Flashback [Second Quiver] Bulls-eye! (Holly)

[Niro]

Spring 66th, 511 AV 6:45 Second Quiver Niro hated getting up early, but today he wanted a chance to practice without interruption. The earlier he went, the less likely people would be up, right? The 6th bell was when the Second Quiver opened, and he didn't want to draw the ire of anyone, at least not this day. Of course, the 6th bell came and went with Niro sound asleep in his cave. There wasn't a chance he'd be up early enough to make it at opening. Waking startled, the teenage Inarta had grabbed his bow, rushed from his place of rest, through the various passages, and to the ranges. And of course, he wasn't alone. A few others apparently executed his idea to perfection. Now he was the annoying extra interfering with their morning. He was the annoying one, and it boiled his blood. His plan thwarted, Niro stormed towards the firing range, stocking his quiver with arrows before he went. "Stupid people. Can't just let me have a petching moment alone." He notched an arrow, continuing to complain aloud. "It's so freaking early, and yet here are all this idiots, me included, shooting these stupid bows!" He fired an arrow wide of the circular target, never breaking his string of words. "Peace and quiet. All I wanted was peace. And. Quiet. Mia isn't even here. Such a wasted chance." Another arrow from the quiver was put up to the bow. He stared down the target, imagining it as a creature made up of his frustrations. Part bear, part Inarta, part goat. It was really quite troubling. "Stupid imagination." He shook his head and pulled back on the string. He could feel his muscles tighten, the tension on his right tricep especially fulfilling. It was almost a drug. If there weren't actually drugs, you know. He let the arrow fly and again it went awry. He shook his head and looked down the range to see who else was shooting. It was clearly their fault for being here. "So petching noisy!" he yelled at the few practicing hunters. He recognized a couple. One was training his apprentice while shooting the loud mouthed teen a dirty look, another one seemed to be trying out a new bow. Further down, though, was someone he didn't recognize. And it was a woman, too. A sly smile crawling over his face, Niro walked down to retrieve his arrows. "Good morning, indeed." He said, for the first time quiet. The firing area next to her was open, so that was where Niro would set up, regardless of the open spacing available. Watching the woman fire, he examined her, his teenage hormones making his choice for him. She had full, ruby lips, and long red hair, even if it wasn't the darkest he'd seen. Grinning like an idiot, the young man brought another arrow up, aimed down the range at a goat sized target, and fired. The arrow flew true, for the most part. It wasn't in the 'kill zone', but with a solid thump, the arrow lodged in the back leg of the fake animal. Smirking, Niro looked over to his new target, seeing what her skill with that long bow she used was.

[Holland]

It was another early morning where Holland decided to go train, a better way to focus. She found it easier when she wasn't being watched, being judged all the time. The peace and quiet was what kept her stable, and she enjoyed that. The Avora didn't necessarily welcome the day, but she looked forward to another day of practice. Hoping to find some adventure in the lines of it, thirsting for what lied ahead. Rising from her bed she dressed quickly grabbing her long bow, and case that held her arrows. A gift from her father that she treasured, he made many and kept others in storage in case she ran out. Even though her father worked her like a dog, he still had a soft spot for his baby girl. Holland knew that and she decided to use it against him to get what she wanted. Never had she been so mischievous, ever in her life but she wanted something better for herself. Another way to make herself feel special, feel important in her life. It was always about the factor of perfection, something that she didn't crave for. All she wanted was a normal life, to be a normal girl. The Second Quiver happened to be one of her most favorite places to be, especially when it was quiet and no one was around. To her disappointment there were few people around training early, probably had the same idea in mind. As she walked in, everyone stared at her and that's when the whispers started. Holland was well known via her Father who boasted about her everyday. She hated the fact he did that, but had no choice but to allow him to. He had no care for what she thought, he just wanted something to talk about make him important. His legacy was held through his daughter, and she had to hold it with pride. In the distance she saw the perfect area where no one was lined up, a whole area for her. Even better, she thought. The sudden noise of someone shouting hit her like an unexpected storm, it's voice being a nuisance to her ears. A small growl escaped her lips almost inaudible to anyone besides herself. Holland didn't really need the major distraction, especially since this one seemed to be tempered. And liked to complain, a lot. Her breath hitched when she noticed him coming towards her, a huge grin on his face. "Idiot." She muttered as she pulled back her arrow. Each arrow she drew felt like she was floating on a cloud, all the anxiety that was built inside her. Felt like nothing. Each arrow either hit the bulls-eye or was close to it. The Avora cursed to herself that she didn't make the cut, the arrows should have been all dead center. Never would Holly be perfect in her father's eyes, and that's what crushed her inside. She never had anyone to actually care for her, she was only being used for her talent not what was underneath. Hence why she never spoke her mind, there was nothing to say but just stand there. On the other hand, the upside was getting to spend time with her father. Holland called it their family bonding time, except he would only criticize her on how horrible she was. Why was it her that was chosen? Why not some random person? She thought. Snapping out of her trance she felt a heavy, heated gaze on her. The Avora turned her head, lowering her bow slowly. "May I help you?" She asked him softly, raising one brow. Holland was never one to talk to anybody, but she had to put her foot down. She was tired of people just staring at her, it annoyed her. The reason they stared was because of her title, the expectations she had to live up to. But no one really knew the real story why she had no friends, or why she was never around. Many questioned her but she didn't bother to answer them, maybe making herself unappealing... But all she wanted, was to be wanted. Someone to look out for her, something that lacked in her life.

