Ready, Aim... Fire!

Ista Weyr - Gather Meadow
Rough and amorphous, this clearing has been constructed to give optimum space while still keeping it relatively sheltered from the plateau and weyr beyond. The treeline has been trimmed back to give a clear view of the skies above, but daintily-cared-for saplings have been planted here and there throughout, one day promising plenty of shade. Pebble pathways wind amongst them from the forest's edge and have been formed betwixt skeletal stalls that are almost completely occupied on market and gather days.
Each path eventually leads to a huge, circular patch of gravel. Tables and food carts ring its edge, wine and alcohol predictably given a few of the choice spots. A large, recently-erected stage has replaced the gazebo at the far end, for the duration of the Summer Games. Tables are situated nearby, and a large wooden platform seems perfect for dancing. Otherwise, grassy meadowland prevails.
The area has been recently renovated, with wood and weaver crafts working together to setup arches and pillars along the entire perimeter of the clearing - they are flying the colors of Ista Weyr, as well as those of all its beholden areas. One of the most prominent is the device of Ista Hold, set proudly beside the smoking mountain insignia of its weyr. An inner ring of poles bear the standards of all the attending weyrs, and their holds, amongst them most notably are the colors of Fort, Telgar, and High Reaches.


With Isanath's clutch of eggs now safely on the sands, there is an additional festive air to the Weyr and to the Games themselves. It is now late afternoon, with the sun still high in the sky but the worst of the heat ebbing away to allow some respite. Perfect time and conditions too, for the archery competitions, since the winds are down or gentle enough not to effect things too much. A section of the meadow has been cordoned off by ropes, making a sizeable archery field with the targets neatly aligned at the correct distances and another section off to the side for spectators (and well out of the way of danger). Already an assistant Headwoman is waiting with clipboard in hand to start taking names and later to mark down the points.

Kiena has been in Ista since the lunch hour, having gone to see the eggs on the sand (if permitted to) and do her rounds as befitting her rank. Now, though? Now it's play time and she's walking briskly towards the Gather Meadow, dressed in lighter clothing to combat the heat. Her bow is slung over her shoulder and she carries her quiver with her too. She goes to sign her name and then wait, already scanning to see who else arrives and whether it was a mistake to pen her name in. "Maybe I should've practiced…" she mutters under her breath.

Kimmila and Varmiroth arrive, the blue winging down outside of the roped off area, crouching to let his rider dismount. Swinging down from the straps, Kimmila sheds her riding leathers down to snug fitting clothes that won't get caught on anything as she competes. Removing her bow and quiver, she looks around and goes to sign in. Then, spotting Kiena, she walks forward with a smile. "Was hoping you'd be here."

After surviving yesterday's questionable competition, Alyane is grateful to have the opportunity to participate in something a little more traditional. She arrives with her own shortbow already in hand. It's an old bow, but clearly well cared for. She even has a full quiver of arrows strapped to her back. She fusses with the ties of her runnertails as she makes her way towards the firing line, frowning slightly.

N'talya along with her green Alamith walk slowly to the edge of the gather ground, the young green rider chatting animatedly with her dragon as she approaches, "Yes you should have see it… Yes we were wrestling in the mub…no.. I don't think they have an event like that for you….yeah I know it would be fun…." on and on as she near the archery range. Smiling to the other present, she steps up to sign in for the competetion glancing to Alyane she smiles, "Hey there."

Niumdreoth sweeps downwards heading towards a free spot so the large brown can settle himself there. A friendly bugle is sent out towards the other dragons in the area. Abigail undoes her quiver and bow from their places and is hopping down, once the quiver is over her shoulder she gives her dragon a slight pat across his shoulder. The wingleader smiles while she moves onwards heading towards where the competition is to be found. "Afternoon." Is offered with a happy tone. Niumdreoth follows up to a degree and then settles down with a yawn escaping him as he relaxes.

Kiena looks up in surprise at a familiar voice and breaks into a lopsided grin. "Knew you'd be here. Which is why I'm wondering if I've lost all sense in signing up." she drawls, reaching out to clasp Kimmila's arm in a sign of friendship. "Good to see you though and glad you're not missing on this fun. So how've you been?" Some idle conversation never hurt and maybe Kiena's trying to settle her nerves. She's gazing the crowds again, until she spots Alyane also approaching and signing in. "Hey, Kimmila… there's someone I want you to meet." Kiena motions for the bluerider to follow, while also waving down the Trader girl. "Hey, Alyane! I didn't know you could use a bow. Signed in then, did you? Kimmila, I'd like to you meet Alyane… the girl who bested Inri in mud wrestling." Chuckling, she'll wave to N'talya and Abigail as well. More competition! "Afternoon to you both and Xanadu's duties to Ista and Fort."

Kimmila looks around with a smile, nodding to Alyane and N'talya, and offering Abigail a wide grin. "Yes! I'm so glad you're here! Between the two of us hopefully Fort will take home something. Abigail, have you met Kiena? She's Weyrsecond in Xanadu. Kiena, this is Wingleader Abigail." Then Kiena is pulling her off to meet Alyane, and Kimm nods her head for Abigail to join them. "Oh! I'd heard someone had bested Inri. You, huh?" She sizes the girl up and then grins. "Nice to meet you."

