Chapter Text
"I need a break"
Funny to think that that's how all this had started. Four words. Will requesting to take a 2-week leave of absence.
He's been gone for 2 months.
Horace was currently at Will's vacant cabin in Seacliff, having gone through every scrap of paper and report in the cabin multiple times, he was now left with nothing to do but wait for Halt to return.
Halt had gone to the castle to speak with the Baron about what exactly Will had said before he left. Judging by the way the older ranger slammed the door cabin open, and stomped angrily into the cabin, throwing everything he had in his arms onto a chair not caring if anything fell or broke, it was a fair assumption to make that he didn’t get anything helpful from the Baron.
"Nothing?" Horace asked anyway, more for the sake of conversation than hope that he found something.
"Nothing." Halt confirmed, his voice strained.
The air in the cabin hung heavy with a mix of frustration and concern as Halt's arrival brought a new layer of tension to the already uncertain situation. Horace's presence provided a semblance of companionship amidst the mounting anxiety, but it was clear that both men were deeply troubled by Will's prolonged absence.
Halt continued speaking "The Baron was useless, Will apparently just told him he was leaving. Didn't tell him where, didn't tell him when he'd be back. God, that idiot apprentice."
Horace almost wanted to smile that Halt still referred to Will as 'apprentice' The man was very much a graduated ranger now, with a fief of his own that he'd called home the last 2 years. With the Makindaw siege being a little over a year ago.
"I can't believe he just up and left without a word," Horace's voice held a mixture of disbelief and exasperation, his brows furrowing as he tried to make sense of their friend's actions.
Halt's shoulders tensed as he moved further into the cabin, his usually composed demeanor giving way to visible frustration. "I've searched every inch of this cabin, every possible clue," his voice was edged with irritation, his eyes scanning the room as if hoping to find a solution in the midst of chaos.
Horace sighed, his gaze meeting Halt's with a shared understanding of their predicament. "He must have had a reason, Halt. Will wouldn't just vanish like this without cause."
Halt's expression darkened, a mixture of worry and anger flickering in his eyes. "That's what worries me, Horace. The fact that he felt the need to disappear without a word tells me that something is wrong."
Horace nodded solemnly, his fingers tapping against the table in a gesture of restlessness. The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken thoughts and emotions.
"He's been through a lot," Horace finally said, his voice gentle as he voiced his thoughts. "The Makindaw siege, everything that happened after... It took a toll on him."
Halt's jaw clenched, his gaze distant as he recalled the events of the past year. The Makindaw siege had been a harrowing experience, and the aftermath had brought its own set of challenges. But despite the trials they had faced, Will had always found a way to press forward, to continue growing into the ranger he was meant to be.
"I know," Halt's voice held a mix of resignation and concern. "But that's why it's even more alarming that he'd choose to isolate himself like this."
Horace let out a heavy sigh, his own worry etched across his features. "We'll find him, Halt. We'll bring him back."
Halt's gaze met Horace's, a silent pact passing between them. They would find him. They would bring Will home.
Chapter Text
Days turned into weeks, and the weight of Will's absence seemed to grow heavier with each passing hour. Halt and Horace had tirelessly searched for any clues that might lead them to their missing friend, but their efforts had only brought about frustration and unanswered questions.
The once warm cabin in Seacliff now stood empty and cold. Horace had spent hours sifting through every document, every note, and every corner of the cabin, hoping to find even a trace of where Will might have gone. But the mystery remained, leaving them both grappling with the uncertainty of their friend's sudden departure.
Halt's resolve had not wavered, his determination to bring Will back was still unshaken as ever. He had made countless inquiries, and spoken to anyone who might have had contact with Will before his disappearance, but the trail had gone cold. Halt had trained Will well. Well enough for Will to have an astute knowledge of how to disappear without a footprint. Which left Halt cursing himself for giving him that knowledge in the first place.
Horace's frustration mirrored Halt's, and the two often found themselves lost in thought as they considered the possibilities. "He wouldn't do this without a reason," Horace had said more than once, his voice filled with a mix of concern and conviction.
"I know," Halt's response was a quiet acknowledgment, his gaze distant as he stared out of the cabin's window as if hoping to catch a glimpse of Will returning.
