In the summer, I remember

[rowancrowned]

WHO: Thranduil, Legolas, anyone good with a bow or who enjoys the wine on offer.
WHAT: ROOTY TOOTY POINT N SHOOTY ARCHERY CONTEST
WHEN: 8th of Bloomingtide, midmorning until sunset.
WHERE: Valley
NOTES: log for a friendly wager! 

The eighth of Bloomingtide began as a chilly morning; not quite cold enough to leave frost on the budding flowers and fresh-sprouted plants in the heights of Skyhold, but nearly, nearly.

By the time the sun was been in the sky for a few hours, most of the early-morning chill had burned off, leaving a day that promised to be nearly too-hot for those who would be stuck in full-plate and in direct sunlight. Thranduil wasn’t expecting any to come clanking down to his little fete, but had none the less secured a spot in the shade. Varric had apparently found him while he was still working on organizing—the target launchers are set neatly in line with everything else. Along the clay pigeon launchers were the standard, stock targets, blindfolds—and on a table off to the side was a few bottles of sweet wine beside loaves of brown bread and hard cheeses.

The contest did not pretend to be anything other than what it was; a chance to meet, and mingle, and possibly show off archery skills. The purses wrested next to the wine and cheese and Thranduil himself. He had found a chair to rest in while waiting for the contestants to arrive, dressed plainer than he had so far allowed himself to be seen. On his fingers, four rings glittered—but his confidence in Legolas was so absolute, he doubted he would lose even one before the days was out.

Comments

Malcolm Reynolds OTA

[aintwejust]

He'd warmed up a little elsewhere before the time rolled around. It's been awhile since he'd handled a bow while not rid'n and the additional stillness helps him more than he'd thought. Enough that he's pretty much whistling when he swaggers his way out to the assigned area, bow tucked up against one shoulder, Jayne wandering along behind him.

The dog peels off at the first sign of food, snuffling around and making huge, sad eyes at whoever's got some nearby and is attentive or attempting to sneak a bite from whoever's got some and isn't paying all that much mind to what they got.

Malcolm himself counts out his arrows and waits for his turn to shoot, taking his time and leading the targets with a half cocked grin and a solid, unshakable stance. First shot clips the disk, second one hits off center- but after that he's got the right of it and it goes pretty well smooth. For once- things were go'n smooth. Which meant something was bound to go wrong. Probably when he took a crack at shoot'n against the man's son but that ain't anything to get fussed about.

All in all he's a good sport, watching other people shoot quiet and respectful like- applauding them when they do well, whistling for anything particularly skilled. It's all in good fun.

[gatheringstorm]

"Over here, boy." Beckoning Jayne over to the shade, Korrin holds out some jerky she'd swapped from a hunter an anticipation of this exact scenario. Mal wouldn't miss out, and thus she knew Jayne wouldn't be far behind. Having participated for a relatively brief time, the Vashoth woman bowed out and set bow and arrows aside to enjoy shade, wine and cheese. And mabari company too, why not. She claps for Mal as much as any of her friends, whistling at his more impressive shots.

[universal_charm]

Kirk, as it turns out, is one of those poor souls who is tested against the strength of Jayne's sad, puppy eyes. Truly, he makes a valiant effort of not giving in to those big, sad eyes, he does. One could see the struggle, but in the end he was not a monster nor was his heart made of stone, and he forked over half his sandwich to the dog.

He keeps an eye on the animal when it seems to decide he has nothing more of interest to give, noting whom it goes to and thinks from the reaction that might be the owner. He follows in the dog's wake and ends up beside Malcolm.

"That dog does not play fair" he declared, pointing at Jayne.

[parkourprince]

In Mirkwood, or, more accurately now, in Eryn Lasgalen, few had the confidence to challenge him in all seriousness, though there were still many who liked to test him and his skills. The shots he was asked to take were more and more intricate, more difficult each next time, all in the — not all that serious — pursue of his first failure. Few, in all that time, were given that were beyond the realm of possibility, all the others? He shot, either right away or with some practise.

Here, Legolas had no such reputation, and the challengers were actually approaching him.

He grinned and bowed his head a little in a greeting, as was polite for a Prince to do. "May I have the name, then, of the first with the courage to challenge me?" No bragging, only friendly amusement.

Cyril Ashara OTA

[samahl]

Cyril has a bow and arrows, but he hasn't signed up for the competition. Honestly, he's far more curious about watching other people and cheering on his favorites. There's also a part of him that's so curious about Thranduil and Legolas. He has a strong attachment to Galadriel and he honestly can't imagine how he'll feel seeing or meeting even more elves like her.

