Author's Note: Sorry for not updating for so long. School has been my main priority and was a little intense this year. But now it is summer and my sisters are really pushing me to post chapters. Except they keep reading over my shoulder and I really hate it. I have finished my Harry Potter Fanfic (if you like Draco/OC then maybe check it out, you won't have to wait for updates either) so I won't have to switch between stories. I will try my best to update the next chapter as quickly as possible. I hope this chapter is worth the wait. Happy Reading!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my characters and plot line

Chapter 18

Watching and Waiting

I didn't sleep a wink. My mind was racing with countless thoughts. What was I supposed to say to Luther tomorrow? Would there be any way to avoid him? No cause that would mean he had completely scared me off with his proposal. Pushing him away would mess up my real mission. Would accepting make them bring me within their inner planning circle? That would just make it harder to pull out if we needed. Why does this have to be so hard? But he did say that he would wait for my answer so that should buy me some time right?

Gilan didn't tell me anything about when he was going to arrive. I wasn't a fan of his last surprise and neither will my feet because I'll have to ride with the lace up ones until my boots dry out completely. I'll have to start finding a way to get back at him for that. But I doubt I can do anything to him dressed up as a girl. Even when he does show up I doubt that I'll be able to pull something off, that would just be a little too out of character. I'll figure something out, when he comes, even though I have no idea when that is going to happen. He said that it would be better if my reactions were natural and not planned. That way it would be more believable. Except he forgot that I have less patience than Halt so Luther's probably going to ask me what's wrong. That's the bad part because I don't know if I can talk to him yet. With that my thoughts would start over again.

"Silas?" I heard a voice call from outside. For a second I hoped it was Gilan who had decided to come early in the morning. It wasn't. "We have to head out this morning love, so I can't let you sleep in this morning." Luther called softly from outside my tent. My heart started beating faster as I remembered what he had technically asked me last night. I tried several times to answer him but my mouth felt like it was frozen. If I don't answer him quick he's going to come in.

"I'm up." I managed quickly. That almost took everything I had and I hoped he heard it because I don't think I could manage anything else.

"Alright love, I'll wait until you're ready." I could already see the smile on Luther's face. This was going to be a very long day.

I made sure to pack up all my belongings and arrange them in a way that my extra set of knives wouldn't fall out even if tossed around. Luther wouldn't have me taking down my own tent, so I did the least I could. I finally stepped out of my tent. What kind of Ranger would I be if I didn't have the guts to come out and face the problem head on? It did take me a couple deep breaths to calm myself down. My other option was having Luther worry over me; again. That would then end up with more skin contact. Luther smiled widely when I stepped out. Didn't he have his usual duties for morning take-down? My thoughts stopped when he put an arm over my shoulders and pulled me into a one sided hug. "Good morning love." He said as he touched his head to mine. I let out the breath I was holding when he didn't kiss me. Why was my heart beating so fast? Any louder and he could hear it? What if he can hear it? I couldn't get a reply out when I accidently met his eyes. I simply replied with a smile. Apparently that was good enough for him because he squeezed me against him one last time before letting me go. "I'll meet you at the front of the line later alright?" He asked while running back to his job. I lifted my hand in acknowledgement and he turned to watch where he was actually going. Gilan hurry up and get here because this is killing me.

As soon as Luther left two men showed up and started the process of loading the cart with my tent and belongings. I pulled Astrum behind me as I went to go find Claudia. For some reason they try every time to mount Astrum when moving day comes, maybe to see if one day he'll finally give in. Like that is ever going to happen. They just end up limping to our next destination. "I'll just save them from humiliation this time." I said to Astrum with a cunning smile. Really I was just tired of them complaining loudly in my proximity when we were marching to our next camp.

