"Please come in. No, this will be more than a minute, so why don't you take a seat?"

Will entered the Ranger Commandent's office and glanced around warily. He hadn't been there since Crowley had died. He just couldn't bring himself to go in and not see his smiling face or endure his incessant jokes. That was why Will hesitated to sit down. It felt so wrong to be here, meeting with the Ranger Commandent with no Crowley in sight.

He had died a month ago now. The Rangers had just barely managed to recover from the ordeal with the Temujai when he passed suddenly and very unexpectedly. They had only just held the funerals for Trevor and Jonathan before they all had to return to the new Gathering sight for yet another, but this time, for their Commandent. It had been very hard on all of them, especially Halt.Will had never seen him as excited as he was to spend time with him as retired Rangers. He had dreams of evening rides in the woods, advising the King, and not having to travel much anymore. They had been preparing to do more political work, with lots of paperwork, of course, but as Halt had pointed out, they had time for it now. But he would never have his chance, as fate decided.

The funeral had been beautiful. Many Rangers had given small speeches about their favorite memories of Crowley, and Halt's retelling of how he met him stirred everyone in attendance to tears. Even the King and Cassandra had attended. It had been a very fitting service by one who accomplished so much in his life and touched as many hearts as he did. And even now, a month later, the gaping hole left by his passing was still very much felt by everyone in the Corps and by those close to him.

"Will? I know you don't want to be in here, and neither do I, but I really need to discuss something with you that I've had on my mind for a while now. Please, sit down."

Gilan's steady eyes bored holes into Will's, which were locked on the wall in a daze. The memories that this room evoked were enough to make anyone zone out.

Will snapped back to attention. "Sorry, yes, I'll sit." As he pulled out the familiar wicker chair and sat down heavily, he asked, "What's on your mind?"

Gilan sat behind the large desk, and even though he was taller than Crowley had ever been by several inches, he seemed small, buried in piles of paperwork. He hunched over more than usual in his seat, as his ribs were still occasionally sore, his face had a defined gray pallor, and the rings around his eyes were quite dark. But Will wasn't remotely surprised by this. After the last two months, if anyone had the right to look exhausted and stressed, it was Gilan. And perhaps himself. He had been through quite a lot. I wonder if I look like that. I probably do, maybe even worse. I'll have to ask Alyss when I get home.

Gilan suddenly started talking very quickly, a massive avalanche of words spilling from his mouth. "Well, you and I are both some of the most senior members of the Corps now in terms of experience, and of course I'm the new Commandent. That fact is well known at this point. I know that we couldn't ever compare to the partnership that Halt and - " he swallowed before stuttering, "C-crowley had, but I figure that since we both have extensive experience working with the both of them, could we possibly support each other in a similar way? I'm absolutely swamped with work, I now see why Crowley didn't do as many missions when he was Commandent. I don't think I'll be able to handle any for a while, I have too much to do here. But of course there are still plenty, and I mean plenty, of jobs that need doing. I also understand that you have all of Redmont to take care of on your own now since Halt's retired, but I figured that since he still lives there in the castle that he'd be willing to help out sometimes when you're away on longer missions. I'm not sure if that'll work long term, or - "

"Gilan, wait, slow down." Will finally stopped him and ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "Let me answer some of your questions before we continue. Of course I'll support you. There shouldn't have been any doubt about it, you know that. Sure, we can't be Halt and Crowley, but we can be ourselves, and work with each other in a way that works best for us. I'm happy to do any missions you need doing, I know you're busy. And Halt?" He cracked a small smile. "Halt has only been retired for two months and he's already antsy to go do something, anything. I'm fairly sure I could send him on a wild goose chase to catch an invisible thief stealing invisible things and he'd hunt like a dog for it." A faint ghost of a smile flitted across Gilan's haggard face. Will continued, "He will always be happy to help me out if I need it, so don't worry. That'll be enough for now. Let's worry about the next step when that comes."

Gilan sighed, nodding. "You're right, Will. I'm sorry, I'm just stretched very tight right now, I have too many things to do." He gestured helplessly to the mountains of paperwork around him. "And so much of it has to do with the Temujai, and Jonathan, and Trevor, and Crowley, and Halt, and you. Even you." He sighed again. "And me, of course. Can't forget me." He hunched over further, resting his elbows on the table and putting his face in his hands. "It still feels strange when people call me the Commandent. It feels foreign, alien." He looked up again. "Not that I don't want to be here. I volunteered and the Corps voted me in for a reason. I know that I can do this job, and do it well, it's just difficult trying to pick it up after everything that's happened."

"I understand. My god, if we had any inkling of what would be happening now six months ago, I'd be preparing myself mentally already." Will reached over the desk and put his hand on Gilan's shoulder. "You will be a great Ranger Commandent. You already are. You've managed to get the Corps back in order after the complete chaos that ensued, which is practically a small miracle."

