Ciara tried again and again, some arrows hitting, others missing completely. She had been concentrating so hard that she did not even see Kuya at all. For a few more moments, she worked on steadying her hands. If I could just get them to stop shaking, perhaps, my aim would be better. But she didn't know how to make this happen, from her readings, there was nothing mentioned about this part. She frown and was discouraged as a stray arrow flew way past the target that she had been aiming at. Setting the end of her bow on the ground, she leaned over, resting on it as if she were taking a short break from her training. I wonder where everyone is at. The shopkeeper had said this was the place to go. I am curious onto where they all must be. While looking around the training grounds, she looked back to the did not notice Kuya sitting up high in the trees. A small pout was on her lips. Where are you all?

After the others from the Talas Library had headed off to fight the demons, Ciara decided that it was time she learned the art of archery. She had no need to fight or defend herself up high in the mountains in all the years that she had lived. Before she had left the library, she had looked up a few books that talked about how to use a bow and some of the techniques that were used. It was hard to learn this skill from a book, but she tried her best to remember what it said. Buying an elven bow and a quiver full of arrows, she headed entered the Academy of Arms. The shopkeeper had told her many great fighters had risen from the school and Ciara took his word on it.

She wandered around, bow in hand, quiver hung across her back. She finally found the training ground for the archers and looked around for someone that might aide her in her training.

No one is here, it must be too early yet. Looking up, the sun was just rising and Ciara decided it wouldn't harm any if she tried to teach herself. She could get the feel for it before anyone arrived and she wouldn't embarass herself if she was not born with the ability to shoot with the bow.

Taking out an arrow, she did her best to fit it in the string. Grasping the bow it self and pulling back like she had read about in the library, she aimed the arrow. Closing one eye, she released the arrow letting it fly wildly across the feild and completely missed the target. Oh dearest me, this may take a while....

Kuya woke up startled seeing a shaft close to his face buried into the tree trunk where he slept. He ften slpet at the academy for it was one of his favorite places. Whoever shot this arrow must have been aiming for me, or a complete beginner... Kuya thought. He walked quietly up as not to intrude whoever was there. He his behind a bush and saw Ciara there. She was the one practicing. Kuya saw an open target and fired a shaft from his Oathbow. fly true... he thought, and his arrow hit a bullseye....

Taking another arrow out of the quiver she bit her lips in concentration as she tried again. Pull back slowly, hold it, hold it, aimed and let it go. The bowstring snapped the inside of her arm and she winced in pain. Looking down she noticed a red mark that had begun to welt and growled softly. She hadn't even watched where her arrow had went, but it was not on the target and she could only imagine where it had flew off to.

Ciara watched for others to arrive at the academy. She could hear the bustle of the locals. Probably going from place to place, gathering all the things they would need for the day. She forgot about the pain and smiled warmly to herself, just enjoying the quiet in the feild. As she turned back to her own target, she had noticed an arrow that had made its way to a direct bullseye and nodded to herself. I have to get the hang of it soon. She snickered as she pulled out another arrow, and concentrated on her aim...

Kuya pulled out another arrow from behind the bush. He then said to his Oathbow; "Fly true and hard..." And the arrow flew going staright through the last arrow he had shot and piercing the target straight through. Oops... Kuya thought as he his himself.

She turned around quickly, loosing her aim, letting the arrow fall weakly from the bowstring. Although her hearing was not as sensitive as that of an elf, she was learning to pick on things that were happening around her. She searched and searched and searched for whatever had made the noise. The targets were all clear, until her eyes fell upon the same target she had been admiring only a moment ago. There she saw an arrow and what seemed to be the split of an arrow. If she hadn't been so wrapped up in her own training, she might have walked over to look upon it more closely. Ciara only looked around, wondering who else was here with her. A short time later, she returned to her own target, still empty.

Pull back, aim closing her eyes Ciara took one deep breath in, holding it as she stretched out the bow farther. Opening both eyes, she did her best to steady her aim let go. The arrow sailed quickly through the air, much faster than Ciara could watch. A proud, satisfied look on her face when she saw that the arrow had actually hit the target. She tilted her head to study it. Well, not a direct hit. Giggling Ciara couldn't help but smile at herself. It wasn't a bullseye like that of the other that was here in the academy this morning, but it was a start. She had hit the outer most ring of the target, the arrow appearing to just barely make it onto the target.

