Ashan 90
As the light of sun began to gently poke holes in the early morning darkness that enveloped the forest, the world began to come alive. Amidst the thick walls of trees, small rodents made their appearances. Rabbits, squirrels, even rats scurrying to and fro, tasting the first light of day and already beginning to forage and scrounge for food. Heralding the coming light, newborn birds- some of the firstfruits of Ashan- could be heard squawking and chirping in their nests, rousing their faithful parents to go and begin the days activities, hunting for whatever unlucky insect was waiting to become breakfast. Somewhere in the distance, a woodpecker worked his way through the trunk of a tree, known to the world only through the telltale echo that pulsated through the trees. Amidst this particular neck of the woods was a small pond, fed by a shallow creek that ran through much of the forest. Downstream just a few dozen yards, one would find a very large clearing surrounding the stream. Where water went, as was always the case, life followed. Herons probed the water for an early morning meal. A lone log that stuck in defiance out of the center of the pond was now being overtaken by several turtles, preparing for their daily basking. Meanwhile, the creatures of the night made their retreat. Overhead, a few bats still lingered, grabbing a final insect or two before returning to their home, obscured somewhere in the trees. A pair of beavers returned to the small dam they occupied at the stream’s mouth. Raccoons scurried back to their dens and burrows.
Kneeling silently on the edge of the tree line, Han looked out into the clearing, both in appreciation of the beautiful rays of sunshine breaking through the trees, and in search of quarry. He’d hoped to obtain a few kills from smaller game that day, perhaps a few rabbits or some turkey. Deer and the like had continued to elude him, demonstrating that his skill as a hunter simply wasn’t up to par for big game. He needed practice, perhaps even training, before he could really ascend to the next level. He had no trainer at the present, so practice it was. He’d remembered all the lessons of his previous hunts- careful where you walk, careful where you stand. Use cover. Stay quiet. Today his lesson would be patience. For two breaks already he’d sat in that same spot. He’d scouted it out the trial before and arrived to occupy it before sunup. He knew it was good. Hoped it was, at least. A partially dropped tree lay directly overhead, providing a sort of natural canopy. In front lay another long dead tree. Together with their branches and some natural brush, they formed a ready made shelter and hiding spot. Any animal onlooker would struggle to get line of sight on him. It was ideal for taking game from this field, ripe for the picking. He had only to wait for the denizens of the wood to reveal themselves properly.
He was obliged before too long, praise be to Ralaith. The immortal of time was sparing him some of it as a small group of rabbits seemed to emerge all at once from an unseen burrow somewhere not far in front of him. Deer had obviously been at work here, and the grass and brush were short. It was yet another reason he’d chosen the spot. He knew good and well that he wasn’t a great hunter, and planning his strikes even a trial in advance would be the best way to ensure consistency. As he watched the rabbits begin their hopping and scrounging around the den, Han took aim. Remember. Breathe deep. He thought to himself, calling to mind his previous practice and experiences. Drawing a deep inhale, he drew the bow back until it was as tight as he could get it. “Aim from the chin.” He mumbled almost imperceptibly before releasing the arrow, which found its mark with a satisfying thwack, running straight through the center of the rodent and leaving it either already dead or too shocked to do anything as its comrades fled.
As the light of sun began to gently poke holes in the early morning darkness that enveloped the forest, the world began to come alive. Amidst the thick walls of trees, small rodents made their appearances. Rabbits, squirrels, even rats scurrying to and fro, tasting the first light of day and already beginning to forage and scrounge for food. Heralding the coming light, newborn birds- some of the firstfruits of Ashan- could be heard squawking and chirping in their nests, rousing their faithful parents to go and begin the days activities, hunting for whatever unlucky insect was waiting to become breakfast. Somewhere in the distance, a woodpecker worked his way through the trunk of a tree, known to the world only through the telltale echo that pulsated through the trees. Amidst this particular neck of the woods was a small pond, fed by a shallow creek that ran through much of the forest. Downstream just a few dozen yards, one would find a very large clearing surrounding the stream. Where water went, as was always the case, life followed. Herons probed the water for an early morning meal. A lone log that stuck in defiance out of the center of the pond was now being overtaken by several turtles, preparing for their daily basking. Meanwhile, the creatures of the night made their retreat. Overhead, a few bats still lingered, grabbing a final insect or two before returning to their home, obscured somewhere in the trees. A pair of beavers returned to the small dam they occupied at the stream’s mouth. Raccoons scurried back to their dens and burrows.
Kneeling silently on the edge of the tree line, Han looked out into the clearing, both in appreciation of the beautiful rays of sunshine breaking through the trees, and in search of quarry. He’d hoped to obtain a few kills from smaller game that day, perhaps a few rabbits or some turkey. Deer and the like had continued to elude him, demonstrating that his skill as a hunter simply wasn’t up to par for big game. He needed practice, perhaps even training, before he could really ascend to the next level. He had no trainer at the present, so practice it was. He’d remembered all the lessons of his previous hunts- careful where you walk, careful where you stand. Use cover. Stay quiet. Today his lesson would be patience. For two breaks already he’d sat in that same spot. He’d scouted it out the trial before and arrived to occupy it before sunup. He knew it was good. Hoped it was, at least. A partially dropped tree lay directly overhead, providing a sort of natural canopy. In front lay another long dead tree. Together with their branches and some natural brush, they formed a ready made shelter and hiding spot. Any animal onlooker would struggle to get line of sight on him. It was ideal for taking game from this field, ripe for the picking. He had only to wait for the denizens of the wood to reveal themselves properly.
He was obliged before too long, praise be to Ralaith. The immortal of time was sparing him some of it as a small group of rabbits seemed to emerge all at once from an unseen burrow somewhere not far in front of him. Deer had obviously been at work here, and the grass and brush were short. It was yet another reason he’d chosen the spot. He knew good and well that he wasn’t a great hunter, and planning his strikes even a trial in advance would be the best way to ensure consistency. As he watched the rabbits begin their hopping and scrounging around the den, Han took aim. Remember. Breathe deep. He thought to himself, calling to mind his previous practice and experiences. Drawing a deep inhale, he drew the bow back until it was as tight as he could get it. “Aim from the chin.” He mumbled almost imperceptibly before releasing the arrow, which found its mark with a satisfying thwack, running straight through the center of the rodent and leaving it either already dead or too shocked to do anything as its comrades fled.