Alyane smiles a bit when she spots N'talya, shifting her bow to one hand in order to give the rider a little wave. "Hey yourself. Are you competing today as well?" She blinks when she's waved over and introduced. Her smile takes on a slightly more embarassed quality at the reminder of the mud wrestling. "Ah yes. That. Yes. That happened." She offers her hand to Kimmila. "Alyane, with the traders. A pleasure to meet you. You'll be competing today as well?" She glances to Kiena again. "I sometimes do a little hunting on long overland trips. It's the only way to have fresh meat on the road. Otherwise, you're stuck with jerky. But I've never used a bow in a competition like this."

Abigail looks to Kiena and offers her a nod a smile. "Fort's duties to Xanadu and Ista." She offers while including the other rider as well. Hearing Kimmila she grins and winks. "Glad I could come along, and of course we shall take something home to Fort." This said with an amused tone before she looks back to Kiena whom she smiles to once more. "Nice to meet ye Kiena." At the bit on someone beating Inri a curious look is offered to Alyane and she chuckles a bit. "Seems I missed a good show."

N'talya smiles and says softly, "I am going to try, this isn't one of my better events really though, I haven't used a bow very much." she smiles to the other competetors before looking back to Alyane and grins, "That mud wrestling was intresting wasn't it…I can't believe I won my go…"

One by one, young Xanadu dragons and their weyrlings pop into the sky above Ista Weyr. When the last resumes their place in formation, members of Pulsar Wing veer downwards to land. Bugles ring out to the watch dragons, Moncerath's voice among them. A couple of moments and Kera is clambering down a green hide and loosening her dragonmate's straps. The Istan heat soon makes itself known and off comes the thick jacket. Stowing her gear away on the large satchel on Mon's straps, Kera takes a few seconds to straighten her shirt, trying to rub out a couple of wrinkles. Reminders are given from the Awlm to be on best behavior, several people given pointed looks before they are allowed to scatter. Noticing a trail of people hurrying towards a sectioned off field, the greenling follows, taking in the sights as she goes.

"Don't think I've had the chance yet to meet, no. Well met, Wingleader Abigail! Nice to meet you too," Kiena smiles back, offering her hand out for the brownrider to shake. At least she didn't open up with 'Hey, I'm Th'ero's sister?'. Glancing to Alyane, the Xanadian Weyrsecond chuckles. "It wasn't that bad of a match!" she muses, only to nod her head. "Well, that makes sense! And I think this'll be pretty straight forwards. Step up, aim and shoot?" Kiena makes it sound so easy and herself so confident! When really, she's quite nervous. Her skills with a bow are still… in the beginner range. But! She'll make an effort! FOR XANADU! Cough. "And you did miss a bit of a show, Abigail, though there's going to be other rounds of the mud wrestling I heard. Too popular! Ahh, well, you fought well, N'talya. Kimm, Abigail, this is greenrider N'talya. The one who bested me in mud wrestling." She chuckles again.

Kimmila gives Alyane's hand a firm and friendly shake, adjusting her bow to her other hand. "Yup." She looks around again and smiles, a gleam of eager competitiveness in her eyes. She winks at Abigail, too. "Any time Th'ero mud wrestles it's a good show." She's sad she missed it. "Well met, N'talya," she adds with a smile and dip of her head. Then she turns to work on stringing her bow.

Mur'dah and Kalsuoth are among those arriving, an escort for the Weyrlings of Xanadu. He meanders after Kera towards the archery contest. "I think Kiena said she'd be in this one…so we picked a good time to come." Support the Weyrsecond and all that.

N'talya smiles to Kimmila and says, "It is very nice to meet you ma'am." the young green rider beams and motions to the green on the field near by, "And that is my mate back there trying to look like a tree, Alamith."

Alyane has a likewise firm handshake, smiling and nodding. "Well met." She glances to N'talya afterwards, laughing softly. "Trust me, I was just as surprised to win my own round. That was not the sort of contest I ever expected to be participating in." She smiles and nods deeply to Abigail, offering further introductions. "Alyane, of the traders. Well met. This is looking to be quite the competition."

Abigail lifts her hand to take hold of Kiena's giving it a shake along with a smile and nods once more. "Nice to see many showed up for this, should be a good bit of fun." Or at least that is what she considers fun! As for Kiena being Th'ero's sister she knows honestly! "If that is the case I'll have to try and get out too 'em. I wouldn't mind a go at a mud wrestle against honestly." She grins and nods to Kimmila at the bit on Th'ero and mud wrestling with makes her laugh. "Indeed!"

Kera slows her steps and grins to the brownrider with a curious lift to her brow. "Well then, we should hurry and cheer her own then." Ducking around an older couple strolling at a more sedate pace, Kera murmurs a greeting to the old couple. Getting closer to the archery field, Xanadu's Second does come into sight, along with other faces she recognizes. Glancing back to Mur'dah to see if he kept up "Did you make a wager?" N'talya is seen when people move and she waves enthusiasticly, though she doesn't interupt her friend's conversation.

"Seems like a good crowd, eh?" Kiena agrees with Abigail, her grin still in place though she's really beginning to fret she's far out of her league here. Back to the mud wrestling, she gives the Fortian Wingleader a curious look. "So you've taken part of the mud wrestling before, huh? Heard rumour it was Fort that convinced Ista to add it in, then even shipped mud for the sole purpose of that event!" Shaking her head, she chuckles and slips her bow from her shoulder, starting to inspect it. She laughs as well for Kimmila's comment on Th'ero. "He put up a good match. He faced off against…" Speak of the very soul! "Mur'dah!" There's a wave of her hand when she spots him, once that is echoed to Kera as well and any of the other Xanadian Weyrlings who followed in to watch. Kiena's nerves? Now quadruple.