Kuya decided not to mess with Ciara anymore. He could tell she was being serious. Kuya climbed a tree. He sat on one of the branches and in broad sight not hiding anymore. He watched Ciara hit the target, and thought...Not bad...she could get good at this..it's only her third or so arrow.

Kuya sighed and couldn't take anymore of Ciara's misfortunes. So he jumped off the tree and came up to Ciara and said;

"Hello, by the way, your holding your bow wrong,. You have to carefully lock your elbows to steady your arms. Now try it." Kuya said with a smile on his face.

Ciara jumped, startled by the sudden sound of Kuya's voice. She broke out in laughter as she looked down at her bow. Is that it? She giggled more, covering her mouth trying to contain herself. What brings you to the Academy this early? She asked the question as it to question his being here, but did not intend to to come out the way it had. She was glad to see him, as she had seen him many times before. He was a good friend, always livening up the day and if anyone could teach her of the ways of fighting, she was sure that Kuya could.

"Sometimes I come here to train and over-do myself so I go to sleep on the spot." Kuya said laughing.

"I see you have been practicing with your bow, and not to be rude or anything, but I could tell it's your first time with one. Am I correct?' Kuya asked.

She nodded, the smile faded from her face. I thought I could teach myself. I read all about archery in the library, but I am finding that it is much different than I read about. She frowned slightly looking down at her bow then back up to Kuya, her eyes pouting at him. So, perhaps you could show me how it is done? She raised an eyebrow and her tone of voice with the last statement, as if encouraging him to show her. I would very much enjoy the lesson and I will pay you well. She smiled warmly eager to learn all she could from the Knight of Imythess.

Kuya nodded. "Yes I will help. You seem very eager to learn. Ok, first you need to keep your body still. Especailly your arms and hands. Books can teach you many things but not the skill of combat. You learn that by training. Now take my lead...." and Kuya took out his Oathbow and pulled a shaft back. He waited for Ciara to follow.

Ciara had listened to Kuya carefully, then studied his arms and hands while he bulled back on the bow. She tried very much to mimic his moves, but her arm still shook slightly, her hands were shaking too as though she were nervous.

I just cannot seem to steady them. I am not sure what it is. She stood there, shaking as she held the spot as she glanced to Kuya. It is going to take much training for me to learn to be an archer, isn't it? A pouted look shifted over her face as she became more discouraged than before. Even after instruction, she did not have the steadiness that she had hoped for.

Kuya saw that Ciara was having some trouble still. "Okay. Here you go try this..." And Kuya presented her with his Oathbow. "This bow has a looser string that that one you are holding. At least it had for me. Try it. If you get the hang of this one then it will be easier for you to train with that one." Kuya said, waiting for Ciara to take the bow and try it out.

Are you sure? She reached down for the bow before he even spoke. Kuya is going to let me use his own bow? I am honored, truely honor. She smiled again as she slowly took the bow from him. So long as you are sure.

Kuya turned his head slightly. "And why not, it's an Oathbow, one of the most powerful bows of Imythess. That is if you can pull the string back. Anyways you just try it." Kuya said handing her the bow. It gleamed in the sunlight and the runic inscriptions on it seemed to glow. [B]"Oh yes, you are part-elf right? You have elvish blood running in you to make this bow work properly.

She nodded to Kuya. Yes, half of me is elven. Her eyes fell from Kuya, to the bow that was now in her hands. It had appeared to be much heavier than she found it to actually be, it was very light. Well, let me see. Taking an arrow out, she placed it in the string, then prepared to pull back the bow. She struggled at first, but after taking a slow deep breath she had it. She stood their aimed, her eyes went to Kuya. Like this?

Kuya nodded. "Correct, now lock your elbow so that the bow is still, you won't have to do this part when you start getting used to it. Now aim at a target. And fire..." Kuya told Ciara. He wondered if she would get it this time. Kuya was only a fourth elven but he could still use the Oathbow with great skill. Ciara on the other hand was half-elven. She should be more used to it in the begininng than he was.

Ciara did as Kuya told her, locking her elbow, aiming. Her eyes narrowed, she targetted the center of the target. Her eyes drifted back to Kuya and she smiled. He is so patient with me. I am truely grateful to of met him. She again concentrated upon the target, then fired.