[Niro]

Niro watched the girl as she fired arrow after arrow, and it seemed after each shot she was having an entire petching conversation in her head. He raised an eyebrow as the shots struck around the center of the target over and over. He whistled loudly, flashing the quiet Inarta another grin. She seemed distraught, and maybe he had something which could help. He could see the look of annoyance on her face, and Niro was no stranger to that. He was louder than even most Inarta, ready to throw down just for the pure thrill. Everything could be a challenge, and just maybe this would be another one. He didn't recognize the girl himself. He had been new to Avora caste, half a season past a year. Niro was still learning who all the hunters, not that he really cared. As long as they could hunt and didn't annoy him, he'd just call them 'friend'. Much easier than remembering names. "May I help you?" The question was innocent enough, but the boy was far from it. She was a proper one, huh? Not many Inarta acted like that. Strange one. But oh, that question. It was like a birthday celebration as the boy tried to decide what to say. What did he want? So many choices. After a few seconds of usual (for Niro) quiet deliberation, he replied. "Yeah, you can let me see what those lips taste like." The immature boy stuck his tongue out slightly at his archery partner and turned back to his targets, preparing to fire another arrow. "You know," he said, grunting as he pulled the string back, "you're too tense." A loosed another arrow sailed through the air, striking the target in the head. Niro looked over at her, smirking. "Have you even been on a hunt?" His voice took on a teasing tone, returning his gaze back down to his targets. "If you let your nerves get to you," Niro said, another arrow going wide, "you'll miss like that." Chuckling, the loud red head sighed. "Petch these petching targets! The stupid Deks are moving them at the last minute!" He turned, yelling to one of the Drudges working the Second Quiver. "What are you doing? Get me my arrows!" He strolled over to watch his full lipped companion, strutting much like a peacock putting on a show. His yellow eyes were blazing, a smirk permanently plastered on the teenage boy's face.

[Holland]