Too late to escape now, as the Assistant Headwoman announces the final call for sign ups and for everyone to clear the firing range.

Kimmila smiles at N'talya, her eyes flicking back to note Alamith with another nod. Varmiroth is well clear now, the blue having found a spot to perch and watch. "Maybe they'll have another round of wrestling," she says absently, tilting her head to listen as the assistant makes another call. "Th'ero went up against…that's…Thea's kid, right?" Squint. "Little scrawny, isn't he?"
"First up to the targets," the assistant hollers, "is N'talya!"

Mur'dah laughs, digging in his pouch. "I would, but…do you see anyone taking bets?"

Kyldar arrives, and gives a wave to those whom she knows. "Greetings, all, Western's duties and all that," she greets as she approaches the archery field and eyes the target dubiously.

N'talya looks up as she notices the waving weyrling and her eyes go wide and she smiles brightly, "KERA!" she calls out and waves begining to step over towards her as her name is called, raising her, hand, "I will catch up with you in a minute." before turning and steping slowly up to the line. She bites her lip lightly as she peers down and the target and sights in her bow. Drawing back the string smoothly she release the arrow down range.

N'talya squints and steadies herself before releasing the arrow at the target. The bow snaps, and the arrow zips out only to be caught by a gust of wind and thunk into the ground somewhat to the left of the target.

Alyane gives Mur'dah an almost apologetic sort of grin. "Sorry. I would, but I can't be taking bets when I'm competing. Next game, I assure you."

N'talya snaps off a shot at the archery target. The arrow wobbles slightly before striking firmly into the white border area.

N'talya's effort is rather to much. No need to pull back that tightly perhaps, as the arrow goes flying right over the target, sinking into the ground somewhere behind, and out of sight.

N'talya continues to take her shots and frowns a bit as the last arrow sails over the target then laughs, "About what I expected." she grins sheepishly and steps back handing over her bow.

Kera looks around after Mur'dah's question, scanning anyone that looks likely then pointing out a table a little ways off "Maybe that's the betting table over there." …But too late, betting is over. A hint of a shrug lifts her shoulders before N'talya's name is announce. Waving gain, she chuckles "Good Luck Nat!" Unfortunately, it's bad luck that seizes her friend's bow. Watching the last arrow sail over the target "The arrows are obviously defective." winkwink.

Abigail chuckles softly while she hears Kiena, a soft smile seen. "Oh well yes. I had the luck as it was to get a in on it one point at time with yer brother honestly. It was amusing and all good fun." How many people can say that got to mud wrestle with Th'ero of all people after all?" She glances towards the movement of others, a soft smile and nod seen at times before she tilts her head to listen in on the conversation between Kimmila and Kiena once more. She's already signed up for this so is all ok there.

Kiena breathes a sigh of relief when she's not the first to be called up. Phew! She'll hold her bow at her side though and grin towards Kimmila. "Bound to be more wrestling. You should sign up. I'd like to see if I can hold up against you. Or you, Abigail." Did she just… challenge the Fortians? She might've. Her grin is certainly competitive enough! As for that "kid"… Kiena snorts and reaches out to very lightly smack Kimmila's boot with the sturdier part of the end of her bow. "Don't let that scrawny look fool ya, he's not. He fought good! Y'know how tough Th'ero is. He almost bested him." By playing a trick! She winks, "But yeah, he's Thea's son." Shooting a look to Abigail, her jaw drops a bit. "YOU fought my brother?" Is she nuts? And she's alive! "Didja whoop his ar—" Oh look, N'talya's stepping up and Kiena is distracted in watching the greenrider take her try at it, only to wince a bit. "Ookay… so this may be harder than it looks. A lot… harder. Kyldar is given a nod and wave of greeting, "Xanadu's duties to Western." she calls back.

Kimmila grimaces in sympathy at N'talya's showing as the judges mark down a zero next to her name. Perhaps this won't be as easy as the bluerider had thought? She checks her bow again, and then laughs at Kiena, eying her for a moment. "You and I, mud wrestling?" She considers it for a minute, then grins. "Fine. Loser gets abandoned in the jungle?" Wink. The boot nudge has her arching her brows and giving Kiena a /look/. "Issss he now?" she drawls teasingly.

Mur'dah grins widely when he spots Alyane. "The rum girl! Are you selling today, at least? No worries about the bets." He grins crookedly and waves to Kiena, finally noticing her and returning her wave. "Good luck!" he calls. "I bet on you!" Lies.
"Alyane is up next!" calls the Assistant Headwoman, marking something off on her list.

Alyane winces sympathetically as she watches N'talya's efforts. She tries to muster up an encouraging smile for the rider once she finishes her attempt. "Good try!" She calls out. Mur'dah gets another grin. "I will be, as soon as my round is finished…" And that's when her name is called. "… Which is now, apparently. Be right back." She makes her way to the firing line, drawing an arrow from her quiver. She adjusts her glasses before readying the arrow, raising the bow and preparing to fire.
Light glints along the smooth arrow shaft released by Alyane. It sails gracefully through the air, and manages to just strike the target, settling into the white zone on one corner.

