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Snippet #2588936

located in Iveir, a part of Conqueror of the Elements, one of the many universes on RPG.

Iveir

None

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Siya Ukomo Character Portrait: Kanan Thiyer Character Portrait: Valrien Yustri Character Portrait: Lukina Aymidor Character Portrait: Renardine 'Minnow' Lunvari Character Portrait: Rhoven Shaw Character Portrait: Lutchka Zatari Character Portrait: Harlan Pendrake Character Portrait: Neido Kumara
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The Drewdan were not clever beasts, it would seem. Or at least this one wasnā€™t. The beast was easily distracted, and it did not appear to learn from its mistakes as it once more shifted violently in one direction, as the passageway lit up momentarily from a ball of fire. The thing pulled against the chains, attempting to once again change its direction and focus.

Neidoā€™s face turned into a bit of a glower, eyes narrowing and putting some real force into his pull. The snake monster was his, and he would let the foolish creature know as much. Having removed quite a few of the heads that squirmed about from its top, the chains shifted from their serrated jags to something less severing. Lobbing off heads was all good and well, but this thing needed to be taught its place before it was dismissed from existence.

Small, sharp spears replaced the previously serrated edges, stabbing straight through necks and heads before the ends melded into hooks to latch onto flesh and scale between links. Neido spread his feet a bit, suddenly jerking backwards and forcing his strength into the motion. With his own strength, of course, he would not be able to best the creature, so it was then that he willed his power to further split chains. The metal shot into the ground, burrowing deep before setting. Using mechanics and force, Neido forced the beast down.

ā€œĪ¤ĻŽĻĪ±.ā€ He glanced back at his guide, who seemed eager to help in the endeavor. Who was the foreigner to keep him from getting a taste of the battle? Besides, whoever was on the other side of this Drewdan had already interfered, so it was of little concern to him if others wanted to dispatch of the thing.

ā€œFire.ā€

Harlan was curious as to what the sound of metal hitting stone was, but he paid it no mind as nothing seemed to be attacking him (with metal objects at least) at the moment and they needed to worry about the Drewdan. He was also curious as to what the flashes of red light had been on the other side of it; he figured it must be whatever was grabbing its attention.

It was an opening he would not waste though, and quickly he began to hurl fireballs repeatedly at the creature, hoping to burn the thing to cinders before it turned its attention back to them. He was glad that it seemed the knight had ceased his attack on them as well, though whether the man was still there or not, Harlan had no idea.

Filinian had the book hover to his side where his free hand was, and it hovered over the pages as he watched the foreigner do his work. It was certainly interesting to see what the man could do with the metal of the chains. It was these kinds of things that made Filinian so interested in magic. When the man spoke, in a language Filinian didnā€™t recognize, the young mage looked to the foreigner. All the mage needed to hear though was the word fire, and he nodded his head before looking back up at the Drewdan.

Swinging his free hand around in front of him, the book following the movements, both began to glow with red sigils, the orb atop his staff also beginning to glow brighter. With a few rapid hand motions he then drew his hand back towards him, then thrusted it out straight towards the Drewdan. As his arm reached full extension, a bolt of dark red flames shot from his hand, sailing towards the Drewdan and slamming into the creatures.

It did not dissipate though, rather it seemed to explode and drape the red fire across the form of the Drewdan, clinging to the snakes and beginning to burn away whatever parts it touched. Another quick movement of his hands, and an orb of fire formed within his hand, about two feet in diameter. Quickly he waved the freehand out towards the Drewdan, the orb flying out towards it, its own dark red and black flames lighting up their area of the corridor as it flew into the center of the creature, forcing itā€™s way through.

There, Filinian first directed the book to the side before he began moving his freehand to the side, watching as the orb of fire then began forcing itself in the same direction, following the movements of the young mageā€™s hand.

Valrien stopped in his tracks, ready to tear into the creature even more until it went flopping down into the floor, brought down by something that sounded akin to metal moving. He glanced over to Harlan before looking back to the creature. His royal guard was hurling fire at the blasted thing, and in the next moment, more fire joined his, an orb to be exact. He knew that color though.

ā€œFilinian,ā€ he muttered at first, then shouted the young mages name over the din of fighting, and the creatures screams, ā€œFilinian!ā€

Valrien ducked under Harlanā€™s hurling of flames and rushed around to the opposite side of the hall. He tried to see past the creature that was being held down. Pressing himself against the wall, he caught a glimpse of someone working the chains. It was not anyone he was familiar with. But, if they were with Filinian, then he had not much to worry about in regards to who the newcomer was.

If Filinian trusted them enough to bring them into the corridors, then Valrien would trust the mageā€™s judgement. He called out to the mage again, ā€œFilinian! What is he doing?ā€ he asked, curious as to why the creature had chains all around its throat but it wasnā€™t dying.

Filinian continued to direct the orb in its work, his attention focused almost entirely on it, so when his nme was first shouted he didnā€™t even notice it. It wasnā€™t until it was called again that he saw who it was, and it only made the mage scowl. ā€œValrien?! Really?! You are the one who disturbed it?!ā€ With a sigh, Filinian went back to attacking the Drewdan with the orb of fire.

ā€œWell, I think it would be easy to infer that he is pinning the thing in place for us to have an easier time attacking it and/or attacking it himself! Might be best if you just attack it as well, you know, help fix this mess quickly!ā€ he shouted back.