Holland cocked her head at him giving him a small grin, before letting out one relaxed breathe. Her shoulders began to relax slightly, and her body seemed to move at it's own rhythm. As she strung her arrow, her muscles tightened as she let go. Opening her eyes she stared at her shot, a smile emerging onto her face. "Like that?" She teased cocking one brow. "And second of all, I don't have relationships with boys such as yourself. I'm clearly out of your league." The Avora gave him a sarcastic pout before trying to shot again, his advice was correct but he had no idea why she acted the way she did. Her parents were maniacs who thirsted for attention, she was simply their play toy to use until she was broken. No longer was she going to be like, she was going to stand on her own two feet. Old habits never did die though, she found herself trying to fight it but she couldn't. Her breath hitched once again as she found her chest moving up and down at a quicker rate. Holland found herself mumbling soothing words to herself as she tried to slow her heart rate. These panic attacks were common whenever she thought about trying to get away. Thing was she couldn't, there was a ticket to it but she just couldn't find it. A gulp echoed against the walls as she lowered her bow once again. "You must be new here... I-I'm well known around here, but I guess I must introduce myself. I'm Holland. Also, for your information the only two places you'll find me is in the forest or in here. But that's another story." [b][i]"Now if you m-may excuse me... I'll be on my way. I shouldn't be wasting my time, or else..." Her last words were almost inaudible as she grabbed her things quickly walking away with fear trailing behind her. If she told anybody about her problems, they'd consider her a freak. Titles and names had been given to her but all that really mattered was her families approval. Something that lacked in her life, all she was searching for was a love. One that would look beyond her, and into her soul to see the real human being inside. That was the harder part of life, learning to accept what is. The Avora was a messed up character not meant to be in the world but still had a purpose. To please her family, bring them happiness. She wasn't very traditional, neither was she too crazy, she was a nobody. A somebody, and a nobody if they even went together. Holland never truly understood it, but she was different in that sense and some were just yet to accept that.

[Niro]

The young Avora watched his fellow hunter go through expressions of playfulness, worry, defeat, and fear before trying to leave. Niro tried to step in her way to prevent her retreat. "Whoa whoa whoa whoa." He was grinning at the strange girl. He placed his bow parallel to the ground to try and limit her path past him. "You're a lucky girl then," he said, emphasizing his choice of words for her, a mocking tone about his voice. "I happen to be a man. And if you're practicing here, you're an Avora! So best case for you, we're the same league, Lips." He raised an eyebrow as she explained who she was. He was certain he didn't know her, now. "Holland, huh?" He slung his bow over his shoulder before crossing his arms. "Can't promise I'll remember that." He held a half smile on his face. It ate at him a little bit. "I'm Niro. I'm well known around here," he said, some bite in his tone. "I ain't never heard of you." He huffed, an annoyed tone in his voice. "And just where are you going, trying to run off like that? You can't have been here for more than three quarters of a bell. I doubt your practice is done." A wry smile spread across his face. "Or is it this, Miss-Better-Than-Thou? Miss I'm-Out-Of-Your-Leauge. You're intimidated by me, the little boy. I'm just too charming, and you've gotta get out of here before you throw yourself on me." He shook his head, turning his attention back down the range, releasing a frustrated sigh. "I'm annoyed. You're annoying. Do whatever you want. Doesn't affect me, Lips." He unslung his bow and drew another arrow. "I'm always down for a good time. But you're petching nuts if you think I'm chasing you. You'd think you were a petching Endal with that attitude." Oblivious to the ridiculousness of him making that claim of another, Niro gave her a quick glance before refocusing his attention on his target. The young hunter inhaled, drawing his string back, the fibers nearly resting on his cheek. Exhaling as he slipped his fingers off, the twang of a freed string echoed as the fired arrow whistled through the air, hitting a circular target a few inches off center. "Well?"

[Holland]

Holland stared at him with fear in her eyes almost terrified of him. Her breath hitched when he touched her skin, gentle but firm. Looking around she didn't know how to respond with such an explosive time bomb. The Avora slowly calmed herself annoying his rude comments and answering his more important ones. Showing no way of him affecting her, unless he had the ability to see through her walls he was remarkable in her sense. "You wouldn't understand, but what I can tell you is that even though I've been around for a while... I'm not perfect." The word 'perfect' came out as an almost whisper as she clutched her chest softly holding back the pain. The Avora slowly made her way back to her area with grace and silence. With every arrow she drew her anxiety slipped and she was in her own realm of happiness. Something that no one could take away from her, the only thing that she held onto as if a baby of her own. Archery was her life, and surely it was his too. "Niro, you know... You should know your own place. I'm sorry if I'm being rude, but you don't know anything about me." She said bluntly before roughly shooting another bow to aim for the bulls eye. "Surely you have better things to do than spit at me with your rude and arrogant comments." Holland looked up at him with a cocky smirk on her face as she tried to lighten the mood. "And if you are so desperate to kiss me, then why not make the move." She said giving him a grin before returning back to her area. Her personality seemed to be very strange to most, they were every where. At one point you'd find her happy, fearful, angry, and sad. She never knew really how she developed to be such a flustered character but somehow she learned how to live with it. Bottling up her feelings was all she could do, with trying to be perfect there was no time for flirting or making friends. Breaking rules were out of the question, but at the same time she wanted to know what it felt to be normal. In between wants and desires there were things she followed by. Rules were meant to be broken to experience what was on the other side. Unfortunately those rules were drilled in her head, every day she was robot underneath her parents control. Something she loathed, all she wanted to be was free. "Maybe if you tried to get to know me, I'll give you something in return. Seeing that you're clearly in my league. Apparently." She added giving him a small smile, a low chuckle leaving her lips as she continued.