Alyane draws back the bowstring and lets loose the notched arrow. To bad she didn't aim first, as the arrow plinks into the ground to the right of the target.

Alyane draws back the bowstring and lets loose the notched arrow. To bad she didn't aim first, as the arrow plinks into the ground to the right of the target.

Kyldar sidles up to N'talya and gives the younger greenrider a consoling pat on the shoulder. "No worries there, I doubt I'm going to do much better, myself, truth told. I've never shot a bow in my life." Then she watches Alyane's efforts and winces at what's turning out to be a bad day for competitive archery.

Abigail can only grin as she hears Kiena, a nod seen. "If'nn ye like I'd take ye up on such an offer!" Hey she enjoys a good wrestle match thank you. The look from Kiena is picked up and she chuckles softly while lifting her head slightly. "No, he won in the end. It was good fun honestly." Yes she just used the word fun to describe Th'ero, funny things! Her gaze drifts to the ones that step up to the plate so to speak and she curiously watches, a soft whistle escapes her and she ponders. Well so far so good! A glance is sent towards Kimmila and she looks between the two at the bit on someone getting lost in the jungle bit. She looks back to the the next one up and watches as the shots are taken.

N'talya grins to Kyldar and smiles, "Its ok, i know I am not very good with a bow, I just though I would get involved." she grins, "Really I prefer my dive knife or my fishing spear truthfully." before working her way back though the crowd over towards Kera to watch the rest of the competition.

Alyane can't help but frown in disappointment, adjusting her glasses again as she glares at the sole arrow she landed in the outer edge of the target. "… Well. It's not as if I was expecting to win." She grumbles, trying to maintain the neutral mask of a good sport as she steps away from the line. "… Now then. I believe someone requested rum?"

Kiena will watch as Alyane steps up next and calls out her own support to the Trader girl. Glancing back to Abigail, she'll snicker. "Ahh, that's too bad. Though you lumping the word 'fun' and my brother sounds… so odd. Great! So it's settled if there's another round! You two 'n me!" Kimmila's comment about the jungle has her flushing a bit in sheepishness. "Ah," Kiena clears her throat, grinning crookedly as she looks between the bluerider and Abigail. "… it's a long story?" Not really. "And yes. He is," she drawls to Kimmila with a smirk. "Maybe you'll meet him once we're done here or I'll tell you more about it later." For now, she's distracted again, only to flinch too when Alyane fails to score as well. "Shards 'n shells. We sign for the expert level or something?" she mutters under her breath, before calling out supportively. "Good try!" Hearing Mur'dah's call, Kiena will laugh and call back at him. "Haven't you lost enough bets?" she teases. But she'll give a gesture of thanks all the same.

Kimmila winces, looking around. Shards. Is this competition rigged to be impossible? She checks her bow again. "Nice try," she calls to Alyane. Grinning back at Kiena and Abigail, she nods. "Sure, I'd like to meet him."

Mur'dah grimaces in sympathy at Alyane's showing, but he's eager to ease her pain by buying two rum drinks from her. "Looks like a tough contest. Kera, you want anything?" There's non alcoholic drinks here, yes? Then he hollers back to Kiena, "Never!"
"Kyldar!" the Headwoman's assistant calls next, with another checkmark on her list.

Kyldar nods to N'talya. "Yeah, and I'm not into any kind of weaponry myself," she says before the other rider leaves her, then begins pacing nervusly until she is called. She jumps, startled, and then goes to take the bow and a quiver and takes her place. She nock an arrow, draws in a breath and closes her eyes for a few heartbeats, as if praying for luck, and opens them to take aim nervously.

Kera chuckles at a few comments she over hears from the other spectators. Watching more arrows fly, few hitting the target, she shakes her head and spots N'talya and another rider coming over. "Hi N'talya. Long time no see!" Rethinking that greeting suddenly, after a quick glance around then back to her old friend "I mean Xanadu's duties to Ista and her queens." The greenling is behaving herself, no embarrassing Xanadu today, hopefully, the day is still young. "Bad luck with the shots. Much better than I probably would have done though." The greenling's gaze follows more arrows as they go towards the targets down the range. A quick headshake to Mur'dah as she grins "No thanks sir. I'm not much of a drinker."

In an almost to casual movement, Kyldar lets loose an arrow towards the target. It slips neatly into the green circle, quiet close to the yellow's edge, but not quite there.
Kyldar squints and steadies herself before releasing the arrow at the target. The bow snaps, and the arrow zips out only to be caught by a gust of wind and thunk into the ground somewhat to the left of the target.

N'talya grins brightly and throws her arms about Kera in a hug, "It has been a long time." she smile brightly and says, "I hope you are your lifemate are doing good." before releasing her. "It is good to see you." she glances over her should and tring to motion Alyane over in there dirrection.

Kyldar raises an eyebrow. She actually struck the target, with one of them at least.
Kyldar snaps off a shot at the archery target. The arrow wobbles slightly before striking firmly into the white border area.

Kyldar smiles with satisfaction and returns the bow. "That's actually better than I expected," she mutters to herself as she yields the field to the next competitor.

Abigail chuckles as she hears Kiena a slight nod seen. "I know it is a funny thought of putting the word fun anywhere near yer brother's name but it worked for that day at least." This said with an amused tone before she goes back to watching the show. Seems finally someone is able to get a hit in target at least.

