Last week, the Gaidar put up a notice around the yards announcing an Archery Spar, welcoming anyone who wanted to try their hand at moving targets. For Riahana, it was a way to hopefully meet others who had an affinity for the bow. . .people she could train with, or perhaps train if they wanted to improve. For those who might join? It was a chance to do something other than practice on the range, or arrange time on the obstacle course.
When Riahana arrived at the armory, noticed a Ji’dar who was working with the quarter master that day. Giving a small smile, and inclining her head ever so slightly, Riahana said, “Morning, Ji’. I require equipment for the Archery Sparring course. Jackets, sparring bows and arrows. Let’s start with three of each color. If more people join, we can grab more gear.”
“Of course, Gaidar. One moment,” the young woman replied. It didn’t take long for her to pull together the equipment. She laid it on the counter, “Do you require help carrying this to the sparring area?”
Ria smiled and shook her head, “No, I think I can manage, but thank you.” She knew why the woman asked. . .manning the armory was not the most exciting chore on the Tower grounds, especially if it was cleaning day. Slinging the jackets over one shoulder, the quivers of special arrows over another, Ria put the strings for the sparring bows in one of her pouches before taking the bows three to each hand.
With the gear gathered, Ria headed to the sparring arena, and couldn’t help a trip down memory lane. When she was but a Drin’, still wet behind the ears, a couple of Ji’ asked her to join them in a spar. She had become fairly proficient on the range, but the sparring arena was a very different challenge. It was the first time she faced off against live opponents, and the first time Ria had tried to hit a moving target. The arrows left pretty impressive bruises, but the spar was great fun, and solidified Riahana’s interest in her weapon of choice.
The arena itself held a simple layout with a number of trees, and boulders of varying sizes. There were two platforms on opposite ends, both with a bell mounted to a post, and a couple of observation platforms. Many of the trees had branches low enough to allow the quick and nimble to climb, but with the white jackets on, the would-be assassins became sitting targets.
When Ria arrived, she set the bows, quivers and jackets down. She was the first to arrive, and hoped she wouldn’t be the only one to show. While she waited, she started to do some simple stretches just to loosen up. She couldn’t help but wonder who might show up.
((OOC: OK Here's the start. If we don't have even numbers, I will come up with an NPC to even things out. Once everyone arrives, we'll figure out who is on the pink versus green teams.
))