Lutchka had remained rather distant during the whole shenanigans that ensued. However, when the Drewdan had shown up, she had readied herself as well to fight off the beast. At least they didnā€™t have to deal with Sir Knight now. Unfortunately, it had been a rather equal trade-off. The Drewdan was no easier to fight.

Lutchka braced herself, readying to begin distracting and burning the thing first chance she got, but it seemed as though something had other plans. For the Drewdan suddenly stopped in its advance, and unnaturally at that. It was then that she could hear the grinding of metal, and the angry screams of the creature as its heads slid off of their necks to fall to the ground with a sickly slap.

The catacombs had never acted strangely in any way that would warrant such a bold reaction when it came to the Drewdan, but Lutchka had absolutely no idea what could be going on. Not that she was gonna complain about it or anything, but with the arrival of unknown chains could very well mean the arrival of a new foe they would have to fight as well.

With the beast cleverly distracted, Lutchka joined Harlan in his attempts to flay the monster, summoning her own flames to aid in burning it to a crisp. It wasnā€™t until Valrien mentioned the name Filinian that she paused. Fili was back? That brought a huge grin to her face, but in a moment it sobered. Filinian couldnā€™t use magic with metals, could he? So then, who was with him?

Neido couldnā€™t help but grin at the display that Filinian gave with his magic. Perhaps the boy had proved him wrong in his former assumptions of the mage not being a person of interest. It did not really matter, though, as he still didnā€™t particularly enjoy the guy in any sort of aspect. He talked too much, seemed weak. Pointless chatter and subordination. Not too interesting.

However, his focus was interrupted when someone came lurching around the beast. A poor decision, as the Drewdan could have possibly lashed out at him from the distance had it not been so preoccupied with the rage it possessed towards the foreigner of sands. When he heard his objectives being questioned, however, his glance narrowed harshly and with an indignant pull of the chains, the beast lost its footing and crashed to the ground.

The fire was doing its trick, sinking into the flesh of the beast and causing the scales to slowly melt. It was also blinding the creature in its work. His guide seemed to know this stranger, however, and neither seemed particularly pleased to be seeing the other- more like burdened as one would be with the task of looking over a small child.

When Filinian berated the other in his own little way, Neido couldnā€™t agree more with having the thing put out of its misery. Besides, he had bigger and better things to get to, such as the monarch.

Valrien rolled his eyes at the young mage, a scowl on his lips, ā€œI didnā€™t do it intentionally, Filinian!ā€ he snapped back, but drew his blade anyway. He took a moment and seemed to rethink his next plan of attack. The Prince growled to himself as he sighed heavily. The fires from Filinian and Harlan were definitely doing most of the work. A little longer and the creature would be dead.

So Valrien took a step back and motioned for Harlan and Lutchka to do the same, ā€œMove back. Away from it, Filinian, tell your companion the same,ā€ Valrien ordered and opened his free hand, the one holding the sword held loosely down at his side. All around him the pure energy that resided inside him pulsed and conformed along his hand.

The white magic cracked wildly in his palm. The Prince let it build, also waiting till everyone was clear. The last thing he needed was anyone caught in his deadly touch. When he was certain, he let the power lash out, arching from his hand and arm to snap across the creature. The fires that had thoroughly weakened it expanded from his pure energy and the creature glowed a brilliant red color, looking as if it were going to explode.

Harlan looked to Valrien at the mention of Filinian, blinking before looking at the flames assaulting the Drewdan. Heā€™d been so busy attacking it, he hadnā€™t recognized the familiar dark red magic that Filinian called upon so often. ā€œSo the little squirt decided to show up then?ā€ Harlan said with a grin.

He heard Valrienā€™s command, and he looked to the Prince to see just what the man was planning. At the building of energy, Harlan took the hint and quickly moved back away from the Drewdan. He took this chance to see what had happened to the knight, and thankfully it seemed the man had chosen to leave rather than contend with the group and the creature.

It was Filinianā€™s turn to roll his eyes at the Princeā€™s comment, ā€œWell I sure as hell hope you didnā€™t do it intentionally or thatā€™d be even more foolish!ā€ he yelled back. Though at the Princeā€™s suggestion, he could see the building of energy in the Princeā€™s arm and hand. Filinian frowned some, as such an attack was hardly needed but he wasnā€™t going to be able to stop the Prince.

Thee mage looked to Neido, calling out to the foreigner. ā€œYou might want to back up, hunter! The Prince was never well known for his self-control and you may just get caught in the blast!ā€ Filinian floated backwards, moving away further from the Drewdan. Within it, the fire orb he had been commanding extinguished, though the flames he had initially shot were still doing their work.

To assist further, he waved his hand upwards, the gem of his staff glowing once more as a barrier of reddish energy formed between him and Drewdan. He made sure to leave enough room for Neido to slip behind it if he desired to do so.

The two of them continued to squabble over rather pointless matters, so Neido quickly tuned them out. It wasnā€™t until the stranger spoke out in an authoritative tone that the foreigner glanced back at him. His eyes were harsh and calculating, though any disapprovement was quickly quenched after he had analyzed him for a good few moments. He was haughty and rash, that much he could tell, as well as the tone Filinian took with him.

