Author's note: Yes I am back! No I didn't die. At times I felt like it from the amount of school work and work I had to do. I felt so horrible having no time to type. I will do my best to update but my schedule is about to become even busier so I'll do my best to put in time. It will be finished one day so don't worry about never finding out what comes next. Also my laptop has been a little weird lately so typing does take a bit longer on my iPad. So if there are any grammar mistakes please tell me because it doesn't pick it up like my laptop did. Hopefully you can forgive me as I present the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own RA

Chapter 19

Little Grey Lies

Gilan POV

I watched the slow moving herd as they dragged their aching feet past my hiding spot. I had already moved twice today simply waiting for an opportune moment to arrive. A smile cracked the surface of my face every time I saw Silas ride past. I saw her eyes scanning the forest every second she could spare. I'll give her credit for not showing her impatience. Well at least for the most part. Every now and then she would bite her lower lip. It was a habit that she had just started to develop since this mission started. I found myself waiting for the next time she does it, counting seconds between. There was one other person who smiled every time she sucked her lip in. Luther sat on the horse beside her with a big smile just plastered on his face. He would even put his elbow on his knee, face resting on his hand just to look at her better. He would say something that caused her to stop. When he did I had to stop myself from going over there and knocking him off his horse. It wasn't time yet, and the waiting will be worth it. So my counting would begin again.

I had thought about taking Silas out of this mission a long time ago. Once I found the camp with Beckett I wanted to take her and charge in on the camp. I don't even think Silas and her magic could help us against an army. For now we will have to stick to Crowley's plan. It was a good plan but there was one thing that he should've warned me about: Silas. She was a dangerous weapon in the worst way, because she didn't even know it. She is beautiful. Her dark hair framed her fair skin and flowed like smoke in the wind. With one look in her unique light grey eyes and you're hooked. What man wouldn't fall for her?

Luther may have had many girls before this but I don't blame him for falling for Silas at first sight. I made sure to keep a close eye on him ever since I came back. Leaving her alone for so long was a horrible mistake. It made my blood boil seeing the way he looked at her. As if she was his only source of light in the darkness. Silas fortunately was clueless, so mostly all his attempts went unnoticed. But Luther had keen eyes and could probably interpret her emotions better than she could. Even watching from a distance I could almost hear when her heart beat faster. After hearing Luther's proposal to her I knew she wouldn't be safe to be there alone anymore. She was getting too close to pull herself out. She wouldn't even know how. Thinking that Silas would fall for Luther was something that I could not let happen.

I snacked on hard rations to ease my hunger. The smell of warm food cooking over a fire didn't help. That's when I saw Silas being hugged by Luther suddenly. My knuckles went white as I curled them up into fists. He let her go briefly afterwards and I calmed myself with a steady breath. Then Silas did something strange. She followed two other girls, well it looked more like they were dragging her with them. I smiled knowing Silas was just trying to get away from Luther. Even if it meant doing something she wasn't that fond of. I turned my focus to Luther. He watched contently, with his hands on his hips, the back of her head as she left.

Not one minute had passed before Maverick tapped his shoulder before beckoning him to follow. I followed as the two men travelled away from the group. Getting closer to clearly hear what they were saying was easier with the secluded spot. In a small clearing Maverick stopped. He scanned to make sure they were followed before starting to speak. Of course he wouldn't be able to sense me without magic or see me as a Ranger.

"How far have you managed to convince her?" Maverick was straight to the point. I saw how Maverick talking about Silas in that way made Luther feel uncomfortable. He scratched the back of his head and kicked at the roots with his boot. I didn't blame him. Maverick only saw her as a tool. It was Luther's job to fix everything else. It would work only if his silver tongue worked on her.

"I have conveyed my feelings and I believe that she is feeling more like she belongs here." Luther tried to state it without emotions. Maverick's frown didn't disappear. Obviously that wasn't the answer he wanted.

"I need her Luther. If my plan is going to succeed then I will need her to be completely convinced. If you don't then, it will be my turn." Even I didn't like the sound of that.