Kiena is having similar thoughts as Kimmila about those targets, only to chuckle and nod to Kimmila. "Alright." That's settled now too! "Guess I'll have to see it to believe it," she jokes to Abigail. "Nervous?" As the next name is called, the Xanadian Weyrsecond is both relieved and nervous herself that it isn't her being called up. Yet it's becoming increasingly difficult for her not to fidget as she waits. "Huh! She scored two points." Kiena comments, flashing a quick and crooked smile to both Kimmila and Abigail. "So… not so impossible now?" If only fate will be so kind to them! There's another glance to where Mur'dah and Kera stand and she waves to them again, before cupping her hand to her mouth to call. "Hey, mind saving me a glass of rum?"

Kimmila whistles when /someone/ hits the target. Maybe it's not rigged after all?

Mur'dah /eyes/ Kera with a smirk. "Obviously I'm not offering you something alcoholic." But if she doesn't want anything…oh well! He takes his two drinks and meanders over near Kiena, offering her one with a grin. "Hi there," he says to the others standing around, with a nod of his head. "Mur'dah, of Xanadu."
"Kiena!" the woman calls.

Alyane is distracted for a moment by the next competitor's performance. "Oh good. Someone actually scored. It would've been worrying if nobody managed it. Perhaps the targets should be placed a little closer to the line next year." She works up a smile again, looking back to Mur'dah and Kiena. "So. Two rums? Three?" She glances to Kera, uncertain.

Kera returns N'talya's hug and nods. "Moncerath and I are doing well." She gestures across the meadow to where her dragonmate is one of many dotting the ground. "She's happy as she can be meeting new dragons." When Kyldar is called she watches the woman's shots and claps for her success. Looking back to the group, another headshake given as she chuckles over Alyane's comment "I'm not thirsty right now. Thanks though." A polite dip of her head the woman before looking over to Kiena "Good luck Kiena!" She's gotta cheer for Xanadu obviously.

Abigail grins now as she hears Kiena. "Nervous? Not hardly." She offers with an amused tone. It takes a lot to make the brownrider nervous and this is not one of those moments! She watches as another is called up and she sends a glance to Kiena and nods to her. "Naw, not so impossible, nothing tends ta be honestly." The new voice sends her pale gaze to Mur'dah and she nods to him. "Abigail of Fort, nice to meet ye." Is said with a friendly tone before Kiena is getting called up. "Good luck!" Is sent to the bluerider from Xanadu.

N'talya smiles and says, "That is great to here. It is good to see everyone from Xanadu. Been a long time since i have seen everyone." she smiles, and looks about, "I hope you all have fun at the games." looking to Alyane she smiles, "I could use a rum too thank you.."

Kiena will take the glass of rum from Mur'dah and has only a scant few seconds to enjoy a sip or two before her name is being called. Sighing, she hands it back to him. "Hold this?" Again. "And thanks." she murmurs and then flashes a grin to Abigail. "That's the spirit!" Because Kiena is nervous! She'll just keep it masked by her grinning. "Thanks, Abigail." As she walks by, she'll try to clasp Kimmila by the shoulder in a 'here goes!' sort of way. Or maybe she's trying to rub some good fortune off of the bluerider? Kiena walks up then to the line and slips an arrow from her quiver, notching it into place. A few steadying breaths and a muttered, "Here goes nothing…" and she lifts it, adjusting her stance, draws back and aims… and fires!

Bullseye!
Kiena draws back the bowstring and lets loose the notched arrow. To bad she didn't aim first, as the arrow plinks into the ground to the right of the target.
Kiena squints and steadies herself before releasing the arrow at the target. The bow snaps, and the arrow zips out only to be caught by a gust of wind and thunk into the ground somewhat to the left of the target.

Kiena steps back after firing the three arrows, still blinking in surprise at where the first one landed. Her next two… well, seems her luck ran out! Maybe she should have rubbed more of her arm on Kimmila? Clearing her throat, she'll sling her bow back over her shoulder and briskly clear the field. Now… where's that rum glass?

Kimmila grins, returning Kiena's grasp as she steps up to take her turn. She whistles for the bullseye too, grinning widely. Looks like some of her skill did rub off!

Mur'dah shakes his head at Alyane. "Just the two, thanks," he calls back with a grin. "For now anyway." Taking Kiena's rum, he grins and murmurs, "Good luck," as she steps forward, and he whoops happily for her bullseye. "You're in the lead," he murmurs, looking at the judges as they hold up '4'.

"Abigail!" calls the still nameless headwoman's assistant.

Kera cheers for Kiena, very energeticly after seeing the first shot dead center. Her last two arrows were problematic however. That doesn't stop the greenling from giving Kiena two thumbs up and a wide grin though. "That's the best shot I've seen so far." Still grinning to those around her, a nod given to N'talya. "There might be a few of the weyrlings you remember. Oh, and Mur'dah of coarse." A quick flick of her fingers to the rum sipping brownrider then back to the Istan "We were here a few days ago, and competed in one of the dragon races. But you weren't around the Weyr then I think." As the next name is called she looks towards the archer then the targets.

Alyane gives N'talya a smile. "One for you." She looks to Mur'dah and nods. "And two for you. Coming right up." Luckily she had the foresight to stash her bottles and glasses near the competition grounds. Drinks are poured and handed out. "Enjoy."