But he did as was requested of him, and the chains suddenly broke off of the creature as Neido backed away from it and next to his guide. There was little threat of the thing getting up at that point to try and attack any of them- it was already pretty much dead by then. Crossing his arms, he looked at Filinian questioningly. The stranger was a Prince? It clicked in his mind shortly after the thought. This must be Prince Yustri then, of Reimrand. Or King Yustri was it now? He didnā€™t know and he honestly didnā€™t care.

ā€œIf you had that kind of power, why not kill the beast yourself?ā€ He glanced down at Fili accusingly. He had practically wasted Neidoā€™s time, though the foreigner was still content with the fact that he got to catalogue a new beast. ā€œĪ·Ī»ĪÆĪøĪ¹ĪæĻ‚.ā€ He leveled the insult at the man in his own tongue.

Lutchka quickly backed away in step with Harlan as Valrien suggested they move back. It was apparent what the Prince was planning on doing, though perhaps a bit overkill. It didnā€™t matter, the damn things deserved a painful death.

As the foreigner stepped up next to Filinian, the mage glanced over to him as he was asked why heā€™d never bothered with the Drewdan. ā€œSimple, I didnā€™t care about it. I never cared for it to be killed, it was all the others who wanted it dead. Personally I think letting it eat the idiots who wander in here is a good idea, but seems Iā€™m one of few who think that way.ā€

He looked towards the Drewdan. ā€œHell Iā€™m here just to get out of the castle. They said you needed a guide, so I figured sure, Iā€™ll ā€˜guideā€™ him. An excuse to go running off somewhere exciting.ā€

Valrien only let his power stop lancing through the creature when it did explode into nothing more than bits of burned flesh and ash. Taking a deep breath, he took a shaking step backward. Curling his hand into a tight fist, he worked the pure energy back into control, settling it deep into his body. Once it was gone, he shook his hand a few times and sheathed his sword. He kept his breathing seemingly normal, though it was a little on the short side.

ā€œFilinian, care to introduce us to the newcomer?ā€ he called out, crossing his arms loosely, ā€œHe better not be with that armored bastard a moment ago,ā€ he said and looked back into the hall where the man had been before but found no one standing there. He ground his teeth tightly, jaw clenching as he waited for an answer. Once he got it and was satisfied, their little sidetrip was going to end and they were heading straight for Reimrand. No more stops. For anything. If anyone was stupid enough to go into the catacombs right then, Valrien wasnā€™t going to care at that moment.

Let the Drewdan kill the idiots. The Prince had far too much on his mind and plate to deal with than some crazed fool looking for an adventure.

As the creature exploded, Filinianā€™s barrier held strong, absorbing the chunks of flesh that flew towards them and slammed into it, shielding the mage and Neido from the assault. Once the bombardment was finished, Filinian lowered the barrier, as well as letting himself float back down to the ground. When he heard the rather grating voice of Valrien speak up, shouting in the angry and condescending tone that his voice seemed to be forever stuck in, Filinian simply frowned.

ā€œI think Iā€™ll let him introduce himself, though I doubt he is with any ā€˜armored bastardā€™, as you so eloquently put it.ā€ he said back, his own tone expressing his irritation. That Prince never seemed capable of speaking nice about anybody.

An irritated look shifted along his facial features as his so called guide answered his somewhat rhetorical question on why they hadnā€™t killed the creatures beforehand. Well, he was somewhat glad that the man shared his ideals on not killing everything that gave you an issue, but Neido got the distinct feeling that he wasnā€™t thinking along those same lines. Especially since Filinian had said that no matter what Neido did to get rid of the menace, it was the proper way to go about it.

With the man then saying that he had used Neido as an excuse to get out of the castle, his eyes narrowed and a threatening look seemed to immediately fill his face. With a quick, precise motion, his hand was suddenly at the back of the manā€™s head, fingers tangling in the hair to gently tug his head back to force him to look up at him. The foreigner stared at him for a few moments, eyes looking over him critically, before a large grin filled his face and a completely harmless chuckle rumbled past his throat. With a light pat and humor in his eyes, Neido shook his head.

So Filinian wasnā€™t completely helpless- he could take advantage of people and play the game correctly. Neido liked that. With the rather bright and loud explosion of the beast, Neido simply crossed his arms, not even phased by the sudden tremor in the surrounding area.

With an unconcerned little sigh, Neido brushed his fingers through the hair of his bangs, though he paused when the Prince addressed him with contempt. Eyes narrowing once more, he flicked his hand the rest of the way through the white locks and closed his eyes with a small ā€˜tchā€™. He then crossed his arms and tilted his chin up, examining Valrien like he did every other person when he first met them.

After his short calculations, Neido then spoke up to introduce himself as the man had so kindly asked him to do it. No, instead Valrien had snapped at Filinian demanding the information. The sand foreigner leveled his jaw a bit before finally saying his name. ā€œĪøĪ·ĻĪ¹ĪæĪ“Ī±Ī¼Ī±ĻƒĻ„Ī®Ļ‚.ā€ Neido did not deign to use the Reimrandian tongue, and instead spoke his name in his own language. He smirked lightly, soon tilting his head a bit to speak into Filinianā€™s ear. ā€œYou mean to say this pup runs your lands?ā€ It was spoken in a disbelieving tone- mocking though playful.

As the beast exploded, Lutchka sent up a wall of flames to turn the bits of flesh raining about into cinders before they could touch either she or Harlan. Once that whole deal was finished, an excited look filled her face and she practically bounced over to Filinian. ā€œFili!ā€ She chirped, coming to a stop in front of him and bending slightly at the waist, folding her hands together behind her back with a bright smile on her face.

