Completed An Arrow for Two (solo)

[Ash Vanor]

5 Summer, 512 AV

After entering Wind Reach in the early morning, Ash was quick to take Vanor’s advice and head to the Bent Arrow. It was but a hop, skip and a jump from the gate, but Ash took it slow. When one is done his duties for the day, one should take a while to think of their accomplishments and view how they affect the world. On his slow trek across the beaten path that lead to the archery rage, the Endal posed questions to himself to try and decipher his own accomplishments.

How much meat did you bring in? A fair bit, at least seven rabbits, though some of the meat may be unsalvageable from where the arrow struck.

How many people could this food feed? About two families for a week, if it were portioned out correctly.

Do you trust those who give out the food to do it fairly and justly? With my life, they are Inarta, and they know their duty.

He went on like this all the way up to the plateau that held his goal. Question, answer, question, answer. It was a useful type of meditation he found startlingly peaceful, for when he took the last step into the outdoor range every muscle in his body seemed relaxed, fluid, like a well-tended bow string. Going to the Endal section of the range, two young Dek quickly ran up, one with a large number of arrows in hand, the other with a bow.

“Set the arrows there,” he said, pointing to a spot on the wall to his left, “as for the bow I will not need it.”

Using another’s bow for anything more than dire need did not feel right to Ash, the new user would not do the weapon justice. Instead he drew his own bow from over his back and strung it slowly, methodically checking every inch of its shaft and string. Satisfied that his bow seemed in top condition, he loaded his quiver with arrows and nocked one at the ground.

A deep breath, a release. The bow snapped up towards the target down range and Ash let the arrow fly, his bow string sending the shaft down range. Holding his position, Ash Vanor watched as the sliver of wood darted between the stone walls that seemed to act as blinders to the arrow, sending it straight and true. Well, mostly straight. The arrow struck the inside edge of the second most inner circle of the bull’s-eye.

Though it was a good shot, one of the best Ash had ever taken, he did not let the excitement get to him. Drawing his bow back with another arrow in its bosom, he let it fly with his breath, trying to replicate results. This arrow struck a little farther from target, hitting the outer edge of the third most inner ring.

Focus, Ash told himself, another arrow erupting from his bow, success is measured by failure, and so you will fail till you succeed. Yet another arrow streaked down between the stone walls, following its brethren in quick succession. He stayed the rest of the day at the range till closing time, firing off many dozens of arrows, only stopping to let the Dek go and retrieve them after the end of each round.

You did good today, said Vanor into Ash’s mind, working till one is tired and beat is the only way to work.

“Tired and beat I am,” said Ash aloud, his arms hanging limp at his sides from the pain they’d endured.

Looking up, Ash saw Vanor flying overhead, his great black wings shining slightly in the purples and reds of sunset. Let us go in my friend, Ash thought to Vanor, our next tour of hunting shall be soon and we will need all of our strength. With that the pair headed off towards their place in the Aeries, to settle in for a night of recuperation.

[Sphinx]

Thread Award! Character Name: Ash Vanor Skills: Weapon (Bow) +2 Lore: N/A Notes: It was a short and sweet solo, very much to the point, and there wasn't much I could award for it other than the skill for a bow. Yay for more Endals! If you have questions, concerns, or comments about my grading, please don't be afraid to PM me.