"Please just give me some more time." Luther pleaded. Maverick must have something over Luther for him to act that way. For now I was just glad that Luther was the one convincing Silas and not Maverick. I couldn't even imagine what Maverick was going to do. I didn't think he would approach her as delicately. There was just something about him that screamed danger and I didn't want Silas anywhere near him.

"Then allow me more time to train her." Luther froze on spot. It was as if a wolf had finally cornered its prey and locked it into a corner. Was he going to attack or was he still in a playing mood. Luther didn't say anything. "She won't be prepared unless I can find a way to unlock her potential. It is going to be difficult because I know she is purposely hiding it from me." Maverick wasn't looking for any approval from Luther. He was kindly letting Luther know his plan.

Maverick had an air about him that seemed familiar. It wasn't just that but as if I had faced an enemy like this before. I could remember every one of my missions but for some reason couldn't link the reason why he seemed so familiar to me. He had a thirst for power and he had found it. Dangerous was an understatement. I am going to have to find a way to warn Silas. I not too sure if Luther is going to let that happen. Lucky for us, not being seen by the enemy is one of our specialties.

I am going to have to tell Silas about it. Keeping some of her abilities a secret from Maverick is important. I can't let him gain more power. It was our job to stop him from taking over the kingdom, not help him. I just wonder how Maverick is going to act when I show up. Maverick is really the one not to be let out of sight.

I decided that I would wait until they were settled for the night before making my appearance. The people could use something interesting to get their minds off walking all day. Not to mention Silas will be even more wound up because of her impatience. The next time I see her I can just picture her glaring at me. She'll scrunch her nose and draw her brows together behind Luther's back. In other words: 'what took you so long?' All I wanted to do is to see is that face. I remember it clearly the first time we met. It had only been minutes and I had yet to even ask her name when I asked how she was going to fight off those men with only her Saxe knife. Now I am curious if she had enough training back then to do it. Of course then we wouldn't have been the best choice for this mission if we hadn't. I just wanted to see if she would make that face again. It was one of the reasons I poured the water on her last time just to see if I could tease it out of her. When it succeeded it had me smiling. Of course then Luther was the one who decided to be a gentleman because of what I did. I should've thought it through more carefully.

Luckily for me she hasn't figured it out yet. At some point Silas just started to make me smile. I can't even explain why. She claims that she can't understand men or people for that fact but I've seen how she's adapted. A Ranger's greatest tool is his knowledge. Because of it she will learn more than anyone else in the Corps could. But if she learns then that could also make this mission more difficult and hard to stay level headed. I'm already having enough troubles as it is. I can't add to hers. But I'm not sure how long I will be able to keep this from her.

The sun was hidden behind thick grey clouds. Due to the lack of light I knew it was getting closer to dusk. The exhausted traveling pack finally came to a stop. There was a communal groan as they weren't doing anymore walking. They dropped their bags and massaged their aching legs. I turned Blaze around and headed the opposite direction. It was time for Silas' knight to show up. I swung off Blaze's back, landing lightly on my feet. I unclasped my Ranger cloak and folded into a perfect square. I couldn't let anyone know I was a Ranger. Maverick probably has made an association of magic and Rangers. Beckett has one and so does Silas. Not to mention Silas and I showed up in front of him wearing them and he believed we had magic. I tucked it away in the bottom of my saddle bag, placing the other one inside as well. I switched my clothes to what a knight would wear a simple tunic over a specially made chain mail shirt. It was made of a lighter metal than the one my father normally wears, made for mobility, not for durability. I would be posing as free lance. Posing as a king's knight might make them try to get rid of me sooner. As soon as Maverick sees me he will be looking for a way to get rid of me. Luther too, but I can see he'll be doing it for different reasons than Maverick.

"So do you think that I can sweep her off her feet dressed like this?" I turned in a circle for Blaze. She simply rolled her eyes at me and snorted shaking her black mane. "I didn't think I looked that bad." I patted her on the side of the neck. "Shall we go and save Silas?" I asked and she nodded this time. I laughed to myself.

