[Flashback] Fond Memories of my Father: Part I (Solo)

[Drao Markhum]

Early in the Season of Summer, Year 497 AV It was the summer of Drao Markhum's 13th year and the beginning of a new era in his life. His father, Seth Markhum, had decided that it was time that his son learned how to take care of himself in a responsible way. This was to be Drao's first lesson, and the beginning of his foray into manhood... "Drao!" Seth called to his son as they rode double upon his horse across the Sea of Grass. "We shall have to get you a horse of your own. You are getting too old to ride with me anymore. I think Jinx here would be thankful for the relief as well." He laughed as he patted his horse's mane. "I would like that very much as well, father," Drao replied. The smell of the grasslands filled him as the sunshine brought heat down upon his face. He had waited all his life for the time when his father would take him hunting with him. He was excited and proud. "This looks like a good spot," Seth said as he brought Jinx to a halt. He climbed down from the horse and stretched his legs. "Stay up there," he said before Drao got down. "I want you to get used to riding a horse on your own. Now is as good a time to start learning as any." Seth patted Jinx on the side of his neck. "Take care of my boy now," he whispered. Drao grabbed the reigns and held them firmly. Jinx was considered part of the family by Seth, and therefore Drao had never had permission to ride him on his own. He had a great respect for the horse, and it showed. He clicked his heels gently and Jinx began to trot. "Don't wander too far away," Seth said. "Steady and easy, guide him around me in a wide circle. Don't try to force him, instead let him know that there is where you want to go." "Yes father," Drao replied. Jinx took Drao's command well and he made several circles around Seth. "Get him to run in a straight line and then come back," Seth said. Drao nodded and prodded Jinx to run flat out towards the distance. Within a flash, they were galloping towards the horizon. Drao had never ridden that fast, let alone by himself. His heart was pounding and he was loving every minute of it. When he had gotten a ways from his father, he slowed Jinx down and made his way back. A wide smile could be seen on his face even in the distance. When they arrived back at Seth, his smile was as wide as Drao's with pride. "That's my boy," he said proudly. "Come on down from there, lets give Jinx a rest for a while. You'll have other chances before we head home." Drao did as he was told. "I've never felt anything like that father. Jinx is a wonderful horse. Thank you for letting me ride him." Seth smiled again at his son, who in his eyes was now growing up. "Get some food from the saddlebags. We'll eat here. Afterwards we will begin our hunt." Drao again smiled widely.

[Drao Markhum]

Drao had done as his father had asked and retrieved the food from Jinx's saddlebags. In the meantime Seth had gathered some dried grass and some kindling that had fallen from a large, solitary tree that stood nearby in the vast openness of the grasslands. Quickly he made a pit and got a small fire going. "We must give thanks to Caiyha for this food. I hunted this antelope and it was by her divine grace that I was able to find it and take it down without injury. Thank you Caiyha for all that you have given us," Seth said. "Thank you for all you have given us Caiyha," Drao repeated, noticing the conviction in his father's voice and actions. Seth made boiled some tea from some roots that Drao had brought him in a pot that had been in the bag which also contained the dried antelope which they were about to eat. For several minutes they ate in silence, sipping their tea and chewing on the chunks of meat. "Father?" Drao asked. "Do you think that I am ready for this?" "Of course," Seth replied. "Just do as I tell you and we will have fresh meat for dinner tonight." Drao smiled. His father had been hunting for as long as he could remember, and he had every confidence in his abilities. When they were finished, their were no leftovers. This was commonplace with Seth as he did not wish to anger Caiyha, and he had instilled this into Drao's personality. Within a few moments Seth had smothered the fire and Drao had returned the pot to the saddlebags. It was time for the hunt.

[Drao Markhum]

Within the hour, they had found a suitable spot to lay in wait for their prey. Jinx, who was accustomed to this, stood silently in the distance from them, downwind from the group of antelope that were grazing in the tall grass. "Drao, do you see that one there? The buck with the large horns? That is the one that we are after. It will feed us for many days," Seth whispered. Drao nodded. Seth handed him his shortbow as they crouched in the grass, he then handed him an arrow. They were several yards away and it seemed that the group of antelope had not noticed them. "Aim for his heart, behind his front leg." Seth whispered. "Caiyha give me clarity," Drao whispered as he stood up and drew the arrow. Within a second the arrow let loose and was hurtling towards its target. It was off the mark heading towards the front of the beast. Almost miraculously, it struck the antelope through the eye, causing instant death. The antelope screeched before falling limp to the ground. At the sight and sound of this, the herd noticed and took flight. Seth stood upright making sure that the path that they were taking did not lead to them. They were headed in the opposite direction. They made their way up to the freshly slain animal. Seth cocked an eyebrow at Drao. "That should have been a miss, which would have made this a much longer day. Caiyha saw it fit to give this one to you. Your first buck. Remember, if you respect Caiyha, she will respect you. I am proud of you son. We thank you for this antelope Caiyha." Drao repeated the gesture. Seth retrieved the arrow from the skull of the beast and let out a loud whistle. Jinx trotted from his resting place to where they were. Quickly, Seth pulled a tarp from the saddlebags, a long rope seemed to b threaded along the outside of it. They both placed the antelope on the tarp and then Seth secured the rope to Jinx. "Once we have a beast, we drag it on the tarp behind the horse. We both then walk to save strain on the horse. We are not too far away and should be home within an hour or two," Seth explained. "I am glad that you came with me today son." Drao smiled at his father. On the way back Seth would tell him about how he would trade the skin and bones for other things that he needed. He would tell him that he would share some of the meat with the other families. But above all, he would tell him of Caiyha, and how without her approval, they all would not stand a chance of survival.

[Lariat]

Drao Markhum

Experience:

Riding (Horse): 1 xp
Weapon (Shortbow): 2xp
Hunting: 1 xp


Lores:

Learning to ride
Prayers to Caihya
Making your father proud

Comments

Just something to note, but don't take it bad since new players don't always know this. Since you have no experience in riding, you would not be able to gallop on the horse since galloping is something you learn to do at competent level. Also to play more to the skill of a person that doesn't no anything about riding horses, maybe a little bit of falling for the horse? Painful for your pride, but will get you more xp in horse riding if written in detail.
If you have any questions just send me a pm!