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It’s a beautiful sunny day and Crowley is taking a walk in the forest. The annual gathering is always a busy event for him and he needed some time for himself. When he is walking in the forest he hears a sound that shouldn't be there.
It's a mandola.
He knows who plays this instrument, it’s Halt’s apprentice, Will. He starts heading for the direction to the little clearing where the sounds come from. When he can see the meadow, he hides in the treeline.His gaze lands on two familiar men, Gilan and Will, who are sitting on the ground. They seem to be enjoying the sun while writing a song.. He listens a little while before going back.
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Will and Gilan are sitting at the big campfire with their mentor on the last evening of the gathering. Will has completed his fourth year tests and is now discussing the results with Gilan and Halt.
“Gil, thanks again for the tip for the unseen movement, you're the best.”
Gilan laughs at this.
“No problem, but you know, I learned it from Halt, so we should be thanking him.” Gilan replies and looks at Halt gratefully.
Halt let out a little grunt.
At that point the three rangers see Crowley walking over to them.
“Will, do you want to play a song on your mandola? I’m in the mood for some music, maybe Gilan can join you?”
Halt is confused by this request, but he doesn’t let it show. When he looks at the two men, he sees how they apparently know what it is about. They don’t look too comfortable with the idea but they don’t want to refuse their commander’s request.
“Yeahh… sure why not.” Gilan says already standing up. All the other rangers are looking at how Will and Gilan go up to the front and are preparing themselves. As soon as they are ready, Gilan starts.
“Can I have everyone's attention, you all know that Will started to play the mandola last year. He wrote to me a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted to help him write a song, since Halt is too grumpy to appreciate some good music.” A light chuckle went to the crowd and Halt made sure to remember who was laughing.
“So for the last week we have been trying to do that in secret, but as you all know, you can't keep any secrets from our commander. So here it is.”
Will plays the melody a little shaky in front of so many rangers, but he still does it. And then they begin to sing.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGv4Kae9e_s listen this song while reading next part)
Will: You put all your faith in my dreams
You gave me the world that I wanted
What did I do to deserve you?
Gilan: I follow your steps with my feet
I walk on the road that you started
I need you to know that I heard you, every word
Will: I've waited way too long to say
Everything you mean to me
Both: In case you don't live forever, let me tell you now
I love you more than you'll ever wrap your head around
In case you don't live forever, let me tell you the truth
I'm everything that I am because of you
Will: I, I've carried this song in my mind
Listen, it's echoing in me
But I haven't helped you to hear it
Gilan: We, we've only got so much time
I'm pretty sure it would kill me
If you didn't know the pieces of me are pieces of you
Will: I've waited way too long to say
Everything you mean to me
Both: In case you don't live forever, let me tell you now
I love you more than you'll ever wrap your head around
In case you don't live forever, let me tell you the truth
I'm everything that I am because of you
Will: I have a hero whenever I need one
I just look up to you and I see one
I'm a man 'cause you taught me to be one
Gilan: In case you don't live forever, let me tell you now
I love you more than you'll ever wrap your head around
Will: In case you don't live forever, let me tell you the truth
I'm everything that I am
Whoa, woah
Both: Whoa, woah
Gilan: In case you don't live forever, let me tell you the truth
Both: As long as I'm here as I am, so are you
As Will and Gilan sang the song for everyone, they occasionally glanced at their friend, mentor and father. Everybody is silent after the song. The two men sit down, each on either side of Halt. The older ranger grabs the two and pulls them into one short lasting hug. The young men can't see his face but on his cheek a single tear rolls down.