Araluen

Morning

Now they were working hard. Tahlia awoke shortly after going to sleep, to spend time with Anita and Jax, going for a ride together, just the three of them. The sun spilled through the native trees, bathing the track in warm yellow. Tahlia enjoyed the time to stretch and breathe by herself for a while. Alone time was highly valued, especially after being used to it for so long. After some time of nothingness, she allowed her mind to consider moving out of her fief for a while. 

She loved her home, and although she had spent small periods away, she'd never been gone away long enough for another Ranger to stay. In her house! Although it was her duty to obey the Queen, she knew that if she asked, she wouldn't need to. But the kingdom was placing a large amount of trust in her, and she expected herself to live up to her own standards, let alone anyone else's. And that would be what would ultimately make the decision for her. Plus she supposed it would be nice to see Arold and Sandra again. It had been quite some time. And Halt and Pauline would be there for the first few months as well. Halt's cooking was truly magnificent,  the smell of his soup already infiltrating her nose. For someone who never put more than the minimum effort into cooking, she sure enjoyed a good meal.

Eventually enough time had passed, and the sun had crested the trees, time to return to the Meet. Instead of mildly ambling along, Anita was happy to wildly gallop back, Jax loping along beside them. They kicked up the leaves and clods of dirt, abandoning their impermanent mark on the untameable forest. Wind whistled past her face, cool morning air awakening her inner child, catching whisps of hair that had escaped her long plait. Tahlia gave Anita free rein, which she responded excitedly to, soaring over fallen logs, Jax leaping too, only a beat behind them.

They arrived a few short moments later, a broad smile across Tahlia's normally neutral face. Anita slowed to a steady trot, navigating through the haphazardly arranged tents and ropes. Ranger horses were extremely well trained, however their riders still required the same, if not more, amount of skill as any other horse rider. A new protocol of having a few days every year with the battle horses in the royal army was being introduced to the Corps. This was to assist Rangers in cooperating with new horses, and in a war environment, in the unlikely scenario one ever occurred. Tahlia was especially looking forward to this, she would be helping with the small army posted at Redmont, and some Ranger's might come through to spend a few days in the months that she was there for. 

Swinging her right leg over to the left of the saddle, Tahlia smoothly dismounted, and efficiently untacked Anita. Giving her an affectionate rub, Tahlia carried the tack with ease over to her claimed branch. She patted Jax, who was still excited from the run back. His tail was wagging frantically as she moved over to the designated course for the apprentices. Today they were focusing on archery, the most dangerous, and some would argue, most essential weaponry tactic in the Rangers arsenal. 

The apprentices were waiting by the targets. They had engaged in conversation, and friendships were being formed and further solidified. While they might only see each other once every few years, they had to be prepared to instinctively trust one another with their lives should the need arise. However at this moment they could enjoy the sunshine, and the opportunity to learn together. The Ranger life was solitary, and that could mean loneliness at times. 

The other instructors seemed to be thinking along similar lines, watching the apprentices as they politely and confidently talked with each other. She knew all the Rangers by name, and had spoken with them all several times during her time working under the crown. But there was never enough time to build strong relationships. And now it was time to practice.

"Alright!! Present your weapons!" Tahlia spoke with a tone of authority, one which had the apprentices moving instantly to display their carefully tended to equipment. She inspected them, offering advice where needed. Once she was satisfied she stepped back and gestured to the targets.

"One at a time, 6 arrows each, alternating targets. Collect your arrows together after using up two quivers each. Practice a smooth transition between quivers as well, it will save your life many times between now and retirement!" She allowed herself a grim smile before joining the other two instructors under a tree. They settled together, having a quiet conversation, appearing unbothered by the apprentices work. Eventually one of the apprentices spoke, Charles she believed his name was.

"Excuse me, ma'am, are we to keep doing this all day?" Charles was soft-spoken, but still prepared to speak for the others.

"Address me as Tahlia, I am your equal, no more no less," she corrected him, " and you shall. Although you, Charles, need to alternate more. And Alex, you need to drop your elbow slightly." The instructors took the opportunity to assist the apprentices, only the most minor adjustments required. 

After all, the Ranger Corps expected perfection. And the trials to continue apprenticeship began tomorrow.