Just then the heavy clouds gave up. The drizzle had become a heavy rain. Well I hope the special chain mail doesn't get as heavy as normal ones knights wear when it gets wet. I don't think Blaze will allow me to stay on her back if it does. I mounted Blaze and turned the brown horse towards the tail of the camp. Silas knew I was coming, but everyone else didn't. They probably were worn out from walking and these performers deserved a little entertainment. Besides then it will be less likely for Luther and Maverick to kick me out when they have to put on their hospitality smiles.

As soon as I passed the first tents I began calling out Silas's name. Every few seconds as Blaze trotted through the rows of empty tents I called her name. My voice carried through the rain. I brushed the hair back off my face as I looked around. Then the people started coming. First they just peeked their heads out but eventually were pushed out because more people caught interest.

"Silas!" I called out again cupping my hands around my mouth. People knew that name and they started whispering amongst themselves. True to their nature no on helped. I guess I was stuck until word got to Silas or to Luther himself. A crowd started to form, rounding around the strange newcomer. I dismounted Blaze and search the crowd turning in a circle not to miss a single face. It was good to keep a record of your enemies' faces. It would be harder to be fooled if you suspected everyone. "Silas?!" I called out again but the only answer I got was mummers of whispers being passed to the outer layers of the newly formed circle.

The focus that was centred on me shifted. But I already felt a brave enough presence to take a step out from the crowd. And that person could only be one man. I turned slowly to face the man who usually had the kind welcoming aura. His usual smile didn't apply to me. It was replaced by an dark possessive look that could only mean one thing. 'How dare you say that name.' From behind me I felt and heard the crowd shift and I knew that Silas was being pushed to the front of the line.

"What business do you have here?" Luther asked in a very serious tone.

"I'm looking for a girl named Silas." I responded him calmly.

"I'm afraid you're out of luck. No one goes by that name." Luther hissed the lie through his teeth.

"What are you talking about?" A girl from behind me said in a loud voice. I tried not to let my winning smile poke through my facade.

"She's right her!" Another piped up afterward. Luther's twisted in anger for the girls giving away his secret. I turned around just to see the girls who had linked arms with Silas, push their new friend forwards into the centre of attention. Silas was going to hate that. I waited until she caught her balance and looked up before doing anything. After all I was supposed to be looking for her and wanted to make sure it was the right person.

"Silas?" I asked pretending to be unsure. Her grey eyes were just as striking through the mist of the rain as ever. That alone would be impossible to forget. The rain that soaked her hair just made her even more beautiful than the last time I saw her. This mission was going to be even harder than I expected it was going to be. Silas was still contemplating something so help her I added "It hasn't been that long has it?" I smiled at her teasing her as if she had already forgotten me.

Her two friends beside her were rather comical. They stared at me with wide eyes and mouths open nudging each other in disbelief. Silas turned slightly to them and I barely heard her murmur to them "I know that smile." That statement made the smile reach all the way to my eyes, a real smile. "Gilan?" Asked tentatively, taking a couple steps closer. Before I could even think my body acted on its on accord and took two quick steps over to her. My arms pulled her against my chest as if needed to feel that she was safe. I felt her stiffen as I wrapped my arms around her small waist.

"Relax." I whispered in her ear. Out of the corner of my ear I saw Luther fume with jealousy. Seizing the moment to fan the flames I lifted Silas off her feet and spun her in a circle. Just like before she shrieked and wrapped her arms around my neck to avoid falling. Gently I placed her back on her feet before winking at her playfully. Let's see where Luther will take that. He acted faster than I thought he would. As soon as she was on her feet he ripped my Silas away from me by the wrist and pulled himself between us. That was bad news because that meant my competition wasn't ever going to back down. Or at least not by any threat I could make.

"Who do you think you are?" Luther growled as he tied to put more distance between us.

"The man coming to take my Silas home." I eyed him sizing him up.

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

"I'm her fiancé." Luther's face twitched. Because of it I let the smile of satisfaction spread wide across my face. That was just the expression I was hoping for. He was red with anger. There was an audible gasp from the crowd which just turned this spectacle into a type of entertainment worth keeping.