Honestly, he wasn't prepared for just the sight of the two of them. The first time he had seen Galadriel he had felt his body filled with this strange sense of loss and longing. With father and son duo, its a much more familiar sense of longing.

So, despite his usual confidence, Cyril stays away from them for the most part. Instead, he's with the crowd watching the contest and waiting to see who wins.

[el_tybs]

There is a clear look of distraction on Cyril's face when Sam finds the elf. So this was what it was like when Cyril was completely distracted, as he's mentioned before. For a time Sam just stands there behind him, considering, before he eventually leans in a bit closer.

"Cyril," he says from behind, his voice of normal volume.

[parkourprince]

And sometimes actual avoidance, this inadvertent effort to stay away, drew the attention much more than anything else would. Legolas took his time observing everyone, and few — if any at all — escaped his notice. And in the most natural fashion he wound up gravitation towards most everyone of interest to him, one way or another. The competition was still going and his attention was divided, but easily so, between the shots and the folk he spoke with or... sought out.

"Why not take part, for the fun of it alone?" The bow this elf held, after all, was difficult not to notice, yet Legolas had not seen him among the competitors.

Korrin Ataash OTA

[gatheringstorm]

Given that the majority of Korrin's time is taken up with learning and controlling new magic forms, she probably isn't the first person anyone would expect to see taking place in an archery contest. For her, it's a hobby, not a way of life. While her stance and aim are decent, she has no illusions about winning anything during this contest when there are professional archers about, some of incredible talent.

No doubt the Vashoth mage is weeded out early on, and she'll take that with good grace, glad to step aside and watch those of greater skill than her own. Stretching out in the shade wherever there's room, she'll sample some wine and cheese, and cheer on whichever friends decide to participate. Any of them choosing to step aside will be waved over to join her, as well as those just content to be spectators.

[onlyhymns]

While Korrin competes, she has at least one glowering spectator who laments the fact that he can't compete, but she can. Cade tries not to look at her too pointedly, and averts his eyes if ever she looks back, but he's relieved when she loses.

[universal_charm]

Kirk is surprised to see Korrin among the competitors, but when he does he makes certain he cheers loud and claps for her, no matter the showing. She was his friend, after all - or so he liked to think. He stays a little longer after her turn to watch the next round or so before going to fetch himself more wine and bread and join her in the shade.

"I didn't know you could shoot," he grinned at the horned female, settling down beside her and glad for the cooler shade as the heat of the day crept in. "How did that never come up while you were fleecing me at Wicked Grace?"

[seesobserves]

There aren't many people whose greetings from a distance Sherlock would even acknowledge, much less answer. But when Korrin waves him over, he goes to join her, casually plucking another grape off the small bunch in his hand.

"Well, you've worked out your priorities for the day."

merrill | ota

[chainlightning]

Not an archer, but never one to turn down a nice occasion, Merrill has come to spectate. Her dog is with her, happily wagging his tail at all the new people (and the chance for dropped morsels), but she's careful to keep him away from the arrows and bolts flying through the air. When things get excited, she scoops the pup up, holding him tightly as he wriggles in her arms.

When her arms aren't full, Merrill is cheering for everyone she knows and most everyone she doesn't. She has no problem starting up a conversation with whoever she happens to be standing next to, especially as she has more wine. (What? It's hot out.)

[serannas]

Never one to pass up the opportunity to spend time with Merrill (and Barkley), Ellana weaves her way around others to reach her side.

"Aneth ara," she greets warmly. "What do you think of these elves from another world?" She's only talked briefly with Thranduil, and spent a little time with Legolas herself. It's Galadriel whom she knows best of the three.

Samouel Gareth | OTA

[el_tybs]

He's not an archer, never held a bow before, and he's pretty sure that using magic wasn't part of the event, so of course he wasn't there as a combatant. Spectating suited him just fine, enjoying some fruits, bread and cheese he brought with while he watched, either sitting on the ground or leaning against a wall or fence.

The event was a good idea, simply just for the means for people to have some entertainment, to take their minds off of recent events. There isn't any one person he's cheering for, instead cheering at any impressive shots or just along with the crowd in general. Anyone looking for conversation or just someone to hang around with for the event are more than welcome to join him, to which he'll gladly offer some of the food he's brought.

[serannas]

Despite growing up among hunters, Ellana has never hunted herself, and also has no idea how to hold a bow. So instead, she's come to watch, and settles herself down beside Sam with a smile.