I found Claudia in her usual spot, ladling out spoonfuls of what she passes for breakfast into the bowls of the hungry people in line. She wasn't a morning person, especially on moving day. I found out from my days here she did have her good days; today not being one of them. Her bread was to die for, but that was only when she felt like treating herself and those few like Luther and I who were lucky enough to wake up at dawn. I left Astrum to the side of the clearing and grabbed a bowl to wait in line. As usual it was my time to listen into today's gossip. Oh, joy. When will the women of this camp have something more interesting to do than who fancies who? If only they knew something that would be worth my time.

"Can you guess what I saw last night?" One blonde girl named Beatrice asked to her light brown hair friend Jane. These two saw everything and I made sure to take extra caution around them because if I made an un-ladylike mistake they would be the first ones to spread the word. Coincidentally they were also the two with the twin disapproving looks when they found out I was Luther's new girl.

"Henry pulling Charlotte off to the side?" Jane asked. They both squealed grabbing hands, that hurt my ears because they were so close.

"Aren't they cute together?" Beatrice and Jane sighed to one another.

"I still wish he would've chosen me." They both sighed and nodded again. Except I distinctly remember last week, Henry and Agnes being at the top of their gossiping comments. I don't know why they were fawning over him. It wasn't like he was dashingly handsome like Luther or Gilan not to mention I wouldn't want a man that changes his mind about women every week.

"I did notice you and Luther pretty cozy by the fire last night." I looked at them, a little shocked. So shocked that I couldn't remember which one had said it. I blinked at them. This was the first time they had ever talked to me. It didn't sound stuck up like the last time, more on the lines of trying to find out for later gossip. I actually had no idea what to say to them. I simply smiled and looked down trying not to blush.

"Oh, something did happen right!?" Jane asked brightly and grabbed my hand.

"Nnnno, nothing happened." I said but my lie was seen through my words. The girls wore matching smiles, which was scarier than the look on Will's face if he had found out what happened between Gilan and I. Scary, was an understatement.

"Are you girls going to hold up the line forever?" Saved by Claudia. I breathed out when they scrambled to give their bowls to the cook. I wonder if Gilan would have any tips about how to deal with them next time so I won't be so unprepared. I handed my bowl to Claudia and thanked her. I turned around and found Jane and Beatrice waiting for me to be done.

"Sorry if Jane was too forward. We were just excited for you, that's all." Beatrice sounded genuine.

"Excited for me?" I asked completely dumbfounded of how their minds worked.

"We have to get going. Join us for lunch and we'll see if we can open up that shell of yours." They both smiled. It wasn't a question. I watched as they walked away with a swing in their hips. I definitely don't have that when I walk. I guess I am having lunch with them. Well it would mean that I wouldn't have to talk to Luther during lunch. And I could get some information on how other girls my age should act. It may not be such a bad idea. Now I only have to worry about what they're going to talk and ask.

The camp was pretty much packed up. I mounted Astrum in a fluid movement and pointed him towards the front of the line. I didn't like getting there before Luther had the chance to round up the last remaining stragglers. I knew he was leading the group, but couldn't it be from the back or something? If I had my cloak on, the watching eyes wouldn't bother me as much. But until he reached the front I was free to search our surroundings for Gilan. Being exceptionally good at concealed movement of course, made it impossible to do so. I could see the mountains along the horizon and we were heading towards them. I had a feeling we were going to meet up with the main camp before making our way to King Duncan. I still needed to figure out how they planned on taking over. Maverick surely couldn't think that he could bet it all on the few that had magic could he? If only I had been smart enough to figure out Luther's words, I wouldn't have wasted time. I had to focus on my mission now. I had forgotten why I was on this mission in the first place. It was to save Becks, to save the kingdom. Everything would fall on my shoulders if I failed. I couldn't let that happen. Full Ranger or not it was still my responsibility and I couldn't let trivial things cloud my mind anymore.

