Completed Hitting the Mark

[Ishgrameer Windwalker]

Time Stamp: Fall Day 38, 512 Ishgrameer stood in his box eyeing the target down the line from him. The wooden practice dummy-which was shaped like an animal-was suspended and motionless. Ishgrameer held his compound longbow in one hand, as he pulled an arrow free of the quiver it resided in. The solid shaft of strong wood nestled snugly against the sinew of the bowstring. A few moments passed while Ishgrameer steadied his breathing, and eyed his target with a predatory assessment. He was alone at the range, and there was no noise save for the slow flow of air the fled from his lungs. Pulling the bowstring-which took some force given its poundage-Ishgrameer held his breath, and released the arrow. As the arrow sailed through the air time seemed to slow for a brief second before impact. Thwack. As he went to retrieve the arrow Ishgrameer noticed a Dek who was debating whether to retrieve it for him. Ishgrameer put on a smile and signaled to the Dek with a polite wave that he didn't need any assistance. Arriving upon the target Ishgrameer noticed that he had missed the bulls-eye by perhaps only a hairs breadth. But it had been a better shot than the last three were, and the two misses before that. Slowly but surely he was getting closer to hitting the mark, and he wouldn't quit until he had. With arrow in hand Ishgrameer walked back to his spot among the archery range. Still not a soul-save for a Dek or two-inhabited the space around him, and he did not mind the silence. Ishgrameer often found that there is much to be heard when silence reigns, if one had but the patience to be patient. The range was not quite as far as he wished it could be for the use of his longbow, but it was perfect otherwise. He needed to practice so that when he went out to hunt next he would be able to take out larger prey that would otherwise be to hard for him to take on while in his owl form. He picked up another arrow and continued to practice.

[Farlen]

A pair of eyes watched the man shoot. A pair of beautiful amber eyes, focused on him as if he was a mouse, for the cat to catch. In this silence, that cat had to move quieter still. Graceful and fluid were its movements, as he came closer and closer. Claws retracted, ears perked upward, listening to the delicious sound of the arrow hitting a target.

The cat admired this man's relentless concentration for he would never spend this long with a tool such as the bow. Quick temper and lack of determination meant that claws we're it's chosen weapon. Still he could not help but observe everything about an archer. The posture, the piercing eyes, the grace and precision in the posture. And that sound. That gorgeous sound of an arrow piercing though the air.

Suddenly there was a loud scream as the Dek spotted the cat. "Lynx, lynx!" he yelled, pointing at it with a trembling finger.

The cat merely halted and lifted its head, winding the tail around its feet. He smelled the air. The smell of the archer was utmost interesting indeed.

[Ishgrameer Windwalker]

Ishgrameer was about to loose his next arrow when the Dek's shout pierced the silence. He lowered the bow, and looked to where the Dek was pointing. Curiously enough the Dek was not lying in his outburst, for there was indeed a lynx wandering over towards him [Ishgrameer], and in the midst of the archery range of all places. Eying the lynx from head to tail Ishgrameer felt a tingle at the back of his neck. A tickling sensation that cascaded through his vision, and through the strands of his hair. This was no ordinary lynx, but he wasn't sure in what way. He motioned to the Dek to calm down with a wave of his hand. A predatory response surged through Ishgrameer's thoughts and forced his face into a fierce visage. His eyes seemed to bore into the lynx, as if assessing its soul over its appearance. His smile had faded, and was replaced with fierce expression that radiated the feeling of: mess with me and there will be blood. However Ishgrameer realized what was happening, and he quickly tried to suppress the predatory fury that bristled within him. Struggling for a moment Ishgrameer regained himself, and replaced the fierce expression with a smile, though his eyes never changed. Slowly he moved closer towards the lynx, and stopped. Sitting down on the ground cross-legged Ishgrameer looked the lynx in the eyes, and what wonderful amber eyes they were. They were somewhat akin to large orbs of solidified honey. Within those eyes he could faintly pick out the image of his own large intense orange eyes. There he sat for what seemed like a long few seconds, and extended his hand as if to shake with the Lynx. "Hello there, whats your name? and what brings you to this section of the city?" The lynx was rather delightful, and appeared rather whimsical.

[Farlen]

The lynx came a little closer and his behaviours resembled that of a wild lynx very little. In fact, the way in which he sniffed the man's hand and rubbed it's soft head against it, seemed more like at of a domesticated kitten, than a great feline carnivore. Then again, that's what Farlen's existence had come to after spending so much time with humans. They treated him like a pet.