"I wonder if we mages should have a spell flinging contest sometime. What do you think?"

Twisted Fate - OTA

[wickedchase]

Now, originally, Twisted Fate had every intention of simply attending the archery contest and observe the archers, give them mild cheers, and drink plenty of wine. However, Thrandruil had asked him if he was going to be another archer.

Then an idea struck him.

When there are wages to be made, Twisted Fate will find a way to participate in several ways.

The first and most important thing is that he is part of the betting pool, of course, setting it up in a way that he plans to succeed no matter who wins. He's a gambler at heart, and that will always be true, whether it's on a round of Wicked Grace or waging on what is essentially a sporting event.

The second and more entertaining part had been convincing Dalish to let him borrow her, erm, bow. He sincerely doesn't think that he's going to last long, but he might as well have a bit of fun about it.

"Good luck, have fun," Twisted Fate says cheerily to the other archers as he approaches.

[serannas]

Since she's not competing, Ellana doesn't have the opportunity to speak with Fate before he competes, but once it's over, she approaches him with an amused grin.

"Bold move," she says, nodding towards his "bow."

Sherlock Holmes | OTA

[seesobserves]

Although he hadn't announced himself as a participant over the sending stones, Sherlock is more than content to turn up with bow in hand a quiver of arrows on his back.

He's not in the contest to win, at least, not necessarily — but the competition is a chance for all those involved to test their skill, and Sherlock is going to do his part to make certain that nothing is held back. Whoever comes out on top, they're going to have earned it.

When it isn't his turn at the targets, he steps aside to find a place on the sidelines, occasionally munching on a few grapes or a bit of bread and cheese. Unless something else wrests his attention away from the flurry of arrows and bolts, he watches his fellow competitors closely, seemingly uninterested in any of the other social goings-on.

[universal_charm]

At some point in his wanderings, Kirk ends up beside Sherlock to watch the proceedings. Having only spoken with the man before he did not recognize him of course, slowly tearing up slides of cheese to eat as he considered the field.

"What do you make of the competition?" he asked idly, rolling a bit of bread and cheese together, glancing briefly to the side to consider Sherlock.

Jim Kirk OTA

[universal_charm]

Kirk would be the first to admit, and in fact had right to Thranduil's crystal-voice, that he had no archery skills. He could shoot a phaser just fine, but a bow and arrow was a different beast entirely. He might not have much shame, but even he didn't go out of his way to embarrass himself. But even though he was no archer, he decided to take a break from his usual daily grind and go to see the archery contest (maybe even earn a bit in the side bets he was sure would show up).

He'll take up a bit of wine and some bread and cheese to nibble on as he makes his way around, mingling with contestants and other observers. When he could, he encouraged bets - small ones, it wasn't like he had a lot of coin to lose, but bets nonetheless. Most of his, as it were, would end up being on Legolas if only because he was the only one he had seen actually use a bow and arrow (if bets were placed at all).

He would apologize later if his bright yellow shirt proved to distracting.

[obi_wanmanshow]

That is certainly an outfit, sir.

But then, Obi-Wan is only dressed like someone who belongs here by coincidence. Certainly this gathering is populated well by Rifters. But most tend to exchange their ordinary clothing for something more suited to the climate, after a short time.

Not this man. Obi-Wan nods to him in welcome, when he catches his eye. You look like a man with a few interesting stories; come say hi, Jim.

gwenaëlle vauquelin | open

[trouvaille]

In the wake of their extraordinarily politely written spat, Gwenaëlle had considered not attending this little affair after all. Thranduil strikes her as the sort of gentleman who would not require a trumpeted announcement in order to understand her absence to be a purposeful snub; she'd likely have to do no more than simply be seen elsewhere to drive the insult home. In the end, she settles for bringing her own wine and frilly cakes down with her, Katell spreading a blanket for them that she arranges herself on.

For all she'd nearly not bothered, she doesn't fail to take advantage of the opportunity; she has her notes and pen, and her reading glasses resting on her nose, the brim of her hat sufficiently broad as to give her shade enough to write without the sunlight glaring off her page. There will be names taken down, and scores, though it remains to be seen if she'll make use of it for the next month's editorial.

She never promises, even as she makes her inquiries and writes dutifully down everything she's told; much of what is written will not make it into the final drafts she pulls together...but better to have it and not need it now than to not have it at all later, when she might.