From my position I saw the man ride up to the front on a horse. He turned around with a hand covering his eyes, searching the crowd of people until he spotted me. I could see his smile from here as he waved me over. Luther's charm was going to be the hardest challenge to overcome. Against Astrum's protests I pushed him towards the front. I snickered to myself as I saw Astrum eye the man I rode up beside. "Finally, I can be with my darling." Luther smiled as he reached over and squeezed my hand. This was definitely going to be a challenge. Just think about the mission Silas, think about the mission. I took two breaths and managed a smile back up at Luther. It was a horrible mistake. His smile grew even bigger with a brilliant sparkle in his chocolate brown eyes. Before dropping my hand he brought it gently to his lips and placed a tender kiss to my knuckles. When was Gilan going to get here?

"I'm having lunch with Jane and Beatrice." I stated bluntly. Luther, as always, was making sure that I was taken care of. I knew that if I didn't say anything then I would be stuck with Luther the whole day.

"What?" He asked actually puzzled. He blinked surprised at me.

"They invited me to join them for lunch." I added hoping that would get my message across. He surprised me by hugging me tightly. He had pinned my arms to the side so there was no way I could try prying myself free. "What are you doing?" I couldn't stop myself from asking him.

"I'm so happy for you, that's why. I was hoping that you would find some friends here and not just me. It makes me feel like you actually belong here." He said continuing to hug me. He only let me go when all the air out of my lungs was squeezed out. I heard some giggles from behind me. Luther cleared his throat for some odd reason when he saw that Beatrice and Jane had seen the whole thing. I quickly walked over to them hoping that no one would see my cheeks flaring red from being the center of attention.

The girls led me to a spot that they had already prepared for us. They probably had been the first in line for what Claudia made as a quick lunch. Her food was always better after she had woken up. Beatrice guided me by the elbows and sat me down between them on a spread out blanket. They passed me a bowl of Claudia's stew and waited for me to take a bite. I looked up and found them smiling at me and by them I could tell they were just waiting for me to be done. Couldn't Gilan come now and just save me from everyone.

"What?" I asked them when I swallowed.

"We just want to know how you did it." Jane said.

"Did what?" I asked them. They were going to have to give me some more clues because I have always known that dealing with women is difficult.

"There are countless girls that Luther has brought to this camp, but you are the only one that has managed to keep him." Beatrice and Jane both looked at me with wide eyes.

"Can you tell us your secrets?" Jane asked hopefully.

"I don't really have any secrets."

"You're no fun. How else will we ever get a man as handsome as Luther." Jane teased.

"I seriously didn't do anything. He was the one who tried to convince me to come-"

"Wait what do you mean tried." Beatrice interrupted me.

"Actually we ran into each other twice and I turned him down both times." They both started at me with their jaws open. It was as if they had just heard the impossible. "It wasn't until my mother had arranged a marriage for me that I decided to run away and possibly take Luther up on his offer to join." I told them my story. I didn't have to talk anymore right?

"Now I get why Luther is so in love with you." Jane leaned into me and looked up at the sky.

"You're the only one that he actually wanted to get for himself." Beatrice did the same thing making me feeling very squished.

"What do you mean the only one?" I asked, something finally catching my interest. This was something new.

"Luther didn't tell you?" Jane and Beatrice gave me some breathing room. They both looked at each other and then to me.

"It must be so nice to be normal." Jane sighed. Beatrice kicked Jane across the blanket. There was a warning look passed between the two of them and I pretended not to notice.

Beatrice continued, "I hope you've been told Maverick is in charge because he's the one who tells Luther to convince people to join."

"No wonder Luther looks so happy when you're with him." Jane said. It felt like there was something compressing my chest. What is this feeling?

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything ladies, but it's time to be heading on." We all looked up and Luther was standing up with a hand held out for me. Beatrice and Jane whispered something to each other and giggled as I took his hand.

"Not at all." Jane said. They both waved as we walked away from them. I wonder if they would spill any more secrets if I joined them for dinner.