ā€œItā€™s been forever!! ā€¦ Whoā€™s your rather attractive friend?ā€ A mischievous sort of little smirk played across her lips as she straightened and looked over at Neido.

Valrienā€™s eyebrow arched as he stared at the man. He saidā€¦ Something to him, but he didnā€™t know what it was that had been spoken. With a sigh, he reached up and pressed his palm into his forehead, his jaw tight again. After a moment of contemplating it over with himself, he lowered his hand just in time to see Lutchka bending in front of Filinian, a bright smile on her lips as she greeted the mage.

The Prince felt his face heat, eyes grow wide for a second at the display and then an irritated look cross his face along with a sigh. Hadnā€™t he confessed to her? Kissed her even? Then went and almost got his ass kicked a few moments ago. And there she went all happy with the mage. He was so damned confused. Did she like Valrien or not? Or was he just a toy for her to play around with whenever she felt like?

Did he even dare touch that subject? Her temper was just as hot as her fire and last time he checked, she could put a full grown man into the ground in seconds. Heā€™d already had his beatings, he didnā€™t need any more. Valrien pushed it aside for the moment. Heā€™d figure her out later. Maybe he was just overthinking. After all, heā€™d just finally admitted to himself that he was in love with her.

That was hard enough. Not to mention he was totally inexperienced in that whole field and asking Harlan was definitely not going to help him. He already knew what his royal guard would tell him and he doubted Lutchka would so easily go along with Harlanā€™s advice. Maybe. Possibly. Would she? He glanced over at Harlan and quickly threw the thought aside. Heā€™d ask the man later.

ā€œFilinian,ā€ he cut in after he and Lutchka threw back a few words between each other, ā€œI trust you to have not brought in some random straggler. Weā€™re in a hurry. Heading back to Reimrand for the orbs,ā€ he said figuring that since the other man hadnā€™t spoken in Iverian, he did not know it, ā€œWould you be willing to go with us? And perhaps return to Iver? I have need of your many skills, Filinian.ā€

When a hand grabbed hold of his hair, tugging it back so that he was forced to look up at Neido, Filinian gasped in surprise before his eyes narrowed. His free hand began to glow red, the mage sneering at the foreigner. He wasnā€™t sure what the hell the man was about to do, but he wasnā€™t going to let him just push the mage around.

When he suddenly let go, patting Filinianā€™s head with a chuckle, the mage just stared at the foreigner with confusion. He dealt with strange people all the time it seemed. Eyeing the man for a few moments, he turned his attention back to Valrien. A voice in his ear had him turning to look at Neido once more, though this time Filinian chuckled dryly at the comment of Valrien leading. ā€œDonā€™t get me started, weā€™ll be here all day.ā€ he muttered back.

Then there was a bright and chirpy voice that called out to him, using a shortened version of his name that he would rather people didnā€™t. He went to look at what it was, and recoiled slightly when suddenly he came face to face with Lutchka. He stared at her for a moment before chuckling softly, a genuine smile forming on his lips.

ā€œYeah, it has been Lutchka.ā€ Filinian said, finally relaxing completely. He adjusted the staff in his grip slightly, the gem atop it having finally ceased glowing entirely. ā€œThis is Neido Kumara, the fellow Valrienā€™s council hired to finally deal with the Drewdan ā€˜problemā€™.ā€ He did the finger quotes as he said the phrase problem.

ā€œWell hello then, Neido~.ā€ Harlan said, walking up with his hands in his pocket. He smiled, giving the foreigner a look over before he stopped next to Valrien. He leaned over to Valrien, ā€œYour council really knows how to pickā€™em, thatā€™s for sure.ā€ he whispered to his friend.

Filinian glanced at Harlan before back to Lutchka, about to say something before Valrienā€™s voice cut in, causing the young mage to go from smile to scowl in a matter of seconds. The mention of the orbs though drew his attention, and Filinian looked over at Valrien. ā€œThe orbs? What the hell do you need the orbs for?ā€ He moved by Lutchka, walking towards Valrien and stopping in front of him, leveling a glare at the older man.

Valrien sighed heavily as Harlan walked by with that tone of his. The Prince knew where that one was going and rolled his eyes, ā€œYes, yes, enjoy trying to seduce that one, Harlan,ā€ he replied and shook his head.

When Filinian came storming up to him, Valrien frowned as he watched the mage. The irritation from him was expected, after all it was the orbs they were talking about. But, Valrien was betting on Filinianā€™s care -or so he hoped- for the others to help win him over. He knew the mage cared little about the Prince, that wasnā€™t the problem. Annoying that Filinian hated him, sure, but then again, Valrien wasnā€™t entirely innocent in that aspect either. He knew he wasnā€™t the nicest person.

