Behind the Royal Mask

The Archery Room

As they entered the archery room, sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the racks of bows and quivers lining the walls. Serene led the way, practically bouncing on her feet as she headed straight for the bows. She picked one up with practiced ease, testing its weight in her hands. Her grin widened as she glanced back at Derin. 

"So, have you ever shot an arrow, or is this your first adventure in archery?" she asked, her tone as teasing as ever.

Derin crossed his arms and looked at the bows doubtfully, "I've... dabbled."

"Perfect," Serene said, thrusting a quiver and bow into his hands, "That means I can coach you. Come on now. I promise to go easy on you."

"That's what you said to the lad who broke his arm five minutes in the practice," Cedric called out, making Derin look at Serene with uncertainty.

Elara seated herself on a wooden bench, watching the scene unfold with amused eyes. Cedric seated himself beside her and said, "Derin is about to be terrorized."

Elara's lips turned into a smile, following his gaze.

"I hope that you don't feel forced being here," Cedric said, offering an apologetic look, "You kind of got dragged along."

"That's alright," Elara assured, "I think I might enjoy watching you all shoot your targets."

Cedric chuckled, leaning back comfortably on the bench, "Well, if nothing else, watching Derin try his hand at archery is bound to be entertaining."

They both looked back to where Serene was enthusiastically explaining proper form to a very skeptical-looking Derin. He fumbled with the bow, his expression halfway between irritation and resignation.

"Hold it like this," Serene instructed, adjusting his grip, "Relax your shoulders. You're far too stiff."

"I ain't a knight," Derin exhaled impatiently.

"Just give me some time and I will make you as good as one," Serene said, taking her own stance. 

"Pull on the string and..." Serene said, raising the bow to her eyes. Focusing her eyes onto the target board sharply, she gracefully pulled back the arrow and released it. It flew straight, landing just off-center of the bullseye.

"Meh," Cedric said in a mocking tone, "Could have done better."

Derin stared at her in mild amazement, his frustration briefly forgotten. "You make it look easy," he muttered, grudgingly impressed.

"See?" Serene flashed him a proud grin. "Now it's your turn. Aim, pull back... and try to keep your eyes on the target."

With a resigned sigh, Derin attempted to copy her movements. His arrow wobbled on the string, and he struggled to draw it back smoothly. 

Cedric leaned toward Elara with a chuckle. "Five silver says he's going to lose his patience in about three tries."

"You are so mean," Elara said, disapprovingly, "It's his first time, give him a chance."

Derin released the arrow, it flew in a curve, trembling in the arrow before falling some distance to the right of the target board. Derin dropped his arms in exasperation.

"That's why I don't like arrows," he muttered, looking at the fallen arrow.

"It's not bad for first try," Serene offered, trying to lighten his mood, "You're better than I was on my first try."

"True," Cedric snorted, "You almost hit Master Kellan in his butt when you tried first."

"Hey!" Serene called out in frustration, "Why don't you come and do it then?"