Yay! Two chapters in one day, I'm so proud of myself… sniffle sniffle
Anyways, you no the drill, PLEASE REVIEW!
Chapter 2
The four of them, Gilan, Crowley, Halt, and now joining them Will, were waiting outside of the King's meeting room along with Horace, Lady Pauline, and Alyss.
When they were invited in, they were greeted by the King Duncan, the Princess, and another ranger, with his hood still on.
Gilan's eyebrows frowned at that, everyone knew to remove their hoods in respect in front of royalty.
But the King did not seem to mind at all, and Gilan's heart told him that this was the man he had been waiting to meet since he was an apprentice.
They already looked deep into conversation, so everyone just quietly took seats.
"I am glad you all could attend." King Duncan said, expression guarded.
The Princess huffed at that, as if the meeting was not needed.
"I would like to address the fact that the seaport of Constant Sea has earned new leadership, and therefore needs a royal official to be present at his supposed coronation,"
He continued, "And you all know that I wish to go, but occupied by far too much work. It is the advice of all of you to send my daughter, Princess Cassandra in my place. Now, based off of past experiences of sending my daughter to far flung destinations," he continued grinning at the past phrase he said, "I would like to send the most protection I can get."
Crowley began to speak at that, but King Duncan raised his hands, silencing Crowley saying, "I am aware of the saying, one riot, one ranger, but I am not going to risk it."
Everyone nodded, except for the Princess, who felt like she was still being treated like a child.
The king continued, "I would like you to go," looking at the hooded figure in the room, then looked to everyone else and continued, "along with Horace, Halt, Will, and Gilan."
Lady Pauline spoke up "Your Majesty, you are absolutely right. The Princess has the best protection she can acquire. But may I suggest sending Alyss along with them. Perhaps she can provide some of her exquisite diplomatic assistance."
Alyss closed her eyes in hope, wanting to be of help, but most of all to go with Will.
"With all due respect to you and Alyss," King Duncan began, smiling, "Who is looking absolutely beautiful today, I think I have sent more than enough people, and I think Redmont needs you. It's a short mission that requires you to stay."
Alyss nodded, keeping her best diplomatic face on. She understood that if she went she would be one more person to protect.
"I am glad to see that almost all of you understand," King Duncan said eyeing Cassandra carefully, "And I have arranged for all of you to leave tomorrow morning. You shall reach the seaport in two weeks. I understand that one of the members of this task hates sailing, so you will go by land. Thank you all so much, and under all conditions, travel safe." King Duncan finally finished, grinning.
Everyone rose, including Gilan, who made his way to The Explicate One instantly.
The King and Princess left the room, looking like there would be more discussion of the matter, but more in private.
Lady Pauline and Alyss left the room, both wanting to speak to each other.
Gilan was stopped by Halt, who began, "I guess Crowley and I have some explaining to do."
He went first, as the Explicate One lowered his hood, and kissed his cheek.
No, Gilan corrected himself, he kissed her cheek. He blinked, as if he was sure that this was not what he was seeing.
Crowley continued, "This is Clera." He also kissed her on her cheek, and hugged her, just as Halt did. He continued, "The Explicate One."
Gilan frowned at the simplicity of it all, and the vagueness of Halt and Crowley.
His hero for so many years, was actually his heroine.
Horace was the first to react from the shock and began, "But you're a girl." He stated innocently, making Clera smile.
A beautiful smile, Gilan noted to himself.
"It appears so, doesn't it?" Clera said quietly, the first fragment Gilan had heard from her pretty mouth. She had liked Horace's straight approach to things he wasn't familiar with.
Gilan stared at her, a taller than Halt, but shorter than himself. Her golden hair was pulled back into a ponytail, which curled right at the bottom, just touching her shoulders.
Her eyes were of those who think a lot, a deep dark green color.
Her mouth formed a beautiful smile at him, and it was then that Gilan realized that he was staring.
He cleared his mouth awkwardly and said, "It's good to finally meet you."
She flashed a winning smile at him, as if she knew something he didn't .
Which was very probable, Gilan realized.
"How is your father?" Crowley asked, wishing to remove the awkwardness from the conversation, as they all began to walk out together.
"Still with the horses, fortunately. I don't think he will ever let go of them" Clera answered smiling, remembering the image of her always smiling father.
Gilan frowned. A thought came into his mind, and it all came into place.
He grabbed Clera's arm, turning her around from behind.
"Clera?" He asked, looking deep into her eyes.
"Finally." She replied simply, smiling sweetly.
It was her, definitely.
Gilan couldn't mistake those eyes for anyone else's.
It was her.
He was sure of it.
Just wanted to let you know that Gilan is NOT in love... yet that is
The kisses were out of respect for the female, a usual custo for Araluens, so yes, Halt and Crowley were just being polite
Just a heads up, I love Horace, you'll be hearing a lot more from him!
Over and Out,
Onewhodigsdeeper