Author's Note: Okay, so I know I said this was just a one-shot but I couldn't resist and I wrote more. Sorry. :P

Disclaimer: I own nothing in this story, not even the kitten (she's Halt's). I write purely because I love writing and I get nothing but my own enjoyment (and hopefully that of others) from it.

Chapter Two: In which Will becomes acquainted with the Secret

Will stumbled out of bed and blearily pulled on his clothes, his fingers fumbling at his chest as he battled with the cords of his jerkin. He finally triumphed and entered the main room of the cabin, straightening his collar as he crossed the floor and placed another log on the fire. Halt had the meat safe open and was quietly reprimanding the kitten, who perched on his shoulder and showed immense interest in the contents of the small safe.

"Good morning, Halt."

The Ranger smoothly swept the kitten off his shoulder and onto the work bench, replying to Will without looking at him.

"I hope you slept well, we have a lot to do today."

Will hovered uncertainly for a moment, watching his mentor take a frying pan from the cupboard. He took a step in Halt's direction and paused. "Is...is there anything you would like me to do?"

"Yes," said the Ranger shortly. "As I said, we have a lot to do today."

"Oh." Will hesitated. "Is there anything you would like me to do right now, I meant. Help with breakfast, or something."

Halt picked the kitten up gently by its scruff and held it out, his back still turned. "Take this irritation somewhere else and keep it out of my way while I'm cooking."

The apprentice grinned in delight and took the kitten with eager care, holding it close to his chest. He met Halt's gaze with shining eyes. "It's purring," he said.

"Cats tend to do that," was Halt's reply. "Don't hurt it and it will make that noise all day. Better than having it meowing, though."

Will brushed the little creature's head with his fingertips, awed by the softness of its fur. "Does it have a name?" he asked.

"Luna. Now take it away and keep it busy."

"Yes Halt."

Will sat down in a corner beside the fire, near enough to be warm without be so close that he and Luna would get in the way. Halt cracked eggs into a bowl and whisked them with a splash of milk. He cut six slices of bread and set the first one soaking in the egg mixture while he put the frying pan on the stove and dropped some butter into it. His apprentice paused in his antics on hands and knees, the kitten weaving between his legs and rubbing her head against him.

"What are you making, Halt?"

The Ranger sighed. "I knew a silence like that was too good to be true," he muttered, then replied. "Gallican toast. Bread soaked in egg and milk and then fried."

"That sounds good," Will commented, and returned to throwing a scrunched-up piece of parchment for Luna to chase. Both master and apprentice smiled quietly to themselves and continued with their separate tasks.

I hope you liked it. :)