hold, but my feet slipped and I had no chance of leaving now. Did he find my weak spot? I didn't even know I had one. His hand resting on the top of my head just made me want to lie there, as if there was nothing to worry about. Along with the even movement of his long breaths they were the recipe for sedation.

Except, this is highly inappropriate, what if we get caught? Sleeping side by side for warmth for Rangers might be alright if you couldn't light a fire but usually someone was on watch. Do married couples even sleep this close? Why on earth would Gilan drag me into this situation? Maybe he's just delirious from riding day and night to return to me. Doesn't he realise that I don't understand anything about the things Mrs. Padavick attempted to shove down my throat. No matter how hard she tried I never bothered to learn because it didn't pertain to becoming a Ranger. If only I had paid attention maybe I could make sense of this.

His arms will loosen up sometime right? I mean how one person could still be this strong while being fast asleep. All I know is that fighting to stay awake to make sure no one sees is going to be very difficult. Not as difficult as the pushing away the thoughts that are coming from being this close.

Author's Note: Oh my! What do we have here? Was Gilan actually just delirious or are we seeing some of the Gilan/OC that we have all been waiting for? Who knows? And enough with the rhetorical questions. Don't worry there will be more Gilan and Silas moments to come so don't worry. I don't even think I can handle Luther that much longer because I am starting to root for him! I know terrible! I'll do my best to update as soon as I can. Too much to ask for a review... possibly... you'll get an answer to them below just like these lovelies here

Love, Marie

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Catherine it's partially your fault that I haven't updated so you better start picking up some of the weight if you want some credit.

Yoohooha- Thanks so much for the review and for understanding, hopefully it was worth the wait.

ScbaStv- I think she might start learning from the acrobats but I have the perfect spot for it, just wait. Thanks so much for the review!

Something like me- probably not as soon as you hoped... sorry... thanks for the review!

Elvishrangerwolf-Thanks!

Moniquebowman- I know I love Luther too! Especially in this chapter! Now I'll just have to find a way to get Gilan back to being the focus... thanks for the review!

Xandra dale- Have I told anyone how much I love long reviews? Yours is my favorite review for this chapter because it made me laugh. Absolutely loved it, thank you so much. I would love to check your story out... when/ if I have time... but I still have time because I checked and you haven't post it yet.

PJoHoOFan- I would love to see that. And Luther I think is starting to really love her, it wasn't at first because he was cautious that she would say no again but each time she doesn't I think it's just another love arrow to the heart. Well that's what I hope it's looking like, I'm not always sure it's the same in writing compared to what I have playing in my mind. Thanks for always reviewing, it really means the world to me.

Elvishrangerwolf- I know! I'm sorry!

Elvishrangerwolf- Three reviews! Holy cow I don't deserve that many because I made you wait so long. Thanks very much for every one of them.

Guest- thanks for the review!

Dropbearbandit- thanks for the kick in the pants to get me going on this chapter. I know I'm a horrible person for leaving you hanging. It means the world that you like my work. Thank you so much for the review!

Wow can't you guys find easier names to spell, that took time you know! I even went the extra mile and bolded them. Just kidding I love you all!