Silas POV

His expression confused me. First Luther's eyes widened in shock but then it settled into that same face he had worn earlier when Gilan first showed up. Except this one was felt even stronger than before. Was it anger? Hatred? Gilan was able to keep his coy smile locked on Luther. I could tell that he was waiting for Luther to make his move. Except I was once again unable to read Luther's expression so I couldn't possibly calculate an outcome like Gilan was doing in his head right now.

Then the murmurings started growing louder. I shifted uncomfortably under their gaze as I knew they were talking about me once again. I felt the eyes drilling into the back of my head. I wasn't expecting Gilan to play it out like that. I mean did he really have to do it so publicly? Doesn't he know how much I hate being the focus of a crowd! Especially as a girl, if I had my ranger cloak it might be okay but I was in my helpless woman dress. Speaking of cloaks I wish I had one to get out of this rain. I stepped between the two men thinking of offering to bring this inside. As soon as I opened my mouth Gilan cut me off.

"Now let's go Silas." Gilan said to me and grabbed my hand. Wait! I thought we had to stay and figure out their plan. Isn't leaving the opposite goal of the mission. As Gilan tied to pull me away I felt the other arm staying behind connected by Luther who never let go of my wrist. Nothing about this situation was good. At least I understood the what was going on. Gilan wanted Luther to fight over me so that he would have an excuse to stay.

"What made you think that she would want to go?" Luther responded coolly pulling me back towards him. I tired to respond but I was pulled between them so I was equal distance from both of them. It was as if I wasn't even there.

All I wanted to do was sneak back into the shadows. What was worse was the rain that continuously poured down. The clothes I wore now hung heavily, sticking uncomfortably to my skin. I could already feel the chill reaching my muscles and bones beneath my skin. Shivers crawled up and down my spine from the wind that had pushed the rainstorm here. Apparently no else was affected by the rain like I was because they still stayed and watched like it was a spectacle. Really, how could one girl being ripped apart be that interesting? Considering that they had nothing but their aching feet, this might give them something to pass the time tomorrow. Just when I thought I could walk around camp without being noticed. Or at least not to have to hear the whispers behind my back. My week of bliss was over.

Both Luther and Gilan had one of my wrists in their grasps. Between the intense stares was a dangerous place to be. Luther had a murderous look in his eye that seemed to be threatening Gilan to let go. Except Luther didn't know how foolish it was to threaten a Ranger. Even if he didn't know Gilan was a Ranger, a knight wasn't someone to be trifled with either. Gilan seemed to know that as he smiled with a dangerous glint in his eye. By studying their expressions I could tell that they were somehow communicating through these glares and how I would love if they let me in on the conversation. It was as if someone didn't break this silence soon, they might just start growling and that would be the end of my arms being attached to my body. I tried pulling my arms gently free from their grasps but their steel grips only tightened. They both pulled me closer to them. Not at the same time so I bounced between them. I nearly tripped on my skirt because it hung lower due to the weight of the water. My hair blinded me as I was tossed making it harder to gain my balance. If they weren't holding so tight I would've fell flat on my face. I tried to blow the hair that had fallen on my face but it clung across my eyes. But it did nothing. That was it I wanted out. I wanted to get out of this rain. Out of he centre of attention and mostly I wanted to have my arms back. So I did the only thing that I could think of in this situation. "Ow!" I screamed.

Even if it was muted by the drilling of the rain, I still got what I wanted. Gilan and Luther seemed to snap out of it. They looked down at what they were doing. They immediately let go of my arms and took a step back. Luther shook the rain out of his face and brush it back out of his face before giving me an apologetic look. Gilan on the other hand scratched the back of his head. The look on Gilan's face was strange. It was as if he had forgotten something important or let his guard down for a moment, something a Ranger should never forget. I rubbed both of my wrists and managed to hold back several unladylike words that were forming behind my sealed lips. I took a couple deep breaths to return to the gentle lady I was pretending to be before speaking.

