I was really, really uninspired. I'm going to type up the rest of the story as I wrote it, so if there are a few inconsistencies in the story, please tell me. I think I changed a few details when I typed it, but I'm not sure what.
This is the last chapter, so enjoy. Spoiler warning for the last paragraph.
Disclaimer: I finally found out the use of these. I don't own Ranger's Apprentice.
-Chapter Four-
Will was still feeling irritated by the complete lack of movement. He longed to get into an outdoor exercise with Halt, perhaps one of those that involved going into the lush, green woods by the cabin. Will knew that he should learn things like this and that he would have to learn it anyway. But he still hated being cooped up learning theory.
Almost a month and half later, it was time for the Gathering again. Will loved how the Rangers were such a tight-knit group, and the Gathering was a perfect time to get together and discuss various matters. After getting ready, Will and Halt rode off for the Gathering Ground to meet their fellow Rangers.
Halt, Will and Gilan (who had met up with them at a crossroads) arrived at the Gathering Ground and crested the slight hill to enter the area. Will was happy to be back. The next morning he was to be tested on theory and a tactical exercise. Will was still upset that he couldn't do the practical work: he hated the fact that he would be missing out on some helpful tips to improve his archery and knife throwing skills.
The next morning, Halt watched as Will made his way over to the archery range to begin his assessment. He seems different, Halt thought. He used to be so eager to learn. It's as though his mind has been affected. I hope he returns to his old self again. I want to help, but he needs to open up.
Two months after the injury, Will's first test came. Would he still be up to the physical challenge? Some of the healers thought that he might have flashbacks, but no-one could be certain. The Ranger and his apprentice made their way over to the archery range near the back of Halt's hut.
"Ready?" asked Halt. Will didn't answer, just nocked an arrow, drew and released. Even after so long out of practise, it was still a fairly good shot. By an ordinary archer's standard. For a Ranger, or even an apprentice, it would need…
"Practise. That's all you need. Though go easy. As soon as it hurts, come back in. You might need the practise, but it's not worth hurting yourself over. Come back in about ten minutes."
Will knew that Halt meant well, but he still longed to just practise until he was perfect.
A few practises later, Will decided that he could push the boundaries a little. After one too many shots though, he dropped the bow and let out a small squeal of alarm.
Halt heard the small cry of alarm faintly, and went out to see that his apprentice was looking at his bow on the ground, an expression of guilt on his face.
"What have you done?" Halt admonished, looking hard at the younger Ranger.
"I – I just wanted to keep going…" He trailed off, still not meeting his mentor's gaze.
Gentler, Halt said, "If you keep pushing yourself like this, you will find that one day you will learn the hard way that you can't work yourself too hard."
At this, Will looked up. "Sorry Halt."
(A/N: And now to tie the story back into cannon. Spoilers ahead.)
Six months after their adventure, Halt had finally proposed to Lady Pauline. It was Will getting injured that had prompted him to think about what would happen to him. He had to face it: he wasn't as young as he used to be. Al least, he thought, with Will's young blood, he had recover fully and almost without incident. The wedding would take place in just a few weeks time.
END
The ending is pathetic and I know it. I'm just happy that I've finished this. I've learnt so much about fanfiction through it and am now looking forward to finishing some more ideas I have for the Fullmetal Alchemist universe.
Thankyou so much for reading, and thanks to all who have, and will, review.
Oh, and as always, please review. It makes me very happy.