Reflection of the Shattered Mirror

I watch him as he lets go the bow string, the arrow swishes through the air, and the apex buries itself into the old target. Bullseye.

'Seems like he's not as air-headed as I thought he was. I better watch my word around him. I shouldn't make him angry...'

He motions for me to come over, and I silently obey with a small nod, trudging myself next to him. Then, I give him a puzzled look.

"What is it?" I ask him, my voice steady and calm despite my slight nervousness. I hope he won't use me as a target. That wouldn't end well...

"Your turn." A simple answer to a simple question. I sigh and take the bow, making sure that I avoid touching or ever so slightly grazing his fingers.

I take the bow and examine it for a moment, trying to see how to hold it comfortably. I remember his pose... I imitate his pose, although my pose is sloppy and unstable.

I draw an arrow and aim, taking a while as I try to figure this out. I stare at the target and let go of the bow string after a few seconds.

The arrow cuts the air, darting towards the target. It hits the very edge of the whole target. Right between the string that binds the straw together.

Obviously, it didn't hit the middle. I'm not an excellent marksman. Even when I went to a shooting range once, I didn't hit the target at all except the head. And that was a complete accident...

"Is that good enough?" I turn towards Merle as I hold the bow carefully, not trying to destroy or damage it.

All he does is just give me a look that seems to judge me before he nods and seems to think for a moment.

"Not bad for, I presume, your first time. Though you need to get your form more proper." He answers after a while and moves closer to me.

He helps me adjust my form as I follow what he does with my body. I burn this position into my mind, making sure to remember it for later.

'I see. My elbow was too low, and my legs were also positioned wrong. It feels different now...' I make a mental note to think about my elbow. It seems important not to have your elbow too high nor too low.

"Now, try shooting again. Keep both of your eyes on the target, and make sure to keep your form steady. Stay calm and release the string once you're ready, but don't aim for too long."

He guides me, and I follow his instructions. I raise the bow, aiming with both eyes while keeping my breath steady. I release the string after around 7 seconds.

The arrow curves a bit off, though. It hits the target, but off the bullseye. 'Nobody can perfect anything just by doing it once.'

"Haha, your aim and hold are still unsteady. You did well, of course. A small tip, though. Don't try to aim too fast and take some time. Also, don't hold the string for too long. About 2-4 seconds the most."

He says with a small laugh and pats my shoulder, taking the how back. I suppose it's not too shabby, considering that it's my first time shooting from a bow. It's quite fun...

This is a new beginning for me. I'm learning a lot of new things here in Elarion. I also met new people and have started learning archery.

I can this as a new destiny for me. I'm excited to see what happens in the future. I'll have to wait and see...