Archery Practice -Arthur-

[roland]

If Garahel knew, Rowan didn't think she could handle the sound of his highly disapproving tone. Luckily, every time Roland grabbed the bow and the slowly dwindling arrows he was fast asleep inside the hut as was Desirae. Good; Rowan couldn't afford her sister to dob her in to their strict father. But the older woman highly doubted Desirae would though; they were very close and would do anything for each other. Roland's protectiveness of the younger girl was clear when a fellow peasant boy attempted to woo the fifteen year old. A death glare sent him scampering away wildly, with Rowan certain that he'd never go near Desirae again. Not while she was around.

It was in the dead of night that Roland sneaked out of her bed, careful to keep all movements silent should Garahel awaken. But he was a heavy sleeper, and she was thankful for that. Otherwise this would be much more difficult. Leaving the hut as quietly as possible, she crept around to the back and picked up the bow along with the bundle of arrows. Then, Roland proceeded to make her way to the isolated hill, where two torches stood alight on the top. A while ago Rowan had made a straw man out of any loose straw that she could find around the farm.

It had taken quite some time, but it was worth it when Roland shot her arrows into it and making no sound at all. She took a slow glance around the area to make sure no one was out, and then placed the arrow into its designated place within the bow. Taking a few steps back, Rowan prepared to aim and then fired. Hitting the straw man in the head.

[Arthur Pendragon]

It was an unusual time for Arthur to be out. Then again, with his frequent ventures and actions of disobedience against his father . . . it was becoming more of a frequent occurrence for the prison to leave the castle at odd hours of the night. Tonight, was no exception. He would not be able to sleep unless his mind was at ease and the only way to assure that was to see with his own eyes that the crops were growing healthily. He had been busy with so many other things, that he had not the time. . . until now. He did not wake up Merlin, for it was unnecessary to have him straggle behind when all Arthur needed to do was ride around the kingdom and check on various farm lands.

He mounted on his horseback and set off into the crisp night air. It was refreshing to ride in the cool breeze and Arthur enjoyed this time of solitude as the kingdom and all its citizens slept. Well, that was what he thought. Some time had passed as he ventured to different lands, so far, finding the growth of crops satisfactory. Merlin had been right all along . . . something he would never admit to him, but would always be thankful for, and it only made him trust his servant even more.

As he was nearing a particular farmland, he heard some movement, and the sound of arrows cutting through the air. Arthur had been trained all his life, and so his instincts were strong enough to know that it was in fact someone shooting an arrow. He slowly and quietly dismounted from his horse, pulling out his sword. He was clad in his armor, never quite having time to have taken it off since his journey back from his 'final test' and under these circumstances, it may prove to be a good thing. He held his sword out, in a defensive position as he was ready for the unexpected. He saw a figure, and due to the dim light, unable to recognize it as a woman. All he saw was that they held a bow and arrow. His automatic assumption was that it may be a thief, or someone just prowling through the land, trespassing on property, armed with a weapon. "Who are you?" He asked in an authoritative voice.

[roland]

The cool breeze blew Roland's long hair around slightly, and she closed her eyes briefly enjoying the feel of it on her face. A smile played at her lips before it quickly vanished as Rowan shook her head and opened her eyes. She grabbed at another arrow, pulling back the bow before releasing it into the straw dummy. At hearing movement the young female peasant glanced over at the hut, before realizing it wasn't coming from either her father or Desirae. A small relieved sigh escaped her, but Rowan still kept her guard about her as she pulled out another arrow.

"Steady...aim....fire!" She breathed, releasing that arrow into the dummy also. Roland dreamed of using her archery skills for the good, to fell enemies who dared cross King Uther and his son. However, she knew that was as likely to happen as was the chance of her family becoming nobility. Zero to zilch. At hearing some more movement and then an authoritative voice, the young woman froze in fear. Prince Arthur had caught her out in practicing her archery at the dead of night, and the consequences could be disastrous. "My Lord...I am but a mere peasant. Nobody of importance."

Rowan dropped her bow and arrows, quickly doing a curtsy to the Prince in front of her. She then slowly but carefully raised her eyes to meet his, keeping all emotions locked behind her aloof wall. Though her heart was beating rapidly, as if it knew its final moments could be near. Oh man. Garahel was sure to beat her when he found out; or possibly even disown her. Then she'd have nowhere to go, and have no choice but to beg for work around the village. Roland then lowered her gaze to the ground, waiting for the Prince to reprimand her.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had been there long enough to see the figure shoot an arrow . . . and hit the target with great precision. Arthur, to say the very least, was impressed. He looked at the target for a moment, before returning to the figure who now apologized . . . and who . . . was a woman?! A woman with that much skill? It was a rarity indeed. He knew Morgana could handle a sword, as could Gwen -- being the daughter of a blacksmith -- but to see someone who was well trained, and a peasant by the look of it, which made it all the more surprising, was definitely not the norm. He slowly lowered his weapon, trusting the sincerity in her apology and her small bow only further proved that she was not an immediate threat. That, and her weapons were now on the ground next to her.

He put the sword back to his side and took a couple of steps closer to the woman. He looked back at the target as he spoke his next words. "Where did you learn to shoot like that?" He asked, this time in a less demanding voice, but it still held extreme curiousity. He then looked back at her, knowing that it was not exactly polite to not look at a person while they were talking . . . even if they were inferior in rank.

[roland]

Roland swallowed silently, seeing as the Prince had his sword drawn. She was certain she wasn't that much of a threat, but anyone carrying weapons and were not of the King's knights were considered one. She kept her gaze focused on the ground, the wind blowing fiercely into the night. Upon hearing his question Rowan remained silent for a few moments, wondering briefly that if she told him would he tell her father. Or even have her arrested, possibly executed. Garahel would never forgive her, of this she was certain. And Desirae....well, the girl knew enough how to look after herself now. She didn't need Roland anymore than Garahel needed her.

"As difficult as it may be to believe, My Lord, I have been teaching myself on how to use the bow. It may help the villagers if we are ever to come under attack." Rowan spoke softly, her voice uncertain and bordering on the edge of wariness of the Prince. Most of the rumors about Arthur were told by the peasants, and as they were the only thing she heard, she believed them to an extent. Like how he seemingly only cared for himself and the city, but not of the villagers or peasants outside of the gates.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Even though Arthur wished he could help the villages when they were attacked, he knew he could not. It was a frequent occurrence, and news of such things did not reach the castle until it was too late. All they could do was help clean up the mess. They could not prevent it. Arthur looked at her, rather impressed that she would take such initiative and something about the way she said it led him to believe she was speaking the truth. "You are very brave then, to take such initiative during times of peril." One did not have to be a knight to prove their bravery and loyalty to others.

"Though I am not sure it is wise to be out here at this hour. Even though you seem to be well equipped for any danger, you may be drastically outnumbered." Whether she was a good archer or not, Arthur did not think it was safe for any woman to be out at this time. It was late, and one never knew what to expect in such times.

[Sorry its short! If you need more to reply to, then let me know and I will add to it!]