ā€œBecause. Someone is targeting Siya and theyā€™re succeeding by a landslide. They are insanely powerful, Filinian. Hell, Iā€™m not even sure with the assistance of the orbs weā€™ll stand a chance, but itā€™s better than just letting them kill Siya which they have quite nearly done several times now. And they will not stop there. Amon will go next. Then us. I want to stop them before they get that far. Siya is far enough in my opinion and they shouldnā€™t have even attacked him in the first place. Whatever theyā€™re afterā€¦ We canā€™t let them have it. Even if it is just Siyaā€™s denouncement. I wonā€™t have it. Hopefully neither will you.ā€





~~~

Siya and Group

The Fire King strode through the hall of the palace. He had a meeting with Amon, more training, and he really didnā€™t want to. Hell, he didnā€™t really want to do the archery either. Siya felt like he sucked at it. Honestly, he much preferred his fire, but after having Minnow yell at him after waking up from a couple days of being unconscious, he didnā€™t think he wanted that to happen ever again.

At the back of his mind, he realized how stupid he had been when charging into the fight. Heā€™d nearly gotten everyone killed and he couldnā€™t fight the guilty twinge that flooded his chest. So he did what he was asked to do. Trained in using a bow with his new protector and trained in hand-to-hand combat with Amon and his protectors. Siya wasnā€™t sure which of the group he preferred most out of the Air Kings entourage. Kanan was not as harsh on him as Rhoven was. But he was just as good and not once had Siya landed a blow on the one eyed man. Even when he came at Kanan from his blinded side.

Rhoven was a pain in the ass simply because it seemed the young boy enjoyed winning the fight several times over despite being told to go easy on Siya. Amon was no easier. If anything, he himself was harder than the two of his protectors combined. Yet. Despite all of the failures against the three of them, Siya had been learning a few things. How to punch correctly was one of them. How to move his body was another. Timing his attacks was slowly coming along. Power and actually taking one of them to the ground was the next step, but Siya felt he would never get there.

ā€œAt least Farasima is nicer to me,ā€ he muttered under his breath as he left the hall in search of just the one heā€™d spoken of. The red-headed foreigner was probably the only one that Siya had gotten used to have training him. He didnā€™t mind the taller male, he was nicer and in a way far more calming than anything else. For the past few weeks since leaving the battlefield, Siya had found he rather enjoyed the manā€™s company. Which was a rare event as lately the young Fire King didnā€™t seem to enjoy anyone, not even the kindness of his long time friend Amon.

Though that was changing too. Siya could tell he was a little less angry than usual when dealing with Amon. In a way he kind of liked the fact that he didnā€™t feel like burning the poor man to ash. On the other hand, he felt guilty also for thinking those thoughts in the first place. Whatever had caused the change, Siya wanted more of it.

Farasima sat on the ground, looking over the bow he was currently in the process of making. It was quite a bit smaller than the ones the Iverians used, but from having used theirs, he knew the one he was making would be just as good. Hell itā€™d work better on horseback, given its size. It was being built in the style that the Skisā€™tatari used, with a variety to materials beyond just wood. The prominent parts would be the horn and sinew, but given the cattle around here it was actually fairly easy to get ahold of them. So he spent what off time he had to work on the bow, and he was fairly close to being finished.

He smiled rather sadly at the bow in his hand, as it was a something of a reminder of what he no longer had. That was a tribe to return too; he was an exile now, and exiles were rarely, if ever, allowed to return. Letting out a sigh, he set the bow down next to him and streched his arms up above his head, looking around for the Fire King. They were to practice today and Farasima was looking forwards to it.

He enjoyed watching the silver-haired man try to work the bow. Farasima didnā€™t necessarily want to see him fail, in fact it made him feel good as the King showed improvement. It was just too enjoyable to watch the man get all flustered. He was adorable when he got so, and it made Farasima laugh. Which only seemed to flustered the king more. It was a hilarious cycle that would occur.

He looked up when he saw the Fire King approaching, Farasima rising to his feet with a smile as he picked up the two Iverian bows next to him. He let one rest on the ground with his hand atop it while he let the one he was going to give to Siya rest on his shoulder, the end of it sitting in his palm. ā€œSiya, eeshlaā€™mastoona, good to see you.ā€ he couldnā€™t help but slip in a little Skisā€™tatari. He may have been exiled, but he wasnā€™t going to abandon his heritage.

ā€œHope you are ready for training. Should be less painful than work with the air folks.ā€ he said, holding the bow out to siya as he approached. ā€œWarm up as usual, warm up bow as well. Remember, donā€™t fire a bow cold unless absolutely necessary. Increase life-span of bow.ā€ he said before he stepped towards the target range.

Siya let a smile form as he reached Farasima. Taking the bow from the man, he did as he was asked and went through the motions that Farasima had taught him a while ago. In a way, simply drawing and letting down after stretching his own body was relaxing. It made it easier to breathe. Or maybe that was just the Fire Kingā€™s opinion.

ā€œI think this is the only thing Iā€™ve gotten somewhat decent at,ā€ Siya said as he stood there under the brilliance of the sun. A heavy sigh filled his chest as he drew it back and held it, trying to get the feel of how he should be aiming down, ā€œAmonā€™s methods areā€¦ Difficult. Heā€™s not really an explainer. He does better showing. Itā€™s hard to follow that way. And Rhovenā€¦ā€ Siya shook his head as he rolled his eyes.

