A/N: Heyy guys, I'm back again. I hope you liked last chapter. Let's get back to our holiday rangers.

Day 2

As soon as the sun came up, Will stood next to his bed. He wanted to get up before Halt did because he needed to write a letter to Gilan and Crowley. He knew Halt would kill him if he knew what Will was up to so he had to do this as soon as possible.

Will thought it would be best to write the letters in his room, Halt would wake soon so he couldn't just write in the living room. After he grabbed the tools he needed he started writing.

Dear Gilan,

I hope this letter reaches you in good health. I know this comes a bit late, but as you know it is almost Christmas. Since it is a peaceful month this year, I was hoping to celebrate it at castle Redmont. However, Halt thinks it's not such a good idea, because of the secrecy. So I thought why not celebrate Christmas in secret with just a few friends. Of course Halt cannot know about it. I was hoping you would join us. I also sent a letter to Crowley so maybe you could travel together.

Don't send a message back, Halt will get suspicious. Just come or send a message to Alyss telling that you can't come.

Will.

Will also wrote almost the same letter to Crowley. If it was going to be a rangers Christmas he could not forget to inform and invite their commandant and Halt's best friend.

Just when Will was ready writing he heard Halt's soft movement through the cabin. He quickly tucked the letters under his pillow. It was just in time, two seconds later his door opened and Halt was staring at him.

"What are you doing up so early?" he asked curiously, his eyes scanning the room for something suspicious. "Oh I couldn't sleep, so I thought it would be best to head down to the town early to get some supplies." Will lied, hoping his mentor didn't see through it.

Will was in luck, Halt did not notice the strange behavior of his apprentice. At least, he didn't ask about it.

"Well I can go with you, I too need some stuff and I will visit the castle so you can come along." Normally this would spark a lot of excitement in Will. He enjoyed going to the castle with Halt, it meant he would be involved in important meetings. This time however Will was less happy. He needed some time alone to be able to send the letters to Crowley and Gilan.

He didn't want to blow the surprise so with the most enthusiastic voice he could muster he said "Okay, I just pack my stuff and have breakfast and then we can go." This time he didn't fool Halt.

Eyes sharp as a hawk looked straight at him. "Something wrong?" asked Halt. His gut feeling told him there was something wrong with his apprentice but for the first time he couldn't tell what it was. "Are you still upset about Christmas?" he tried.

Will shook his head, "No Halt I understand completely why we don't celebrate Christmas. I guess I just didn't sleep that well." He tried to look in the dark eyes before him. He knew if he looked away now Halt would never believe him.

The big brown eyes convinced Halt that the boy was telling the truth, or at least for a part. He nodded and walked back to the living room. Will could hear him mumble something but it wasn't loud enough for him to hear it. He knew that he probably didn't even want to hear it.

When he saw that Halt was out of hearing distance, he let out a small sight of relief. He quickly folded the papers and put them into his cloak, hoping Halt wouldn't find out.

After a short breakfast they walked to the town. It didn't take long for Halt to hear the soft sound of paper. He looked again at Will, who was focused on something in front of him. Halt knew immediately there was something going on, because Will should have heard the paper too.

"What that in your pocket?" he asked. Will's head shot up. "Nothing, just a letter." Will's mind was spinning. How on earth could he possibly keep this a secret for Halt. Halt's brow rose, "A letter? To whom, if may ask?" Halt was getting annoyed by Will not telling what was going on.

Will quickly came up with a lie, "Well as we can't celebrate Christmas I thought it would be at least nice to send Gilan a card. You know, just to wish him merry Christmas." It was partly true, he did want to wish him merry Christmas, although not on paper but just in person. That last bit was not something he would let Halt know.

Halt was still not convinced, "Why so secretive about it? You could have just told me." Why can't you just let some things be, Will thought. "I thought you might not appreciate it, seeing you don't want to celebrate Christmas and all. I didn't want to risk it that you would prevent me from sending it."

Halt scratched his chin, he indeed didn't like the idea of Will sending a Christmas card to Gilan. He was glad the boys were close but he knew his former apprentice. Gilan also loved Christmas and getting a Christmas card from Will could lead to him coming here and try to celebrate Christmas. But he couldn't bring himself up to it to refuse Will. And beside that, how could they even plan a party behind his back in just a few days.

"It's okay," he said, "next time just be honest with me. Now run to those bloody pigeons and sent your card." Will's happiness immediately returned. "Thank you Halt, I'll be back in a second."

He ran down to the pigeon couriers, and sent the messages to Gilan and Crowley. Now Christmas could really start.

Oh Halt why do you have to see and hear everything….

If you liked this chapter please leave a review!

Stay safe, trust the cloak and see you tomorrow!