"What did you ladies talk about?" Luther asked when we were on our way with the line of people behind us trudging wearily. I thought it over. Apparently Maverick was the one to pick out the people or girls for Luther to convince to come. Their reference to being normal must mean that they can't leave not because they're too far from home but they have some magic that Maverick was able to pull out of them. Did that mean most of the people here had magic?

"Nothing really, just us girls talking." I responded innocently.

Gilan still hadn't shown up. He did say he was coming today, right? What if something happened to him? Was there a change of plan? Calm down Silas, you're a Ranger and have to be ready for every possibility. Why not use this time to find out more information? Astrum stopped suddenly snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked around looking for the danger but Astrum was giving me no signal.

"Silas?" Luther had called the party to a stop.

"Hmn?" I blinked at him then clued in. I quickly dismounted so Luther couldn't beat me to it. Luther looked disappointed that I had already dismounted without his help. That didn't stop him from giving one of his famous gestures of affection Gilan had warned me about. He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, smiling. I made sure not to let any emotions in my eyes not to tempt him like he said.

"I just wish I could know what's going on in there." He tapped my forehead playfully with one finger. Trying not to be offensive, I swiped his hand away. He of course had guessed my actions because he smoothly caught my hand and quickly interlaced his fingers with mine before I had the chance to pull away. He gave me a quick wink and a smirk, telling me he had won this time. Was I getting that obvious in my actions? This was a really bad sign, all the more reason for Gilan to hurry up and show up.

We strolled through camp and watched as everyone was winding down for the rest of the day. Some simply sat and massaged their aching legs while others organised their belongings. I glanced at the sky. Dark rain clouds were rolling in threatening to rain. The people here didn't look as rushed as they should've been. Setting up wet equipment was going to be even more difficult. Luther followed my gaze and squeezed my hand. "I think I should tell them to set up for a wet camp tonight." He said casually. By the thickness of those clouds I think you should tell them sooner rather than later. I just knew that he didn't want to leave my side to do it. Then I just saw my means of escape. A couple rows away I saw Jane and Beatrice carrying bundles in their arms and chatting away happily. With my free hand I waved over at them, which felt very strange and over-exaggerated: something that could get you killed as a Ranger. Once they saw me they returned my greeting. I turned to Luther and looked at him with pleading eyes. He stopped walking. As soon as he saw my eyes I knew I had found a weapon against him.

"Go ahead." He said as he cupped my cheek with his free hand. Never mind, I should not try anything against Luther because touching for some reason always ends up being the result. He stroked my face twice with his thumb. Before he could do anything else I gave him a quick smile before pulling away from his grasp. My heart was pounding and I knew my cheeks would be bright red. I would rather have the girls see me like this than Luther. I ran over to them quickly, looking for any excuse to be away from Luther.

"Hey Silas!" Jane said with a smile. "Oops!" That caused her to lose focus on balancing the items in her arms. I caught the bundle and in one smooth movement, transferred all of the items into my arms so I was carrying them. "Thanks, you're a lifesaver."

"Don't worry about it." I smiled at her carrying them comfortably. "I got it." I said as I followed along with them.

"Are you sure?" Jane asked now feeling like she was doing nothing. Exactly how I felt whenever Luther decided to act chivalrous.

"Of course, Luther treats me like a princess and won't let me even lift a finger." I laughed complaining to someone finally.

"I wish I could be treated like a princess." Beatrice complained.

"You can take my chores any day you want." Jane laughed. Except she had no idea how much I really wanted to take her up on her offer.

Jane and Beatrice's job, along with mostly all the other girls in the camp, was to make sure that all the supplies that could be spoiled were taken into the tents that the men were setting up. The tents were beginning to go up faster now that the sky started drizzling water on our heads. They were smart using the trees around us to cover larger areas with the canvas, rather than the usual individual tents. I could now see how handy it was to have acrobats for scaling the trees. They obviously have done this before because their timing was impeccable. They were just putting the last knots in has the rain started pouring down.