"If you are quite finished ripping off my arms," I said trying to keep my tone even, "I suggest we get out of this rain." I didn't give them time to respond. Hopefully they were careful not to push anymore of my buttons. Even I didn't know what I might do if they push me any farther. I gave a look the the semicircle of people standing around. All at once they seemed to have somewhere else to be. Trying their hardest to not keep my attention the bustle pushed their way quickly back to the food tents. I grabbed two big handfuls of the skirts of my dress. Heavy with water and dipped in mud they clung to my legs. I was probably holding them higher than I should've but at this moment I didn't care. Neither of the two men still standing awkwardly in the rain would say anything unless they wanted to get into more trouble. If they were supposed to be trying to win my feelings they were off to a horrible start. I picked my way through the mud passing through the two who looked like children after a mother's scolding. I gave them both a sideways glance as I paused for a second before continuing forwards. The look only meant one thing: follow me. Obediently they trailed behind me.

As soon as I was inside Luther's tent I dropped my skirts and looked at the mess. This was going to be a pain to wash out. Luther and Gilan stepped inside one after the other. As soon as they were inside they subconsciously put as much distance as they could between them. Luther, as soon as he saw me switched to being the chivalrous gentleman and welcoming host. That or he was trying to win some points back. He quickly grabbed some blankets. He gently draped one over my shoulders with a smile leaving his hands on for a second longer. I didn't miss how Luther of course was watching for Gilan's reaction. Gilan ignored the silent gab which only resulted in getting a blanket thrown at his face. Luther pulled out a chair for me with a smile which I didn't return as I sat down. They both took a chair and glared at each other again. I cleared my throat which caused them to stop and look at me, I guess I was going to have to get Gilan into the camp myself. If I don't Luther will probably do anything to get rid of him.

They were both waiting for me to say something, so I said the first thing that came to mind. "What are you doing here?" I asked Gilan, giving him my full attention. Luther had weeks of just me and I figured if I showed that Gilan and I had some sort of connection Luther would be more hesitant to get rid of him.

"Why, do you not want me here?" Gilan asked with joking smile.

"No, that's not what I meant." Gilan was still making fun of my wording choice. Something Becks loved to do when I led a broad question. He was a Ranger no doubt. "How did you find me here?" I asked him hoping he had a story all ready.

"Would you like me to start from the beginning?" Gilan's smile never left his face as his eyes never left mine. Usually he would be looking around discreetly but for some reason they stayed fixed on me. Maybe he was worried that Luther was too close and might notice. I nodded excitedly as I was curious to what our story was going to be. It would've been smarter to come up with one together. Time wasn't on our side so I hoped he had time to figure one out. "Since battle school there has always been one thing that has been missing. It never left my mind for over five years. I wasn't ready to settle down in that fief so I packed up my belongings, dawned the freelance garb and headed back home." I found myself leaning into his story. The way he told it really made it sound like an adventure. I wanted to keep listening to find out where he was going with his journey. "After travelling for a few days I finally arrived home. But there was still one thing that was even more important that I needed before seeing my own parents." Gilan had me on the edge as he paused. He laughed nervously as he took a break to look down. I noticed him lick his lips before catching my gaze again. "Want to know what it was?" Gilan asked.

"Of course."

"You." He said simply. I blinked at him. That wasn't an answer I was expecting. How could I be his decision. He laughed as he stroked my still wet head. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Luther scowl even more. Gilan might have noticed because he pulled back before continuing. "I was hoping you still were like this." He smiled to himself. "Then I knew it wasn't going to be too late. Anyways, I rushed over to your house. I was greeted by your mother. In a way I was glad because I would have to ask her permission for you hand because your father is no longer around. You know your mother so I don't even have to explain how she guessed my intentions as soon as I entered the door. I was ecstatic, for she said that you would definitely accept my hand in marriage. After that I raced home, I wanted to look presentable before coming back to surprise greeting my own parents I told them what had kept me going through those hard years. After that I knew I had made the right decision when my mother handed me her ring." He paused again, looking a little sad. His acting skills were so incredible. It was as if he was sad that I had run away. "When I came back you were gone."

It was then that I could hear the whisperings from outside. I didn't even need my magic to be able to tell who it was. Beatrice and Jane were the only ones who would go through standing in the rain just to hear the newest bit of gossip. I was so enthralled in Gilan's story I was surprised that I managed not to notice them. Gilan and Becks would kill me if they ever knew. Trying not to notice them I tried to focus only on Gilan's words. "But I made the decision to marry you so if that meant following you the end of the earth then so be it." Gilan finished with a wide smile.