ā€œHe toys with me. I know he does. God, I cannot wait to put him down in the sand. The kid is younger than me too! Itā€™s not fair,ā€ he grumbled, a frown pulling his lips while puffing out his cheek a little before he lowered the bow and looked up to Farasima a little, ā€œAnd donā€™t even get me started on Kanan. Heā€™s nice enough, but its so frustrating that all he does is redirect me. How do I ever land a hit on a man who's so good at simply throwing you aside? Not to mention heā€™s only got one eye.ā€

Siya stopped talking then. He felt heat rushing across his face as he realized heā€™d been venting to Farasima in pure frustration over his training regime. He tapped his finger on the bow, looking away and scuffing his boot into the sand due to his unsettled nerves.

Farasima began warming himself up, as well as drawing his bow back in greater amounts to loosen it up some. He looked at Siya as the Fire King spoke. ā€œYou are improving, Remember first time shot bow, hit dirt plenty of times.ā€ he smiled, ā€œNow you usually hit dirt near target!ā€ he chuckled at his own joke, having spoken once the king had finished his venting. He noticed the red tint to the Fire Kingā€™s cheeks again, and it only made the Skisā€™tatari man chuckle more.

Stepping up to the range, Farasima grabbed an arrow and quickly fired it down range, hitting the target near its edge. ā€œAmon seems like man who has trouble explaining what he knows. Showing and hoping you pick it up seems to be best way for him to teach. I known people like that, not always most effective way of teaching but if you learn, then good.ā€ He fired another arrow down range, hitting near the same spot. It was nice that he was grouping his arrows, but heā€™d rather hit near the center where he wanted it to land.

ā€œRhoven is young man, still child for most part. This an ego boost to him. Do not forget he trains with same people you do, so chance to succeed and no longer be weakest can drive people to beā€¦ a little cruel.ā€ He fired another arrow, this time hitting closer to the center. Farasima then looked to Siya, ā€œAnd I have secret to hit man who is so good he can re-direct you very easy.ā€ Farasima spoke with a grin, ā€œYou get better than his ability to re-direct.ā€

Again, he chuckled, though he felt a little silly laughing at his jokes as he was. Still, he was in a good mood. ā€œYou will get there. As some say, the biggest tree not appear as tree. It was but small seed that fought to survive and grow. Do same, and you to will be the biggest tree.ā€ he then turned back to fire another arrow down range, a smile still on his face.

ā€œAlso, might want to tuck braid in shirt, less you catch it on bow or arrow and ruin it. Braid too nice to ruin, it would be shame.ā€ He loosed another arrow, watching it hit just below the center of the target.

Siya listened to his protector, also drawing his bow and firing it. He scowled though at the comment of hitting the dirt closer to the target, though it was mostly true. The arrow hit the very bottom of the target, just barely hanging on by its tip. He sighed, though he drew it again. Farasimaā€™s laughter though wasnā€™t irritating him despite his comments on Siyaā€™s rant. He found himself having a difficult time hiding his own grin at some of the jests the man poked at him. Then he got to the part of his braid and every time Farasima mentioned his white hair, Siya was thrown into a fluster.

His face heated considerably and the arrow that heā€™d been concentrating on went flying in a random direction as he lost his hold on the string simply from that small comment. Lowering the bow, he reached back with his gloved hand and hastily tucked the thick braid under the collar of the black shirt he wore. Siya kept his gaze off of Farasima, trying his best to not blush like an idiot and get back to his training.

ā€œHonestly, your about as helpful as Amon is when it comes to fighting Kanan or Rhoven,ā€ Siya said with a slight shake of his head and loosened another arrow down the range only to knock off the first arrow heā€™d fired into the target. Both went tumbling to the ground. At least he had a few on the target though, which was much better than he could say heā€™d done when he first started.

Farasima ceased firing to watch Siya shoot. He easily spotted the increase of red to Siyaā€™s face, despite the manā€™s attempt to hide it. With his somewhat pale complexion and white hair, the blush contrasted considerably and made it near impossible to miss. He didnā€™t say anymore jokes, as he was certain the King might die of embarrassment.

As he watched the king fire another arrow, hitting the previous one he had shot and knocking it off the target, Farasima set his bow down and stood just behind Siya. ā€œI do not fight with fists, and only little training with sword. I can only help there so much.ā€ the protector said. ā€œNow, draw back again and I will assist you. Take time to aim, you still ways from shooting like I do.ā€

ā€œDo note though, you are hitting in a grouping. Hitting same arrows means you are gaining consistency with shots. Grouping arrows very good, as it means you just need to work on placing them where you want.ā€ he waited for the King to draw back the bow, where he would then adjust the manā€™s stance and draw to help aim the arrow better.

Siya let out a low sigh as he stood there, letting the bow hang in his hand while Farasima moved behind him. He took in a nervous breath as he looked over his shoulder to where Farasima had gone. Narrowing his eyes a bit, he stared at the man for a moment before drawing up his bow as he was asked to. Pulling on the string, he drew it back to as far as he could manage which was just past his nose and held it there with the arrow wobbling a little as he tried to hold still.