I pretended to wipe sweat off my brow as Jane, Beatrice and I put down our last box. They were breathing hard and I could tell they just wanted to be off their feet for the night. My secret workouts before I went to bed weren't enough to keep up my strength, especially if I still have to master the full long bow. It still seemed like I was living in a different world here. One that I had become a part of and had never been a Ranger prior to this. That was the trickiest part of this mission, not to lose my real self.

We waited patiently in line under the biggest tent for food. Jane and Beatrice talked animatedly to each other as I pretended to listen. I was saving my ears for more important sounds. No one around us was talking about anything important to eaves drop in on. I concentrated hard to the sounds outside noises. Through the pouring rain it was difficult to hear anything, but I knew something was going to happen. One sound broke the silence for a second but it was enough for me to sigh in relief.

Someone was calling something out. And the only two syllable word that I knew he would be calling would be my name, took long enough for Gilan to get here. Now I wasn't going to be alone in this charade but that could also be more difficult. Just stick to the story Silas and everything will be alright.

Then I shut out listening to the quiet sound of Gilan calling my name from somewhere outside. I wouldn't be expecting him so I should be the last one to know about it right? Trying to pay attention to something completely uninteresting like what Jane and Beatrice were talking about was almost impossible. I managed to catch a couple of words but that was pretty much it. It was probably only a couple of minutes but to me it felt like hours before the murmurings finally reached this tent. I tried my best to look oblivious as people around us were whispering to each other and looking my way. Could you make it look less obvious that you were talking about me, it is making it really hard to pretend not to notice. Finally the news reached Jane's ear. She quickly grabbed some poor unfortunate soul and demanded to be told again. Her jaw dropped as she let his collar go.

"What is it?" Beatrice asked with a sparkle in her eyes.

"Silas," I turned my full attention to her. With eyes still wide she continued "There is some knight looking for you." I tried my best not to look relieved or excited. Hopefully I was pulling off a convincing confused expression.

"Come on let's go!" Beatrice and Jane both grabbed one of my hands. Everyone apparently was thinking the same thing because they all filed out of the dry tent and into the rain. My arms getting yanked off as I bumped into the crowd all around us as they pulled me through the crowd. I couldn't tell if they wanted to see the new man that had just arrived or they were bringing me to him. Either way they were very forceful in their determination to get to where the action was. As soon as we broke the line to be at the front I saw a very dangerous situation. I had to blink the heavy rain out of my eyes to properly see. The tension between the two males was very intense. I couldn't see Gilan's face because his back was turned but Luther's expression was one that I didn't know he was capable of making. He eyed the man in front of him as is he was an animal ready to attack because someone threatened his territory.

The crowd made a tight circle around the two men so we could soak in every word the stranger said. Anything new to these people was exciting even if it meant standing in the pouring rain until we could no longer feel our toes.

"What business do you have here?" Luther sounded very serious. Wasn't he always looking for more people to join the family? I wonder why he was so against Gilan at the moment.

"I'm looking for a girl named Silas." The man dressed in the chainmail shirt asked.

"I'm afraid you're out of luck. No one goes by that name." Luther said acidly.

"What are you talking about?" Jane asked in a loud voice.

"She's right here!" Beatrice piped up. The strained look on Luther's face almost made me burst out laughing. It was as if he was trying not to kill Jane and Beatrice over Gilan's shoulder. Beatrice helped me wipe the smile off my face as she suddenly pushed me into the empty center of the circle. Lovely, I just love having all the eyes on me again. At least I didn't trip on my dress this time, falling in the mud would just make this a whole different event. I slowly straightened up. Gilan turned around. It was strange seeing him in something other than a Ranger cloak. In fact I don't even think I have ever seen him without one on. The green-grey molten colours hid a Ranger from view and I guess what they really looked like inside. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, hinting a well sculpted body beneath. Wait stop Silas, you're on a mission not like Beatrice and Jane who are trying to find their next husband.

