Post by The Stranger on Jul 27, 2008 11:46:35 GMT -5
He had developed his own special technique when it came to handling a bow, and chose to take the time to develop it whilst the army was waiting for further men. It had in fact been quite a long time since he had practiced with his bow, and although he doubted heavily he would have to use it much in the upcoming siege, it was better to be safe than sorrow. It hadn’t taken Darien long in finding a make shift archery range, one set up by the Valemen, and it was there that he trained. Having fired a few warming up shots at the largest target, and hitting the bulls-eye twice, he moved onto one of the harder to hit targets. Notching an arrow and drawing the string back, Darien shut his left eye and focused with his right on the target. ‘Wait for the stillness’ he told himself, and so he waited until that moment where he felt completely at ease. He didn’t know exactly how it worked, but when he concentrated on the target long enough it started appearing bigger to him, his hands steadied and the weight of the drawn back string lightened. It had taken almost two minutes for this effect to kick in when he discovered it, but now it was down to around fifteen seconds.
Letting the arrow fly, he saw it strike deep in the target, half an inch past the centre. With a small smile Darien notched another arrow and waited again. He wasn’t sure if other archers achieved the same state of mind, or weather it was just him, but he put it down to practice and natural ability. Although he did believe in his god, he did not believe magical powers were granted to people who worshipped enough… which he didn’t.
Growing bored of that target after four arrows he decided to move onto the smallest one, and a few men were already watching him. He notched, drew back, aimed and waited, his open eye studying the target, seeing its’ rough surface, the few holes that had already punctured the wood. It took him a moment to realize that he was already in his calm state, although he must have only been aiming for five or so seconds. With a smile he released the arrow and saw it strike the bulls-eye. “Well, that’s a first.” He said, nodding to the men around him who were expressing remarks of compliment.
Walking back to the small tent he shared with Asha, Darien decided it was time to check up on some friends. Making his way to the spot quite near his tent, where the four men he had hired for his protection were sitting, one seeming to have just recently arrived back there. “I see you men have been doing your work well. And you’ve remained inconspicuous. Very good.” The men all grinned at him. “Now, what can your friends report of Cedric Lannister?” “Nothin’ as of yet.” One of the men said. “Haven’t heard anythin’, haven’t seen anythin’. We’ll let you know.” Darien nodded and sat down. “Now, how about a few drinks, fellows? I seem to have been hanging on to this for a little too long.” Darien opened a small bag and retrieved a bottle of wine that he had encountered at Duskendale. “Quite a fine thing and part of the reward for you men.” Another set of grins appeared on the men’s faces as Darien shared out the wine in some cups. “When we’re done with this, we can ha’ go at some o’ that whiskey I saw ya drinkin’ yesterday!” Another of the men said, and Darien grimaced. It was his bottle, but now he would have to share it with the men.
And share it he did, for it was only an hour later that Darien struggled to his feet, his mind a storming ocean, and slowly and unevenly found his way back to his tent.
Darien Stone advances to Expert Bow
Darien Stone advances to Apprentice Drinking
Letting the arrow fly, he saw it strike deep in the target, half an inch past the centre. With a small smile Darien notched another arrow and waited again. He wasn’t sure if other archers achieved the same state of mind, or weather it was just him, but he put it down to practice and natural ability. Although he did believe in his god, he did not believe magical powers were granted to people who worshipped enough… which he didn’t.
Growing bored of that target after four arrows he decided to move onto the smallest one, and a few men were already watching him. He notched, drew back, aimed and waited, his open eye studying the target, seeing its’ rough surface, the few holes that had already punctured the wood. It took him a moment to realize that he was already in his calm state, although he must have only been aiming for five or so seconds. With a smile he released the arrow and saw it strike the bulls-eye. “Well, that’s a first.” He said, nodding to the men around him who were expressing remarks of compliment.
Walking back to the small tent he shared with Asha, Darien decided it was time to check up on some friends. Making his way to the spot quite near his tent, where the four men he had hired for his protection were sitting, one seeming to have just recently arrived back there. “I see you men have been doing your work well. And you’ve remained inconspicuous. Very good.” The men all grinned at him. “Now, what can your friends report of Cedric Lannister?” “Nothin’ as of yet.” One of the men said. “Haven’t heard anythin’, haven’t seen anythin’. We’ll let you know.” Darien nodded and sat down. “Now, how about a few drinks, fellows? I seem to have been hanging on to this for a little too long.” Darien opened a small bag and retrieved a bottle of wine that he had encountered at Duskendale. “Quite a fine thing and part of the reward for you men.” Another set of grins appeared on the men’s faces as Darien shared out the wine in some cups. “When we’re done with this, we can ha’ go at some o’ that whiskey I saw ya drinkin’ yesterday!” Another of the men said, and Darien grimaced. It was his bottle, but now he would have to share it with the men.
And share it he did, for it was only an hour later that Darien struggled to his feet, his mind a storming ocean, and slowly and unevenly found his way back to his tent.
Darien Stone advances to Expert Bow
Darien Stone advances to Apprentice Drinking