Abigail nods and grins as she hears Kiena. "Yer be fine I'm sure." She offers, though really she hopes not /that/ well at it! She watches as the arrows fly, a soft breath escapes her at the bull's-eye that is caught. "Bugger." Is said with a soft tone though she is smiling. "Nice shot that one was." The shots are getting better, hopefully she can keep up! She twirls her bow slightly lowering it it as she waits for the third arrow to fly and glances up as it is her name next. She grins to Kimmila. "Here goes." This said while she makes her way on up towards the spot. "Good shooting Kiena!" Is called out to the bluerider before she pulls free an arrow from her quiver and sets up to take the shots.

In an almost to casual movement, Abigail lets loose an arrow towards the target. It slips neatly into the green circle, quiet close to the yellow's edge, but not quite there.

Abigail's effort is rather to much. No need to pull back that tightly perhaps, as the arrow goes flying right over the target, sinking into the ground somewhere behind, and out of sight.

Abigail draws back the bowstring and lets loose the notched arrow. To bad she didn't aim first, as the arrow plinks into the ground to the right of the target.

Kiena grins to Mur'dah for the whoop and will take her glass back from his hand, tipping it up to toast to his thanks. "That could change!" she drawls, knocking back a good bit of the rum. Catching Kera's gestures, she'll wave to the weyrling. "Thanks! Enjoying yourself?" she calls out to her, only to then turn her focus back to Abigail. "Thanks, Abigail and good luck to you too!" she murmurs to the Fortian Wingleader as she passes by. To Kimmila, she grins a little more and cheekily wriggles her fingers of the hand she had clasped the blue rider's shoulder with. "Thank you too!" Turning to watch Abigail, Kiena cheers as the brownrider hits the target on the first shot and then sighs when the next two arrows go wide and short. "Shards. Dunno what it is… seems everyone's having poor luck." she mutters to Mur'dah.

Kimmila flashes Abigail a grin. "Good luck!" she calls as her fellow Fortian steps up to the line. "Two points," she says with a smile. "Not bad, considering. Tied with Kyldar at the moment, for second place." And that can only mean…
The Assistant Headwoman says "Kimmila!""
Yup, it's her turn, and the bluerider checks her bow before stepping up to the line and steadying herself. C'mon, stupid wind, stay calm so she can at least hit the target. Points on the board, at this point that's all she's really hoping for.

Mur'dah, hearing his name, turns to flash a grin to Kera and N'talya, nodding his head. Looking back to Kiena, he grins at her. "Except you."

Light glints along the smooth arrow shaft released by Kimmila. It sails gracefully through the air, and manages to just strike the target, settling into the white zone on one corner once and then twice.

Bowstring is slowly pulled back as Kimmila contemplates the target in the distance. Arrowtip wavers in a moments decision before flying out. It sails in a perfect arc and sinks halfway up the shaft in the red zone. Not an exact centered bullseye, but close enough!

Kyldar comes back into the scene in time to observe Abigail's shooting and frowns a bit as it appears nobody is shooting well today. Well, except maybe Kimmila. "Hey," she calls out. "You actually hit the target /every time/. You might take first place, consdidering how everyone else is doing."

Kimmila looks downright /relieved/ that she at least got some points. And…four. "Looks like we're tied for first, Kiena," she calls with a wink. Then, to Kyldar, she laughs. "The winds are playing tricks on us today…"

"Kyldar and Abigail, please approach the line!" the Headwoman's Assistant calls. "You will each fire three more shots. Kyldar, please go first. Winner of this round will take third place."

N'talya smiles to Kera and nods, "I was out on patrols, I am doing some basic search and rescue stuff with the dolphineers now." she smiles, "I was sorry to have missed you." as she takes the rum from Alyane she smiles, "Thanks, Alyane, I wanted to introduce you to a good friend of mine Kera from Xanadu.."

Abigail is glad to hit the target, though honestly she wishes for better then /one/ hit here. She smirks a touch before chuckling as she steps back. "Thanks." Is called out to the others while she lets her bow rest upon her shoulder loosely. Her pale gaze settles on the target and she blinks as Kimmila hits it each time. "Good going!" There is a pause and she glances over to Kyldar and grins to her before nodding as she moves on up towards the line once more. Another chance!

Kyldar seems surprised as she is called to the line again. She gives a nod and takes the bow. She approaches the line, sets her feet firmly on the ground and draws back.

Bowstring is slowly pulled back as Kyldar contemplates the target in the distance. Arrowtip wavers in a moments decision before flying out. It sails in a perfect arc and sinks halfway up the shaft in the red zone. Not an exact centered bullseye, but close enough!

Taking her time, Kyldar aims as best she can, drawing back the bowstring to release the notched arrow. Twang of the string is followed shortly by a swift thunk as the arrow sinks neatly into the blue circle.

Alyane seems to have poured herself her own glass while she was fetching drinks. After that performance, she needs it. She smiles at N'talya and takes a sip, watching the next competitor take her turn.

Kyldar's eyes shoot up as she sees the arrow quivering in the target. She steadies herself, looking somewhat more confident now, and unleashes the final shot.

In an almost to casual movement, Kyldar lets loose an arrow towards the target. It slips neatly into the green circle, quiet close to the yellow's edge, but not quite there.

Kyldar looks immensely satisfied and more than a little relieved as she returns the bow.