[Niro]

His eyes opened in surprised at her first statement. What did she just say? The corners of his mouth twitched slowly into a smirk as he registered Holland's words. The smirk grew slowly into a smile, and finally into an open mouthed grin. In his usual way of questioning people, he strode over to her, got in her face and tilted his head to the side, a quizzical expression on his face. "Who the petch said anything about you being perfect? Clearly not. I'm the closest thing around, and even I've got a flaw or two." No, I don't. Who am I kidding? Lips doesn't need to know that. He ground his teeth together as she spoke, turning away from him to return to her part of the range. Telling him to know his own place? Oh, his blood was boiling again. The young hunters face turned to an all too common crimson before he fired back. "What is the shyke you're going on about? I don't give a piss about knowing you. I'm in my place! I'm an Avora! I'm a hunter! I'm a proud Inarta! Who the petch are you!" The fiery Inarta scoffed at this woman calling him arrogant. "Arrogant?! Lips, you have no idea! I'm only interesting in knowing you. You're mad." And like she flipped a switch, suddenly Holland was flirty. From distaste to seemingly attraction in one easy step. Niro was taken aback for a moment. The sudden change in demeanor was difficult to follow. It was almost like there were distinct personalities fighting for control, and if the teenage Inarta had his way, he'd probably petch them all. Niro only had two settings: Loud and Loudest, so what every Holland was doing, it didn't click with him. But then there was the offer, and that was all he needed. Walking up to Holland as she was continuing to shoot, he decided to accept her oh so generous invitation. "I'm more of a taker. I don't wait for gifts." He pushed her bow aside with one hand, and expecting to have the advantage of surprised, grabbed a hold of the fabric on her shirt with his other hand, pulling her towards him. He expected a slap, a scream, a refusal, but for a moment, as he pressed his lips against hers, all he felt was victory. By whatever means the kiss ended, afterwards he gave a disinterested look and turned, walking back to his part of the range. A slow, low whistle was a prelude to his speech. "...Had better," he commented, raising an eyebrow playfully while glancing over his shoulder. "Funny thing. I'm pretty sure that's getting to know you. So what do I get in return?" He readied his bow again. "I'm so out of your league." He pulled back and fired another arrow, sighing as it skipped across the ground in front of this target. Quietly he lamented, "Petch this place."

[Holland]