"So you came all this way just to find me?" I asked, figuring that the timid Silas would ask something like that.

"I told you, I wanted you in my life even if it meant following you anywhere. Now that we're here, we can-" Luther cleared his throat interrupting what ever Gilan was going to say. Gilan finally noticed that Luther was still in the room. The murderous look on his face wasn't something I was used to seeing and it ever stirred something in me. Was that a face of someone who could kill? But he also had a kind side to him that told me that he would never do something like that. At least to me. What did that look on Luther's face really mean?

"A great story you have there," Luther said through his teeth. I could see him trying very hard not to start fighting again. But both of there looks told me that they were going to start all over again if I didn't stop it. "But there is more than just what you want I'm afraid."

Yes, I definitely had to stop this. That is when one of the girls shushed the other one to get her to be quiet. Perfect. Concentrating I focused on the roots of the trees around the tent. Having magic was about to come in very handy. I caused the roots under there feet to move causing an unstable surface. If you add in the rain, the wet dresses that probably clung to their legs and not to mention the fact they both were trying to find the best position to eavesdrop, my roots were just the push they needed. Not two seconds after I started did we all hear a scream from both girls who toppled on top of each other inside the tent. They both sheepishly picked themselves up off the ground. Guilty was written across their foreheads as they shuffled their steps looking for an explanation.

"How about we discuss this tomorrow?" I suggested. That would give Gilan and Luther both the time to think rationally. Beatrice and Jane jumped at that opportunity. At the exact same time they rushed over to me and both pulled me up by the arms.

"It is getting pretty late." Jane stated.

"We'll bring Silas to her tent." Beatrice told the too men in the tent as they dragged me towards the now open flap. "Goodnight." They both said giggling. Before I had the chance to even look back at either Gilan or Luther I was greeted by the cold rain. So much for almost being dry. I just hope that they would take what I said and go to bed. With out me there could end up with them fighting again. But now with the girls I don't think they will let me go and stop them. I don't know what was worse. Being in the middle of Luther and Gilan, or between Jane and Beatrice.

Author's Note: Omo! Silas is in big trouble now. How will she be able to cope with two men chasing her? Oh I can't wait for what I have planned... How was it? Hopefully l worth the wait. I would love to hear your favourite part, or even yell at me for taking too long. Review please!

Love, Marie

daughterofak1ng- thanks for the review. I know that Luther and Gilan will eventually fight (I won't say anymore than that though;)) an expert swordsman... Maybe, I will definitely think about it, thanks!

Redhead Nerdette- how did you know! Maybe everyone wants the same thing to happen cause everyone seems to be guessing that Luther and Gilan are actually going to fight. When and why I guess is what you will be waiting for. Thanks for the review.

Gabrielle- thanks so much for the review and inspiring me to type more.

GeorgiaIsAwesome- thanks so much for the amazing review. It's ones like these that make me wish I could do nothing but type all day long. Hopefully this chapter can last you until the next one is up.

Jemjnz- I know I'm sorry for not having this finished yet. It will be eventually and I'll do my best to keep updating. Thanks for the review!

Elvishrangerwolf- thanks for the review

Guest- thanks for the review! (Leave your name so you know I'm talking to you)

Merp- thanks for the review

GeorgiaIsAwesome- when I saw that you had reviewed more than once I almost died. It means everything to me to receive reviews, even if they tell me to update faster. But when you leave five reviews telling me to update faster and that this is the best fanfic it fills me with so much joy I don't even know where to start. Actually every time you left a review I would do my best to write a little bit that day because you motivated me so much to write. I'm planning on putting a designated writing time in my schedule just so I don't have to keep apologizing for taking so long. I'm glad that you found my other story (at least for that one you didn't have to wait for the end now that's it's all posted) and hopefully enjoyed it. As for Gilan/OC moments, they are coming pretty soon so hopefully I can share them with you and all my other readers soon. Thanks so much you have really inspired me.