The arrow sailed through the air, cutting through it like it was nothing then hitting the target. Not dead on, just the next ring out from the center, but Ciara couldn't have been more excited if it had been a bullseye itself. Oh my goodness! Ciara looked up to Kuya, grinning ear to ear, pleased with her shot, wondering what Kuya would say.

Kuya smiled. "Hmmm...I guess your going to have to get one of these for yourself, or I should get one for you!" Kuya said laughing. She did improve. It wasn't only the bow, it was her dire to suceed. So Kuya couldn't turn down a pupil like this. "Ciara, it was too bad you couldn't become one of my chosen. You wanted to be ....Oppel's chosen. Isn't that right?" Kuya asked her.

She examined the bow once more, great satisfaction from the shot just made. Yes, I am sorry. I just do not feel that I am the right person to be your chosen Kuya. She seemed to frown, but it was not a frown of sadness, just wishing some things had run differently. Your chosen should be someone who believes in the same things you do, we are just too different. Although I do thank you for all that you bring to us and show great respect to you as God of Day. As God of Nature, Oppel protects those things that are very essential to my life. With him is where my loyalties will go. She stopped herself, wondering if Kuya would take her words the wrong way. Then smiled once more. You know you can always count on my Kuya, whether I am your chosen or only a friend. She was sincere with those last words, she had known Kuya her entire time here in Imythess and she considered him a great friend.

"No. I did not ask you for your sorries. I was just making sure that you wanted to be Oppel's chosen. I will talk to him about this." Kuya said looking down and looked back up smiling. Anything I can do for you Ciara, I will try my best to do. Kuya said to himself.

Ciara sensed something from Kuya, but she wasn't sure what it was, but her cheeks blushed a soft shade of rose and her eyes lowered from his. I do thank you. I have visited him and I hope he sees how much I love the forest and nature itself. I would do anything I could to protect it all from harm. She looked up again, her cheeks still feeling warm as her bare feets wiggled in the tall grass of the field.

Kuya saw Ciara blushing. She had never done that before in all their meetings. "Don't worry I'm sure he will choose you. There are few who can speak to plants. Anyways, what else would you like to learn while we are at the training grounds. Or if you want we shall go to my temple for some training in my arena?" Kuya said offering a suggestion.

Her eyes brightened as the color faded, leaving her skin the normal pale color that it has always been. You know, I haven't visited your temple yet Kuya, which is horrible of me. But I haven't been able to recieve correct direction. Perhaps we could go there? I am long over due for a visit. She beamed to him, waiting for his answer so that she could call for Huthi to carry her there. She held back his bow, remembering the name so that she might get one for herself, wondering what it was that made the bow so different from her own.

"Okay then follow me." Kuya said leading her to the outside of the training grounds. there Anduril was on the ground resting. He looked up. "You have met each other before right?" Kuya asked them both. They had met at the Ruins of an Ancient City.

Ciara smiled at the dragon, reaching out a gloved covered hand to pet the large beast. Aye we have and it is a pleasure to meet you again. Letting her hand fall to her side, she looked up to the sky, then closed her eyes slowly as she smiled to herself. She called out, almost singing, in a voice that was much louder than her normal tone.

Tul a' mi mia droval mellon
Huthi Baequiddare tul a' mia aid
I droval roch mellon
Aman ar i sul
Hirie yassen e' mia coia

She opened her eyes, which sparkled as a flash of light was seen in the distant sky. As it came closer, one could see a beautiful pegasus. With bright pure white feathered wings and pale pinkish-white hair adorned with a pure white mane and tail to match, accented with various flowers and fruits and berries. The grand creature landed beside Ciara who hugged her friend around the neck in hello and petted her gently. And this is Huthi, I don't believe you have met before, but this is Kuya and Anduril. She smiled as Huthi seemed to bow in hello and gracefully knelt down for Ciara to climb upon her.

(Shall we move this to the temple? I'll post then you continue by making a topic at the temple.)

Kuya bowed to the majestic horse and Ciara and so did Anduril "The place isn't far, as long as you know where to go. Just a few minutes ride. Let us take our leave." and Kuya got on Anduril and they soared to the sky. They hovered in mid-air, Anduril's wings beating, waiting for them.