Kiena gives Mur'dah a look and then smacks him playfully with the back of her hand against his chest. "You may have well just jinxed me. Kimmila's up next. Watch…" And she'll point as the bluerider steps up and fires. One hits the target and then a second with no points and then… "Told you." Kiena says with smug satisfaction as she drains the last of her rum. "Just for that? You owe me dinner after you're off duty." Smirk. She's… kidding, right? There's a chuckle, so she probably was! Kind of. "I'd be worried if you didn't tie, Kimmila! Or blow us all out of the water.!" she says with a grin to the bluerider. "So where's Th'ero anyways?" Now the tie breakers are happening and Kiena takes a moment to watch as Kyldar steps up again, only to whistle and shout out. "Good shots!"

Kera nods to N'talya. "I figured you were out and about somewhere." A little chuckle given and she looks back to the others, smiling with a quick agreeable dip of her head to Kiena "Yes ma'am, catching up with Nat a little." A tiebreaking announcement is called and she peers towards the line as the two battle it out for third place. A quick nod and greeting to Alyane as N'talya introduces her. "Nice to meet you." Then more arrows are blurring by. Eyes widen a little and she smiles to the greenrider. "You're friend did very well." Too bad it was a tie for third.

Kimmila leans against her bow a bit, grinning as she watches Kyldar step up. "Wow, nice going!" she calls. "Go get 'er, Abigail," she adds a moment later. "Th'ero? Back in Fort, working. Nyalle pulled him into her office." There's a shrug.

Mur'dah oofs playfully at her smack, flashing her a grin. "Was going to take you out to dinner anyway." Was he? Maybe, it's impossible to tell.

Abigail blinks as she watches while Kyldar fires off the three arrows. She curiously watches at each hit and a soft breath escapes her. Well this could be over rather quickly. There is a few moments as she waits for Kyldar to step away before she is up once more, arrows pulled and the sight lined up before she fires once more. Hopefully her luck will change!

Taking her time, Abigail aims as best she can, drawing back the bowstring to release the notched arrow. Twang of the string is followed shortly by a swift thunk as the arrow sinks neatly into the blue circle.

Abigail's effort is rather to much. No need to pull back that tightly perhaps, as the arrow goes flying right over the target, sinking into the ground somewhere behind, and out of sight.

Abigail snaps off a shot at the archery target. The arrow wobbles slightly before striking firmly into the white border area.

Alyane gives a broad smile to kera when the introduction is made. She offers her hand. "Very nice to meet you as well. Any friend of N'talya's is a friend of mine." She raises her glass, winks, and takes another sip.

Kimmila applauds for Abigail as the judges announce Kyldar the 3rd place winner, motioning her over so they can give her the ribbon.

"Kiena and Kimmila will now shoot off for first and second places. Kiena, please approach the line and take your three shots," says the asst. Headwoman. Whatever her name is.

Kyldar goes over to the judges to accept the ribbon.

Abigail shakes her head once seeing one arrow fly over the target and the rest don't wind up anyplace good. She smiles to Kyldar and nods to her. "Good shooting there." With that said she steps back to watch the bit between Kiena and Kimmila now. "Go Kimmila!"

Kiena blinks for a moment and then chuckles, giving Mur'dah another look. "Were you?" she murmurs, though she's soon glancing to Kimmila and grimacing. "Really? Oh well. Guess that's part of being Weyrleader. Can't always escape work. Here that, Mur'dah? You're safe for another day." she teases the brownrider, watching as Abigail takes her turn and cheers her on. But it seems luck won't favour the Fortian brownrider either. "Ahh, tough luck. Nice try, Abigail!" Now it's… her turn? Kiena exhales heavily and slips off her bow from her shoulder. "Wish me luck," she mutters to Mur'dah, flashing a quick wave to Kera and another lopsided half-grin to Abigail and Kimmila before she's walking forwards. No time to try to rub off more luck from the Fortian bluerider! Taking her place, she'll roll her shoulders a bit, take another deep steadying breath as she pulls an arrow from her quiver and notches it. Pause, aim and fire!

In an almost to casual movement, Kiena lets loose an arrow towards the target. It slips neatly into the green circle, quiet close to the yellow's edge, but not quite there.
Kiena breathes a sigh of relief that she at least hits the target again on the first shot and promptly lines up her next arrow…

Taking her time, Kiena aims as best she can, drawing back the bowstring to release the notched arrow. Twang of the string is followed shortly by a swift thunk as the arrow sinks neatly into the blue circle.

Bullseye!

Kimmila laughs, shaking her head. "Seven," she mutters, flexing her arms a bit and testing her bow. "Seven…" Shards. Alright, time to do this. "Nice job," she murmurs to Kiena as she steps past her to the line, lifting her bow and notching an arrow. Breathe. In, out…and fire.

Kimmila's effort is rather to much. No need to pull back that tightly perhaps, as the arrow goes flying right over the target, sinking into the ground somewhere behind, and out of sight.

Kimmila curses.

Kimmila squints and steadies herself before releasing the arrow at the target. The bow snaps, and the arrow zips out only to be caught by a gust of wind and thunk into the ground somewhat to the left of the target.

Kimmila curses again.

Kimmila squints and steadies herself before releasing the arrow at the target. The bow snaps, and the arrow zips out only to be caught by a gust of wind and thunk into the ground somewhat to the left of the target.