[rowancrowned]

Watching Gwen conduct herself as she went about her business was— in all honestly, he had lacked a properly poetic comparison for weeks now, and had not decided yet if his most recent was his most apt. ‘Kitten’ was the best yet, for the prideful way she held herself, the lashing out, the mercurial bids for attention. He was yet undecided, but surely the best way to have inspiration hit was to spend more time with her.

He made polite excuses a few minutes after she arrived, excused himself from conversations, and imposed his presence on her and her frilly cakes with a smile. Katell received his attentions first—a nod in acknowledgement, a murmured greeting before she slipped away. For Gwen there was a glitter in his eyes, constrained amusement, and a polite indication of her spread.

“I did not ask for contributions to my little party, yet here you are, proving yourself virtuous and thoughtful once more.” Because, really, could she put away that much cake all by herself?

Obi-Wan Kenobi OTA

[obi_wanmanshow]

Obi-Wan had never made a strong habit of observing sporting events. Oh, everyone would catch the odd ballgame, when it ran across your eyes, and there were any number of traditional games played by young Jedi, both unofficially, and as a matter of training.

You can't raise children on a life of contemplation alone; the Order required a great deal of its members, but it did not require them to be more than fallible, if extraordinary, organic creatures.

So this was a novelty to him; and, after all, he had been invited. He thought of Thranduil as, if not a potential friend, then a potential ally. And as he'd said before, the Rifters were in all significant ways, likely to be lumped together in the negative. There was no reason not to cultivate friendships here.

Anyways, there was free food. That's the crux of the matter. He settled down, after a brief trip to satisfy his mortal requirements, and watched with some interest, chatting amiably with whomever should come his way.

Re: Obi-Wan Kenobi OTA

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"You know, of all the people I thought would show up for an archery contest ... you were actually on the top of my list."

Bethany stated, folding her arms over her chest, brown eyes bright with amusement and warm, before she walked over to Obi-Wan, sat down next to him, and boldly stole a piece of fruit from his plate.

"How is the competition so far?"

Cade Harimann OTA

[onlyhymns]

There are several bales of straw set up around the area, for seating or barriers or simply left behind from building, and Cade is seated on one. He's muddy and tired from work, from which he is likely taking a break, seated far away from the majority of the spectators and with the likely intention of escaping their notice entirely.
He would have entered, if he were allowed to use weapons. He's always been a good archer. But for now, all he does is watch, his bearing gloomy but avid as he sips from his waterskin.

[fightingdirty]

Despite his position seemingly saying he wishes to be left alone, a Vashoth woman plops herself down on the bale next to him, a drink in one hand. Then she raises the mug, lets out a loud "WOOOO!" followed by, "You show 'em, Korrin!"

Meet Korrin's dear friend, Cade. Enjoy.

Metaari | OTA

[metaari]

Ah, yes. Now this is something he can get in to. Metaari has had a bow around his body since he was a child and decided that he didn't feel like swinging a sword as was expected of him. No, he was going to go the rogue's route and fire from afar, and a competition wherein he can show off those skills is exactly what he needed.

His bow is set with a fire rune, setting his arrows alight as he fires them. It's a little flashier, maybe, but it makes it easier to see each arrow hit its mark with deadly accuracy. It was probably a good thing he wasn't firing on actual pigeons.

After the last arrow for his chance to show off is spent he turns to find the game's host within the crowd and bows, casting the man a faint grin before he heads off to enjoy the treats laid out for everyone.

Re: Metaari | OTA

[the_effect_she_has]

Katniss is one of those clapping on the sidelines when he finishes, before her lips twist up in a light, teasing grin that lasts a moment before disappearing. "Fire arrows? Really?"

Kain Highwind | OTA

[dragoon_pride]

Although not an archer himself, Kain can appreciate any sort of contest of such skills. Besides, it's worth seeing what the archers are capable of, in case he's paired with them on any sort of mission someday. He's seen what Legolas can do with a bow... so he's also curious to see whether or not there's anyone who can match that level of skill. For the most part, he hangs back watching, sipping on wine.

Of course... Kain is also joined by his parrot, Bastard, today. Of course he is. The bright blue bird is perching on his shoulder, squawking and swearing on occasion. By now, Kain's totally used to it... and he knows well enough how to keep the bird distracted so he won't prove a nuisance at a critical moment or anything. Food. He's already grabbed plenty of food to stuff its face.