The archer smelled very peculiar indeed. Not the way a man might same; rather how a bird might smell. Though he couldn't quite figure out what kind of bird it was. But Farlen had no doubt as to the man's Kelvic blood.

The cat turned its back on the man, sitting about a metre away from him, it's tail raised high. Everything about its posture exuded confidence and trust that the archer will not harm him. And in a flash of a moment, the cat was gone. A tall blonde man replaced it. A man who's hair was so different to that of local Inarta, that he may have had more luck blending into the crowd as a lynx than a human. His feline amber eyes stared into those of the archer directly, a gentle crescent of a smile on his face. An expression so peaceful. He sat on the ground, ross-legged in his nakedness, vulnerable. "My name is Farlen." he spoke in a gentle purr. “And yours?"

[Ishgrameer Windwalker]

Ishgrameer watched as the lynx acted rather playfully. The wildness might have faded, but there was still a primal fury that lurked deep in the depth of the cats eyes. He watched as the lynx walked a short distance away, and then in an all to familiar flash changed into a human male with a set of rather notable physical qualities. The man's nakedness was not in the least bit strange or disturbing to Ishgrameer for he had lived naked for most of his life in the wilds, and the concept of clothing all the time in society was still a strange concept that he conformed to for the sake of less conflict. "My name is Ishgrameer Windwalker. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Again what brings you here? Do you wish to learn archery? Were you on a stroll? No you were looking for something weren't you? Curious, most curious. How is your life?" He was unsure of why he needed to ask so many questions but he had always been a curious owl. He always wanted to learn things, to know things, but books were a trifle and he always found conversation the best gateway to knowledge. A smile was concrete upon Ishgrameer's face, though it was an honest smile, like that of a monk who had seen many hardships, but even more enlightened wonders. His hair had now cascaded over his shoulders, and revealed the owl feather's tied therein. Ishgrameer was mildly glad that no one else was around, likely this would have started a bit of a commotion. Plus he was still confused about the caste system Wind Reach employed. He knew how it worked, but he had always despised the petty harshness that higher ups employed against those below them, and he knew not this mans position. But he had a more open mind to things such as this, a chat was a chat regardless of who it was between. King and beggar. Knight and farmer. It didn't matter to him.

[Farlen]

This barrage of questions brought happiness into Farlen's heart. It was so lovely to talk to one of his own kind again; and truthfully most were not interested in him, unlike this man. There as a seance of such familiarity about him. As if his very person radiated with the spirit of the wild.

"It is hard to explain what brought me here." replied Farlen politely and respectfully. "I guess I have been searching for something, but that something is merely another soul to talk to. So perhaps you can say it was just a stroll. I have no patience for bows, unlike your self. And I must say you're a mighty fine shot." he paused for a moment, his eyes still locked with Ishgrameer. A moment of hesitation before he asked. "What kind of bird are you?"

[Ishgrameer Windwalker]

Ishgrameer was thouroughly enjoying their chat, the solitude of the wilds had its comforts but conversation was his way of learning. "Its that obvious is it. Well i suppose its written on my face" he chuckled "Yes, indeed i am a bird. A (Eurasian) Eagle-Owl. The most predatory of all owls." "I am sorry to hear that the way of the bow is lost on you, though it is not for all. In this last year i have tried to broaden my skills with weapons beside the bow, like hand-to-hand. It took a long time to become good at the bow, its string has a wicked pull." He thought for a moment about what Farlen had said in regards to why he was here. "I know the sensation of searching for something. I am here [Wind Reach] in search of something. In order to fulfill a promise. To find someone. Any other questions?" Ishgrameer enjoyed the man's compliment of his skills. He was wondering what the man was trying to glimpse within his [Ishgrameer] eyes. "They say when you look into someones eyes, you look into their soul. If you tell me what you see, ill tell you what i see. Ok?"

[Farlen]

So Ishgrameer was an owl, eh? Good, thought Farlen as his esteem of the Kelvic grew instantly. He was very fond of owls. Hell! They seemed the only bird which didn't get on his nerves during hunting. Eagles were clumsy, crows were loud and falcons were selfish. An untold number of hunts were ruined by these annoying birds. However owls were different. Their stealth and precision and silence had matched that of Falren him self and for that he held Ishgrameer in high esteem indeed.

The lynx in human form nodded his head whilst keeping his eyes focused on the other Kelvic, listening to every word as if it carried some life changing importance. And as his lips spoke the words "Any questions?" Falen bit his tongue wondering how he could not bury his new friend under a barrage of questions. His curiosity was truly unmatched. but it was the very last sentence that really made an impression on him. "They say when you look into someone's eyes, you look into their soul. If you tell me what you see, ill tell you what I see. Ok?"