"Yes, but you know it wasn't just me, you were the one travelling everywhere, checking on fiefs, helping retrain Rangers, you've been the real change."

"You did everything behind the scenes, you've been working with the King, you've been sending letters to different countries, including those blasted Temujai. It's been a huge process, don't underestimate how much you've put in. I couldn't possibly have done half the things I did without your paperwork and your efforts."

Gilan rubbed his eyes and smiled slightly. "I know that, I'm not completely daft. I suppose... it just gets hard when I'm reading medical reports about Trevor's body and things like that."

Will froze for a moment. It's right about now that I'm eternally grateful that I'm not the new Commandent. I'm sure if I had to read things like that daily, I'd break down. He spoke softly, "You know I understand how awful that is. And I'm so sorry that you have to read things like that, it's pouring salt on the wound." He melt Gilan's tired, sad eyes. "You know my door is always open. Dinner with me and Alyss would be sure to help you relax. We like drinking coffee on our veranda, and star-gazing is a favorite past time. Sounds relaxing, does it not?"

Gilan's smile grew slightly wider. "I'd be delighted to stop by in the next few days. A cup of hot coffee under the stars sounds like the most relaxing thing I've done in ages." His eyes glazed over for a moment as he imagined it.

Will grinned, but knew he had to bring him back down to earth. "Was that all that you had on your mind? If so, it is in fact nearly dinner time, so - " Just as he started to get up to leave, Gilan shook his head and interrupted him.

"No, in fact, the main thing I wanted to talk to you about instead of wallowing in our troubles was that I found a file from a while ago that I really wanted you to look at." He suddenly stood with a bounce in his step and rummaged through a drawer in the top of a cabinet next to the desk. "Ah yes, here it is."

He handed Will a sheaf of paper. It was positively ancient-looking, the paper was yellowing and starting to crack on the edges. The handwriting was faint, but Will could make out An Idea for the Future on the label. He opened the file, and there was only one very thin sheet of paper on the inside. It was quite faded and somewhat difficult to read, but he could just mak out the top line.

An idea to present to the King, by the Ranger Commandent Crowley, in his second year of leadership.

"Crowley's second year? This is from ages ago!" Will raised an eyebrow.

"I know, but it's quite profound. There's a reason why he kept it all this time, keep reading."

I propose that, when the time is right, Rangers looking for apprentices should search not only for young boys of the correct age with potential, but girls as well. The standards, of course, will be held the same for both. Any female candidate should have enough potential to hold ranks with any other Ranger, just as any male candidate should. The process should not be more or less selective, but equal on all fronts. I propose this in order to encourage equality and to help Araluen progress into a new era of acceptance and newfound strength in fighting and defending together, regardless of gender.

Will's eyes widened. He glanced back up at Gilan, who was grinning from ear to ear. It was the first time Will had seen him smile like that in a long time.

"Well? What do you think?" He asked excitedly, practically bouncing in his seat.

"Well... it's certainly never been done before, that's for sure. But I think that this could be one of the biggest breakthroughs for the Corps in decades," Will said hesitantly.

"I know!" Gilan clasped his hands together, his eyes sparkling. "Crowley thought of this ages ago, but he never implemented it because he very likely forgot about it or never really had time to seriously consider it after he wrote it. But, as a new Commandent, I've been trying to figure out what changes I'm going to make, how I'm going to leave my mark on the Corps. And I think this, this, is absolutely brilliant." He stood up and started waving his hands through the air like a maniac. "Just think! We would have girl Rangers! I'm sure at first the public would think it very strange, but after getting used to it, more girls will want to be Rangers, and other girls can try taking on more difficult jobs that used to not be allowed to them. Once everyone adjusts to it, there could be all sorts of huge changes happening in Araluen! Women delivering mail, making weapons, joining the army, joining the army, Will! And so much more! Imagine the potential in all of them that we haven't tapped into because of these social barriers! Our country is going to turn on it's bloody head!"

He turned back to Will, and his gaze changed. His eyes suddenly fell to the floor and the energy blew out of him like a balloon. "Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I showed you that. And the first thing you should know is that it's top secret. We're all still reeling from recent events, I don't think I'm going to implement any new policies for a while. But I do know that..." He trailed off and took a deep breath. "I do know that you're nearing the time when one usually considers taking an apprentice. And, since you're very much my right hand man, I wanted to ask you about this and see what you thought. Would you be willing, if the opportunity arose, to take on a female apprentice?" His voice was soft and hopeful, almost pleading.

Will smiled at him. "Gilan, it is true that I'm nearing the time where I'll start looking around for one, that's for certain. As to the exact gender of whoever I chose, you know I don't have any problem whatsoever working with women in power. My wife, who I love and respect more than almost anyone else in the world, is an amazing skilled and experienced diplomat, and Pauline will always have my utmost respect. So yes, if I were to take an apprentice, I'd be happy with whoever I think has the potential and ability to learn from me, regardless of their gender."