[aintwejust]

"...Did your bird just call me a stank ass son of a bitch?" Where anyone picked up that kinda mouth that weren't on the docks, Mal couldn't rightly say. Where a bird might pick it up?

open to all challengersss

[parkourprince]

For Legolas, it was an archery event first and foremost, and so at all times he had kept his quiver on his person, filled with arrows made specifically for the occasion, and similarly he had his bow with him at all times. The long, white bow of the Galadhrim, gifted to him by no other but the Lady Galadriel herself. With an elven hair weaved in the string, it was a fine piece of work, a great war bow that served him well over the years. The short bow he had already made was left back in their dingy room. That one was for hunting and hunting alone, this one was for battle and it was to show off the full extent of his skill.

He did not take part in the competition, instead encouraging and accepting challengers, no matter how futile endeavour it was for them to even attempt.

Part of the time he would stay around Thranduil, seated on the armrest of his chair and engaging in conversation with him— at times, for no apparent reason whatsoever, in their native tongue of Sindarin. Some other moments, he would spend among those competing, complimenting skill where he saw it and even applauding it at times.

He was dressed well, though without any excessive flashiness. The point was to be comfortable enough to be at his best with his shooting, long, flowing sleeves would not do well for that. His hair was all braided into a single weave, resting over a shoulder to fall across his chest. There was no significance to it, a mere whim that his father indulged in this morning. At the bottom, almost at the very tip held together by... nothing really, at one point or another in the day, appeared an early blooming flower. White in colour, and so not a great contrast against his pale hair, but it was there and it would remain undisturbed throughout all the shooting and activity. #elfhairismagic

( if you wanna challenge him or just chitchat, all's welcome. I'll also tag around when I can. )

[universal_charm]

At first he had thought Legolas would be a competitor, but it didn't take long watching him to figure out that he wasn't exactly competing so much as taking on anyone who wanted to match skills. For the most part he kept out of his way, not wanting to interrupt the elf's fun and being distracted by the other challengers in the core of the competition.

Eventually, though, he made his way around to the elf when he did not seem to occupied or likely to have a challenger dart up for their chance at him. Kirk was dressed in nearly the same attire he had been in when they first arrived together - his canary yellow shirt, made of that mysterious fabric that breathed, and the black under shirt. His pants were more of this world, carefully tucked into his black boots.

Smile on, he raised his hand in greeting to the elf. "Hey there. It's been awhile," he said, which was a sort of apology in and of itself. "How have you and Bill been?"

Katniss | OTA

[the_effect_she_has]

Katniss came in after the competition had started, her ironwood bow slung over one shoulder, and her quiver over the other. She nodded to those she knew, side-eyed some of the other competition that she hadn't met before, but she only paused once. That pause was to Thranduil, and Legolas, whom she dipped her head respectfully.

Then, she took her spot on the shooting range, flipping her bow around with an ease that would not surprise anyone who had seen her shoot. She waited until it was her turn -- and pulled an arrow out of her quiver, notching it. Tasting the wind on her tongue. Feeling the pull of her bow, the weight of the arrow in her fingertips.

Exhale. Shoot.

Thunk. Right through the center of the target. She did that three more times, with ease, and then stepped back to let the next person go. The only hint of her amusement was a flicker of a smirk.

If it was not clear before ... Katniss Everdeen had come to play, and play hard.

[parkourprince]

Legolas choose not to take part in the competition, after all it wouldn't look too good for Thranduil to announce such only for his own son to win the main prize. The point here was not to embarrass or humiliate, but rather to build alliances and make friends. To accept challenges, should anyone wish to challenge him, was another matter entirely.

Still, he did watch the competitors at work and he did know how to appreciate show of good skill. He offered a little applause, clapping his hands, then, when the girl came near enough, "You have good technique, the attention to detail will allow your arrows to fly true, indeed," a compliment where it was due, and he spoke with a friendly and helpful tone, "Perhaps with some years it will become as natural as breathing."

Kas | OTA

[issala]

He knows he's not the best one here, not by a long shot (pun intended), but he wanted to join anyway. Maybe to challenge himself, maybe to show off what he had learned in these months after joining the Inquisition... or maybe just because he could.

Using the bow Korrin gave him (although it had no fire rune) instead of the more sensible one he had gotten from Metaari, it was a clear part of showing off.

Kas doesn't do awfully on stationary targets, but he's not in the top ten since he misses the center a few times. Still, the boy seems proud of his accomplishments.

[gatheringstorm]

As one of those weeded out rather quickly, Korrin doesn't mind since it gives her the chance to observe everyone else. And naturally, she was hoping Kas would be among the participants. That he uses her bow gets a wide grin from her, and she claps and whistles whenever he gets in a good shot.

"Nice one, Kas! Show 'em how it's done!"