He wasnā€™t sure how in the hell he was getting a grouping, but if Farasima said it was a good thing, then he would go with it. Siya took in a deep breath, steadying his aim as best he could, shifting his body around but not quite sure still on how he should be standing exactly. Heā€™d tried to copy Farasima to the best of his ability, but it just felt awkward to him still. Though, he thought heā€™d gotten pretty good as far as standing and drawing the bow to full draw. That in and of itself was an accomplishment in his mind.

ā€œT-there,ā€ he said, his voice slightly strained as he held the bow, ā€œNow what, Farasima?ā€

Farasima watched Siya draw the arrow back and hold it, struggling against the pull of the bow. It was expected, as the king still had yet to develope the strength to fight the bow for very long. He observed the Kingā€™s form, and stepped around so that he was now in front of Siya. Reaching up, he straightened out the arm that was pushing on the bow, turning the arm slightly so that the Kingā€™s elbow would not snag the string as it went by.

With that, he then reached up to the arm that held the string. He lightly grabbed the arm, pulling back on it some and guiding the Kingā€™s hand so that it rested right at the corner of his lips. He then pushed the Kingā€™s string arm so that his elbow was slightly flared out. Farasima scratched his chin, walking around Siya and grabbing hold of the Kingā€™s waist. ā€œStraighten your bodyā€ he said, pushing on the Fire Kingā€™s lower back and waist. He then reached up, grabbing hold of his shoulder and guiding him back so that his torso was straight.

He then walked back in front of Siya, watching his face as well as where the Kingā€™s eye rested. ā€œAlright, look down shaft of arrow, then fire at target. Aim high, arrow drops somewhat quickly.ā€

The least heā€™d expected was to be touched by the man. Siya didnā€™t mind it when Farasima adjusted his hold on the bow, moving his arm around. Nor did he mind when his new protector adjusted the hand holding the string to a better position. He felt better with just those two adjustments. However, when the man came in front of him and abruptly grabbed his waist and began moving him, Siya let out a sharp yelp of surprise. The squeaking sound made him blush furiously, turning redder than a beet.

It was made even worse when Farasima pushed against his lower back, moving close to him and adjusting his body that had gone thoroughly stiff from the sudden mass of touching. It was a miracle he didnā€™t loosen the arrow. In fact, Siya was pretty sure the only thing that kept him from releasing it was that every muscle in his body had just about locked upon the contact around his waist. He could hardly breathe as he stood there, trying to focus on what Farasima was telling him and not the touching.

Siya took in a sharp, shuddering breath as he avoided all eye contact with his protector and simply fired off the arrow without really thinking about it. It was a little high, but at least it finally hit the target. The Fire King might have been proud of that, if he werenā€™t struggling to bring down his racing heart and the burning in his face. Quickly lowering the bow, he took a shaky step back and looked everywhere but at Farasima.

ā€œT-thatā€¦ H-helped. Yes. A lotā€¦ It helped a lot. T-thank you for tou- moving me! Moving myā€¦ U-uhā€¦ Adjusting myā€¦ Umā€¦ I-Iā€¦ Inā€¦ā€ Eventually he just stopped talking while he fiddled with the bow and looked down at his hands while fighting off his raging nerves. The tension just seemed to skyrocket and his mind was all over the place. There was no way he could say anything to Farasima that wouldnā€™t sound utterly wrong coming out of his mouth right then.

Farasima hadnā€™t even noticed Siyaā€™s face and posture the entire time, and it wasnā€™t until he looked away from the target with a smile that he noticed Siyaā€™s behaviour. ā€œWell done, Siya! Well done!ā€ he blinked as he saw the king back away and look at everything but him. The red-head cocked his head to the side, confused a bit.

ā€œYou are...welcome, Siya. Something wrong?ā€ He watched the man for a moment, noting the intense blush on the kingā€™s face. Then it dawned on him, and Farasima blinked and turned slightly red himself. He hadnā€™t really thought about what touching the man might do. The king was already easy to fluster by mentioning his hair, but touching him?

Coughing, Farasima looked back down range, pointing to the target. ā€œJust uh...repeat it. Remember stance andā€¦.the uhā€¦.umā€¦.posture! Remember posture.ā€ Farasima said, keeping his eyes down range.

Siya hardly heard the praise, when he heard the question of what was wrong, he tensed and glanced up at Farasima briefly before quickly looking away. It didnā€™t take long for the protector to realize what it was that had affected Siya so badly for he began to stutter too. Not quite as badly as Siya, but it was there.

ā€œY-yesā€¦ Repeat. Stance. Posture. Remember how to standā€¦ G-got it. Iā€™ll remember it. It shouldnā€™t be hardā€¦ I think Iā€¦ Got it now. Your touch- help! Assistance! It- I got itā€¦ā€ Siya flustered around trying to get his mind off of how he was able to shoot so well down the range. It was rather difficult though and he played with the bow in his hands a little bit more, twisting the handle around, thrumming the string repeatedly as he fidgeted.

He looked up to Farasima a couple of times only to quickly look elsewhere, mostly down the range to where his arrow sat nice and pretty against the target. He hadnā€™t really been paying attention to where it had hit, but looking at it right then, Siya had to admit it was a pretty good shot. Tilting his head a little, he figured he could do it again.

ā€œI think I can do that againā€¦ Maybe,ā€ Siya said softly, ā€œI wasnā€™t paying attention to where the arrow went though,ā€ he confessed, a frown on his lips, ā€œYou uhā€¦ D-distracted meā€¦ā€

ā€œI apologize for doing so.ā€ he said, also keeping his downrange. He glanced to Siya before back down range. ā€œYou are welcome. N-now. Once again.ā€ He looked back at Siya to watch him take the shot. His mind was a bit distracted though as he watched King prepare, as though he did observe the manā€™s posture, his eyes wandered some as well.