Taken back a little, he attempted at choosing his words very carefully. "I find my self wondering detail about your purpose here. What promise? Who are you searching for? Though your eyes I see a kind soul but I remain wondering whether you are troubled by this purpose of yours and if there's something I may do to help." this river or words emerged from him surprisingly, for Falen never spoke more than one or two sentences at a time. Usually the situation did not demand it. But something about Ishgrameer had left him gasping for questions like a fish for water.

A moment later however Farlen had realised something that escaped his mind until now. Something that was very important. "Listen my friend." he added abruptly." The time is nigh for this Kelvic to move on with his life. I am soon to leave Wind Reach for search of a place that is just for me. And considering your purpose, I doubt you'll be willing to fallow me, yet I would be overjoyed if you did. But just before I go, do tell me what it is you see in my eyes."

[Ishgrameer Windwalker]

Ishgrameer smiled as he waited for Farlen’s response. He admired Farlen’s curiosity. It reminded him of his own curiosity. He listened delightfully to the words that issued from Farlen’s throat, and was glad to hear his response to his question. Yes he too saw conflict looming aloof within his eyes-for he had looked into many a reflection as of late. He put his words in order, as he waited for Farlen to finish for Farlen had given him a number of questions to answer. He could tell as he was about to answer that Farlen was searching his thoughts for more questions, but for some reason could not dredge them to the surface. “Well first things first. I made a promise to find a companion. It is a promise I made a long time ago. It was a promise to my mother right before she died” he paused and thought for a moment. “Secondly you are right. This promise troubles me, and I have lost many a nights rest over it. I will not fail on that promise. I will make right on it no matter what, or die trying. That and the usual things that plague a man’s thoughts” he smiled trying to diffuse some of the seriousness that had likely been born of his recounting of his promise. “Lastly a deal is a deal.” He leaned forward, and raised his height up a little. From that vantage point he stared perfectly straight into Farlen’s eyes, and never shifted or flinched. As he stared Ishgrameer imagined that the sound of a feline snarling in the background of his thoughts. “I see within you Farlen, a shifter-both literally and metaphorically-and that you war amidst yourself. There is something you pursue, and you will pursue that till you find it-of that I have no doubt. There is strength within you, a silent strength that will roar free when those around you are most threatened. Your nature tells you to seek solitude, but something within you will forever draw you back to friendships forgotten-or ones that will be forged anew” he paused and stood as he prepared to shoot another arrow, as if to make himself appear more mystical. “Remember Farlen, the loneliest path will always lead you to company. I am testament to that, in some ways.” He drew back the bow string, the muscles in his long arms tensing. Then as he slowed his breathing everything paused-except for his heartbeat, and that of Farlen’s close by. The arrow was loosed. It sailed through the air and the twang of the bowstring echoed across the range. Thwack. It was a bulls-eye. He turned to Farlen “All things have their time.”

[Farlen]

What wise words they were as the owl in the shape of a man seemed to see straight though him. It was true, Farlen was searching for something of high value, which he failed to admit even to him self as of yet. The search for a soul to confide in, a master. Someone to relieve him of his very loneliness. Someone to lead him and look after him, just like he would look after his master.

Farlen's heart was scarred every time the name Merric returned to his thoughts, as was the case at this very moment. The wretched soul who so shamelessly betrayed him, many moons ago. Farlen had to banish the memory immediately to refrain from growling.

As for friendships, it would not be a lie that he now felt a tie to Ishgrameer. Though perhaps he formed his friendships too easily, recklessly and swung his heart to anyone who wished to take it. Such scars were left upon his soul. A desperate plea for love from anyone who had any to spare. And then, out of nothingness a glimmer of a smile loomed upon Farlen's face as he lifted him self off the ground. He stood beside the archer and said very quietly and very warmly. "I do hope you achieve your goal. And I shall return to Wind Reach one day to ensure that you do. And when that time comes we will celibate your success like proper Kelvics." With those words he wrapped his arms tightly around Ishgrameer's neck, hugging him as if they had been age old friends; and with that last gesture a lynx had once again faced the archer.

With a twitch of whiskers and a last final glance of the amber eyes, the cat had disappeared into nothingness. By this time tomorrow he'll be well on his way to Lhavit, with a single though on his mind. One day he shall return to Wind reach to find the Owl and rekindle their brief friendship.