video ][ unlocked

[truesight]

Guys, guys. So I thought maybe I got jipped with the whole feather thing, because seriously who wants to turn into a hedgehog all the time? But then the fairies were all "hey, great job, what do you want?" and look at what I got.

[ Rachel's outside, looking way, way too bright and shiny and happy. practically giddy. she's got her locket set on --something about shoulder height, just so she can hold up her finger and hop a few paces back before holding up THIS. it's obvious she's pretty in love with it, because her smile hasn't faded in the least bit, and she's not exactly bouncing with energy, but she's close. there's definitely a little bit of excited bopping going ]

Isn't it beautiful? This gorgeous, shiny, sexy, powerful weapon is all mine now. Which is so great because I've been wanting to learn how to shoot better and now I actually can without going into the armory all the time, and look. This isn't even the best part.

[ she turns her back to the camera as she reaches behind her to grab her ( also gold! ) arrow from the thin quiver at her back, quickly turning and loading up so she can shoot at a target that's off screen. no, she's not a pro. her form is amateurish at best ( thanks, fancy finishing school ) and she takes a good thirty seconds to really line up her shot and go for it. but when she does, there's a tell-tale thunk of the arrow hitting her target. and no, for anyone keeping score, it's not in the center, but that's okay. that's not the important part. the important part happens a few seconds later when she turns her back to the camera again, and the arrow is right back where she pulled it from. ]

How awesome is this? Gods! I'm going to practice all the time. And then I'll actually be able to help more here, and- [ yep, that's an excited not-squeal. it's a cheer. a little "yeehee!" for herself and her excitement and her perfect boon. ]

So, who wants to give me lessons? Preferably someone on the Seelie side, yeah.

Comments

[truesight]

Right? I might have told the fairy who took my request that I really like gold stuff, and about the whole Apollo thing, so that was kind of intentional. I'm just surprised they actually gave it to me! This thing is strong.

[ said the girl that's used to the archery equipment at her old school, not- actual battle-ready gear ]

[commandertoolbelt]

Figured it had to be. It's perfect for the Oracle.

[ And Leo is more than a little curious himself, so... ] Would you mind if I took a look at it?

[truesight]

Oh! No, not at all. I'm at the back of the castle, there's targets lined up and weapon racks over there- Can't miss it! Or I could bring it inside? But I'm guessing you want to see it in action. [ grin! ]

[commandertoolbelt]

I totally want to see it in action. [ There’s that infamous manic grin of his, excited to see how a new weapon works. Even if it’s magic, he might be able to figure it out in this context. ] I’ll be out in a bit!

[ And sure enough, there he is, looking as hyperactive and eager as ever. ] So have you actually used a bow before? Is that, like, a divine gift Apollo gives you as his Oracle, or what?

[truesight]

[ Rachel's not fussing so much as she's just practicing lining up her shot, without acting taking any. it's hard loading up a bow fast! it takes a little more coordination than she actually has. so when she hears Leo approaching, she lowers her arrow, bow still loaded, but. yeah. not gonna shoot it! ]

I wish. I learned at my old school, actually. Clarion Ladies Academy offered archery and golf and something else, I forget. It was kind of a no-brainer which one I'd pick up.

[commandertoolbelt]

Guess it comes with being Apollo’s chosen one, huh?

[ He doesn’t even bother to hide his interest in the bow she’s holding, admiring the way it shines in the sun. ] It looks even more awesome in person. It’s not Imperial gold, is it?

[truesight]

Oh, shucks. You make that sound like some kind of honor or something. [ she grins, then looks back down at the bow ]

I don't think so? Maybe. I'm not sure how to test that, though. [ she holds it out for him, and maybe she's purposely holding it out on two fingers, just to show off the perfect balance it has at the center ] Here, take a look.

[commandertoolbelt]

I mean, the Oracle’s kind of a big deal, right?

[ Leo hadn’t expected her to actually hand it over, but he’s stupidly excited to get a closer look. His first look is nothing short of admiring, appreciative of the metalwork and the perfect balance Rachel shows off. It’s perfectly crafted, down to the last detail. ]

It’s not Imperial gold, [ he says thoughtfully, running his fingers over the metal. He’s gotten a close enough look at Jason’s sword to know that much. The bow has a certain glow to it, but it’s not the same. ] It looks like regular old gold, like the stuff they use in the castle.

[ Looking up again, he offers it back to her. ] And it returns the arrow?

[truesight]

I'm so okay with it being regular old gold.

[ she takes it back and holds it tight in her hand, still getting used to the grip on it, but- it feels right. like it should be hers, that she's not holding some hero's weapon and playing pretend. it's pretty great. ]

Oh, yeah. Let me show you.

[ she takes a few steps away from him as she reaches back to her quiver again, pulling out that gold arrow and drawing it back in the bow. it takes her a little while to align her shot, same as before, but the arrow flies and hits the target again, low, but still! she hit the thing. she's proud. ] It takes a little while to do it, but just give it a little time. [ sure enough, about thirty seconds after the arrow landed in the target, it fades out of sight, and reappears back in her quiver ] Tada! I think it varies, how long it takes to reappear, but. Maybe it knows I don't need it back right away, or something. I'll have to test it out more.

[commandertoolbelt]

That’d be something you want to test before taking it into a fight, [ Leo notes, trying to think of a good way they could simulate danger without the actual danger. He’ll have to think on that. Surprise attacks, maybe? But Rachel probably doesn’t have the reflexes he and the others do; she may be the Oracle, but she’s still a mortal. ]

That’s awesome, though! And your aim’s not bad, either. I was always better with a ballista or some grenades, [ he says with a laugh. ] Maybe we can get you some backup arrows, for while you’re waiting for the other one to come back. Just in case.