Lira’s Birthday Party Part 2

Before Prince Jin could come up with a response, Ava tactfully changed the topic, her eyes on the next noble who took his shot. "His aim isn't terrible, if he controlled his strength better, the arrow would be more stable and he would hit closer to the centre of the target." Jin's gaze lifted to watch as the noble took his aim once more. True to Ava's appraisal, the noble put too much force into drawing back the bowstring, resulting in a slight shake that followed from his arm, to the bow and finally to the arrow he was lining up. Although the arrow still hit the target, it was further out than it otherwise would have landed. Jin felt slightly surprised, it was one thing to comment on someone's aim, or lack of, it was another to be able to identify what was causing it. You typically had to know a thing or two about what good form would look like, usually you had to be versed in archery yourself.

Jin glanced back at Ava for a moment before he nodded his head to the next noble in line. "What are your thoughts of him?"

Ava observed as the noble positioned himself and let the arrow loose. Again, this noble's aim was fine but the arrow dipped, embedding itself into the bottom of the target. "Not enough strength," she commented after a moment, sipping idly at her drink.

"And that one?" Jin prompted further, nodding to the noble last in line, the one closest to them.

Ava's eyebrow rose at his questioning but she took her time to patiently observe the noble. "He seems to be a bit… impatient. He didn't wait to check his aim and released the arrow too quickly."

Jin hummed thoughtfully, his suspicions all but confirmed. At this moment, the nobles had finished their round of competing and had approached them. The one Ava had labelled 'peacock' was at the front of the group, a friendly smile on his face as he came before the two royals, bowing properly. "My prince, would you grace us with your skills? We'd be greatly pleased if you'd be willing to join us." The others echoed agreements, similarly eager for Prince Jin to join the activities.

Jin thought about it for a moment, considering whether he'd reject or not when he caught Ava's curious gaze on him from the corner of his eye. "Alright. I'll participate." A few of the nobles cheered, others thanked him and even the birthday girl seemed pleased with this response, clapping her hands lightly with a broad smile on her face. Jin stood up, taking a bow and quiver that was handed to him in passing before walking over to take his position across from the target. He lined up his toes with the edge of the line that had been marked on the ground, his movements slow but confident as he notched the arrow, raising the bow and drawing back the string as he took aim. A long moment of complete silence passed before he released his hold, the arrow whizzing in the air and embedding just a few centimeters from the centre of the target. Cheers and praise erupted around him as he turned to walk back and join the others again.

"That was incredible Prince Jin!" One of the nobles praised sincerely.

"Yes, your skills are truly amazing, Your Highness!" One of the ladies chirped, admiration shining in her eyes as she looked up at him.

He smiled gently in response. "Thank you," he responded politely to the waves of praise he was receiving but his eyes eventually fell onto Ava. Her attention was still on him and although her gaze was one of approval, it wasn't filled with the doting adoration the others gave him and she hadn't said a word. So eventually, he found himself offering her a smile as he prompted "What do you think?"

She lowered her head slightly under all the sudden gazes on her but offered a small smile. "Your archery is excellent," she stated plainly but sincerely.

But Prince Jin wasn't satisfied still. "What else? Is there anything I can improve on?"

The other nobles present seemed confused at this question but to their surprise, after a moment of hesitation, Ava spoke up. "Although you look down past the tip of the arrow when initially lining up your aim, at the last moment, your gaze lifted to focus on the target and your aim shifted just slightly. If you're mindful of this, with your skill you shouldn't have any difficulty hitting the target exactly in the centre."

Jin's lips lifted slightly at this and he held out the bow in his hand to her. "Would you do me the pleasure of participating as well Princess Avaline?" The nobles seemed to forget politeness for a moment as they gaped at him.

Ava's eyes widened in surprise and she quickly shook her head, before dipping it as if she were shy. "This… I couldn't."

"You know archery, don't you?"

She hesitated before nodding her head slightly, her voice quiet as she affirmed "I do…"

"Then if it isn't too much trouble, I'd like to see your skills."

"Ah… It really isn't worth such attention, I couldn't possibly."

Jin frowned slightly and the nobles by his side finally stirred out of their stupor. "You know archery, Your Highness? Then, please participate Princess Avaline, we would be most grateful and I would truly love to see your archery." It was Lira who spoke, sounding quite genuine, a sparkle in her eyes as she pressed her hands together in a begging gesture. Ava seemed to curl into herself slightly under everyone's keen gazes but eventually she reached out, taking the bow Prince Jin held out in offer. She winked to Mila as she passed by, who held a hand over her mouth to hide her smile.

Ava walked with elegant posture, bow and single arrow held in her clasped hands in front of her, her furry companion bounding by her side in excited leaps and jumps. Prince Jin moved to the railing carved from stone that laced the edge of the platform, leaning against it slightly as he watched keenly. As she stood in position, she adjusted the skirts of her dress and shifted her dangling sleeves out of the way before raising the bow. She drew back the string, her gaze focused and clear but she paused as she was taking aim, lowering the bow once more. A pheasant had flown into the gardens, pecking around in the shrubs behind the target. Ava turned to look back at the others, a look of uncertainty on her face as if she was unsure what to do.

"Ah, please pay the bird no mind and take your shot Princess. If the bird is still there after, I'll shoot it."

"Ah, I see." Ava said somewhat quietly to herself. She made a gesture with her hand and Rodney planted his butt against the grass, sitting slightly behind Ava's legs. Ava then raised the bow again, taking aim before releasing the arrow to whizz through the air. It whizzed right past the target.