As the seasons shifted with an almost cruel indifference to their worries, the cabin in Seacliff remained the one constant. A place that Will had once called home, and its emptiness served as a constant reminder of his absence.
Then, one day, as the sun was setting in a blaze of red and gold, a knock on the door broke the silence that had settled over the cabin. Halt was the only one there today, Horace having gone back to Araluen to resume his duties with the promise that he'd return.
Halt approached the door cautiously, his hand resting on the hilt of his knife as he opened it to reveal a figure standing in the fading light. It was Will, his appearance worn and tired, but his gaze carrying a mix of relief and apology.
"I'm sorry," Will's voice was barely above a whisper, his eyes meeting Halt's with a depth of emotion that needed no further explanation.
Halt's stern expression softened, his relief evident in his eyes as he stepped aside to let Will in. "We were worried," he said simply, his voice holding a mixture of reproach and understanding.
Will's expression only grew more sorrowful as he looked at Halt, "I know, I'm sorry," he repeated, his voice filled with a mix of regret and sincerity.
Halt's stern exterior softened as he looked at Will, his gaze filled with a mixture of understanding and empathy. The weight of their shared history and the bond that had been forged between mentor and apprentice was evident in that moment.
"Will," Halt's voice was gentle, his tone carrying a depth of emotion. "I'm not angry. I'm just... where were you? What makes you think you could just drop off the face of the planet and expect us to stay here unbothered? We were terrified, Will. Because we're your family, and when one of us disappears without a trace...." He left the sentence unfinished.
Will met Halt's gaze with a mixture of regret and determination. "I'm sorry, Halt," he repeated, his voice carrying a touch of regret. "I needed time... to clear my head, to find some answers."
Halt's gaze softened, his understanding deepening. "You could have at least left a note, to let us know you were okay."
Will's shoulders slumped slightly, his fingers tapping against his thigh in a nervous gesture. "I didn't want to worry anyone. I needed to sort things out on my own."
"And did you?"
Will's gaze shifted to the floor. "I found some answers," he finally said, his voice thick with weariness. "But I also realized that I can't do this alone. I need your help."
Halt leaned forward, a gesture that spoke his understanding, a wave of his hand telling Will to continue.
"I just had to confront some things, face some truths about myself," Will's voice tremored with the vulnerability of the moment.
"I don't know, I couldn't stay in Seacliff when I did it though. I needed to get out, I needed space to breathe. I had to know... Ugh, I know it sounds stupid." Will finishes in a mumble.
Halt's steady gaze never wavered as he listened to Will's confession. The cabin seemed to hold its breath, the crackling of the fire the only sound that broke the silence. Will's vulnerability was met with understanding, and Halt's voice, when it came, was gentle yet firm.
"It doesn't sound stupid Will, not at all," Halt's words carried a weight of assurance. "Taking space to find clarity of mind is not a weakness. Sometimes, it's necessary to help gain perspective."
Halt's voice held a touch of fondness as he continued, "Will, the path of a ranger is not without its challenges. It's natural to question things, to search for answers. And you've shown maturity by seeking those answers rather than avoiding them."
Will nodded, a smile attempting to catch on his lips, but something held it back.
Halt finished, "Hell, it's not like we all haven't had our fair share of existential crises' over the years, and I don't think anyone handles them this well. You should've seen Crowley's. "
The smile finally broke on Will's face, bringing out one of Halt's own.
Will finally sobered, "Well, thank you for being understanding about it."
Halt rolled his eyes, placing a comforting arm around Will's shoulders. "Of course, son. But next time, leave a note."
They both shared a warm laugh, a moment of levity that eased the weight of the conversation. Will's smile was genuine, his gratitude evident as he exchanged a glance with Halt.
"Deal," Will replied with a playful grin. "I promise, next time I decide to disappear off the face of the planet, I'll leave a note."
"Yes, a detailed one. With coordinates and a map."
Will's eyes raised to heaven in mock annoyance, "Let's hope it doesn't come to that"
Post
Notes:
I'm thinking about continuing this, really going into depth about Will's feelings, but idk lemme know what y'all think. I personally love giving Will existential crises'.
Anyways I hope y'all enjoyed this short fic. As always, thanks for reading :)