Kimmila stomps off to get a drink and sulk, even though she still technically got second place.

Mur'dah watches Kimmila stomp off, passing Kiena's drink back to her. "She going to be okay?" he mutters. "Congratulations on first place, too." Now he /really/ wishes he'd been able to put down a bet. Huff.

Kyldar nods to Abigail. "Thanks, but I think I had a bit of luck there." She watches the others shoot, and applauds at the bullseye shot, impressed, and then agan as first and second place winners are announced. What started as a not so good day turned out a bit more exciting in the end, it seems. "Congratulations, both of you," she calls out.

N'talya cheers at the winners are announces and smiles to Kera, "Well that was fun, I never expected t place in this event." she blusehs a but, "I actually won my fight in the mud wrestling pit last night…I am not sure if they are doing another round but…"

Kiena just… stares for a moment at the targets, then at her bow and back at the targets. … what? Slinging her bow back on her shoulders, she'll look rather sheepish for the results but thrilled at the same time. She'll escape back to Mur'dah and the others. Taking her drink back, she'll watch as Kimmila takes aim and… seems shocked. "Good try, Kimmila! Hey… where are you…?" But the bluerider is stomping by and off somewhere to grab a drink. Clearing her throat, she'll rub the back of her neck and shrug. "Shells if I know, Mur'dah… I hope so?" Does she feel guilty or something? She grins then, "Thanks. Wow… kind of… can't believe it?" Even when she receives the ribbon, she'll appear a bit stunned. "Thanks!" she calls to Kyldar.

Kera smiles to Alyane when she lifts her drink in greeting. As Kiena steps forward, she cheers a bit rowdily, but quickly tones it down. One little arrow, two little arrows….thhhreee little arrows go zipping by. Grinning around the group as Xanadu's WeyrSecond does well again, she crosses her fingers til the next arrows fly. "Way to go Kiena!" When it's over she adds a few whoops and looks around for Mur'dah "How much did you win?" Waiting til after the woman has had a sip from her drink "Congratulations Kiena." Thumbs up given once more before she looks back to the Istan greenrider. "Well, now that the ground around the targets has been properly tortured, would ya like to meet Moncerath N'talya?" Blinking at her friend's admission "Really?" She doesn't seem very thrilled with the idea of playing in mud. She /is/ still a healer afterall. "Do you have to compete again and hold onto your 'Queen of the Mud' title?" Kera seems amused by that idea.

Mur'dah grins, admiring Kiena's ribbon. He leans over to whisper something to her then, and lifts his drink in a toast with another smile. "/Is/ there going to be another mud wrestling contest?" he asks, looking around. "Wouldn't mind going again…though your brother said we'd talk, he and I. He's not here, is it?" Nervous now, the brownrider glances around.

Alyane looks mildly terrified when Mur'dah brings up the possibility of another round of mud wrestling. "If there is, no one informed me." She knocks back more of her drink and shakes her head.

N'talya giggles and says, "Alyane you know if there is another round it will be the winners of the last round against each other… Means I might be the one in there with you?"

Kiena flushes a bit from Kera's congratulations and cheering but she grins to the weyrling all the same. "Thanks, Kera! Guess luck just favoured me this time. And I've Kimmila to thank, really. She taught me, so… really. It's all her!" Did the bluerider hear that? Nothing like the student outstripping the teacher! Glancing to Mur'dah, she'll tilt her head and then bursts into low laughter for his whispering and promptly whispers something back while giving him a playful nudge to the side. "Come on. My glass is empty and I'd not mind getting another drink and socializing for a bit." Mudwrestling? "Dunno. Doesn't seem like theirs anyone by the pits. Maybe they're staggering the rounds?" Kiena murmurs and then she sighs, resting her hand gently against his arm. "Relax! He probably meant later as in… after the Games. Or never! He's a Weyrleader. Bound to be wrapped up in duties. It's not like he's going to jump you from the shadows or something…"

"Wouldn't put it past him," Mur'dah mutters to Kiena with a smirk, of her brother jumping him from the shadows. "Kimmila taught you? Really?" Well that's something. "More drinks? Alyane!" he calls, waving his empty mug. "Refills?" Grin.
Kera nods to Kiena "Welcome ma'am." A friendly wink to take the sting of the 'ma'am off, and glances towards her dragonmate briefly as guesses about potential mud wrestling are tossed about. "Excuse me a moment, Moncerath has an annoying itch." Gesturing which way she is heading in case anyone startds looking for missing weyrlings, Kera slips through the crowd to spot oil her dragonmate.

Mur'dah looks around with a grin, and then stretches. "I'm starving. Let's go get some dinner. Anyone want to join us?" he calls "Kera? Dinner? We'll be in the..uh. What's it called. Sable Sands? Is that it? We'll be there if anyone wants to join us!"

Kiena laughs, "You're worrying yourself over nothing, Mur'dah. Relax! We're at the Games, the weyrlings are behaving themselves," Right? She'll give some of those who have lingered and look. Behaving? Good. "and I somehow won archery! Ha!" Maybe it's finally sinking in. "I'd love more drinks and dinner sounds great right about now." She grins and then nods, trying not to snicker when Mur'dah stumbles over the name of the patio. "Time to celebrate! Eggs on the sands… belated congrats to Ista on that — and the Games!" Taking Mur'dah's lead, she'll follow him and any others who come to join them for an early dinner.


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