Looking back down range, he spoke again. ā€œThis time, I will let you go alone. Practice, see where arrow land. Then try to hit there again. Do not change how you shot, you want consistency and accuracy. Takes years before you can fire from different positions easily. Even I am bad firing away from normal position or from horseback.ā€

Again his eyes turned to the king, and he found himself wandering over the Fire Kingā€™s form. It took Farasima a few moments to focus his attention where it needed to be, forcing himself to look back down range to see where Siya would hit.

ā€œS-sureā€¦ Yes. Iā€™ll try to do it again,ā€ he answered and took a step forward to stand where he had been a moment ago. Lifting the bow, Siya tried to find the stance that Farasima had put him in. It was difficult as his mind was complete chaos. Everything but how he had been standing before and the only thing that came to mind was Farasimaā€™s hands along his waist as he adjusted him to stand properly.

Siyaā€™s blush couldnā€™t have gotten any deeper. He drew back the bow. Probably the only thing he could remember from the short, and rather personal lesson, was where the string went and how his arm was held. Everything else went out the window. Blown apart by his own overly active mind. The arrow flew, far too soon and he knew it when he released. The damned thing went over the target and off into the sands somewhere down range.

Siya scoffed and lowered the bow. He cursed several times under his breath and not just because he hadnā€™t hit the target. The Fire King was distracted. Far too distracted right then to even attempt to fire the way he had a moment ago. He still blamed Farasima. With a frustrated sigh, he frowned at the target, avoiding Farasimaā€™s gaze yet again.

Fingering the bow, thrumming the string slightly, he looked up at Farasima for a quick second and then nibbled on his lower lip before he even managed to get the words out, ā€œF-Fara-simaā€¦ A-againā€¦ Try that againā€¦ I-I willā€¦ Try not to beā€¦ D-distracted by yourā€¦ Justā€¦ Helpā€¦ A little, please. I forgot how to standā€¦ā€ he blurted out the rest as quickly as possible as he shifted slightly from foot to foot.

God what in the hell was wrong with him! He chided himself internally as he stood there.

Farasima watched as Siya missed, horribly this time. He looked at the king, frowning a little before quickly looking back down range. When he heard Siyaā€™s question, he blinked, glancing over to Siya once more. If touching him the first time had distracted him so much, then how did Siya think heā€™d be able to handle it again.

Still, if that is what Siya desired, then so be it. Least that was what Farasima told himself. He waited until Siya drew the bow back once more, and again he helped guide the King into the proper posture. Again he pulled at his waist, pushed on his back, and even grabbed his chest and upper back to also make sure his whole torso was straight.

As he did, he did his best to focus on his work, but even Farasima couldnā€™t help but think of the lean figure of the king. Shaking his head, trying to stop any thoughts before they took hold, Farasima quickly finished and stepped back, focusing down range. ā€œT-there. there you are, S-Siya.ā€

Siya stood as still as he could, allowing Farasima to direct him into the position he needed to be in. He focused on the way his body was moved, where his protector put him. It was a little easier that time, until the red-head grabbed at his upper body. Siya sucked in a sharp breath, just barely holding back yet another yelp of surprise. He tensed, crimson gaze wide and slightly unfocused as he stared down the shaft of the arrow.

His mouth was dry, mind chaotic once again. Every muscle was tensed up after having been touched yet again, but up along his chest. Siya was all too eager to release the arrow. When he did, it hit the target, but lower than the first one, still under the circular ring. He was shaking then, trembling breaths filling his lungs as he quickly lowered the bow and stared down at the sand.

He opened and closed his mouth several times before words even formed and squeaked out from between his lips, ā€œI-Iā€¦ā€ he shut his mouth, a strange sound emitting from his throat after his voice had gone a little to high. Siya took a moment before he attempted to try again. It wasnā€™t like he had a particularly deep voice to begin with, but it didnā€™t help that his softer tones had gone really high pitched right then.

ā€œU-umā€¦ I thinkā€¦ Think thatā€™s enough for nowā€¦ Itā€™s umā€¦ Hard to draw. Draw the bow. I thinkā€¦ I think maybe I will do better tomorrow. Thatā€™s enough touch-teaching! Teachingā€¦ Today.ā€ Siya all but shouted the word ā€˜teachingā€™ to overcome the first one heā€™d said. It kept slipping out of his mouth and he groaned inwardly. Cursing to himself under his breath, he lifted up the bow to hand it back to Farasima.

ā€œIts timeā€¦ Anyway. To go see Amon. I thinkā€¦ā€ Siya heaved a heavy sigh as he struggled to regain his lost composure. Damn that red-head! ā€œU-uhā€¦ Would youā€¦ Come with?ā€ Why am I even asking as if he isnā€™t allowed to or wouldnā€™t anyway! Siya frowned, kicking the sand again and crossing his arms tightly to keep from the nervous tug of his braid.

Farasima watched Siya fire the arrow, watching as it landed in the target, but not near the last arrow shot. He had noticed the tense of surprise the white-haired man had made when Farasimaā€™s hands had touched his chest. So much for not being distracted. When Siya dismissed training for the day, Farasima couldnā€™t agree more. Both of them seemed so sidetracked at this point, that training wasnā€™t something they were going to do very well.

He looked up and nodded his head at Siya when he mentioned going to see Amon, though when the Fire King asked if he would come along, Farasima blinked. He hadnā€™t expected such a question from the Fire King. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Farasima quickly nodded his head. ā€œY-yes, I will go with you.ā€ he said. He then looked to the target down range. ā€œLead way, Siya.ā€