Gilan's mouth opened and he looked about to explode from excitement, but Will threw his hands up before he could speak. Can't have him getting too excited. He needs to remember that I can't possibly manage it right now. "Now, just because I support it, doesn't mean I want an apprentice just yet. Don't forget, it was only a short while ago that... that a fifteen year old boy died in my arms." He couldn't stop his voice from shaking a little. "I'm not ready right now. I need time. But I'm sure that in the future, I'd be happy to consider it."

Gilan nodded, his excitement more sober after Will's confession. "Of course, Will, take all the time you need. Again, this won't happen right away, and it probably won't be with you anyway. I need you out there working, not coddling an apprentice. I just wanted to run the idea by you to see what you thought. I'm glad you agree with me."

"I'm excited to see how this turns out. Maybe one day you'll command as many female Rangers as you do men."

"Only in my fantastical dreams, for now. Thank you for entertaining this with me, Will. And especially here, in this room. It means a lot to me." They both stood and embraced each other. "Now go on. Enjoy some coffee under the stars with Alyss. You deserve it."

Will grinned. "You deserve it just as much as I do. Come by anytime."

They shook hands, and as Will walked out, even though it had been an interesting and fruitful discussion, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as he left the office. Crowley's death was still too fresh for him to be entirely comfortable in there yet.

As he passed into the hallway, a guard stopped him. "Lady Alyss wanted me to tell you she's in the nursery with the Princess. She thought you should pay a visit before you leave."

Will thanked him and went up the stairs to the next floor, where the nursery was down at the end of a hall. As he stepped over the threshold through the double doors, he was struck by how little had changed. Weeks ago he had been in this very spot with a thousand less things on his mind. It's funny how even when everything gets turned upside down, life just keeps on going. And that some things are untouchable even when the worst happens.

Alyss stood by the cradle, chatting with Cassandra. Will walked over and kissed Alyss on the cheek as she looked up at him. "Hello Wi - well, to what do I owe this pleasure?" she asked sweetly, smiling up at him.

Will just smiled back and put an arm around her, too tired to explain. "I'm just thankful to be your husband. You're truly amazing and I will always love you and value you as someone intelligent, thoughtful, passionate, and loving."

Alyss's jaw almost dropped. She wrapped her arms around him and said, "Will, that's - that's so sweet of you, thank you. What's put you in such an affectionate mood?"

"Ah, just conversations with Gilan. He's really coming along and he's got some big plans for the Corps. I'm excited to see them play out."

She raised an eyebrow. "Really? And all that made you want to confess your undying love to me? Of course, not that I mind it or anything." She leaned up and kissed him.

"Alright, enough kissing and hugging, you're making me feel lonely and Horace is only in the next room. Maddie needs to go down for a nap soon, so say your goodbyes to her for now." Cassandra scolded them with a wide grin on her face.

Will looked down in the cradle and smiled. Maddie grinned back him, her chubby cheeks bunching up and her toothless gums bared in the most adorable smile. Her eyes sparkled like her mother's always did. Little one, do you know? Even though you're a girl, you could be a Ranger someday if Gilan's plan works out! Will laughed a little to himself. It probably won't be you, there are so many different girls out there who could be the first one. But who knows? He waved at her and whispered, "Goodbye."

Alyss ran a thumb across her soft cheek, and as they both turned away from the cradle, Will took a deep breath and sighed. It won't happen for a long while. So for now, it's not my problem.

She, whoever she is, isn't my problem.

But maybe she will be.

THE END 

*******************

Hello guys! I did it! I finally finished the whole book! from chapter 1 to the epilogue, it has truly been a journey for me, and I'm so proud that I finally managed to hammer it out and get it done. This book has been two years in the making, two whole years! I started this book when I was sixteen, and now I'm eighteen, and I can't even believe it. THANK YOU to all of you who have so amazingly patient with me and for sending me funny and encouraging comments to help me keep going, I definitely wouldn't be here without you. 

I am leaving for college in about 5 days. 5 DAYS. I'm very excited, and now you see why I needed to finish this so quickly once I got my laptop back. But don't think that I'm done writing, because I don't think I could stop if I tried. I'm not sure if I'm going to write one more full length book or if I'll just do some oneshots/short stories for a while, but either way, I have one more book in the making that should lead right up to the beginning of the Royal Ranger. Be on the lookout for either the posting of my brand new and final book, or a book full of one shots that I've been positively DYING to write (Willyss fluff coming your way). 

If you have ideas for oneshots/short stories, please leave a comment here! I'm always up for ideas, and if I use yours, I'll let you know and credit you for the concept creation, of course. 

Again, thank you all for completing this journey with me. I'll see you all very soon. 3 books down, 1 to go. ;)