A/N: Sorry this took a bit longer. I got stuck on the prompt for a few days and had to rewrite it over and over again.

Thank you all for sticking with me. I appreciate all of the kind reviews and I look forward to hearing all of your comments. XD

Warning: None

Disclaimer: I don't own Ranger's Apprentice.

20. Fortitude

The ship stood tall, making the others look like toys floating in the water. It's side gleamed in the sunlight, the paint shining and the wood new. The word 'Fortitude' was painted on the side in yellow, glinting.

"What does fortitude mean, Halt?" asked a young man.

The person he had addressed sighed. "Gilan, must you always ask these insufferable questions? Fortitude means courage in troubled times... a good example of this is when I put up with you."

There was silence for a few moments as the two figures watched the crew of the ship bustle about, loading provisions and supplies. Gilan looked up at his mentor, excitement on his face. He was practically bouncing from foot to foot, his pack gripped in his hands.

"Is the ship ready to board yet?" he asked, his eyes sparkling as he looked at the vessel in front of them.

"Gilan, that is the third time you have asked me that question in the last five minutes. When the ship is ready to board, the captain will tell us!" Halt said, his voice sharp.

The apprentice glanced at his mentor worriedly, noticing the older man's tense shoulders. "Are you okay, Halt?" he asked.

"Just fine," Halt said, his tone softer than before.

It was at that moment that the captain came down from the ship, making his way through the crowded docks to where the two rangers were standing.

"It's ready for you, sir," the man said with a small smile. He then led the way up the ramp to the ship.

Halt felt his stomach clench as he stepped aboard, his body rocking with the slight movement of the ship. He took a calming breath, looking around the deck.

The ship was even more beautiful up close, but Halt had no time to admire the view. He went and sat down at the nearest seat, clutching his stomach as the ship lurched into motion.

"Are you sure you are alright, Halt?" Gilan asked.

"Just fine," Halt said as they sailed into open sea.

FORTITUDE

Another terrible retching sound came from the side of the boat. Gilan turned away, his own stomach churning in sympathy for his mentor.

"Are you okay?" he asked after the grizzled ranger finished.

Halt glared at his apprentice, but the look was more pathetic than frightening, mainly due to the fact that Halt was trembling like a leaf. "Of course I am not okay," he growled, but then had to clamp his hand over his mouth.

"Do you... do you get seasick?" Gilan asked his mentor, his disbelief showing plainly in his voice.

Halt didn't answer, instead hanging his head back over the side of the boat.

"Captain?" Gilan asked, going over to the man who was standing at the side. "Is there anything we can do for him?"

"There is no cure for seasickness. You just have to get your sea legs," the captain said. "It's a nasty business, seasickness."

Gilan went back to sit by his mentor, hoping that the boat ride would be over soon.

FORTITUDE

"Halt?" Gilan asked several days later. They were still on the boat, but the grizzled ranger's stomach had settled, making the ride much more peaceful and enjoyable.

"Yes, Gilan?"

"Why did you accept the oversea mission if you knew you would get seasick?" the apprentice asked, looking at his mentor with wide eyes.

Halt studied the boy for a moment. "It's not like I could turn Crowley down. I am a ranger and I must do my duty to Araluen."

Gilan nodded, trying to hide a grin. "Halt," he said, laughing. "I can't believe you of all people get seasick. You!"

Halt glared at his apprentice and Gilan stopped laughing abruptly.

"You will never let go of this will you?" Halt asked after a moment.

"Nope!" Gilan said happily.

Halt made a silent promise to make his apprentice work extra hard once they got to solid ground again.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading. There was a bit of Gilan as an apprentice... I hope you enjoyed it!

Next up is 'Vacation'. As always, I am open to suggestions.

Also, if any of you are into BBC Sherlock, I just posted a new story and I would love it if you checked it out.

Live long and prosper!

-Dawn