"Silas?" Gilan asked with a hopeful look in his eye. He wasn't bad at this acting thing either. I figured I should take some time to recognise him. In our cover story we haven't seen each other in a long time right? Gilan didn't really change all that much since the first time I met him. Except Gilan never really told me how long we have been apart for. I never really asked Becks how long it took someone to become a knight. I was never interested in becoming a knight so the question never came up. "It hasn't been that long has it?" Gilan flashed a brilliant smile. I suddenly snapped out of it remembering I was half of this plan. There was no time to be lost in thoughts.

Beatrice and Jane were standing beside me. I could just feel their jaws hanging open. I whispered quietly just loud enough for them to hear: "I know that smile." I think I might have this acting close to being mastered. "Gilan?" I asked loud enough for almost everyone to hear. I furrowed my brow as if trying to confirm it was the right person taking a couple steps closer. Gilan smiled even wider. My heart for some reason skipped a beat. Without hesitation Gilan leapt over to me in a single bound. What surprised me more was that he publicly wrapped his arms around me. "Relax." Gilan whispered in my ear. He then picked me up and twirled me around in a circle. I shrieked in surprise making me grab around his shoulders so he wouldn't drop me; not that he'd let me fall. Gilan let me down gently. There was a wolfish smile on his face as he winked at me. I had no idea what he was hinting to so I hope it wasn't that important at the moment. A second later Luther grabbed my wrist and pulled me to his side. I tried my best not to show my smile as I noticed Luther try to put as much distance between me and Gilan as possible.

"Who do you think you are?" Luther growled at Gilan.

"The man coming to take my Silas home." Gilan said standing up to his full height. I never noticed how tall Gilan was but he stood over Luther. They both glared at each other. How could Luther hate someone so much, they just met for goodness sake!

"That still doesn't answer my question." Luther spat.

"I'm her fiancée." Gilan said smiling as if he just won the battle.

Author's Note: I was going to add more to make up for the fact that I haven't updated in a while. But this is just the perfect place to stop. You have no idea how long I wanted Gilan to join the camp... this is going to get so good. I can't wait for the next parts, they just make me giddy thinking about them. It's kind of awkward too cause I'm not at home and people will think I'm weird for smiling like this. I want to know if you guys have any ideas to what Gilan and Luther are going to do to win Silas over. If you have a guess or ideas I would love to hear them. If you give me an idea would you also be so kind to give me permission to use it? Review and tell me what you think.

Love, Marie

PS: For some reason I forgot to respond to reviews at the end of chapter 17 for chapter 16 so I will go back and put them there. I think I was just too excited to post that I forgot.

Now for the lovely people who did review

Something like me- Gilan pouring the water over Silas' head was actually one of the first things that I had thought up of when I first started this story and just couldn't wait to put in. That one turned out exactly how I imagined it in my head and usually they are the hardest parts for me to wirte. Thanks so much for the review!

Guest- Leave your name so you know this is for you. Thanks so much for the compliment. It really means the world to me.

Alex The Rogue- Thanks for mentioning that to me. I'm not an expert at the long bow so it didn't occur to me, I will keep it in mind for next time we get to see her practicing. I will also remember to give her a finger guard next time as well. Thanks for useful advice and for leaving a review!

Dr Crazy Glasses- Who wouldn't want Gilan picking on them? Thanks so much for the review!

Nagrom- Some Gilan POV? I think I can put some in next chapter, with what I'm planning it will work nicely. Thanks for the review!

Animeloverr0347- Hopefully I can keep the updates coming. Thanks for the review!

Dropbearbandit- Thanks so much for the awesome review!

GeorgiaIsAwesome- I will definitely keep writing don't worry. Thanks so much for your flattering review. I was smiling for days after I read it. It such an amazing compliment I actually don't know what to say.