This is a oneshot. It actually will be a oneshot. I promise. Although... This takes place after Book 12. Spoilers!

Gilan sat by the fireside, staring deep into the flames. Yet again, she had rejected him. Someday, she would accept, but he was afraid someday wouldn't be soon enough. He didn't like waiting on matters of love. He had been asking for fifteen years, and all he got was a plain and simple no.

She loved him, that much he was sure of. The only problem was she wouldn't say yes. He was fairly sure there was no other man who she loved, but maybe...

A footstep crunched on the crumb laden floor, bringing him out of his reverie. George stood there, the diplomat, the politition, the scribe. His eyes drifted around the room, and he gestured for George to sit down beside him.

"Good evening, Gilan. How are you and the lovely Jenny?" The scribe settled himself into the chair next to Gilan, and dropped his head back, sighing in relief.

Gilan winced a little bit at the words. "Fine, just fine. You?" He mentally chastised himself and turned towards the other man.

Flames leaped as a log broke and crackled violently. The Ranger looked a bit unsettled by the flames, but that was understandable. After all, he was there when...

"Eh, just fine. Although, there's many arguments going on right now. It's mainly about Maddie though." George paused and let silence grow. "I've heard that she's been made a Ranger?" His voice was questioning, wanting confirmation. "I've also heard that she was injured, in the thigh, with Will, and they want to send her home to be an ornament in some rich man's household."

Gilan held up his hands in protest. "You heard right. Of course, Evalyn-Cassandra- and Horace are completely supportive of her being a Ranger. I agreed to it; there should be no more arguing."

The Scribemaster raised his hands in consolation. "I know, I know, I was just stating what I know. She's the first female Ranger. She's good?"

"Very. I would say she's as good as Will, but that's stretching it a bit." He paused and thought for a moment. "A lot. You know, Will is even better than Halt is. Halt even admits it. I'm not sure where Maddie's going, but I'm sure she's going to be good. After all, she has the best mentor in Aruluen."

A maid came by, bearing drinks for the two men. A whisky for George and a half pint of mead for Gilan. They thanked the maid and she left, sashaying her hips seductively.

Gilan called after her. "Sorry, miss, I've already got a women."

"As have I." George called in agreement.

The Ranger looked askance at George. "You, a married man?"

George shook his head. "No. Just almost there. I'll invite you to my wedding, don't worry." He smiled. "Will you invite me to yours?"

Gilan sighed and nodded. "Yes, but it may be a while. Jenny hasn't said yes yet."

The fire's flames flickered and slowly died down, leaving just a bed of ashes. The maid returned, carrying a large log and still sashaying her hips. "Need anything, men?" WIthout waiting for an answer, she threw the log in the fire, stirring up flames and cinders.

The two men shook their heads and looked back at each other. "So, has she given any reason for not saying yes?"

"No. Not yet." Gilan sighed and looked away from George. "How do you suggest I get her to marry me? I'm pretty sure she's lonely."

George shrugged. "Just ask her once more, and maybe she'll say yes. Or you could rescue her from a potentially life threatening situation and ask her after that. Though, the latter may not work out so well. You would most likely need to hire a gang of kidnappers to kidnap her. She would not like that."

"It wouldn't. Would you mind going to her tavern for dinner? Maybe with an audience, she'll say yes." It was a bleak and futile prospect for him, a life without Jenny. He was going to figure out some way to get her to say yes. Gilan rose from the soft fireside chair. "Drinks and dinner on me. Come on. Let's go see the lovely Jenny."

...

Jenny bustled around the kitchen, preparing a supper for a company of knights. It was stressful and worrying, though she shouldn't worry. Her food, and even Master Chubbs admitted it, was the best in the kingdom.

A tall man walked into the kitchen as if he owned the place. He strode to Jenny, whose back was turned, and gently wrapped his arms around her waist. "I've come to ask you a very important question."

The woman squealed with delight. "Gilan! You should have told me you were coming." She paused and turned to look at him. "What question do you want to ask me?"

Gilan dropped to one knee and pulled a small, carved, wooden box. The kitchen stilled as everyone turned to look at the couple. "Will you marry me?" His voice was rough, but to Jenny's ears, it was the sweetest thing she had ever heard. "I know I've asked you this before, but I love you so much, I can't live without you."

"Of course. Yes! Oh, Gilan!" Jenny flushed red as he put the gold band around her finger. He stood and scooped her up, planting a passionate kiss on her lips. The kitchen exhaled a gasp of happiness and they went back to their business.

"Jenny, I love you."

...

Bells rang across Redmont, celebrating a happy, joyous occasion. Queen Cassandra was there, with King Horace and her daughter, Apprentice Maddie. Will was there, too, grinning like this was all one big joke. George, happily married, was there, a newly wed and the affection to show it. Halt and Lady Pauline, though they were slowing with age, were present, for the marriage of Halt's apprentice. Master Chubbs was there, still a great cook and beaming with pride at seeing his protege finally becoming a married woman.

Baron Arald spoke once more, concluding the ceremony. "Do you, Gilan, take Jenny to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Gilan, his throat choked with emotion, spoke. "I do."

"And do you, Jenny, take Gilan to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Jenny nodded and spoke. "I do."

"Now, with great happiness and joy, I pronounce you man and wife. You may..." The Baron paused, seeing the newly weds already kissing. "Kiss the bride, I suppose."