Archery Fears

Ember paced back and forth, Lovely watching her curiously. The black pearl dun had come a long way from when Ember had first gotten her, but mounted archery was a new one. Sure Ms. Sinclair had insisted they get at least some practice in, but Ember really wasn’t sure they were ready to compete with it. Well, Lovely might have been but Ember wasn’t sure they were. 

The elf nervously played with the bow they’d borrowed from Thorn Rose Stables, the elf’s red eyes looking over the crowd unsure if they wanted Ms. Sinclair to be in the audience or not. The demonkin had been nothing but supportive, but she wasn’t exactly the easiest to train under either. She was exacting, to put it mildly. That training had paid off though, and Halloway Stables was once again thriving. 

Lovely nuzzled at Ember, the mare as gentle as ever and eager to please and compete. The first time Ember had shot a bow near her though was a different story. It was one of the first things besides a bit that had spooked Ember and it had taken weeks to get her to settle around the sound, though from there she adjusted easier to the feeling of an archer on her back. 

The first couple of rides had been a disaster but not because Ember spooked. At most the mare had hesitated a time or two, or mistook a direction. They’d been a disaster because Ember was afraid she’d hurt someone with a wild shot. The elf was pretty sure the entire thing had amused Ms. Sinclair more than it had upset her. The demonkin hadn’t scolded, but she had stayed firm in the fact that Ember would in fact learn how to do this and that there was no other choice in the matter. 

Now they and Lovely were standing at the start of a mounted archery competition and Ember was once again terrified they’d hurt someone on a wild shot. They were just about to chicken out when their eyes landed on Ms. Sinclair. The demonkin was seated in the middle of the audience, her yellow eyes focused on them with the same cool observation she always had. 

“Well, there goes that idea.” Ember stroked Lovely’s neck, the mare shaking her head in excitement before nibbling delicately at Ember’s hands. “Well, at least one of us is excited.” Ember couldn’t help but laugh, a needed relief in many ways. 

When it was their turn, Ember mounted Lovely and patted at the mare’s black pearl neck more to reassure themselves one last time than the mare. Lovely danced a little in excitement, ready for whatever competition was to come. 

When the announcer called their names and gave the signal, Ember couldn’t help but shoot one last glance at Ms. Sinclair. The demonkin’s expression was impossible to read, but Ember could guess. Then, they were focused on the course. 

Ember missed their first two shots more from nerves than from anything else. It was hard to aim the bow accurately when your hands were shaking. They almost risked a glance towards the stands, but realized quickly that was the worst thing they could do. Instead they directed Ember to turn slightly so they could try for some of the easier target. 

The mare performed beautifully. Anyone watching would have thought Lovely had been taking commands just from pressure from her riders legs for years as opposed to months and Ember felt a flash of pride at that. Even if they weren’t a great archer, Lovely was a stellar horse. 

The next couple of shots Ember actually managed to land, barely. They let out a shout of excitement before getting another good hit, this time close to the center. Maybe this wasn’t so bad after all. 

No sooner had that thought crossed their minds than they missignaled Ember. The horse obeyed beautifully, but it cost Ember their next three shots. They didn’t curse, but they did cast an embarrassed glance towards the seating. They were just close enough to see Ms. Sinclair gesture at them to pay attention. 

Ember signaled Lovely back into a better position and managed to snag four more reasonable shots before time ran out. They almost didn’t want to leave the course though, not and have to face Ms. Sinclair after a performance like that. Still, with Lovely next to them, they figured the demonkin wouldn’t be too harsh. 

Just as expected, Ms. Sinclair wasn’t far from the exit. The demonkin studied the pair for a moment before offering the horse a sugar cube as a reward. “Lovely is as well trained as I expected. You need to remember to pay attention to the course and not me and to not let your nerves run you. Still, for a first showing with only a few months training it could have been worse.” 

Before Ember could dismount Lovely and reply, Ms. Sinclair was already walking away. 

Ember climbed down and patted Lovely’s nose, giving them a few apple slices. “Well, you were brilliant and I guess I didn’t do as bad as I thought I would.” 

Lovely leaned into the pets and then gave Ember a reassuring nuzzle before headbutting them in the direction of the washing stations, clearly demanding a treat for having performed well. 

Ember laughed and nodded. “Of course we can go get you a bath. I know they’re your favorite treat.”