10th, Spring, 515 AV
She wasn't sure she'd ever get used to the distinctly military feeling of the facilities here in Syliras that the Order used. Back at the Garrison everything still felt a little like home, but here in the city, Katelyn just couldn't acclimate. She might be a little prejudiced--after all it hadn't even been two weeks--but her heart was most definitely still back in those fields. The redhead sighed and combed her hand through the thick snarl of waves atop her head, then plucked an arrow from the quiver strapped snugly to her back. They rattled as one slid from the bundle, and she shuffled her feet into the position Marrick had taught her.
Her stomach tightened momentarily at the thought of him, but she banished the melancholy as she nocked the arrow to the string of her longbow and drew back. Muscles protested along her shoulders and back--parts of her body that weren't quite used to the stress of being pushed. Katelyn felt the shot ready, but awkwardly, and when she released the arrow veered far to the left where it slammed into the protective wall behind the targets that were set up in a neat row. A gusty sigh escaped her, and frustration bubbled just below the surface. The Squire couldn't quite get the hang of it yet, but that gave her all the more reason to keep practicing.
Shoot until your arms burn, Ser Whitevine had said--her first Patron. She missed him already despite only knowing him for a portion of winter. Katelyn had grown to like his company and quiet method of teaching. Her new Patron intimidated her. He was a competent mage, and sharp as a blade--the former of which both absolutely terrified and fascinated her. She feared it would take the better part of the season to really get used to him.
Katelyn drew another arrow and nocked it to the string. She drew back another shot, pulling the projectile as far as she could draw--until the feathers tickled her right cheek. Kat's shoulders and arms trembled in protest, and as her grip waned she released. The bowstring hummed and the arrow raced away, arcing too high and once more missing the rings completely. It slammed into the wall above the target with a hollow smack, and Kat let the bow drop limp at her side, feeling discouraged and defeated. She hadn't been at it for more than a bell and already she felt like throwing in the towel.
