Beyond the Castle, part one. (Two person.)

Ario:

I had no idea how to shoot a bow. I was surprised that Araline might be able to, but then remembered that it was used at the castle a lot for sport.

Araline:

I got to my feet still holding on to the bow. “Arrow?” I asked holding my hand out without looking down. Brian chuckled but handed me one. I slid it into place and aimed at a tree a little ways off. I pulled back, it was much more difficult than the bows at the palace but I tried again and let the arrow go flying toward the tree. It missed.

Ario:

I watched her shoot, curiosity running through me. I wanted to try and shoot the bow, but I didn't know if I should ask.

Araline:

I bit my lip. “Not as bad as I thought you would be. Now go get it.” Brian said while taking the bow back from me. I looked at him for a confused moment. “The arrow. Go get it and bring it back.” He clarified. “Oh.” I blinked into the distance trying to sort out where it had gone.

Ario:

I watched her run off before looking at Brian. I was curious to know more about him, but I didn't want to ask.

Brian looked at Ario then held the bow out. "You should learn if you don't already know how. You are going to have to hunt." He said.

Ario:

I nodded and took the bow. I drew back the string and smiled slightly when I found it hard but not as hard as I thought to pull it back.

Araline:

I came back holding the arrow. It had gone far past the tree and wedged itself into the mud. I smiled at Ario and handed it over having already wiped the mud off.

Alex:

I smiled and thanked her before knocking the arrow with a slight hesitation. I drew back on the string and aimed at the tree. I released the string and was rewarded with a sharp Thwak when the arrow hit the tree. I had almost hit the ground instead of the tree, but heck I hit the tree anyway!

Araline:

My expression went flat. “That was just luck, do it again.” I said dully after bringing the arrow back.

Ario:

I smiled and taking another arrow from Brian, I drew back the bow, this time drawing it to its full length. I aimed at the tree again and letting out a breath I released the string. The arrow thunked into the wood dead center on the tree.

Araline:

I looked up at him skeptically. “That was very good, have ever shot a bow before?” Brian asked and I was thinking the same thing though I was nearly positive he hadn’t. Then again he was secretive even with me.

Ario:

"No, I have looked at bows, but the only ranged thing I have used are throwing knives. The principal is the same, but its different. I didn't think I would do so well." I said truthfully.

Araline:

I sighed then shrugged. “Hmm.” I floped back onto the ground and leaned against the tree. “Ario, the soups boiling over.” I said dully.

Ario:

I jumped, and setting the bow carefully on the ground I dashed over to the stew. I knelt down and grabbing a stick I lifted it by the handle out of the fire. I breathed a sigh of relief as I tasted it. It hadn't burned.

Araline:

I glanced up to see Brian watching the two of us with amusement. He had his bow slung over his back already.

Ario:

I gestured to the stew for the two of them. "Its ready for when ever you guys are hungry." I said as I got to my feet with a stretch.

Araline:

I got myself and Brian some then sat back in my spot against the tree. I looked up at Ario and smiled patting the spot next to me for him. The wanting to be closer to him was back, I wanted to touch him and be next to him.

Ario:

I filled a bowl for myself and smiling softly I went over and sat down in the place Araline had patted. I was sitting right next to her, my shoulder just barely not touching hers.

Araline:

A little while later after we had finished eating I glanced up to see Brian had fallen asleep. “He's weird, Ario, I'm not sure I trust him.” I whispered.

Ario:

"I'm not sure I trust him either, but what can we do? He knows about us now, and he can teach us to survive better out here." I whispered to her. I took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Araline:

“I think we could do just fine on our own. He told us how to get to the village and assuming he isn't a complete nut job that should be enough.” I looked up at him as I spoke in barely a whisper.

Ario:

I looked back at her, my eyes searching hers. "Are you sure you want to do that?" I asked my voice matching hers.

Araline:

I thought for a moment. “No, I'm not sure.” I said with a sigh. “I don't trust him, I mean he killed a guy right in front of me, not that I am complaining about that, but still.”

Ario:

I put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a one arm hug. "I'm grateful that he did kill the guy. Especially if he meant you harm."