Holland enjoyed the fact that he didn't care what others said and had his own mind, something that intrigued her. When he said he wanted to get to know her, he was the first guy she ever knew of that ever said that. A sense of nervousness rushed over her but she over came it with her newly established confidence. For a second she wondered what she had been doing but decided to go with the flow and see where it took her. Those places weren't very good, by the time she knew it he was a whisper away and kissing her on top of it. There was a wave of lust in her eyes as he moves his lips with hers rhythmically. At the end of it she felt shocked, her body was doing it's own thing and she couldn't understand it. Her newly found feelings made her feel better, she was a step ahead of her plan. To break the legacy and rid herself of her family forever. "You know you loved it." She teased playfully before returning back to her practicing. NIro wasn't such a bad guy after all and she had learned a lot. Stepping out of her boundaries was very challenging and she had learned that. Constantly she found herself fighting with herself, two people in one and they just couldn't go together. Her feelings were pushed back to establish a sense of perfection making this a totally new experience for her. Although, the Avora did enjoy the sensation and feeling on edge but at the same time she felt like an alien towards it. If she were to find a love would he truly love her, or would he use her... ? Leading to pain and regret of never trying anything, continuing to remain in her families legacy. With freedom, came responsibility and she had to learn that the hard way. It was the only way she could learn, right? "You know... You're not as bad as I thought you were." She said, looking him in the eyes with a sense of sincerity. Holland never thought she would ever utter those words to anyone since she really didn't trust anybody. Hurt was all that filled her life, regret and more pain... To get away from it was the harder part because somehow she just couldn't. It would always be able to come bite her in the behind, leaving a nasty scar in it's tracks. The Avora never truly understood why she never tried this in the first place, but she was open to new suggestions. Maybe Niro himself could show her what she was missing after all. He seemed like a nice guy and on top of it wasn't afraid of what people thought of him. The only problem was, would her family approve and rope him in her game? Would they kick her out the family leaving her with nothing to spare from. Holland did have the skill of Archery to rely on, but what happened when she didn't have that anymore? No one to rely on. Growing up with a family made it harder for her since she had someone to rely on. In normal ways of the Inartan life, they child is set off to find his/her own independence. Holly was the child finding her own independence, somehow... She'll do it. Coming out of her daze she noticed he was calling her over to come petch, unsure of her actions she slowly walked towards him. "How about... You get nothing, and I just run off! It's a win win!" She joked giving him a playful wink before aligning her bow with her arrow and shooting it towards the bulls-eye. "And that's what I call, a perfect shot. Thanks for the tip." Her mood swings were strange, but somehow she felt the need to be comfortable around him. Complements were usual for her, it was a common sign of respect. Most thought she was a kiss up, but she never learned the rules. If there were rules that was. Her friendliness was quite huge, but opening up was another story she had to learn. He had to learn.

[Niro]

Niro shook his head, slightly confused. Sure, his lips were amazing, but to cause another shift in personality like that, he must be getting good. "So annoying," he stated, glancing over at her. "I wasn't joking," the young Avora stated simply. Never one to mince his words, it wasn't terribly uncommon for the young man to have serious thoughts confused with teasing or flirting. It was only compounded considering he constantly did the latter. She seemed deep in thought again to the young man, so he prepared to fire again. One thing he disliked about firing at the ranges like this is that it didn't take the environment into account. Plus, the targets didn't move. "What good do these petching targets do me if its' a windy day and the buck is prancing around?" He had taken a deep breath and drawn back on his bow when she said something about him not being so bad. Letting out a loud laugh, his aim was thrown off, the shot firing errant. The arrow flew up, bouncing against the top of the cave before clanking noisily against the ground past the targets. An open mouthed grin on his face, Niro turned to face Holland once again. "I'm sorry, what did you say?" Tossing his bow aside, he crossed his arms, staring down the female hunter. "I'm not that bad? You that easy?" Niro let out a chuckle after asking the question point blank. "If I ripped off your bryda and had my way, would you love me, then? You're all over the place, Lips? What's up with you?" He shook his head quickly. "Not that I actually care." He scoffed at her 'win-win'. "Whatever. Did I tell you to do whatever you want? And of course it was a good tip. It came from me!" He gave her a smug look. "It's not the only thing I'm a master of," he added, not expecting her to really reply to it. He'd made a few comments of the sort but hadn't received much reaction. He found himself getting more and more frustrated. She wasn't like any Inarta he'd met, and it kind of pissed him off. The passion other Inarta held, more importantly, the passion he held seemed to be hidden or lacking in this one. He couldn't say he was curious about it, but it still managed to get under his skin.

[Invictus]

Experience Award! Niro Skill XP Earned Lore Earned Weapon: Short Bow +3 Second Quiver: That Guy... Seduction +3 Giggity Observation +1 The Kid's Got Swagger Intimidation +2 Understanding Women: Futile Archery: Concentration Is Everything Comments Break my heart why don't you! This was an entertaining read to say the least, and I really liked the interaction between two separate worlds clashing together. Niro embodies a facet of the Inarta way I often find lacking elsewhere, and I look forward to reading more of your threads in the future, sir. If you have any comments or questions, don't hesitate to ask. Don't feel you need to add all the Lores I've given you if you're serious about that particular section of your CS, but I felt they were each well deserved. Truly a shame this did not get finished, but enjoy!